They were just shining love and so focused on the other kids. Both were able to lead small group discussions and spent some one on one time with some of our group members.

They bonded as a group and have taken on the responsibility of welcoming new teens and trying to draw in teens that tend to remain in the background. They have stepped up and come up with ideas to incorporate in our youth ministry.

In all three of my teens I see greater zeal to lead now as their confidence and interest in sharing the vision that was given to them through LEAD is much greater. I feel they are definitely different--bolder and more ready to serve their peers and share the gospel.

I learned not to come off too hardheaded and push others away. And I know not to be afraid, and to trust in Him. I also know that I have to be willing to share my faith in a different way and not be afraid of what others think of me.

Before the LEAD week it was always weird trying to tell someone about the faith and how God works. But through the experience with giving my testimony I realized one of the most powerful things I can do is merely tell people of how He’s worked in my own life

The youth came back energized and really ready to play a leadership role in the parish.

Before the LEAD week it was always weird trying to tell someone about the faith and how God works. But through the experience with giving my testimony I realized one of the most powerful things I can do is merely tell people of how He’s worked in my own life!

I developed a love for scripture, a very strong prayer life, and the skills to maintain it.

I noticed that I was participating in church events or volunteering all for me, and not for God. LEAD really opened my eyes to humility.

I did things I never thought I could do. Giving my testimony was the most challenging thing I’ve done in my faith yet and it had AMAZING effects in my life. I used to think that by sharing my story I would sound like I was asking for pity, and I became severely embarrassed by my past. LEAD helped me realize that by NOT sharing my story I was being selfish and I needed to just get out of the way and let God use me as His vessel.

I saw myself let go of all the hatred and pain that I had been harboring for years.

I feel LEAD helped me to grow more as a person and didn’t leave you on this mountain top spiritual high but it left you as a new person willing to serve.

LEAD really taught me what love was all about.

I wasn’t unwilling to be a witness, it was that there was always this fear of rejection that would hold me back. But one of the most beautiful things about LEAD is that it dispels the fear and empowers you to be that witness to others.