Youth for Christ Winnipeg offers many programs, including their drop-in centre as a way of connecting with teenagers in the community.
"I attend the drop-in program at YFC," says Avril. "I've been coming here since 2022, so about three years now. I got connected through one of my good friends. I'd say one of the biggest things I've gained would be my first encounter with Christ."
Being a part of the drop-in at YFC Winnipeg, located at 333 King St., has allowed her to connect and be mentored by staff member Tiara.
"The drop-in provides a really safe space for us to talk to people about what we struggle with, especially with youth. I think the way that they approach youth and issues they bring up is in a way that's really caring and it doesn't feel like we're being attacked. It's helped me grow in my relationship with Christ because I feel like here I'm able to talk about the things that I can't really talk about with anyone."
Avril not only had an encounter with God through YFC, but she has also started to read the Bible.
"As youth, we find the Bible is intimidating to go through and it's hard to understand God's word. Just having people to go to that are more knowledgeable about the Bible, who know more about God, and who are willingly and obediently sharing what God has to say about our situations, that's really what helps me grow in my faith."
Seeing Life in a Whole New Light
Through their 'God-talks' and finding a safe space to open up, youth like Avril have had their lives and faith transformed.
"The biggest thing that I've learned about God is that God is love," says Avril. "Before Christ and before coming to the drop in, I had my own definition of love. It was whatever the world told me. But through being here and through experiencing God's love, through the people that work here and who love the youth, it truly just opened my eyes to see, this is really what God is all about. He is love, and there's no love without Him."
Avril has found a confidence in her faith like never before, as she even asks other teenagers if she can pray for them.
"Prayer is one of the things that I can do now because of the drop in, and obviously because of God. It has also really helped me to lead the youth group that I lead at school. There's this fun thing that I do with them. I tell them to put their hands up and everybody puts their hands up. Then I say, put your hands together and put your hands down and then we start praying. It all started here."
Tune in to CHVN April 8-10 to hear more stories like Avril's, as we will be live on location during the Power of Hope radiothon in support of YFC.