Ahnjellyka’s Story

Summer 2023

Jeremiah 29:11 has been a defining verse for my life. Through God’s grace, my life story has been a fulfillment of His promises.  

Growing up was not easy, but I have overcome the obstacles. Never in my wildest dreams could I have foreseen the blessings I’ve experienced, many because of Hope & A Future touching my life.  

I started with Hope & Future’s Royal Family Kids' camp in 2010. I’ll never forget stepping off that bus for the first time; shy, nervous, overwhelmed, and intimidated! Who were all these people welcoming me? Were these strangers jumping and hollering for joy really that excited for me to arrive?  

The love and acceptance I received that week changed my life. I was shown hope, care, love, and compassion. I slowly realized I could trust adults, even men. Because I was only able to attend one year, I sobbed most of the bus ride home thinking I would never see any of these amazing people again.  

I was thrilled to learn about Teen Reach Adventure Camp! This camp would prove to be life-altering for me in many ways. During my first year, the princess program stood out. I had never been treated in this manner or told I was a daughter of Christ, a princess.  

Spending the late afternoon getting pampered, getting my hair and makeup done, being able to pick a pretty dress, shoes and accessories, I remember being overwhelmed but in the most beautiful way. Glancing at myself before lining up at the red carpet, taking it all in as I stared at myself in the mirror. All of this, the set-up, the dinner, the night spent dancing, had been done to show me God’s love and acceptance.  

Prior to this time, I struggled to believe in God due to what I had been through as a young child. After this night, something tugged at my heartstrings. I was shown so much love, I couldn’t deny there was a higher power at play.  

The challenge course was another part of T.R.A.C. that was transformative for me. I didn’t share much until my last year. Hearing other campers share similar stories made me realize that unfortunately, I wasn’t the only one who had experienced abuse. Opening up was the start of much needed healing in my life.  

After I graduated from T.R.A.C., I stayed involved with Hope & A Future through mentoring and Life360. God cultivated a desire to give back what I was given. I returned as a volunteer at T.R.A.C. and became a mentor myself. Being able to serve others, I saw firsthand all the love, sweat and tears involved with Hope & A Future. 

I received the John S. Brewer Memorial Scholarship, and in 2018, I beat the odds and graduated from Grand Canyon University, a huge accomplishment that makes me so proud.  

I can’t even imagine my life without Hope & A Future. I would not have learned valuable life skills for entering adulthood. I would not have tried college, much less graduated. I would not have met godly men and women who proved to me that there are genuinely good people in this world. I would not be breaking the chains of generational cycles of abuse that run in my family. I would not have found God again. This one breaks my heart the most because until recently, I could not understand and be grateful for the blessings God intended and planned for me all along. 

I even credit Hope & A Future for playing a huge part in my beautiful marriage! My future husband and I both served at T.R.A.C. in the summer of 2016. Through the encouragement of our friends, we got to know each other. We weren’t looking for a relationship, but God had other plans. During our week at camp, we stayed up late, getting to know each other. We both felt so vulnerable yet comfortable sharing parts of our lives we hadn’t ever shared before. After a couple days, I knew this man was a diamond in the rough, and he would somehow be in my life for a long time to come.  

We have been married for three years and have two beautiful kids. I would never have fathomed the man I met at T.R.A.C. all those years ago would be the man God made just for me. He’s my best friend and a constant reminder of God’s plans and love for me over the years. 

Hope & A Future has played a huge role in many transformational seasons in my life. I am forever grateful for their impact in my life.