My Name is Hope

Camper H arrived off the bus in Lakeland, Florida, wearing an oversized hoodie to hide the T.R.A.C. camper shirt. A stocking cap masked striking eyes. H didn’t participate in the first icebreaker with the other girls. The staff loved on the girl who wanted everyone to know she was a boy named Julian. 

Within 30 minutes, the walls started to crack. The campers were asked to come up with team handshakes, and H took the lead, grinning ear-to-ear. Soon, the hoodie came off and so did the stocking cap. Throughout the next three days, H was totally engaged. 

H had questions for Andrew, the CrossTalk teacher. “People tell me I’m going to hell. What’s the point of being a Christian? If I follow Jesus, will I have to change everything?” H genuinely wanted to know. 

Andrew compassionately explained how Jesus meets each of us exactly where we’re at in life. H wanted to know more, so Andrew shared the gospel message. H listened intently, hungry for truth.  

“My real name isn’t Julian,” H told Andrew. “My name is Hope.” 

Hope wanted to read through the Bible she’d been given, so Andrew gave her some helpful suggestions. All the staff and camp counselors highlighted their favorite verses and marked the pages with sticky notes. The colorful Bible made Hope smile. 

Please pray for Hope as well as campers throughout the country. Teen Reach breaks down walls and points to a God who gave everything so we can have hope for today and eternity.