Marcus was born in China. He was adopted at five years old, but the orphanage he grew up in left him with significant trauma and a lingering fear of abandonment. When Kaylee, a Campus Life staff member, met Marcus, he told her, “I don’t trust you. I probably never will.” But Kaylee was patient. She didn’t push him, just prayed for God to work in his heart.
Marcus’s parents aren’t believers. He doesn’t understand why they would choose to adopt him. Marcus’s decisions are often impulsive and he causes trouble at school. He was wary of the Gospel when Kaylee first met him. “I will ask you questions when I’m ready,” he said. Marcus doesn’t trust easily, but Campus Life has become a safe place for him.
When interacting with Marcus, Kaylee focuses on building trust by listening to what he has to say. Answering his questions. Not just correcting his behavior but getting to his heart. Over time, she has seen Marcus open up as that hard exterior melts into a longing for more.
Now, Marcus runs up to Kaylee every week for Homework Club, eager to share about his day. Teachers have noticed huge changes in his behavior and how he treats people. At Campus Life, he feels loved and cared for. He’s not opposed to Jesus like he was when Kaylee first talked to him. And one day, during a faith-neutral program, Marcus approached Kaylee on his own: “What is the Bible all about?” he asked.
By building relationships with students and meeting their practical and emotional needs, Youth for Christ opens doors for the Gospel to reach kids who need to hear it most.