removing roadblocks

*names have been changed in this story for the protection of students*

"I want my friends to know Jesus, I just don't know how. I've been praying for a way."

Sitting across the table at a Chipotle, these are the words I heard from my new friend, Tom, a junior at Pioneer High School. My response: "I think we may be able to help you with that."

Not often do we have high school students with such perspective and hope for their friends. Sure, it can be developed, but in a time of life where the primary focus is self-preservation (in social circles, the classroom, social media, activities, etc.), there is a large roadblock for teenagers to look outside of themselves.

Tom doesn't want that roadblock in his life.

His God-given desire for his peers to experience the life to the full that Jesus has to offer has crashed through any sort of obstacle. In the matter of a month, Tom has jumped into Campaigners, Pioneer YL events, and spending more time together one on one. He has even taken a freshman guy (Cameron) under his wing, inviting him to join a different Bible study he leads during the weekly "club hour" on Wednesdays at Pioneer.

Monday night as I drove Tom and Cameron home from an event at our house, they started dreaming of who they wanted to be in the cabin with them this summer at Clearwater Cove. Names of Pioneer students started flying around. All I could do is listen and then as we pulled up to the first drop-off gently encourage, "let's pray."

None of this happens without God paving the way and removing all sorts of roadblocks. I could have never imagined a kid like Tom exists at Pioneer HS. Together, we are praying that God will capture the hearts of hundreds more that walk those halls.

— Jeff Prior, Pioneer High School Leader