Hi my name is Lindsay Block. I am 14 years old and in grade 9 at Chilliwack Middle School. I live with my mom and dad, and my sisters, Jenaya and Danielle. I was born into a christian home on March 4th 1990. I became a Christian when I was only 5 years old. I remember sitting on my bottom bunk with my mom as I prayed and asked Jesus into my heart. It was a very exciting time for me even though I was very young.

While growing up I was like any regular kid, went to school, and attended church, Pioneer Clubs and then youth later on. It seemed like I went from being a kid, to a teenager over night, I had gone from a grade 6 peer helper at Strathcona Elementary, to grade 7, a totally new world at Chilliwack Middle School. At the beginning of grade 7 it didn't take too long to get know the kids in my classes, and I soon made new friends. I would say grade 7 was my best year, because it was full of laughter, and new experiences, but it was also my toughest year. I struggled a lot to keep my faith alive. I easily forgot about Jesus and would say things I knew I shouldn't. But when grade 8 hit me, I realized I had to change, not just for me, but for everyone around me and for God. It was not easy, but I tried hard. During this time one of my best friends started coming to youth. I was so excited, because most of my new friends weren't christians, and I was really nervous about telling them about Jesus. But when she came to youth, I thought, wouldn't that be so cool if she became a christian! and I remember one youth night, Brad said "if anyone isn't a christian and wants to pray the prayer tonight, here is how it goes". And after that youth night, she came up to me and said she had prayed the prayer. I was so happy for her and I felt God had used me in this. Grade 8 was harder for me than Grade 7 was, so I was really looking forward for summer. That meant Camp Stillwood! I hadn't been in 3 years because of various reasons so I was really excited to go. There is something about Camp, While I was there I really felt God, I even recommitted myself to him, so I could start fresh. When I got to my cabin, all my friends were there, I knew I was going to have the best week at camp! My counselors were so much fun! They made us laugh a lot, and helped us with anything we needed. My counselor even helped me change my activites so I could be with my friends.

Camp wasn't all about the night games, crafts, mexican pool parties and water balloon fights, it was a chance for people to learn more about God, or get to know him for the first time. Our guest speaker Phil Cann was a great speaker, he talked a lot about how you shouldn't store up treasures here on earth where moth and rust destroy and thieves can break in and steal, but to rather store up treasures in heaven, were moth and rust to not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. He taught us a lot, and so did our counselors.

Once we went down to the river to do our devotions. Our theme verse was *where your treasure is your heart will be also*, which I think is a very neat verse, because your most valuable treasure is in heaven, everlasting life with Jesus Christ our Saviour. I'll never forget my week at Camp Stillwood.

Over the years I've learned a lot about friendships, and one of my goals is to invite more of my friends to youth because I want them to learn more about God. Some of my friends have already started coming to youth and I'm so excited about that. I don't know what the future holds for me, but at this time in my life I am ready to take another step further into my relationship with God.

(editor's note: Lindsay was baptized in the fall of 2004, just after she shared this story in front of her church!)