I believe in student leadership development.
One of the core beliefs that Urban Youth Worker’s Institute instilled in me was the idea that developing student leaders is one of the most worthwhile ways to invest our time and resources. Who are we investing in? What are we doing to empower those under our leadership? Do we believe in our youth enough to entrust them with the work that we can hold so tightly?
World Impact believes in discipleship, too. We believe that genuine relationships with our neighbors and the mutual empowerment that results is one of the best ways we can lay the groundwork that will lead to church planting movements. And with lots of humility, we admit that it is usually our students and neighbors who know best. They know what it will take for the gospel to be understood in ways our community can receive.
This summer I have the privilege of investing in the development of youth and young leaders around me, both at the World Impact Teen Center and the Los Angeles Christian School. I am extremely excited to see what fruit may come from this investment! For the last few months, I have been working with Erron Harris and another teacher to prepare five students for a leadership trip to the East Coast. I have learned a lot since my first time leading this trip two years ago—which means that what we have been able to do with the students has grown tremendously!
These five students are competent, passionate, dedicated, and motivated. They are young leaders who desire to serve their classmates, churches, and neighbors. They are now aware of their spiritual gifts, their leadership strengths, and their abilities to contribute to a team. Please pray for us as we head to the East Coast this month to learn more about leadership and practice what we’ve learned.
Lorraina Armenta is the Spiritual Life Coordinator (overseeing Bible classes, discipleship groups, and chapel) at Los Angeles Christian School.