Clausons in Monterrey

One Thursday evening in November, Andres, our volunteer teacher, didn’t show up for the adolescent English class.  For some reason there was also a smaller group, only 7, when usually we have around 13.  So, I (Erika) asked the kids what they wanted to do.  They quickly responded “JUGAR!” (PLAY!).  “OK, what would you like to play?”, I asked them.  Silence.  These are adolescents who have a hard time expressing their opinions or ideas, as they often fear being laughed at or being told they are incorrect.  I waited a little bit and then I heard a small voice from one of the most timid boys, Carlos, say “Verdad o Reto”  (Truth or Dare).  Everyone cheered, yeah!  I was a little hesitant because I had no idea how this would play out, but I said OK since I didn’t have any other ideas.  We started off, almost everyone choosing truth, with fun, innocent questions like, “Have you ever had a girlfriend?” or “Have you ever kissed a guy?”

Things got serious when one girl asked me the question, “What’s the biggest mistake you have ever made?”  I won’t go into the details about how I answered her question, but it allowed me to share about experiencing God’s grace in my life in a very real way.  The kids were listening attentively.  Wow, I thought, this is turning into a cool night.  Other questions that were asked were, “What’s one thing that you really wanted to do and never did and why?” and “What are some of your biggest dreams in life?”

God is at work in these teenagers’ lives.  No doubt.  Most of them do not yet have a close relationship with Jesus, but during these 2 years that the Foundation staff and volunteers have been working with them, we have seen amazing changes in them.  Once a totally disconnected, uncommitted group of adolescents with a low self esteem, has become a group that cares for each other, is learning how to express themselves and is open to new ways of thinking and dreaming.  It’s very exciting to see what God is doing and will continue to do in them! 

Please join us in prayer for God’s transformational grace and love to touch this unconventional youth group meeting at the Family Foundation in Monterrey, Mexico.