When she was growing up, Mikayla had a good relationship with God, but as she went through high school, she struggled with partying, drugs, and alcohol, and found herself in jail and mental health facilities. Unfortunately during this time, she did not have a lot of support from family or friends.

Over the past few years, Mikayla attended Backstage, a ministry of YFC Steinbach, and was loved and accepted by the staff and volunteers there. She credits the love and support she received to be what helped her realize that God was still there.

On Christmas Eve, her sister invited her to attend church, and she showed up wondering if she was going to be accepted there – with her face tattoos and rough lifestyle.

After this service, Mikayla started attending church regularly because it was a positive alternative to her current lifestyle. Not long after, Mikayla became pregnant, and she wondered if she would still be accepted at church. She was, and the kind people at the church reassured her that she was loved and that her child was a blessing.

“God knows everything that you’ve done, God knows every single sin and still loves you. I think the biggest part was just me starting to forgive myself, and that was the hardest part – it still is.. .[I] have to forgive myself every day… I feel so loved, so accepted, and a sort of peace that I never felt before; that peace I was trying to find with all the drugs and everything… I found with God… God can love anybody, and God does love everybody, no matter how deep your sin is.”

Now, when Mikayla attends church, she welcomes new attendees with open arms, the way she was welcomed into church and into Youth for Christ.

Your faithful partnership allows our staff and volunteers to continue showing God’s love to young people across Canada. Your generous support allows us to build long-lasting relationships with youth who, in turn, can be a positive influence in the lives of others in their communities.