The Gospel’s Transforming Power in a Teenage Life

Have you ever pondered the fact that the gospel’s transforming power can change anyone? Whether you’re a hardened criminal, a business executive, a single mother, or a lonely teenager, Jesus can rescue all of us just the same. 

This is the story of how God used Dare 2 Share LIVE to save the last person on that list—a young, isolated teenage girl named Emily. 

A Gospel Transformation from the Inside Out 

Emily and her brother Justin were regular attendees at Francisco Pena’s youth group in Dayton, OH, but the gospel finally clicked for Emily at Dare 2 Share LIVE. Francisco told us the story of how God faithfully worked in Emily’s life that weekend.

“Emily got saved at Dare 2 Share LIVE on October 12, 2019. During the invitation, she didn’t raise her hand, but God convicted her heart of sin and her need for Jesus as her Savior. On her way home that night, she opened her heart with her brother Justin. He led her to Christ that night! She then approached me and told me ‘You need to baptize me next Sunday, bro.’ 😂 We will do that next Sunday! 

“Emily was in a very sad and isolated place. She played video games for hours and didn’t have close relationships with anyone. It was very difficult to get her to say a word. Now, she is full of joy as she has decided to follow Jesus. During LIVE, she came with me on outreach and couldn’t stop smiling! I think the drama really hit home with her. Praise the Lord for the power of the gospel!”

A Newfound Joy in Jesus 

In Luke 15, Jesus tells us that just as a shepherd rejoices over finding his lost sheep, all of heaven rejoices when a sinner gives their life to Jesus. The weekend after LIVE, Emily’s family–both church and biological–joined her in celebrating her new relationship with Christ. Francisco sent us this update after her baptism:

“Emily got baptized this morning at our church and I invited her brother Justin (who led her to the Lord) to be in the waters with her. He has committed publicly to show his sister by example what it means to follow Jesus. He was the first one to hug her right there after she got baptized. Emily’s discipleship group was by her shouting and celebrating it with all the congregation!”

Want to learn more about leading a youth ministry where the gospel’s transforming power advances through teens? Learn more about how to build a Gospel Advancing ministry and maximize your ministry efforts and reach more teenagers for Christ. 

Check out more Dare 2 Share LIVE stories of impact and insider info on the LIVE Wire Blog.