“Hi! My name is Jamie Bell and I have been volunteering with True North since August of 2019. I heard about the ministry through others at my church who had been volunteering. Outside of the ministry I am a 4th grade special education teacher in Akron for students with intensive emotional and behavioral needs. Hearing about the ministry I felt called to use the skills the Lord has given me in my career to further serve this community.
Despite feeling called to this ministry I was very anxious to start. I was very out of my comfort zone with the thought of going and talking with the young women at Dan Street, but luckily, I had a teammate in my dear friend and mentor who was going in alongside me. One of the greatest joys of this ministry is getting to serve alongside my friend and to grow as a team for the Lord. We can pray together for the youth and encourage one another to keep going when it is difficult.
Every single week when we show up, we are walking into a different situation. We never know who will be there, what their mood will be, or their understanding of who Jesus is and what he has to offer. No matter what our teachings or conversations look like the most important thing is that these kids are hearing what Jesus has to offer: the good news of his abounding grace. It has caused me to have to evaluate my understanding of his grace and just how much he has saved me from and how he has forgiven me of my own sins. Through our teachings and conversations, we have been able to build relationships with several of the girls and we are hopeful that we have an impact on them even after they leave.
I hope that you will join us in praying for these youth and that more would choose to investigate Christ on their own!”