Esther and Michaella are among the first fruits of LF Junior. When I first met them five years ago, during our very first Teens Bible Camp, they were still pre-adolescents. At that time, I could not have imagined how they would grow into the godly young women they are becoming today.

Over the years, their journey has been marked by faithfulness. They showed a genuine interest in our programs and, since 2020, they have never missed one. Today, they are about to enter a new season of life. They are leaving home to begin university studies, far from their parents, church leaders, and spiritual mentors. This is a major transition, both exciting and challenging.

As I reflect on their journey, a few things stand out clearly.

A sincere desire to know God

For the past five years, I have witnessed their growing hunger for the things of God. They were attentive, curious, and eager to learn. They asked questions, listened carefully, and searched the Scriptures with sincerity. Their desire to know God was not superficial. It deepened with time.

The Bible tells us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7), and that those who seek wisdom as a treasure will find the Lord (Proverbs 2:4–5). This was visible in them. They were learners, not just participants.

A desire to live out what they believe

What also became evident is that they did not seek knowledge for its own sake. Their desire was to live according to God’s will. They wanted to please God, not simply understand Him.

They were learning that faith is not only about knowing Scripture, but about obeying the One behind it. They were slowly discovering the God who calls us to live for Him—the sovereign Lord, revealed to us in Christ, who gave His life so that we might live for Him.

Scripture reminds us: “ Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). This is the direction their faith has been taking.

A realistic and growing faith

Esther and Michaella are not perfect. Like all young people, they have faced struggles. I have noticed their efforts to remain grounded in a fast-changing world. They know what it means to swim against the current and to fight the good fight of faith.

They do not always win every battle. They know failure, repentance, and the pain that comes with it. But they also know forgiveness, restoration, and the joy of a renewed relationship with God.

“ Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven” (Psalm 32:1)._

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12).

Their faith is not naïve. It is a faith that is learning, falling, repenting, and rising again.

Two different personalities, one shared foundation

Although they share many qualities, each of them is unique.

God is shaping each of them differently, and this diversity is a gift.

Entering university life

University years are an important stage in life. They shape young people deeply. This transition into adulthood is both precious and delicate.

For parents, church leaders, and mentors, this is a time to gradually step back—not to abandon, but to accompany differently. There is less control and more trust, less instruction and more listening. Young people are allowed to make mistakes while still receiving guidance and wisdom.

For the students, freedom must be handled carefully. Freedom is a gift, but also a responsibility. Learning to make good decisions, to exercise judgment, and to grow in maturity takes time.

Walking forward with trust

Throughout this journey, many adults will continue to play a role in Esther’s and Michaella’s lives. But above all, we trust the Lord to lead them. We pray that He will surround them with good influences, wise friends, and faithful communities, and that His presence will never leave them.

As they step into this new season, we are thankful for who they already are. We entrust them to God, confident that the One who has begun this good work in them will continue it.