One year ago, I asked my friends for prayer for more ministry opportunities that could come from my visits to John Gray High School (JGHS), my alma mater.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of regularly visiting JGHS, following Jesus’ lead and making sure my efforts aren’t driven by self-ambition. I’ve seen fruit in my growing relationships and received many encouraging signs along the way.

For the past six months, I’ve been praying for and working on a Christian Arts Festival for youth and families—The Love and Redemption Festival (Film, Music, and Art). This vision originally formed years before and has been prayerfully waiting on Jesus' perfect timing.

About three months ago, I felt uncertain and told Jesus I wasn’t sure if my lunchtime visits were making a difference. I asked Him for confirmation. Soon after, a student stepped out of a classroom to say the music I was playing was encouraging. A security guard told me he could see students were paying attention. Two girls thanked me for contributing to a positive atmosphere—and as we spoke, the principal passed by and offered more encouragement. Since that day, Jesus has faithfully continued to show me that He is in this mission to bless our youth.

Students have shared their dreams and struggles with me: “I’m a rapper,” “I want to be a YouTuber,” "I want to be an actor," "I like singing," “I love dancing,” “All [my family] does is argue” “My mother doesn't want me,” “People don’t like me.” Our children's voices reveal aspirations and wounds that need to meet the love and redemption that Jesus provides.

One day, I walked into the ladies’ restroom and saw a paintbrush resting on a fixture— it was a quiet and surprising sign from God on a day that I didn't think there would be one.

Another day, a former JGHS art teacher invited me to view one of his paintings—it depicted Jesus carrying the cross. My friend and I were overwhelmed by how many godly themes we were praying about were portrayed.

Another day, in a maths classroom, I was surprised to see a drawing with scripture "I was fearfully and wonderfully made." As I looked closer, it was by a student named Akiane—the same name as the artist whose painting of Jesus sits on my desk. The student Akiane had also come to faith in Jesus during one of my visits.

On another occasion, I ministered to a girl about the meaning of Romans 5:5—how Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with love. As she cried, I thought it was from student conflict, but when I asked, she said, “The Holy Spirit is speaking to me.” Later that month, she performed a dance at an event, and her father was in the audience. When she pointed him out to me, I recognized him as someone another believer had told me I should connect with about the Festival.

These are just a few stories of Jesus making a way and confirming his heart. He is committed to our youth, their hearts and his gift of creativity.

I am grateful to know that Jesus is enough to fullfill His mission. My part is simply to remain available—to facilitate the gifts in our communities coming together to pour His love out.

— Naomi Johnatty, Festival Director & Youth Ministry Servant