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“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” Philippians 1:6
Juan learned early how to survive.
Raised by his aunt and uncle, he grew up navigating a childhood shaped by instability and hard choices. Middle school was especially difficult, a season marked by negative influences and few safe places to land. By the time Juan reached high school, he carried those years with him.
Then he went to camp.
At camp, life slowed down. The noise faded. Space opened.
“Camp helped me grow a lot because there were no phones or distractions,” Juan shared. “Without technology, I was fully present—able to focus on the people around me, my responsibilities, and my relationship with God.”
Camp also shaped how Juan lived his everyday life. Early mornings, shared responsibilities, and a structured schedule formed new habits that followed him home.
“Waking up early each day taught me discipline,” he said. “It helped me continue waking up early at home and intentionally making time for God.”
Juan with a cabin-mate at camp, enjoying a hike to a waterfall.
In that quiet, intentional rhythm, Juan experienced God's unconditional love and a deep sense of safety, creating space for personal and spiritual growth. It was there that he began to consider not only his beliefs, but the kind of life he felt God wanted him to live.
Through sermons, mentorship, and time set apart with the Lord, Juan realized God was calling him to start and lead a junior high ministry.
Juan understood the weight of the middle school years. He often wondered how different his own story might have been if someone had walked with him sooner, before trouble spoke louder than hope. So when he felt called to walk alongside middle school students, he made a costly choice, stepping away from wrestling to fully invest in helping others navigate that same season.
Juan with his cabin and SRM counselor.
One of the reasons Juan felt ready to say yes was the example set by leaders who had invested in him at camp.
“My camp leader was intentional about discipling us, offering guidance, encouragement, and biblical wisdom,” Juan shared. “His leadership strengthened my faith and showed me what it looks like to walk closely with God while helping others do the same.”
Juan did not step into this calling alone.
With the support of Holy Faith Fellowship, a ministry partner of Star Rock Ministries, some of the same leaders who once walked alongside Juan at camp continue to mentor and guide him today. Together, they’ve created a safe space where students are welcomed, known, and invited to hear about God.
What began as a small act of obedience has grown.
Each week, 20 - 40 middle school students now gather…young people looking for food, friendship, and hope. These are students many adults are hesitant to reach. But remembering what it was like to be in their shoes, Juan went anyway.
Because love doesn’t wait until it’s easy.
God speaks powerfully to students at camp, and at Star Rock Ministries, we encourage young people to take what they experience down the mountain and into everyday life.
Star Rock Ministries gifts Christ-centered camp experiences to partner organizations as a catalyst for year-round impact. Through ongoing mentoring, discipleship, and encouragement, students like Juan don’t just encounter God’s love, they learn how to live it out with courage.
Juan’s story is a reminder:
When a young person is loved well, that love multiplies.
