By Kristen Lee, 10th grader at Davis Senior High

High school students and junior high school students always sigh wistfully and say, “I can’t wait until I just get into college!” as tests and finals swing around, as they think that life some how magically gets better once college starts. I’ve heard that from so many, many of my peers, but from what I see, hear, and have witnessed, it is quite the opposite! Although to us it seems that the grass is always greener on the other side, college is just as stressful (actually way more!) than High School with all the papers, mid-terms, finals, and other stresses of college life. So then, why 0n earth would 60+ college students and 20+ working staff (the same story applies for work life!) gather for hours and hours multiple times a month to prepare and spend time with hundreds of teenagers?!?! I have no idea. Except that we have a good, gracious, and loving God who has saved the lives of all these college students and staff, and has placed a burden upon their hearts to train all of us at Interhigh up and help us! Thank God for that, and thank God for their obedience to His calling!

I am so thankful for all the Interhigh mentors for their energy and enthusiasm every Interhigh event from the minute we walk through the doors all the way until we walk out. The mentors are genuinely happy to see each and every one of us every event, and I was so surprised when so many of the mentors remembered so many of our names even just the second time meeting us. They are such an encouragement to see every month as you can see the passion they have to help raise a generation who lives God-centered and focused lives. They gladly make fools out of themselves when needed and get so pumped up every Interhigh event that their behavior gets contagious! Your sharings during our discussions we have at Interhigh have helped us so much, as I know many of us can personally relate to what you say to us. I was personally touched last Interhigh monthly when the mentors leading our group of girls asked for prayer requests so they could pray for us during the month, and got all of our phone numbers to check in on us. Wow, I was touched by how much they genuinely want to help us in our struggles and teenage life. Thank you, mentors!

Also, thank you Interhigh staff for all your behind the scenes work preparing for all the Interhigh events, and more. From arranging all the rides and delicious meals, to preparing for the training sessions and fun and exciting games, to even advertising Interhigh so we could all hear about Interhigh and attend, there is so much work that goes on that many of us do not even know about. Thank you for your faithfulness to this ministry in the little things every week, every month. Without you, Interhigh would not be able to happen, and it has been such a source of strength, encouragement, and refreshing for us.

Thank you Pastor Will and Esther, the leaders of Interhigh Fellowship. Thank you, for taking up this ministry and answering God’s call and vision to raise up teenagers who can take a stand everyday at our schools as we fight against the flow and the lies of this world. We are so grateful for all that we have in Interhigh–like minded peers, training, and mentors, and it has been so inspiring attending the Interhigh events! Thank you!

We look forward to all that God will do in 2010 through Interhigh and through your sacrifices!

Happy Thanksgiving!

“We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in out Lord Jesus Christ.” ~1 Thessalonians1:3