High School Youth Group
Our High School ministry continues to evolve and grow, along with our kids. So many of our kids have grown up through the Tesoro program and the High School program's goal and mission is to disciple them in a way that that will encourage them in their walk with Jesus as they navigate through those challenging high school years.
When the pandemic hit in 2020 we had some changes to make to adapt to the changing circumstances around us. What we thought could impact in a negative way actually became a way for us to grow deeper in ministry! We transitioned to smaller groups, splitting up the boys and girls into their own individual weekly gatherings. This allowed the staff to meet more regularly and in more intimate settings. We saw tremendous growth in the kids relationships with the staff and many in their walk with Jesus. One of the highlights of that summer was a baptism of several of the high school boys. Now post-COVID we continue to meet on separate days for girls and boys bible study, but also will have an occasional coed night of worship, games and bible study. Our staff continues to add service projects, special outings and one on one mentoring and visits.
FORGE is a focused mentoring/discipleship time that Lucio spends with some of the high school boys once a week. The purpose of FORGE is to develop student leaders with the goal of reaching their families, schools and community for Jesus; and then in which they eventually will replicate the mentoring and discipleship of other student leaders themselves.
DESERT MIRAGE HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS CLUB: We have the privilege to partner with FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) at DMHS to share the Gospel weekly during two lunch periods. Many of our kids that attend Tesoro Club participate and help in leadership with the club. This has been an exciting and amazing opportunity. Several kids that attend have been introduced to FCA and Tesoro and also attend the weekly Bible studies.
Because we know that discipleship does not just end after high school, we also help them map out what post high school looks like. We make graduation a special event and support them in considering options such as attending college, the military, Bible School, and/or vocational training. We celebrate our Seniors graduations with a special dinner and gifts to help them grow in their walk with Jesus.
BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL: Our desire is to raise up a generation of leaders from the Coachella Valley that will continue the work of Tesoro Club far beyond the present time. We were thrilled this year at VBS to have several of our "former Tesoro kids" helping with both the elementary and Jr. High kids. Another tremendous answer to prayer is the beginning of the Young Men's Thursday evening Bible Study held at 6th St. Coffee in Coachella. Drew has been leading this group of young men who have "aged out" of Tesoro Club and are now employed, married, and/or attending college. This has been such a blessing to see these young men attend and have a heart to grow in their relationship with the Lord and grow in their knowledge of God's Word.
