At BJM, we understand the power of belonging and community building. Our staff is intentionally present, always on the sidelines cheering on students at sporting events, creative performances, and other important milestones. It's these consistent interactions of love and belonging that make our youth group, IGNITE, feel like a family to our students.

We create spaces where every student feels they belong and knows they are loved. According to 2024 statistics, Gen Z is three times more likely to say that they have mental health struggles and many don’t feel comfortable talking about it.* In a world where isolation is ever-increasing, we believe that the love of God can be encountered in the consistent interactions of love and belonging. This belief is a cornerstone of our ministry and it speaks volumes to the next generation of students.

In this current time of history, Gen Z is at the prime age to be deeply influenced by social, economic, and technological changes. Their worldview is fundamentally different but open to change. It's essential that we create spaces where they feel heard, understood, and loved. BJM's initiatives are aimed at empowering these young minds, helping them to realize their potential, and encouraging them to make positive, Spirit-led impacts on the world.

As we continue to understand, connect, and serve, we've discovered that a younger emerging generation of leaders is longing to be seen for who they really are and to belong.

One of the ways we do this is simple: presence.

The ministry of presence speaks to the profound impact of simply “being there” for someone. For us at BJM, it's about being a consistent, supportive presence in the lives of the students we serve. A way to effectively practice presence is to show up to the moments that matter to our young people, in big and small moments.

This year, one of our students joined his school soccer team. We showed up in every way we could, from the pre-season games all the way to the championship! Whether the weather was beautiful or if it was pouring rain (which actually happened a few times), we were there consistently. After every game, we waited to encourage our student, and after every conversation, their response was always “Thank you so much for coming, it really means a lot to me that you came.”

From being a consistent presence, we then move to being a place of belonging. Once a student knows we show up for them, the next step is creating the space for them to belong.

The best way to create this is to listen with empathy. We listen to their stories, interests, fears, and hopes for the future. This is something we do intentionally at our IGNITE youth group at BJM. We have curated a space where they can laugh, open up, share their hearts, and receive encouragement, not just from us, but from their fellow students and peers.

One particular student shared, “I love coming to IGNITE, it really feels like home, like a second family to me.” Not so long ago, this same student approached me at the end of our time together and said “Thank you for letting me come.” Because we have listened to his story, we know that what he meant was “Thank you for letting me be a part of this community, I feel like I belong here.”

Your support could transform lives, lighting the path towards empowerment, equality, and dignity. We're calling on you to join us in this mission. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, your support can make a huge difference in the lives of these students.

Together, let's continue to ignite hope and build pathways to brighter futures for the next generation.

By Mateo Alzate

* Source: “The New Age of Gen Z - Unmasking the Real Lives of Young Adults” by Global Web Index (GWI), 2024.

IGNITE: A place of presence, a hotspot of hope.