Here are just a few quick facts about me so you can get a better understanding of what shaped me into a Christian leader. I was born September 14, 2000, to Todd and Kris Thomas. My entire life I have been educated in Lutheran schools. First at Zion Mayer Lutheran School from kindergarten to eighth grade; then I received my high school education at Mayer Lutheran High School. I graduated with many awards; those that I am the proudest of consist of Salutatorian, Academic All-Conference, 2017 Varsity Soccer All-Conference, 2019 One Act Play All-Conference, and receiving the Triple A Award.
I was a well-rounded student that enjoyed academics, athletics, and arts, but my favorite activity provided by the school was the mission trip over Christmas break. Mr. Lane (Director of Spiritual Life) organized these trips that changed my life and my outlook of the world and sin. I found my place serving the people of a developing part of Mexico across the border from El Paso.
Another opportunity I have found to serve is through the Youth Servant Leader (YSL) program at Camp Omega in Waterville, Minnesota. I have spent many weeks of my summer’s volunteering there to help share the word of God in a fun, faith-based atmosphere to children while growing in my own faith. Being brought up with a Christian education, I am very good with Bible knowledge and being able to recall the facts and stories from the Bible, but it was at Camp Omega and on my mission trips to Anapra, Mexico is where I gained an emotional and very real connection to my faith. These experiences are where I made the transition from believing blindly to believing because I know in my heart and mind that Christ is my Savior and he died for me.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face in my life was a major knee injury May 20th, 2018 during a soccer game; it left me needing surgery and five months of recovery. I was able to shave that time down to four months and participate in my Senior soccer season serving as a captain. Through determination, hard work, and much pray I was able to turn a horrible situation into a learning experience that developed my maturity and faith.
I would like to leave you with a few more verses that give me hope and confidence in this new endeavor:
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before men, that. they may see your good works, and. glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
