In 10th grade, Tasha Bump noticed a change in her twin sister’s life. After struggling with depression, the sister suddenly was happy. Meanwhile, Bump continued abusing drugs and alcohol.

She asked her sister what made her happy.

“Her reply was simple — Jesus,” Bump, now 17 and a high school senior, told a crowd of about 250 people Thursday at a Youth for Christ fundraiser banquet at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club.

The people ate a lunch, watched a video and heard stories from Youth for Christ supporters, staff and children.

Youth for Christ Executive Director Greg Gudal spoke of a well-liked, well-mannered middle-school boy who was going through tough times but to meet him a person would never know it — like a lot of middle-school boys.

The boy described his state as “blank.”

Gudal said while he is thankful for the influence of Jesus Christ in his youth, today’s kids face more difficult choices and a more fragmented society.

The middle-school position at Youth for Christ’s The Rock, primarily known for its after-school program in downtown Albert Lea, became a part-time one and less able to help middle-schoolers.

“There is a need for the middle-school position to fill in the blanks in kids’ lives,” Gudal said.

He also said Youth for Christ needs a new van because sometimes plans have to be canceled for lack of transportation.

Youth for Christ has three goals, he said:

1. “Reach kids.”

2. “Changes lives.”

3. “Develop leaders.”

In the video, many children described The Rock, 116 W. Clark St., as a safe place that helped them in difficult times, such as after a divorce or loss of a close relative. Some described it as a “second home.”

Drop-in coordinator Rick Miller said it was about more than games and fun. He said The Rock is a place to disconnect from stress and be with positive influences.

Brad Nelson sang songs with his guitar, then Darryl Meyer requested donations to meet Youth for Christ’s financial challenges.
To donate to Youth for Christ, send a check to 116 W. Clark St., Albert Lea, MN 56007.

Bump, who attends Grace Christian Church, now intends to go to a Christian college and learn more about the Bible. She said she changed while attending YFC’s Acquire the Fire in February.

“I learned of a God who accepted, loved and wanted me more than anything,” she said.

She said she hasn’t drank alcohol since and has a better relationship with her parents.

Eighteen-year-old Tina King and 16-year-old Sarah Hoverson also shared their stories.

Hoverson said she had a low self-esteem and was unhappy. She said when she lost a grandma, grandpa, great-grandma and her mom’s cousin in less than two months, she became depressed. A friend advised her to go to Youth for Christ’s Campus Life, where she found joy and contentment. Eventually, a trip to Colorado challenged her to consider her future. The member of Salem Lutheran Church hopes to go to Christian college and eventually into veterinary medicine.

When her parents divorced last year, the support of people at The Rock helped her through it, she said.

“I will always be grateful for how Youth for Christ has helped open my eyes to see how amazing God is,” Hoverson said.

King’s voice cracked many times while telling her story of abuse, violence, divorce and moving to Albert Lea. Going to Acquire the Fire with her church helped her discover God but she said she still had issues and would not trust men.

“After about five years, I finally started trusting, and letting Jon Dierenfeld (of The Rock) into my world,” she told the crowd. “He doesn’t know this, but he’s actually my father figure. Always has been. I just, for some reason, kept it a secret until now.”

Youth for Christ is slated to hold a dessert banquet at 7:15 p.m. today at Wedgewood Cove. Guests needed to RSVP with Youth for Christ, 373-1015.