Amalia’s Story

Liz felt unsettled as Amalia climbed into the van. Brimming with excitement, she clutched her phone, ready to showcase her latest fight video. Recently, Amalia had seemed almost proud of her escalating confrontations, frequently boasting about her willingness to leap into a brawl whenever she felt the need to defend herself. When Liz pressed for more details, Amalia always retreated into silence, unwilling to delve deeper into the reasons behind her aggressive bravado.

This year’s winter camp theme was “surrender,” a concept that resonated throughout the lessons and discussions and touched many students in the group. After the second session, Liz approached Amalia. To her surprise, Amalia opened up in a way she had never done before. Her tough exterior began to crack as she spoke, revealing a vulnerability that was rarely seen by others.

“I don’t want to be this person anymore,” Amalia confessed as she recounted the heavy disappointment and sadness she felt after her most recent fight when her mother received a call from the principal about the incident.

“I don’t want to keep fighting people,” she admitted, longing for something more peaceful than her tumultuous reality. Listening intently, Liz seized the opportunity to share her faith, explaining the transformative power of the Gospel. She conveyed the truth that everyone, despite their struggles and scars, is made in the image of God. With every word, Liz offered the possibility of finding peace and restoration through Christ, providing Amalia with a glimmer of hope.