From a biblical perspective, personal faith is the genuine and individual belief and trust in a higher being of love and goodness (Hebrews 11:1; John 11:40). This faith is the lens through which we see God working in our lives, the key that unlocks the treasures of heaven, and the power that enables us to accomplish and experience things humanly impossible (Mark 9:23; John 11:40).
One of the greatest challenges we face as a global Church is the transmission of this genuine faith to teenagers. The “teen-age” is an important and complex stage in human life; it is a time when significant decisions are made that will affect the future positively or negatively. It is also a time when many questions arise about existence, faith, spirituality, religion, and God. It is therefore important that we present God clearly and genuinely to them.
As I write this article, I am in Egypt, which is part of the 10/40 Window: the most challenging region on the planet in terms of preaching the gospel. In this territory, God has established a very special place for the transmission of a genuine, scripture-based faith to young people: Nile Union Academy.
This institution is an Adventist school where many young people hear the Adventist message. Through devotional sessions, Bible classes, worship services, and the Pathfinder club, faith is sown like a seed, with the hope that it will bear fruit in the future. This is not an easy task.
My first weeks here were challenging; I perceived rejection and resistance to the teachings of the Bible, indifference, and reluctance to participate in church services. However, I discovered the key that changed everything: the power of personal contact.
By being with them, talking with them, eating with them, serving them, showing interest in them, and visiting them in their homes, the barriers of indifference and rejection were broken down, and the doors of their hearts were opened to receive personal Bible studies and to begin building their faith.
About reaching other to be disciples of Jesus Ellen White wrote:
"Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with people as one who desired their good. He showed sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He invited them, “Follow Me.”
! The Savior mingled with people as one who desired their good (Matthew 9:10-11)! Jesus was with his Disciples all the time; he mingled, ate, slept and served with them. The disciples built their faith based on the example of Jesus. He showed them through His own life how to pray (Luke 11:1), how to understand the scriptures (Luke 24:27), how to trust (Mark 9:23), and how to serve (John 13:15).
Today we are called to imitate Christ's example and be mentors to our students. Our lives, our examples, will be more powerful than any sermon, class, or camporee. May they find in our lives a guide to build their own personal faith.