Students had their full attention on Jon Pritikin as he told the story of an elementary school boy who was invited to play a game with his classmates. Excited to be asked, the boy jumped to his feet and ran to the playground with his new friends. What he discovered was that they didn’t want to play a game; they wanted to beat him up because he couldn’t speak well.
He escaped and ran back into the school, unaware that one of the boys had run ahead and waited to trip him in the hallway. The young boy flew and landed on his chin. Blood gushed from the wound. Instead of helping him, the boys laughed. Jon then explained that he was that little boy, just trying to fit in.
Through feats of strength and his personal story, Jon helped Minnesota Youth Alive (MNYA) and local churches reach students who are alone and hurting.
Here is what one student wrote back to Jon:
“I just wanna say, your story really touched me. I can relate in so many ways. A few days ago, before you came, I tried to give up on the gift of life, but I failed. I was gonna try again, but I heard about the assembly and decided not to. I wanna thank you so much! You saved my life!”
This is an unfortunate but common reality during school tours. Students across our state are hurting. The Lord has given MNYA a mission to reach every student, at every school, in every community.
MNYA connects Minnesota churches with schools to equip students to share Jesus through prayer, leadership training, campus groups, and outreach. Through partnerships between churches and individuals, MNYA can enter public schools to reach the hurting and broken.
The Lord is also raising up bold students to share Jesus with their classmates. Many are starting school Bible studies, praying with teammates, sharing their faith, and inviting others to youth group and church.
If you would like more information about how MNYA can help you reach your schools with the Gospel, contact us at or visit mnya.org. Thank you for your prayers and partnership.
