Har-Ber High School

     Har-Ber High School, in Fayetteville’s neighboring town of Springdale, is the newest avenue of ministry in Northwest Arkansas Young Life.

Last January marked my first semester as a Har-Ber High School leader. Our team went into the new year with high hopes and much excitement for what the Lord had planned for high school students in Springdale. However, we faced unanticipated challenge after challenge. It seemed as if all doors into the school were being closed, literally and metaphorically.

     I can’t begin to explain how frustrating this seemed at the time. But frustration was always transformed into humility. We were continually reminded who’s ministry this really is: God’s. We were called to be obedient to HIS plan, and trust in HIS timing, our own agenda completely set aside.

     And how sweet it is to learn to wait upon the Lord! All of our desperate prayers, and every appearance we made at the school last semester were far from worthless. Seeds were planted, blessed by the Lord, and have finally taken root at Har-Ber. This semester has been a season of excitement. While we have not begun club yet, we have all experienced so much joy in contact work and we are currently focusing on bringing kids to Polar Bear Weekend.

     As ministry at Har-Ber High School has constantly led us to be spontaneous and flexible, the Lord has called us to be creative in how to meet kids. This has been such an adventure and has been particularly sweet because it has really led us to rally together as a team. All of our unique insight and personalities are being poured into one common goal: loving kids.

     Nellie and I have started campaigners on Tuesday afternoons, which has been so special. Last night, we had a few girls over at our house dressed up in silly Halloween attire to eat cupcakes. Among the laughter, I couldn’t help feeling awed: this was such a milestone for us! We had young life girls in our living room, EXCITED to be our friends. We feel so blessed to be apart of their lives.

     We are still learning how to trust in the Lord, every step of the way. This ministry never fails to teach me what it looks like to do life with Jesus- entirely dependent on His guidance in every move we make.

Lauren Bevan, Har-Ber Leader