Shane Blafield
“Growing up I had many problems at home. My older brother would get angry and leave for a while and my parents were always fighting. It was really confusing so I didn’t think much of it. Around age ten or so I started realizing my mom was an alcoholic. When I was twelve years old my parents got divorced. My heart was crushed and questions stirred in my mind as my mother’s drinking problem got worse and worse. Would her life be easier without me? Would they get back together if I wasn‘t here? My mom began to blame her drinking on us. “You’re driving me to drink!” she would say.
In seventh grade, a good friend who is still my best friend introduced me to Youth Venture. My first day there I met some awesome people who showed me love that I didn’t have and that I thought I didn’t deserve. I started doing Youth Venture lessons and LOVED them!! I couldn’t stop. I gave my life to Jesus on my third lesson with a mentor named Kevin Miller.
From that point on I was completely changed. I started going to church regularly and began getting involved. At first I went by myself, but eventually I tricked my dad and my brother into going and they were soon both saved. I invited my mom to the Strength Team Crusade and she gave her life to Christ in the altar call!! Just a short time later my mom passed away due to alcohol. I thank God that by His grace she gave her life to Christ and is now in heaven with Him.
Now I am a senior at Foothills High School, I lead a high school small group Bible study, I am a helper for a junior high group, I help with kid’s church, and I lead worship several times a week. All of this was because of Youth Venture. The influence of Youth Venture has reached beyond me into the lives of my brothers, my dad, and my mom.
If it were not for Youth Venture I would not be where I am today; I would not have the influences and friends I have in my life today.”