Grace Palencia - Student Staff

I was first introduced to Young Life as a sophomore in high school. At that time, I wasn’t sure what to expect, I was even hesitant to go to my first Young Life camp, Lost Canyon in Arizona. But it was there, during something as simple as five minutes of silence, that I encountered the peace and love of the Holy Spirit in a way I had never experienced before. For the first time, I felt God’s presence in a deeply personal way, and it changed the course of my life.

From that moment on, Young Life became so much more than just a club I attended. It became the place where I first truly understood God’s heart for me. Through the care of my leaders and the friendships I built, my faith grew, and I began to feel a deep desire to share that same love with others.

Not long after, I stepped into leadership myself as a WyldLife leader, serving middle school students. WyldLife is Young Life’s ministry to middle schoolers, a space where kids can be fully themselves, have fun, and begin to hear about Jesus in a way that is real and approachable. Walking alongside these students, through the ups and downs of life, camp experiences, and weekly clubs has been one of my greatest joys.

Now, God has opened the door for me to take the next step: I have accepted a position as Student Staff with Young Life, serving students across the ABC community (Artesia, Bellflower, and Cerritos). I am humbled and thrilled to step into this calling.

Contact Grace at gracepalencia111@gmail.com