I was speaking with students recently when one of them said “nothing surprising ever happens”. Another responded that “uncertainty and disconnection” blunts his imagination and dulls his senses.

I resonate; perhaps you do too. Constant media exposure and our tendency to recognise patterns and predict outcomes desensitises us, reducing our ability to feel genuine surprise.

We see this a lot. Many of the young people we work with have experienced a little too much of life, leaving them skeptical about religion, leadership and the future yet still seeking true love, authentic experiences, and happiness.

A university student who served at summer camp exemplifies these tensions. This young man attended a week of campus scripture study at the end of his spring semester and then applied for a summer job at one of our camps. But May was a hard month — he wrestled with insecurity and isolated himself. He considered resigning before even starting the camp job, fearing he didn’t have what it takes to love and serve campers. Then, in June, he went to a student prayer meeting where he realized he didn’t want to let thoughts of doubt and prayer hold him back. He now says that working at camp proved a breakthrough, helping him step into Godly character with confidence to live out his faith.

I am reminded of the shepherds who were minding their own business in the fields at night. Suddenly, angels lit up the sky, praising God and announcing, “good news that will cause great joy for all the people”. The wise men had a different journey, they were seeking understanding, trying to explore what was going on in the world. But they had a similar experience to the shepherds “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”

Their lives were interrupted and disrupted by indescribable joy. We long to see this for young people in Canada. We’re cultivating communities at camp, in high school, on campus and among graduates where they can experience Jesus and create a foundation of purpose, security, identity and hope.

It’s happening at camp. A young camper with autism came to camp for the first time. His parents were upfront about the potential challenges that could arise. He ended up having an incredible experience – what started with fear and worry ended with joy and peace.

It’s happening on campus. “I am so glad you exist because we need Christian representation on campus!” a student said to a campus staff worker at Clubs Fair. The student shared she had converted from Islam seven years ago and had felt recently that she was quite alone in her faith as she had lost hope in finding a church. As they talked, her joy was obvious, and the staff worker had the privilege of inviting her into the campus fellowship.

It’s happening across Canada. There are hundreds of thousands of young people who, while grappling with darkness, also hunger for surprise.

Will you help us to help them be surprised by Jesus? Will you pray and give so that many more can have life changing encounters that inspire and equip a new generation of influence in Canada and the world?

There is much more to share. We are so grateful for the committed group of staff, student leaders and volunteers who contribute to our work. This past year we opened new buildings at Ontario Pioneer and Pioneer Pacific and received a new camp in New Brunswick. This summer, we equipped 34 student evangelists to serve in our camps and supported 56 campus groups with a new resource designed to help connect with

students during the critical first week of university. This resource empowered our campus staff and student leaders to reach and welcome new students—many of whom are encountering a community of faith for the very first time. Enthusiastic teenagers are helping refresh our high school ministry. Our first ever post- graduate student conference attracted 60 participants.

God has done more than we could have hoped for or imagined. I pray you, too, will be surprised at what God can do in and through you as together we serve Him. May the Lord surprise us all.