Growing and Giving Through HPUMC Youth

The years spanning from seventh grade through high school graduation are a special time for those involved in HPUMC Youth.

Senior Owen Johnson knows firsthand how meaningful this time can be. He has attended HPUMC since first grade when his family moved to Highland Park. He has spiritually matured throughout his time in Youth, especially during the last few years.

“Being part of the Youth group means having a strong community where I can grow in my faith, build lasting friendships, and develop leadership skills while serving others,” Johnson said.

He has been on four mission trips over the last three summers, including Costa Rica and Galveston this past year. Those had the biggest impact on him.

“The mission trips I’ve participated in, especially Costa Rica, really inspired me to get more involved and take on leadership roles within HPUMC Youth,” Johnson said. “My mission trip to San Jose, Costa Rica, was one of the most meaningful experiences because I helped build a church and led a team of underclassmen, which challenged me to grow as a leader.”

That led to him taking on the responsibilities of leading Dudes’ Day this past year, as the guys of HPUMC Youth get together to hang out and have fun in the middle of the fall semester.

Not only that, he started a seventh-grade boys’ Bible study on Sunday mornings. All while still being involved in the rest of Youth programming, especially Wednesday nights at the Tolleson Family Activity Center.

“Regular fellowship, worship, and service at WOW (Worship on Wednesday) give me a place to connect with others, deepen my faith, and make a real impact on the community,” Johnson said.

HPUMC Youth has provided him, and many others, the chance to be a part of something bigger than themselves. They then pay it forward to the next generation by leading them, and to the community, both locally and globally.

“Being part of HPUMC Youth has shaped me as a leader, strengthened my faith, and given me opportunities to serve and mentor others, all of which have had a huge impact on me.”