Seven Summers at Christian Youth in Action: A Teen’s Story of Faith and Leadership by Hannah Wilson

Hannah Wilson is demonstrating the Bible lesson for her fellow CYIA teens at their week-long training.

Christian Youth in Action (CYIA) is more than just a summer program; it is a life-changing

experience that equips teenagers to understand their faith, share the gospel, and grow into

confident leaders for Christ. Every summer, teenagers from across Florida come together

for a week of intensive training, discipleship, and fellowship. During this time, they learn

how to clearly communicate the message of the gospel to children and families in their

communities. But beyond the training, CYIA creates an environment where faith deepens,

friendships grow stronger, and young people discover how God can use them in powerful

ways.

After the training, teens go out in their community and teach kids at 5-Day Clubs.

These clubs take place in local communities—at churches, parks, recreational centers,

and other public spaces—where children gather to hear Bible lessons, sing songs, play

games, and learn about Jesus. During the training week, we learn how to teach Bible

stories clearly, explain the message of salvation, and lead activities that help children

understand God’s love.

I have personally been attending CYIA for nearly seven years, and over that time, the

program has had an incredible impact on my life. What started as a simple opportunity to

learn more about my faith quickly became one of the most meaningful parts of my spiritual

journey. Through CYIA, I have grown in confidence, developed lasting friendships centered

on Christ, and seen firsthand how the gospel can change lives.

At first, the idea of teaching and sharing my faith with others felt intimidating. Like many

teenagers, I struggled with anxiety and uncertainty. I worried about saying the wrong thing

or not knowing how to answer someone’s questions. However, CYIA provided both the

training and encouragement I needed to step out of that fear. The leaders and mentors

invested time in helping us practice teaching, speaking, and sharing our testimonies.

Slowly but surely, I began to realize that God doesn’t expect perfection. He simply asks us

to be willing. Over the years, I have seen incredible personal growth through the program.

When I first started attending CYIA, I was much more hesitant to speak about my faith

openly. But with every summer that passed, I became more confident not only in sharing

the gospel but also in understanding it more deeply myself.

One of the most powerful parts of CYIA is the community that forms during the training

week. Teenagers from different towns and churches come together with a shared

purpose—to grow in their faith and serve others. Spending an entire week learning,

worshiping, and working together naturally creates strong bonds. Many of the friendships I

have made through CYIA have become some of the most meaningful relationships in my

life. These friendships are unique because they are centered on Christ. Instead of simply

connecting through shared interests or hobbies, we are united by a common mission and

love for God. We encourage each other spiritually, pray for one another, and continue

supporting each other long after the summer training ends. Some of my best memories

have come from the summers I have spent serving alongside these friends through CYIA.

Hannah teaching kids during a summer 5-Day Club at her church.

Another unforgettable part of the experience is teaching in the 5-Day Clubs after the

training week. These clubs allow us to take what we have learned and immediately put it

into practice. Throughout the week, we interact with children in the community, teaching

them Bible lessons and helping them understand the gospel in a way that is meaningful

and engaging. Watching children hear about Jesus for the first time is something I will never

forget. There have been moments when kids who previously knew little about the Bible

suddenly become eager to learn more. Seeing their excitement and curiosity reminds me

why this ministry matters so much. It also reminds me that even small acts of faithfulness

can have an eternal impact.

One of the most encouraging things I have experienced through CYIA is seeing the long-term results of these 5-Day Clubs. Some of the children I taught during those summers

eventually started attending my church. Over time, they continued learning, growing in

their faith, and becoming involved in ministry themselves. Today, several of those same

kids are serving alongside me in the children’s ministry. Seeing that kind of transformation

is both humbling and inspiring. It shows how God can use a simple week of teaching and

encouragement to plant seeds that grow for years to come. Knowing that I played even a

small role in that process is something I will always treasure.

CYIA has also helped me better understand my own faith. Teaching the gospel to others

forces you to think deeply about what you believe and why it matters. As I prepared lessons

and explained biblical truths to children, I found myself growing in my knowledge and

relationship with Christ. The more I shared my faith, the more real and personal it became

in my own life.

Another important lesson CYIA has taught me is the value of stepping

outside of my comfort zone. Ministry often requires courage—whether that means

speaking in front of a group, approaching new people, or trusting God in unfamiliar

situations. Through this program, I have learned that some of the most meaningful

experiences happen when we are willing to step forward in faith.

Looking back over the past seven years, I can clearly see how CYIA has shaped my life. It

has strengthened my relationship with Christ, helped me develop leadership skills, and

given me a passion for sharing the gospel with others. It has also shown me the power of

investing in the next generation and the importance of making faith something that is lived

out, not just talked about.

Most importantly, CYIA has reminded me that God can use ordinary people in

extraordinary ways. A group of teenagers spending a week learning how to teach children

might not seem like something that could change lives—but year after year, it does.

Children hear the gospel, friendships are formed, faith grows stronger, and young people

discover that they can make a real difference in their communities.

For me, CYIA is not just a program I attend each summer. It has become a defining part of my spiritual journey. The lessons I have learned, the friendships I have built, and the lives I have seen impacted will stay with me for the rest of my life. And every summer, I am reminded again why it matters so much.

If you would like to know more about CYIA and how you can get involved, contact us today at office@cefmanasota.com. We would love to connect with you!