Ashley says that the highlight of the leadership experience for her was being given the opportunity to do service work on the farm during the time in Quebec. Another highlight for her was learning how to pray for others, even if they seemed angry or unlovable.

Ashley says that she was stretched to grow up in her faith and to open up about her faith while participating in GLA. She adds that the experience has also made her bolder about her faith since coming back to Calgary.

However, Ashley says that one of the most powerful experiences in Quebec was learning about the “realness” of God in her life, all by losing her glasses.

“Before the trip I was struggling with actually believing if God really does exist because, being brought up in a relatively modern society and group of friends, you tend to question a lot of stuff and ask for evidence. So during one of the park ministries we did, I put my glasses in my pocket so I could wear sunglasses and after a few surveys with people I noticed that my glasses were gone from my pocket. Continue reading →

Courtney participated in the program in both 2009 and 2010. She has a very relational heart and says that one of the highlights of the program for her was all of the  she made during the time in Quebec. She says that these relationships make her feel like she still has a deep connection with the people of Quebec because she continues to maintain those friendships.

However, Courtney says that the most important lesson that she learned was to trust God fully, trying to see the bigger picture of what God is doing. She says that she now knows that God has her best in mind and is in control, even if she is unsure of how he is leading her.

Courtney has graduated from high school and is now attending Continue reading →