I was born in Hays, KS, but grew up primarily in Muskogee, OK. When I was in middle school my family moved for a very short time to Nebraska, then on to Augusta, KS where I graduated from high school. In 2002, I attended college at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS and graduated with a music degree with an emphasis on church music. My life since then has definitely been full of twists and turns – from moving home to the middle of Kansas to work for my dad to attending cosmetology school, to being a stay-at-home mom for a while, and then becoming a k-8 music teacher. It’s been a wild ride, but true to His word, I can look back and see how God has been leading me down every path and working all things together for my good.
The summer of 2004 I worked at Youthfront. The summer was phenomenal! It made such an impression on me, I went back the next 2 years as summer staff and even volunteered a few weeks a 4th summer. Youthfront was my home away from home. I made unforgettable memories, life-long friendships, and believe it or not, I do actually remember some of the lessons I learned during the spiritual formation times.
Ever since the summers at Youthfront during college, I have thought about Youthfront often. I always thought it would be great to be able to go back as full-time staff, but the timing and family obligations never worked out. Then, 2022 brought many, many changes for our family, and in December I took a leap of faith and sent in my resume’. I didn’t expect a call back, but throughout the process I trusted in God for me and my family’s future. After all these years, it still seems a little surreal to finally be back at Camp!
I think back to that song from my childhood:
“A missionary is a person who tells other people that God loves you. You don’t have to go to a far away shore. You can tell the people who live next door.”
I think of the shores of the lake at Youthfront Camp West and the 16 cabins around it. Of the thousands of campers that will fill those cabins each summer. Of the ways God will reveal himself to each student in a new place and a new way as they experience new things. And I get to be a part of telling them that God loves them.
I think of the college students from across the midwest that will come together to serve each summer. Of the memories they will make and cherish the rest of their lives. Of the ways they will encourage and teach each other. Of the ways God will reveal himself through their interactions with the campers. Of the ways their faith will grow as they serve. And I get to be a part of telling them that God loves them too.
Thank you for continued partnership in my ministry! As part of my responsibilities at Youthfront, I fundraise to support the ministry and a portion of my salary. You can support me monthly or with a one-time gift.
If you have questions or would like to connect with me, please reach out. I can be reached at: ashepherd@youthfront.com.
