A Lasting Impression

By: BOGDAN KUCHURIVSKYY 

"Home" is a place where I experience authentic connections with people. As a teen, I struggled to find a church that I could call home. After some time of bouncing around to different churches and searching for community, I found Arlington Adventist Church. 

Initially, I connected with the 11:30 A.M. service, known as Mosaic, mainly because I had a hard time getting up in the morning. While Younger Generation Church's 10:15 A.M. service start doesn’t sound too bad, it felt early for me as a teen. 

As I started to attend Arlington Adventist Church, I became accustomed to my typical “come and go” routine. However, one Saturday, I got caught in a conversation that changed my perception of feeling “at home” within a church. 

Adrian Riojas, a church member, approached me one day after the service and began to converse with me about life. I was a shy teen, so talking to people wasn’t my strong suit. Anxiety emerged, but to my surprise, our conversation was very genuine. Through my conversation with Adrian, I learned more about YG’s ministries and programs. Over the next few weeks, we continued to become friends and Adrian soon invited me to visit Younger Generation Church’s service. 

As I experienced my first YG service, I admit that I had a specific perception of what “younger generation” looked like. I soon realized that YG’s definition of “younger generation” is not limited by physical age. Younger Generation Church isn’t simply for young people, it’s for anyone passionate about being Jesus to younger generations and the world. 

As the weeks progressed, Adrian introduced me to YG’s “Lead Team”. I initially assumed that Lead Team was some cool exclusive meet up, but I was mistaken. Lead Team is a group of people who collaborate and explore how YG can reach younger generations for Christ. Lead Team is a group of individuals who take the time to serve in YG’s dozen ministries and truly want to make a positive impact in the community. 

Through Younger Generation Church, I found the authentic connection I was searching for all my life. The more involved with YG I became, the more friendships and connections I made. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Attending YG has been a huge blessing. It has allowed me to experience many things that would not have been possible if it were not for this loving community. 

The people of YG advance the work of God through community in a kingdom-minded vision. I am proud to call myself a YGer.