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Laura Hum remembers sitting in church on Sunday, knowing that the Lord was speaking to her through the pastor’s sermon. She sensed that he wanted her to let go of her expectations for the future and that he was going to lead her into a new ministry.


35 years ago, Laura Hum was a volunteer leader of teens. Now she is a retired homeschooling mom of four young adults, nature lover, world traveler, and published author and blogger. She currently teaches
God’s Word to a group of Chinese youth and leads a women’s prayer group. She enjoys taking nature walks with her husband Marlin and sharing the beauty of God’s creation through their photos.


Four Year Journey

At the time, I was newly married, a young believer, and looking for full-time work. The next day I spent much time in prayer, surrendering as best as I knew how to whatever the Lord had for me. When I got the call from Pastor Bob asking if we’d join him in the youth ministry, I had no doubt that this was what the Lord was preparing me for.

Thus began a four-year adventure with the LEC youth ministry.

Investing in Others

One of the main takeaways from that experience was the vision imparted to me to invest in others. We are called as a church to make disciples: to take what we’ve learned and entrust it to others who will be able to teach others also. (Matt. 28:19, 2 Tim. 2:2) We loved, prayed for and with the youth, and taught them; and we grew in the faith alongside them.

That disciple-making vision has never left me. The Lord has led me to host/lead Bible studies, start a youth group/class, befriend international students, lead a women’s prayer group, support homeschooling moms, participate in street evangelism, raise 4 children, etc. He has blessed me with many opportunities to disciple others, which has been a source of great joy for me.

Experiencing God’s Presence

Our experience with youth ministry made the Lord more real to me. We prayed, planned, and God showed up! Whether at our youth services, retreats, or on our mission trip to Thailand, there was a tangible presence of the Holy Spirit at work in and through us. We were not just learning about God; we were experiencing his presence every time we met. I can (and have) abandoned certain theological perspectives, but how can I leave the Lord who has made his presence and love known to me in a real and personal way?

There’s just no denying experiencing God, and my participation in youth ministry was one means to do that. “I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.” Psalm 63:2-4

Grateful

I’m thankful that as a young believer, I was invited to join a supportive team of Christ followers and use my gifts to bless others. I discovered that despite my flaws and lack of maturity, I had a role to fill in the body of Christ. It’s been rewarding to see the youth grow up and take their place in society, many of whom still follow God. I have no regrets in saying yes to the Lord!

Were you with Laura at the Life Centre? Please leave a comment for her at the bottom of this page. And please write your own story of life after the Life Centre and send it to bob.pb.jones@gmail.com

Related Stories / Manuela Kesseler-Lehman / Gary Horsman / Marlin Hum

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Bob Jones

Happily married to Jocelyn for 45 years. We have two adult sons, Cory and his wife Lynsey and their son Vincent and daughter Jayda; Jean Marc and his wife Angie and their three daughters, Quinn, Lena and Annora. I love inspiring people through communicating, blogging, and coaching. I enjoy writing, running, and reading. I'm a fan of the Double E, Bruins, Celtics, Red Sox and Pats. Follow me on Twitter @bobjones49ers

2 Comments

  • Gary Horsman says:

    I especially remember meeting with Marlin and Laura at their house in Dorval on Tuesday nights. They were very welcoming and we had great times together, studying the Bible, praying and talking about life and spirituality.

    What I remember profoundly in those youth years was watching Laura develop an instant rapport with complete strangers when doing evangelism. She just had a gift with engaging with people that I don’t see in many others.

    Laura and Marlin were true gifts in my formative years at Lakeshore Youth.

  • Laura Hum says:

    Thank you for the kind words, Gary.
    I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts

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