by Sherilyn David
Many times we do not realize the affect that we have on people. We go about our lives and do not think twice about the interactions that we have on a day to day basis. Recently, J-YA said “see you later” to one of our very own.
Josh Jaboneta first attended FNL in May of 2010. He was shy, quiet, and a “new” guy to J-YA. Our first impressions of him varied, but overall, we had no idea that behind his tough exterior, was a fun-loving, upbeat, light-on-his-feet, dancing machine. Being the “new guy” wasn’t easy. He didn’t know if he fit in and we didn’t know how to approach him. Then one day, Josh was invited to a movie with some of the people from J-YA and as they say, the rest is history.
From the outing, Josh continued to build friendships and bonds with people from J-YA and J-Youth and started to regularly attend FNL. He found his place, his home, his niche within the group. He also attended bible studies and we often fellowshipped on Sundays for lunch. He was there at our church lock-in, our overnight at Lake Camanche, our day boating trip at Lake Anderson, and recently our snow trip at Lake Tahoe. All these activities seem mundane to the ordinary eye, but what we didn’t know is that God used all these events as channels for Him to change Josh’s life.
You never think that going out to eat or hang out at church are life-changing activities, but for Josh they were. He once told me, “J-YA changed my life.” The positive influences, the non-existent peer pressure, the comfort and acceptance of being part of a church family is what J-YA is all about. We want you to know that we accept you just as you are and that there’s a place for you.
At Josh’s last FNL, we all gave our personal testimonials about him. I told him that he was the “glue” that brought J-YA together. His response was: “It was a wonderful feeling knowing that I was the one that God used to bring J-YA together. I’m happy he did because using me helped me gain a group of friends I never thought I’d have. I have friends that I’m super close with, but the bond that I have with you guys is totally different…”
Who would’ve known that the guy we met less than a year ago would be thankful to God for being used for His service? Our goal as young adults and youth group is not to change lives, but to bring people to the One who can. So, although it was sad saying goodbye to Josh, we know that it’s not goodbye; it’s “see you later.”
