It is easy see the youth of the church as leaders of tomorrow, but the youth of the Loma Linda Chinese church are leaders of the church today. The group of high school and college students has always had an outreach and each summer have participated in vacation Bible school. However, this summer, instead of using the pre-packaged program, they voted to entirely create their own, one they would write and lead.

Calling it "Island Survivin': Taking the Challenge for Jesus," the youth wrote the music and skits, designed the crafts, created the decorations and led the activities. With an emphasis on Paul's journeys and his own island adventure, the program taught children valuable lessons in God's protection and in taking a challenge for Jesus.

Anna Yap, a high school junior, co-led the VBS with Clayton Koh, a recent La Sierra University graduate. "Everything came together really well," she said, "and we all pitched in to make this an amazing, life-changing experience."

Life-changing not only for the 64 children who attended "Island Survivin'," but for their families and the student directors, who, themselves, had spent hours visiting the community, inviting children to the VBS. As a result, almost 85 percent of the children were not members of the church.

One family who generally felt uncomfortable sending their daughters to a new place felt safe sending them to "Island Survivin'," and asked about future events at the church.

The families, however, were not the only ones blessed. As the youth lead the ministry, many grew in confidence and faith, and stengthened their relationships with God. They gained new skills in responsibility and teamwork. The youth discovered that whenever they take on a challenge for Jesus, they never do it alone.