by Pastor JR Cuevas

We have had the great privilege this year of ministering to another incredible pair of high school seniors – Cole Short and Jenna Kim. As their youth pastor, it’s been an interesting experience shepherding the both of them, as there could not be more distinct in their personalities. Cole – state-ranked high jumper – began attending LBC in the latter part of 2008 upon the encouragement of his older brother. Jenna – a skilled videographer – has been at LBC as long as (or longer than) anyone else in the church. It’s hard to find a young man more energetic than Cole, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a young lady more initially reserved than Jenna. As in-coming college freshmen, Cole aspires a major in international studies. Jenna – home economics and communications. Cole grew as the younger of two brothers; Jenna – the oldest of four sisters. During his free time, Cole can be writing songs while picking his acoustic guitar; Jenna prefers reading and spending time taking care of her sisters.

But what I’ve found even more amazing is how – through the saving grace of God – these two Torrey Pines High School seniors are amazingly similar when it comes to their spiritual walks. Both have confessed – with both heart and life – Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Both love to write – and journal – about their spiritual insights (and both are incredibly good writers!) Both are extremely teachable – spiritual sponges always ready and eager to soak in instruction and wisdom from the Word of God and their youth leaders. During Friday night sermons, both look at me with an intense glare for the entire time I’m preaching without losing focus, indicating that they’re both listening, learning. Both have shared the gospel with non-Christian classmates and friends far more than I have – easily putting me to shame in the realm of evangelism. Both – individually – have asked me for copies of all of the outlines of the Sunday School messages that I’ve taught. Both hurled at me a flury of questions, as to how to make the most God-honoring decision concerning where to go to college. Both decided on their own volition to attend Christian colleges.

Recently, we held the second of our college table talks with Cole and Jenna, where I and a few of the other staff members gave them an opportunity to ask as many questions as they had about college – whether it be concerns or just general inquiries. The staff and myself were simply amazed with their maturity indicated by the depth of insight that they both had in the questions that they asked. It was clear both had a greater goal in mind than just doing well in college; they were both genuinely seeking to do college to the glory of God, and were eager to glean wisdom from their older brothers and sisters as to how they could do that. Chris Tou, one of the staff members who helped run the table talk, said it well: “These kids are intense!” Really, these two are anything but kids; they’ve proven themselves to be young adults capable of making God-honoring decisions.

I think it would be a fair conclusion to say that, aside from their parents, no one is more proud of these seniors than I am. To have had the opportunity to guide two college-bound seniors who have shown – through their daily growth and life decisions – a fear of the Lord is a privilege that I will always thank the Lord for. They’ve brought so much joy to my heart, and I’ll miss them both. Yet, I’m confident that the Lord who started a good work in them will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Cole and Jenna, I’m praying for you guys.