Erlandson House religious life prefect Esteri Akandwanaho, senior, spoke before members of the Rome community, Nov. 7 to thank them for their support of Youth For Christ (YFC) and share the many ways the organization affects Darlington School students. Thanks to YFC, a youth-focused Christian organization, student members from Shorter College, Rome, Ga., spend time each week at Darlington to help Akandwanaho organize and implement a meaningful bible study in Erlandson House. “I love working with the girls every week. Often it is the best part of my week, because college life can be very stressful. I love coming because they are eager to learn about Jesus Christ,” student member of YFC Kate Huff said. Akandwanaho spoke directly to YFC supporters about how important their ministry is to Erlandson House residents.
Approximately half the residents of Erlandson House and at least one day-student attend bible study on a regular basis. “It’s really nice to have just one day when you can go in and let go of all your worries and concentrate on God. I mean, in school there are so many things you have to think about . . . knowing that it’s Tuesday and Kate’s coming tonight help me relax and get through the day,” Emily Hendrickson, freshman said.
Youth For Christ contributions expand beyond helping a student prefect learn how to organize and direct a bible study. “Kate is not only a good teacher of Christ, she is our friend,” Ally Castagliola, junior, said. “We can go to her with anything and she will not judge our questions. She helps us grow morally.”
“As Head of House, I understand the need for students to have spiritual guidance. I have seen the faces of my girls light up when Kate and her friends are around,” Blythe Erlandson said. “As young people, the YFC crowd understands what the residents of Erlandson House are going through and is able to help them make smart choices. Having the Shorter students come to campus to provide this ministry has certainly improved boarding school life for Earl’s Girls.”
