Testimonies: the power of scholarships

Right now the Ignite staff is taking part in Mustache March in order to raise money for camper scholarships. We're trying to raise enough money to send 10 campers to camp, and the men of Ignite won't be shaving their mustaches until we reach our goal. Check out some camper testimonies on the impact a scholarship to Ignite made on their life and donate today: https://www.gofundme.com/mustachemarch2017

Annalee's Story

When I heard about Ignite, I didn’t think I’d be able to go. My dad lost his job a few months before the camp, and my parents didn’t feel comfortable funding that activity in our financial state. But my close friend and his mom insisted that I should go, so they suggested that I apply for the scholarship. As an introvert, I looked at the all of the videos online and was hesitant to put myself out of my comfort zone. But I felt something tugging at my heart. So I asked God for wisdom in choosing to go to the camp or not; ultimately I decided that if I received a scholarship, I would go. And I did; I was so overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement. At the camp, I got close to some other Christian girls and learned more about opening up and keeping my eyes on God instead of what this world has to offer. In a way, Ignite was a reminder of what pursuing Christ looks like; it had been a long time since I had had fellowship, and I was in dire need of it. The counselors of my camp (Camp Dragon Tales whoop whoop!) greeted us with outstretched arms and warm prayers which made college seem less daunting and made me realize that our journey in following Christ doesn’t have to be tread alone. Although I didn’t agree with everything the speaker said, it made me think critically about the word and about the teachings that I was receiving during the camp. I also really enjoyed Quiet Time, which I usually spent by the lake, where I could have a moment in God’s word and quietly worship him as I admired the nature around me. Ignite was an awesome experience that I won’t forget and that shaped the beginning of my college experience in a very positive way. P.S. Thank you Mrs. Yearout for insisting that I go and informing my parents about the scholarship. Thanks to anyone who made it possible for me to attend camp last year, it means a lot to me. Lastly, Thank You God for sending me to Ignite, it certainly started a spark!

See Annalee with her camp (second to the right) in the photo below.

Taylor's Story

As a student transitioning from a small, conservative high school to a large, diverse university, I found it rather daunting, if not a bit frightening, to adjust to such a different climate. My colleagues would tell me that many students enter UT as a follower of God and His Word and leave as a harsh nonbeliever. I did not want to be one of those students; therefore finding a community of God-loving and God-seeking people at UT was very important to me. That is when my roomie-to-be told me about Ignite! Being able to have a close niche of fellow Christians who are also entering this new journey of the ultimate test of faith before school even started was exactly what I needed to feel at home at UT! Although my heart was set, the financial need was not. I was beginning to think that money was going to prevent me from attending, as it has with other things, but The Lord heard my cry and answered. The scholarship given to me by generous donors allowed me to grow in faith and to be assured that I will not lose it. Having peers who also believe in God pushes you to become a better disciple. College is a whole new world, a world of temptation and new challenges. Ignite helped make this transition easier and smoother for it helped me strengthen my relationship with God and have a family that continues to strive for His mercy.

See Taylor (front left) with her camp in the photo below.

Mariana's Story

As college rolled around the corner, I found myself praying for God to be immensely present at whatever college I chose. I was hesitant about coming to the University of Texas because I wasn’t sure I would find the Christian community I knew I desperately needed at that point in my life as a fairly new believer. The second I heard about Ignite, I just remember being in awe because I was overwhelmed by how precisely the Lord had answered my prayer! Ignite would be my first time at a retreat centered around Christ and I couldn’t be more excited. While I was overjoyed with the prospect of attending, I also remember being nervous about telling my parents the cost. The mere cost of going to UT was already taking a toll on my parents financially, so I didn’t want to burden them with additional costs. Although I might have been able to convince my parents that I felt Ignite would be crucial to my belonging at UT, the opportunity to get a scholarship made going to the retreat a real possibility. I was skeptical about whether or not I would qualify for a scholarship, but the Lord provided and I ended up getting a reduced price to attend Ignite! I can’t imagine how different my college experience would be had I not been to Ignite. I can truly say that it was a life changing experience because I met people and ministries that I am closely involved with today, and the best part is that it all revolves around my sweet savior. The peace I felt walking onto campus on the first day of school was due to knowing that the Lord was present and working at UT, just as I had seen through Ignite. It meant so much to me that Ignite thought to give out scholarships because I was able to come to camp without the burden of finances, and that freedom allowed me to focus on my faith, so I praise His name every day for that!!!

See Mariana (right) with a camp friend in the photo below.

Scholarships allow many campers like these to attend Ignite every year. Please join us in making that a reality: https://www.gofundme.com/mustachemarch2017