“Do I matter?” In the past 10 years, feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness—as well as suicidal thoughts and behaviors—increased by about 40% among young people. And one thing at the heart of this struggle is that uncertain question: “Do I matter?” It is a search for understanding and identity, and while there are more places to go to for answers these days - online, social media, influencers, etc. - most young people seem to be having a harder and harder time finding meaning and purpose.

In 1 Peter 2:9, Peter reminds us who we are: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

At our first ONE Conference, we’re going to be exploring the truth that we are CALLED OUT of the darkness of feeling insignificant and unknown. Each of us is Pursued, has a Purpose, a Place we belong, and is God’s special Possession. Our prayer is that middle schoolers will come away from the weekend understanding how much they matter to God, and with a clear idea of how to live into that.