Jolene's faith won

Enflamed by the YC conference, she initiated a faith-filled day at her school

Jolene Latimer

By BILL GLEN
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

Jolene Latimer was a new student in a big high school a year ago when she put her faith on the line.

"It was a burden on my heart that so many people didn't know Jesus personally," said Latimer, a Grade 11 student at Archbishop MacDonald High School.

Latimer attended her first YC Alberta conference at Rexall Place in Grade 7. After seeing some 16,000 youth together loving God, a flame lit in her heart to produce a similar event for her classmates.

"It was a big dream where I wondered 'What if I could do it?' I never took it too seriously, but once or twice a year, the idea would return. I was so scared because to step out like that from the student body really sets you apart."

Following what she described as "God's plan for me," Latimer stayed true to her call, resulting in the highly enthusiastic Spiritual Enrichment Day at Archbishop MacDonald. The inaugural, one-of-a-kind event March 21 drew some 900 students to the gym where they danced to live music by local Christian band Trinity Drive, followed by a compelling talk by YC Alberta founder Mike Love.

Students then broke off into several groups to listen to local Christian radio personalities and Church ministers who discussed the theme More Than Life.

"People were definitely enthused about the event," Latimer said afterwards, letting out a long sigh. "I'm already looking forward to next year."

Latimer had once heard that if you think something is impossible, then you will know it is God's dream. She thought that whatever happened, she would walk with the Lord.

She developed a plan and with the help of school chaplain Taffy Mackie, stepped out of her comfort zone and pitched her idea to Archbishop MacDonald principal Bill Myskiw.

A month passed without a response. An excited Latimer began to fear the worst. She felt that if the idea went down, she would go down with it.

"It was a wonderful idea. Who could argue with it?" Myskiw said. "Jolene is very spiritual and sincere."

Myskiw approved the idea in principle, but working out the details, like getting the guest speakers, was a grind. He said Latimer kept him up to date.

"Taffy was a key guide and reminder of what needed to be attended to. She was a quiet supporter behind the scenes. But Jolene took care of it. It happened because of all of her hard work," he said.

"I was just a regular student with a big dream," she said.

"When you plan something for so long and then to actually have it happen, it's hard to believe. I'm on such a high."

Latimer's effort drew praise from the students. Dan Beresh got involved producing the lights and sound.

"We are a Catholic school and it's important to have events like this to enrich it," said Beresh, in Grade 10.

"An event like this strengthens our faith," said Grade 11 student Kajtek Wasaznik." It reminds us why God is important to us and why we go to a Catholic school."

Grade 12 student Zosia Tundak agreed. "This is a way for us to explore our faith."

Latimer said she experienced tremendous personal growth getting the event on stage. It is a testament to how God can use anybody.

"It doesn't matter where you are at with him. I was very immature in my faith. I think God refined me in the process. It was hard and at times I cried. But I had such passion in my heart and a desire to see God's hand move," Latimer said.

"My dream now is that it spreads to other schools. I don't believe it is God's will to have it stay here."

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