Facing the challenge of growing up with virtue in a not-so-virtuous world, 11 Clarkston area girls formed a local Challenge Girls Club. “I believe these girls are the future of the church and society,” said Kristin McGrath, formation mentor. “They’ll make a big difference. They’ll bring back values to society. They’re going to change the world.” Club members Amanda Covert, Nicole Frank, Jackie Gipe, Katie Gipe, Alyssa Hamelin, Maria Pangori, Lizzi Ridge, Alison Stawara, Kendra Sweet, Erin VanBuskirk, and Jenny Zawadzki meet weekly to discuss themes and passages from the Bible, and plan service projects throughout the community. “We share our thoughts about religion,” Hamelin said. “We’re like a big family. We respect everyone.” “I heard about it from my friends,” Ridge said. “It sounded fun.” The girls, ages 10-14, come from different schools, so it gives them a chance to get together with girls they wouldn’t have otherwise, she said. “I’ve really enjoyed it,” Jackie said. One project was a fundraiser selling earrings to buy diaper bags, clothes, and supplies for local crisis pregnancy centers. These are mothers in trouble who decided not to have abortions – we wanted to help them,” Hamelin said. “We want to support them for choosing life,” Katie said. They also go to local nursing homes to visit with residents. “As girls get older, they face different situations,” said Pam Zawadzki, club president. “They have different issues at different ages.” “Our hope is the girls take what they learn about virtue into their lives, and home and at school,” said Kelsey McCrum, a Virginian serving Michigan through the Coworker missionary program. “The world needs them.”
Original Article published in Clarkston News: https://www.clarkstonnews.com/Articles-i-2008-03-12-214700.112112_Girls_face_their_future_with_faith.html