Jervias lived with his mom until moving in with his father and stepmom around sixth grade. Before then, he visited his dad and stepmom who were Salvation Army *envoys in Iowa. It was there that Jervias was introduced to The Salvation Army.

Salvation Army camps played a vital role in Jervias’ story. It was there, at age 10, that Jervias dedicated his life to Jesus Christ: “I remember the feeling of the Holy Spirit coming upon me for the first time,” says Jervias. It was in his teenage years, also at camp, that Jervias sensed God calling him to be an officer (pastor) in The Salvation Army.

Yet when he returned to school, Jervias was “quick to shove Jesus in the closet.” In 2017, Jervias joined a Summer Mission Team that traveled to India, but continued to doubt that he was worthy of good things in his life.

“I don’t always have to see what God is doing to know that He’s working.”

After one year at university (studying communications), Jervias left. It was his first taste of freedom and he took advantage of it. “I had no idea what I was doing. I was like the prodigal son—I squandered an opportunity.”

A Salvation Army camp rescued Jervias from the pit he found himself in—“Camp kept me from going off the deep end and doing something regrettable.” Being a camp counselor taught Jervias to be patient with others, but also with himself. “I felt at peace knowing that God had His hands in the mix and He was working even though I couldn’t quite see it upfront.”

Today, 21-year-old Jervias is active in Temple House (a year-long residential mission experience). “It’s been eye-opening. I’ve grown spiritually and emotionally. I don’t have an identity crisis because my firm foundation has been set. I would shy away from telling people who Jesus is, but now, this is part of who I am.”

Despite our mistakes and successes, Jervias encourages young people to actively seek God. The leap of faith isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. “If you’re willing to be vulnerable and let Jesus enter into your life, you’ll see eventually that it will be the best decision you’ve ever made.”

Did you know there are 42 summer camps across the U.S. that are run by The Salvation Army? Look for a camp near you at peermag.org/work-at-camp/.

*An envoy is a rank in The Salvation Army for individuals of leadership and full-time service. An envoy may be appointed in charge of a Salvation Army unit.

We’d love to hear what God’s doing in your life! Submit your story at peermag.org/ contribute.