Cree Garica found that she did not walk her journey of faith alone.

Cree, a member of Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church in Olivia, encountered challenges that many high schoolers face. In a world where it’s easy to curate a perfect social media image, Cree had a hard time loving herself.  “I always struggled with that,” she shared. Cree didn’t feel like she measured up to others.

Then, when her grandfather passed away during her sophomore year of high school, difficult questions arose.  She did not anticipate his death and felt guilty for not spending more time with him. She bottled those emotions.

In the midst of this challenging time her congregation encouraged her to apply to be a part of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod’s Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) Board. That application changed her life.

From the first LYO Board meeting she felt support from the group. She reflected, “It helped me to see God. God was trying to let me take life as slowly as possible and take the joy in everything. I didn’t have to hide myself.”

And Cree didn’t hide. In her two years on the LYO Board she had the opportunity to share her faith experiences at the synod’s Senior High Youth Gathering. From her perspective, “This was such a huge moment in my life.”

One year she talked about her struggles after the death of her grandpa. “In preparing to share with the group I realized I still had a lot of healing to do.” The next year she shared her journey of learning to love herself. Her vulnerability made a difference. “My story impacted them. People came up and hugged me afterwards, sharing their similar stories.”

Through the LYO and youth gatherings, the Southwestern Minnesota Synod shapes the faith journeys of youth throughout the synod. It definitely made a difference to Cree. “Before LYO I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school. Now I do. I want to help people.” Cree is now beginning her career helping people with disabilities.

If your congregation sends young people & adults to the Synod’s Jr. & Sr. High Youth Gatherings, National Youth Gathering, or connects youth leaders through the Youth Ministry Network….These ministries in the synod and beyond happen because of your Mission Support. Thank You!!

The 2025 Jr. High Youth Gathering is coming up – Nov. 21-22, 2025!