Dion

Our YFC team first met Dion, three years ago when he was an eighth grader and his older sister was one of the youth involved in our programs. She suggested that Dion go to camp with us and we of course were excited to meet him. He had a lukewarm experience at camp and was kind of reserved and not too engaged. He had a fun time and got to know some of the leaders, but only at a distance. The year and a half that followed camp was very difficult for Dion.

Dion grew up being bounced between parents for much of his life as a kid. His dad has been in and out of prison and has been in and out of Dion’s life. He loves his dad and wants to have more of a relationship with him. As a result of moving often, Dion has been in many different schools throughout his childhood and as a young adult. His mom has struggled with different addictions and has been trying to overcome and be there more for her children. Dion has often felt lost in the changes and has withdrawn from many healthy relationships. As a result he has been in and out of Remann Hall for the past three years. In the past year, he began to be recruited and approached by gangs here in Tacoma and has become involved.

Fast forward to June 2009 – his sister had asked if Dion could go to camp again this year (he did not go last year, but two years ago) and some of the City Life staff were a bit reluctant. They prayed and decided that he should go – his sister, his mom and Dion were all excited that he could go and he paid his deposit. His sister had been praying for her brother for the past few months that he would come to know Christ and would be able to go to camp. At camp, Dion was a different man. He was engaged and participated and was having a great week. About half way through the week, he made a commitment to Christ and immediately began writing rap songs for Jesus in our songwriting class. The insights and “realness” that he wrote with was amazing. He was even brave enough to rap in front of the whole camp. The kids were on their feet cheering him on and encouraging him. It was awesome seeing Dion transform before our very eyes that week. He continues to be a part of Sozo and the City Life staff are trying to move Trey to deeper discipleship.