Transformation through building relationships: A teen’s faith journey at Orton Park
Destanee is a bubbly teenage girl who radiates joy and positivity. Talking to her, you would not have guessed that public speaking was one of her greatest fears. Every time she gave a presentation in front of a class, she would be so scared that her voice trembled.
At Toronto City Mission (TCM)’s programs at Orton Park, Destanee learned that God is always with her and He is her ever-present help. During one presentation, she prayed in her head, “God, I know you're with me. I will be okay.” Just like that, her voice stopped trembling. She was able to speak clearly so that everyone could hear her. She marvelled at God’s power and goodness.
That day, Destanee had victory over her fear, but more importantly, her faith deepened because she personally experienced God.
Destanee is a TLC (Teens Leading Community) who grew up in TCM’s programs. She loves working with children and takes her role seriously. She makes sure that the children are listening well during Sonshine Day Camp because she recognizes that it is an opportunity for them to learn about God, just like how she learned about Him during her time in the programs.
It was almost seven years ago when she first joined the Kids in Community (KIC) after-school program. At the time, her family had just moved to Toronto and settled down in the Orton Park neighborhood in Scarborough. Though Orton Park is a close-knit community where people look out for each other, gang activity remains a concern for parents seeking a safe place for their children.
It was during COVID, when Destanee (bottom left) and her siblings first joined TCM’s after-school programs.
Melissa, Destanee’s mother, is a working mom. When the family first moved to Orton Park, finding safe after-school care for her children was a big challenge. “ Being in this neighborhood, having a place that my children can go to and feel safe, is a number one for me,” she said. When her son learned about TCM’s after-school programs from school, Melissa decided to give it a try.
At first, Melissa was not sure. “ I’m not a parent that trusts a lot of people,” she said. However, through getting to know Carmen and Mila, the Outreach Workers, she began to see how much they cared for her children. She sees them showing up in the big and small events of her children’s lives, attending their sports events and graduations, and being present in every way. As a parent, Melissa believes in actions, not empty talk. “They definitely show how much they care for them,” she said. “They’re there for my children and they’re 100 per cent there.”
Through TCM’s programs, Destanee and her siblings enjoyed various after-school activities, received homework assistance, and went on field trips during the summer. Melissa saw how much her children love coming to the programs. “ I don't push them to come. They ask to come. They ask to be a part of everything,” she said. ”It's a great experience because having this program, they're able to do a lot more than I can even afford to do with them.”
For Destanee, her favourite part of after-school programs is Bible lessons. She has always been curious about God and has had a deep desire to grow closer to Him. During lessons, she discovers Bible stories that she has not read before, which fuels her curiosity to dive into the Scriptures. Through building a relationship with her, she feels comfortable asking the Outreach Workers whatever questions about God. She asks about words she does not understand in the Bible or the false prophecies circulated on TikTok. Throughout her time with TCM, one important lesson she has learned is that life presents numerous challenges, but God is always with her.
Destanee and her sister were baptized in December 2024 at their church.
Over the years, Destanee’s faith has grown deeper as she continues to learn about God and experience Him in countless moments. Whether it’s feeling His joy and comfort in her lowest times or experiencing His peace while giving presentations, she clearly sees His presence in her life. Last year, Destanee started asking questions about baptism. An Outreach Worker explained what it means and shared her own testimony with her. Destanee learned that by getting baptized, she is taking a step closer to God because it is an expression of her faith and union with Christ. “ This is what I need to get, to follow His steps so I can get closer to Him,” she said. In December, Destanee and her sister got baptized at their church, marking a significant milestone in their spiritual journey.
As a Christian herself, Melissa prays that her children remain strong in their faith. “They (Outreach Workers) motivate them to actually stay on that path and go further,” she said.
Witnessing her daughters’ growing faith, Melissa said they got baptized because of the influence of the Outreach Workers. Her children love the fact that the Outreach Workers are Christians and how they live their lives. “They’re like a role model to my children,” Melissa said.
*All names of program attendees have been changed to protect privacy.