By MICKAYLA Clinton

2019, I walked into

Flame On as a shy girl who preferred to stay hidden in the background. I remember arriving and instinctively standing behind my brother, hoping that no one would notice me. Once we walked into the building, I quickly found my usual safe place— a corner. That’ s where I felt comfortable, away from the spotlight and surrounded by only a few people.

But Flame On has a way of drawing people out, and that year, God used it to begin changing me. The national youth leader at the time noticed me tucked away and refused to let me stay there. Gently, I was pulled out of the corner and invited into the heart of the event, into the games, the inflatables, the community, and deeper into worship and the presence of God.

At first, it was overwhelming. I wasn’ t used to being so far away from my parents and around so many people. I had always been the girl standing in the back, hoping not to draw attention to myself. Yet as the sessions went on, something inside me began to shift. I started to look forward to Flame On. I experienced joy in worship like never before, and I no longer wanted to hide in the

corner. I began to join in and play with the other youth.

One of the most powerful things I remember happening at Flame On was receiving a call to get involved with youth ministry, to help lead and encourage others like me to step out and truly enjoy the events. That call both excited me and terrified me. How could someone like me step into that role? Still, God had planted that seed, and I carried it with me throughout the years. Every time Flame On came around, I wasn’ t hiding anymore. Instead, I counted down the days with excitement. I was eager to return, to worship freely, and to jump headfirst into the crazy games like Honey, Do You Love Me? and Wink’ Em.

Looking back now, I realize how pivotal Flame On has been in my journey. If it wasn’ t for that first year when someone pulled me out of my corner, I might still be that shy girl hiding behind others. I might never have discovered my voice, my confidence, or my calling. Most of all, I may never have considered stepping into leadership as a Leader in Training( LIT).

Flame On didn’ t just give me memories; it gave me direction. It helped me discover that God

can use even the shyest, most uncertain person for His work. It reminded me that He doesn’ t call the equipped, He equips the called. Now, I carry with me the courage that was born in those moments of worship, games, laughter, and fellowship.

For me, Flame On was more than just an event. It was a turning point; a place where I encountered God’ s love in community and discovered the boldness He had placed inside me all along. CMA

Mickayla serves as an LIT and RFS Secretary for Snowy Range Victory Riders # 1450, in Laramie, Wyoming.

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