By RTF Staff Writer Jenn Joshua

[Read Monday's post to see part 1 of this interview...]

JJ: How do you think that involvement in missions could help other teens learn to think outside of themselves?  How did this change your own life?

AY: Learning that there was a big, big world out there filled with people who have very real needs was, quite frankly, shocking.  It is easy to acknowledge the orphans or impoverished in other countries, and quite another thing to actually see them.  Living with these children, truly experiencing their life (even for those few short weeks), opened my eyes like nothing else.  Even if a teen doesn’t want to become a missionary, I think that gaining a global perspective is an extremely important part of developing into a well-rounded person. (more…)

By RTF Staff Writer Jenn Joshua

Jenn Joshua: So, Andrew, when you’re not busy setting yourself on fire, I’ve heard that you also have a passion for missions work.  More specifically, working with orphans in China.  It seems like a lot of teens go through the “I-want-to-be-a-missionary-to-China” stage.  For you, it obviously wasn’t just a stage. You’re studying Chinese in college.  You have plans to move to Beijing after graduation.  Can you tell us a little more about the work that you do with Chinese orphans and the program you work through while you’re there? (more…)

By Staff Writer Judi Weiss

My mother once told someone that if the walls in our house had ears, they would hear a great big laugh. And it’s true. I was born into a family that loves to laugh.

From my older sister, who can make me laugh when I want to cry, to my younger sister, who juts out her chin while doing her flawless impression of Count Olaf, my family is the reason why I laugh.

When my oldest sister was at her graduation ceremony, my then eight-year-old sister was ready for it to be over. When the speaker took a pause in his long speech, my youngest sister jumped to her feet and clapped her hands together. A single clap can make a pretty decent echo in a silent auditorium. (more…)

I admit: Twitter was one of those things I planned to do. After midnight on a half moon during a dental filling when the monsoon blew through my front yard. (more…)

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By RTF Staff Writer Sarah Rupp

I was forced to write this poem for a writing program I was in called Christian Writer’s Guild. Understand, I hate writing poetry. I was nearing the deadline to write my poem and would soon have to send it to my writing mentor. So, on short notice, I decided to write a poem about hating poetry: (more…)

RTF Staff Writer Derek Hanisch

God has a sense of humor. I’m convinced of it. When most people read the Bible, they do it in dry monotone voices. They read the words and don’t visualize them. Here’s how I visualize one of my favorite stories. Read it and tell me that Jesus doesn’t have a sense of humor! (more…)

Video Contest for Teens!

How Do You Text It?

Hosted by Real Teen Faith (http://realteenfaith.com/)

Admit it: You’re obsessed with texting. You can text anywhere – especially places you’re not supposed to – like through your book bag in algebra class when you think the teacher isn’t looking. You’ve probably texted in some of the weirdest places and would love to brag about it (and make a little cash while you’re at it). You’re in luck because that’s what this contest is all about! (more…)