Robert grew up just a few blocks from Water Street, attending Wonder Academy as a young child before jumping into Teen Haven camps every summer. “We went to every single summer camp that was available,” he laughs.

From middle school basketball to young men training camps, Robert stayed connected. “Teen Haven kept God in the picture,” he says. “Sometimes you need somebody else… to want to follow God.”

But stepping out of Teen Haven after high school was tough. “I was like, dang, I can’t play no basketball no more.” For a while, church was the only connection he had—until his fiancée invited him to Compass.

“That was almost three years ago,” Robert says. “Now, I get out of work, and I make sure I’m on time—because I like to be here.”

With encouragement from Compass staff, Robert began leading a Bible-and-basketball group of his own. “I was never a talker,” he says, “but now I get to spread God’s love, and it just feels so good.”

Now he’s dreaming bigger. “This summer, we’re hoping to hit the streets—jump from court to court, play ball, and share God’s love.”

Being a young adult, Robert says, “It’s a learning process.” Through Compass he says “I’m finding myself with other Godly men and Godly people in general. It definitely helped me find myself.”

He’s grown out of his shell, speaking up and sharing the gospel in ways he never expected. “Because, before Compass, this was definitely not me.”


Compass is Water Street’s Young Adult Ministry, helping young adults find their mission and purpose. Go to the URL below and learn more:

compasslancaster.org