She Loves Jr. High Kids

How does a young woman generate the magnetism that attracts and keeps Jr. Highers in a Bible study? We interviewed Claudine Low to find an answer.
Claudine was born in San Jose, CA in the 70’s. Her mother was widowed when her only child was 15 months old and moved to Colorado when Claudine was 14. “I was self-raised,” she describes. “We had some Buddhist traditions but our home was non-Christian and irreligious.” A Christian aunt sent her scriptures and devotional thoughts to help with Claudine’s faith search.
Her degree in Physical Education took her to a job with CU’s football department. She met a Christian player whose life exuded the joy of faith and life-style of commitment. He invited Claudine to church. She went and questioned.
After some years and a few painful relationships Claudine committed her life to Christ. She has a heart for the wounded and for the issues that shape our lives. She currently is Supervisor of Senior Services at Louisville Recreation Center.
A friend invited Claudine to Discovery Church. She connected with the vision of helping the hurting and reaching out to the needy.
Claudine loves Jr. High-age kids. She loves their attitudes, high-energy, fun-loving, still-forming-personalities and characters. If the Jr. High years are cultural and character chaos, Claudine is not disturbed by the disorder. She volunteered to help with this ministry and now has 9 girls in her “Girls of Grace” small group Bible study.
“I want to help the girls develop their own faith. The Christian life shouldn’t seem strange. We can express our love for the Lord in all kinds of ways. You can be a cool Christian,” she explains.
How does she connect with Jr. High Girls?
1. “Let them do their own spiritual journey. They are discovering what it means to follow Christ.” Their world and issues will not be identical to their parents. They have to learn how to be Christ followers in their setting.
2. “I don’t give advice until they ask. If there is a critical life issue at stake, I give my opinion.” This requires sensitivity and a huge amount of trust.
3. “Walk the journey with them.” She shares from her own life experiences. “My life is an open book.” Kids aren’t usually disturbed by adult struggles. They respect honesty and are inspired by our victories.
Claudine has kept a diary or journal since the 4th grade providing both personal history and reflection.
What advice would she give to adults who have a heart for Jr. Highers? “Let them be who they are.” Ages 12 - 14 are years of personal discovery. How has God wired them? What could be their calling? “Walk with them, even if it is a circular route.”

After a degree in Fitness and Wellness at Northern Arizona State Claudine took a job with the football program at CU. She completed her graduate degree in Sports Management while there.