I grew up in Norcross, GA. For much of my upbringing, I didn’t realize what I was missing, but by the time I was a teenager, I began to feel the weight of that absence. The longing to belong and be known only deepened. Like many high schoolers, I searched in all the wrong places, trying to fill a void I couldn’t quite explain at the time. ​ Then, in the middle of my sophomore year, someone showed up. A Young Life leader started coming to my school—consistently, intentionally, and joyfully. He was different. His life was full of something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. He showed up to my games, pursued a real friendship with me, and never gave up, even when I kept him at arm’s length. He invited me to Young Life club (a YL gathering), and for the first time, I experienced what life in the Kingdom of God could look like. Over time, through countless conversations and shared moments, he helped me see Jesus clearly. And when I did, I knew—I wanted Him. I had been running from the very God who was pursuing me all along. My senior year, I finally stopped running and began my journey with Christ. That journey continued when I arrived at Georgia College in 2018. YoungLife remained a central part of my faith, and I had the privilege of leading at Gatewood High School in Eatonton, GA. After college, I was given the opportunity to step into a full-time role on Young Life staff, and for the past three years, my wife Abby and I have led at Milton High School in Alpharetta, GA. ​ It has been an incredible season of walking alongside high schoolers, introducing them to Jesus, and watching God work in powerful ways. We’ve seen kids hear the Gospel for the first time, experience Young Life camp, and step into life-changing relationships. North Fulton became home for us, and it has stretched and shaped us in ways we never expected. Thanks be to God!

Now, we are prayerfully looking ahead, and our hearts are stirred by the possibility of joining in what the Lord is already doing in Effingham County. We are honored to step into this new season, continuing to love kids where they are, walk with them in faith, and be a part of the greater story God is writing through Young Life.

With gratitude,

Billy Stepp