There are moments in podcast conversations where you quietly think:
“The future Church is going to be okay.”
Our latest episode with Avalon Reimer was one of those moments.
Avalon (known as “Lonny” by many students) serves with Alpha Canada as the SLC Experience and Hospitality Coordinator. Through the Student Leadership Collective, she works with Grade 10 students across Canada who are learning to share Jesus where they live, learn, work, and play.
And honestly?
The stories she shared gave us immense hope.
Students are running Alpha groups in schools. Students are gathering friends for Bible studies at Starbucks. Students are courageously inviting peers to youth group. Students are creating spaces for others to encounter the Holy Spirit.
What stood out most was not simply their boldness — it was their posture.
Avalon described it this way:
“It’s like they’re standing in a circle holding hands, but instead of facing inward, they’re facing outward.”
That picture captures so much of what we long to see: A generation rooted in Christian community while remaining deeply focused on others.
Avalon’s own story is also deeply encouraging. During COVID lockdowns as a Grade 10 student, she wrestled with hopelessness and the feeling that life had to be about more than school, work, homework, and sleep. Through youth ministry, mentorship, discipleship programs, and leaders who believed in her, she began discovering God’s call on her life.
Now at 20 years old, she’s helping cultivate courage in students across Canada.
One thing became clear throughout the conversation: Young people are spiritually open.
Many students have not rejected Jesus — they’ve simply never heard the gospel clearly before.
And God is using courageous teenagers to change that.
Whether you’re a parent, pastor, youth worker, teacher, or someone passionate about discipleship, this episode will encourage you.
GUEST BIO
Avalon Reimer, otherwise known as Lonny by students, serves at Alpha Canada as the SLC Experience and Hospitality Coordinator. Based in Calgary, Alberta, she works closely with Grade 10 students and their local churches to create formative experiences through the Student Leadership Collective, equipping them in evangelism and leadership where God has already placed them. She is passionate about seeing high school students recognize that they play an integral role in the church and society today.
To learn more about the Student Leadership Collective, please visit https://alphacanada.org/studentleadershipcollective/.
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