SFC Stories

Raising Ambassadors

Max Kaarre shares his spiritual transformation, from a lukewarm faith to a deep commitment to follow Jesus.

Growing up in a Christian environment at Sioux Falls Christian, Max Kaarre (‘23) initially viewed faith as a routine assignment, something discussed at school and church without much personal connection. His middle school years were marked by rebellion as he sought popularity and validation, leading him down a problematic path.   

This changed during his junior year of high school when he had a revelation about his own sin and the true significance of the Bible. A pivotal moment came during a youth group meeting, where a sermon on Matthew 7 made him realize that true Christianity involves living out one’s faith, not just professing it.  

By the time he was a senior in high school, Kaarre had begun to reassess his future. Initially planning to attend the University of South Dakota to pursue a business degree, he realized that his motives—desiring comfort and financial success—were selfish and not aligned with his stronger faith. He eventually discovered YWAM (Youth With A Mission) through a friend.   

During his outreach in Scandinavia, Kaarre encountered a culture where people identified as Christians but lacked genuine faith. The experience of ministering through street evangelism, worship gatherings, and personal connections, particularly with young Norwegians burdened for their non-Christian families, deepened his calling to missions. He realized that his life’s purpose was to reach the lost as an ambassador for Christ.   

Max now feels called to continue ministry, whether as an outreach pastor or in a global mission context, and recognizes that every Christian has a responsibility to share the Gospel in their sphere of influence. 

Sidney Schock reflects on her journey of faith and mission work with YWAM

SFC alumna Sidney Schock’s high school years shaped her path toward mission work and serving others. Initially unsure about her future, Schock (‘22) was drawn to various fields, from physical therapy to journalism. But through a series of life experiences, she discovered her true calling—missions. 

Her journey began with impactful trips to Ukraine, Haiti, and New Mexico, where she was deeply moved by the opportunity to serve others. Despite these experiences, she never considered missions as a long-term path. It wasn’t until the opportunity to join Youth With A Mission (YWAM) that she realized this was the next step in her life.  

Looking back, Schock sees how God had been guiding her through these mission trips, leading her to YWAM in a way she hadn’t expected. “The Lord was always working this string of missions through my life,” she reflects. “I didn’t make the connection until it was clear that this is where God was calling me.” Schock’s time with YWAM has not been without challenges. One of the biggest has been navigating the pressure of comparison. 

While many of her peers have followed the traditional path to college, Schock’s decision to pursue missions led her to question her choices at times. “It’s been a mental battle, especially when I see my friends in college, but I know this is where the Lord has me for a reason,” she shared.  

Schock explained that Romans 1:16 has become a foundational verse for her, reminding her that sharing the gospel is a life-changing responsibility. Through her experiences, Schock has grown in her faith, learning to embrace the gospel’s power and significance. She is grateful for the strong spiritual foundation provided by her teachers and classmates at Sioux Falls Christian.

[ show less ]