MEET LAKOTA

We’re all about building relationships that transform lives. One of our leaders, Erica Cook, serves as the LaGrange County Campus Life leader, using our “Three Story” method to connect with God, students, and naturally share Jesus.

Erica’s journey with God and her own experience of brokenness shaped her passion for showing others they are loved by Him. This heart for connection led her to walk alongside young people as they discover God’s love and purpose.

One of these students is Lakota Everett, a senior at Westview. Lakota faced profound loss, losing her father on her birthday and her best friend months earlier. Struggling with grief, she felt disconnected from her faith.

Erica met Lakota in the school lunchroom, where Lakota shared about her father, a bison keeper who had recently passed away. In a surprising connection, her family’s bison ended up on Erica’s ranch, forming a unique bond. Erica invited Lakota to a small group Bible study, where she found community, support, and renewed faith.

Over the past year, Erica’s seen Lakota open up, reconnect with her faith, and even encourage her friends to explore theirs. Lakota describes Erica as a mentor, and her story shows the impact of building authentic relationships.

“Erica has been more than a mentor—she’s helped me see that faith is something I can lean on again.”

Through 3Story relationships, young people like Lakota are finding hope, faith, and purpose. Join us in giving more students the chance to know Jesus. Support YFC by joining the Circle with a monthly donation at yfcin.org/circle.