April 2026: Growth

April brought a fresh wave of new faces — and a whole lot of energy!
As we move further into spring, we are seeing continued growth and new connections forming each week. It’s a beautiful reminder that God continues to bring the right teens through our doors at just the right time.


New Faces, New Connections
This month, we welcomed a fresh group of junior high students, including several from the Delphos area.
Watching them walk in for the first time, a little unsure, and then quickly find their place is something we never get tired of. Friendships are forming, laughter is constant, and the room feels just a little bit fuller in the best way.


A Full House Kind of Night
We hit a huge milestone this month—our highest non-event attendance yet, with 31 teens in one evening!
No special event. No big draw. Just teens showing up because they want to be here.
That speaks volumes.
It tells us that Portal is becoming more than just a place to go—it’s becoming a place to belong.


The Sound of Portal
The music room is officially in full swing, and it has quickly become one of the most loved spaces in the building.
From teens picking up band instruments, to singing karaoke, to competitive rounds of Guitar Hero—it’s full of energy, creativity, and expression.
It’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s exactly what we hoped it would be—a space where teens can be themselves and be heard.


A Community That Keeps Showing Up
Once again, we are so thankful for the continued generosity of this community.
Donations of pop, mac and cheese cups, ramen, and other snack bar favorites keep everything running smoothly and make a big impact on our teens each night.
These simple things help create a welcoming environment where teens can relax, connect, and feel at home.
We truly couldn’t do this without you.


Celebrating the People Behind Portal
During Volunteer Appreciation Week, we had the opportunity to highlight each of our amazing volunteers by sharing photos of them as teens.
It was fun, meaningful, and a great reminder that every adult pouring into these kids was once in their shoes too.
Our volunteers are the heart of Portal. Their time, consistency, and care are what make this place so special.


Growing Together
Every month, we continue to see growth—not just in numbers, but in relationships, confidence, and community.
Teens are opening up, inviting friends, and making this space their own.
That’s what this is all about.


Called to Be Present
Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply show up.
For these teens, having a consistent place, consistent people, and a consistent message of God’s love matters more than we may ever fully see.


Galatians 6:9 reminds us:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”


Thank you for continuing to show up—through your prayers, your giving, and your support.


🌱 Join the Mission This Month
Because of what’s happening at Portal, here are a few ways you can be part of it:
• Donate snacks like mac and cheese cups, ramen, and drinks
• Check out and share our Amazon Wish List
• Continue supporting our snack bar needs
• Become a “Star in the Galaxy” monthly sponsor
• Pray for new teens and continued growth


Every life impacted here is a result of a community coming together.


Have a blessed month 💛