A Story of Divine Persistence
The Youth Directors Who Almost Said No
Meet Antonia and Elisaia Goldtrap, volunteer Youth Directors at Revive Youth in Long Beach, California, whose remarkable story of calling and commitment is transforming young lives one student at a time.
A Divine Connection Decades in the Making
The Goldtraps' story reads like a beautiful orchestration of providence. Their mothers emigrated from Samoa together in the 1970s as best friends—Antonia’s mother even served as maid of honor at Elisaia's mother's wedding. After 20 years, their children would reconnect, not knowing they were destined to marry and serve together in ministry.
Both Antonia and Elisaia were raised in homes where God, Church, and family weren't just priorities—they were pillars. Respect, integrity, and discipline weren't suggestions; they were the bedrock of their upbringing. Yet like countless young people, their post-high school years led them through seasons of spiritual drift, disconnected from the Church that had shaped them.
It was precisely those early foundations that became their lifeline back to faith and ministry as adults. The values instilled in their youth became the compass that guided them home. Without that solid framework, their current ministry would likely never have existed. Now, they are determined to give today's youth that same unshakeable foundation—not as a guarantee against struggle, but as an anchor for the storms they'll inevitably face.
The Heart Behind Their Ministry
What drives the Goldtraps is not just duty—it is the profound impact they witness in individual lives. Elisaia shares about a troubled student they took to camp last year who had idolized gang life, struggled with depression, and witnessed significant violence while growing up. "There is a night and day difference in this student's life over the past year. I know it's not me, but the Lord," Elisaia reflects. The transformation has been remarkable—where once there was hopelessness and attraction to destructive paths, now the student is thriving with a core group of good friends within the youth ministry who have encouraged greater openness and hope for the future.
"When we get to be a part of one student changing their life, it's very rewarding," Elisaia continues. It's these individual stories of redemption that fuel their passion for youth ministry, knowing that the right environment and relationships can redirect even the most challenging circumstances toward hope and purpose.
For Antonia, youth ministry is about providing the one constant young people can depend on. "The teen years are really tough. The only thing that's been really constant in life is that Jesus never lets us down. Kids are always let down by everyone and everything. I want to give them one thing to hold on to—Jesus."
She understands that as youth leaders, they often become students' only connection back to community and faith after high school. "I want them to be ready when bad things happen—they have their steps, ready for the real world, because the world is not nice. I want them to know that God loves them, even when they feel no one else does.”
The teen years are really tough. The only thing that's been really constant in life is that Jesus never lets us down. Kids are always let down by everyone and everything. I want to give them one thing to hold on to—Jesus.
How UYWI is Empowering Their Vision
The Goldtraps connected with UYWI through their church relationships and immediately recognized the value of professional development. Churches that work in urban spaces typically don't have the resources to hire someone full-time, so UYWI's programs are crucial in helping bi-vocational youth directors manage their ministries effectively. As brand new youth directors juggling full-time jobs, the Goldtraps found that "putting together curriculum took so long—for hours—but the program gave our time back." This time-saving support is essential for volunteer leaders who must balance their ministry calling with the demands of their primary careers.
Their Mission Action Plan (MAP) from UYWI's Congregational Leadership Program became their five-year strategic vision. When they presented it to their church board, they received not only a budget but also a new space and were granted funds to expand their ministry.
"We are using everything given to us by UYWI," they share, from the Whole Life Discipleship calendar to trauma-informed care curriculum. Three of their leaders have completed UYWI's Certification Program with glowing reviews, and the Goldtraps hope to participate themselves when resources allow.
We are using everything given to us by UYWI.
Looking Ahead
The Goldtraps' vision extends beyond their current ministry. They are committed to developing the next generation of youth leaders, recognizing that "there's a lot of work to be done, and we want to develop the next generation of youth directors for when we one day transition out of our roles."
Currently serving approximately 20 youth each week, they are intentional in their stewardship of new resources while building trust within their church community. They are requesting prayer for guidance as they continue to develop their ministry and prepare future leaders.
Your Investment at Work
Stories like the Goldtraps' demonstrate the multiplying effect of your partnership with UYWI. When you invest in leadership development, you are not just supporting one ministry—you are empowering leaders who will transform communities for years to come. Through comprehensive training, practical resources, and ongoing support, UYWI helps volunteer leaders like Antonia and Elisaia maximize their impact while managing the demands of work and ministry.
From youth volunteers to Youth Directors, the Goldtraps remind us that God can use anyone willing to surrender to His calling. Their story is just beginning, and with continued support and development, they will continue to be the anchor point that helps young people navigate life's challenges with faith.
Thank you for making stories like this possible through your generous support of UYWI's mission to develop excellent youth workers.
Bless you,
TOMMY NIXON, CEO
Urban Youth Workers Institute