Welcome, Family!
We are so glad you’re here.
We can’t wait to tell you more about teaching the Truth of the Bible to teen girls and women!
Hello!
If you’re reading this, you either received a postcard from us or someone generously shared information with you! Either way, I am so glad you’re here.
My name is Rebecca McCready and I am the founder of Evergreen Cypress. Its purpose is simply this: to bring teen girls and women closer to knowing God by being at home with the Bible.
When I found the beauty of the Word of God as a teen, I couldn’t get enough of it. It gave me life in a way that nothing else did. And it still does today.
As teen girls, we hungrily searched for identity. And the years into womanhood are really no different, but rather on a different scale, as we try to find our purpose.
Which is why three years ago, we started LIGHT group at our home congregation, West Side Church of Christ. Below is our story. We have seen such a difference in our teen girls and are so excited to share it with you!
The harvest is plentiful. This generation— and all generations— of women are seeking God.
Our prayer is that together, we can be ambassadors for God in a way that shows teen girls and women the beauty of his Truth so they can know him and keep their lamps burning for him.
From the elders and wives at West Side Church of Christ
“…”
Calling Christ-seeking women who would consider being...
Teachers.
Whether you’re an experienced teacher or you have the heart for it but have never taught, you could be who the teen girls in your congregation need. It’s not about being a great orator (Moses wasn’t); it’s first about loving to truly study God’s Word and then wanting to just share it with seeking hearts— younger or older.
Encouragers.
We can never underestimate the importance of godly encouragement. No matter your personality (introvert or extrovert!), you can be a much-needed support for teen girls and women alike. Being an encourager in Christ means to uplift others (like Barnabas did) and not ourselves so they can be closer to God and know the beautiful life that comes from being with him.
Hostesses.
We all know women with the gift of hospitality— and that may be you! There is something about being invited to someone’s home that touches us in a way that few things do, but it’s the intention of the invitation that makes the difference. If we are welcomed with God’s love (like Lydia did), the place becomes a haven. It’s not a social event—it’s a reflection of the home we find in God.
Our story
-
"Do we have LIGHT group tonight?"
I love getting asked that question. At first it was asked out of genuine confusion of this new get-together. But now, it’s with anticipation and hope that we will get together. Because LIGHT group is a time for teen girls to feel safe and encouraged— not
This is why we do what we do…
The story
-
“Do you understand what you are reading?”
An Ethiopian court official (a Gentile!) was traveling back from Jerusalem, where he had gone to worship God. And on his way home, he was reading from Isaiah.
His heart was seeking! Just like many hearts today…
And Philip asked him if he understood. The man’s answer?
-
“How can I, unless someone guides me?”
It’s heartbreaking.
Imagine if Philip hadn’t come. Imagine if the end of the story was that there was no one around to guide him— or, worse, that there were people who knew the Truth but no one who was willing to share it.
But that’s not the end of the story. Because God was taking care of the court official’s seeking heart, just like he is there for the hearts seeking Him today. He is reaching them through his people (like Philip).
-
The question for us is... are we ready?
Philip was ready.
When God told him to go down the road that went from Jerusalem to Gaza, Philip didn't question it. He rose and went. And when God told him to go join the chariot, Philip didn't hesitate. He ran.
It doesn’t take much. God just needs his people to follow through with what he has asked of us. And when we do, we inevitably stand amazed at what he does!
We just need to be ready— ready for God and ready to help others that he puts in our path.
Join us in keeping lamps burning for God.
There are several things in our lives that are important. But there is nothing as important as first loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind and then loving our neighbor as ourselves.
By helping teens girls and women fulfill the first commandment, we are fulfilling the second. For them to know God and love him with their everything gives them life like nothing else in this world ever could. We should know that personally.
If you’re not yet ready, that’s okay! This isn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. It takes lots of prayer and encouragement (for you!) by your family and friends before embarking— this is a mission field. Take time to seek God and his Truth. And if God prepares your heart for this, we will be excited to have you join the journey with us to help teen girls and women know God.
“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning.”
Luke 12:35
This generation of teen girls are seeking.
I wish I could remember all of the questions and conversations we have had with our teen girls these past few years. Some are deeper than others, but the fact remains: they are seeking. The sad thing is the devil is good at telling them (and us) what we are seeking is the world. Will we let them struggle or will we share the Truth in love as Christ would?
What our girls have to say about LIGHT group.
-
It's a great way to connect with others girls with the same beliefs. We can just talk for hours. The journals have taught me so much.
- Madison
-
LIGHT group is a special place that I can talk and have fun with a special group of girls. I enjoy being able to have a place to come to and unwind and just have a really good time.
- Kiley
-
LIGHT group is something that has become important to me over the years we've been doing it. I enjoy the friendships that have developed.
- Cylanne
-
It means I get to be in an environment where other women get to study the Bible with me and we can grow together.
- Ariel
-
It means a safe environment that I can discuss the Bible in.
- Sarah
-
LIGHT group means time with the youth group girls spent bonding and laughing.
- Zoey
-
It's a safe place for me.
- Lily
What the parents have to say about LIGHT group.
-
It's very meaningful for [girl] and she always looks forward to participating each time the group meets. She always tried to be prepared and have her journal filled out timely. It's very helpful for the girls to get together to encourage each other and discuss real life issues that affect them every day and how their faith in God can help them overcome these difficulties.
-
I love [LIGHT group]! From a mom's perspective I am so thankful for this study and the encouragement they have to get into the word and study.
-
I love having my girls with other girls in the youth group.
-
The meetings are great!