This Weekend Changed Their Lives Forever

Their Final Scuba Test

The sun had barely crested the horizon when the Majesty truck pulled out of Corpus Christi, tires humming against the pavement and hearts pounding with anticipation. Six Tidechangers sat inside, half-asleep but wide-eyed, wondering what this weekend would hold. For weeks, they had trained in pools and classrooms, preparing for this moment. Now, the final challenge awaited them: a real dive in open water.

As the miles passed beneath them, the excitement grew. Their first stop was In-N-Out Burger, a treat for most who had never tasted it before. Laughter spilled out between bites of fries and burgers, their nerves slowly easing. A pit stop at Buc-ee’s, the world’s largest gas station, added to the adventure. Gigantic beavers, endless snacks, and goofy photos filled the next chapter of their journey.

But everything changed when they arrived at Spring Lake in San Marcos. The moment the kids saw it, clear blue water shimmering under the Texas sun, they fell silent. This was no ordinary lake. This was Spring Lake, one of the largest artesian springs in the world that stays 72 degrees all year long, and the place where they would put their courage to the test.

Standing on the dock was Master Instructor James Gourley. Tall, steady, and kind, he welcomed them with a nod that said, You’ve got this. Beside him was his daughter, Riley Ann Gourley, also a skilled instructor. The Gourley's had helped train these young divers from the very beginning, watching them go from uncertain to unstoppable.

Now, it was time to dive. One by one, they geared up, wetsuits zipped, tanks strapped, masks secured. The splash of fins breaking the surface was followed by deep breaths and disappearing bubbles. Down below, the world slowed. The water wrapped around them like silence, and sunlight danced through the surface like glitter from heaven.

They practiced everything they’d learned, clearing their masks, retrieving regulators, controlling their buoyancy. But this wasn’t just a test of skill. It was a test of courage. And every single one of them passed.

When they surfaced, the air was filled with shouts of triumph and high-fives. What once felt like fear now looked like victory. These six Tidechangers were officially certified scuba divers, for life.

That night, their journey didn’t end. Thanks to Haus & Host NBTX, the group settled into a riverside Airbnb, just steps from the flowing San Marcos River. The evening air was cool, the sky painted in purples and golds. As they gathered outside to listen to a Biblical teaching, a peaceful hush came over them.

Psalm 42:7: “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” The words felt different now. After exploring the deep waters themselves, they understood that God calls us deeper, not just into lakes, but into life, faith, and purpose.

This wasn’t just a trip. It was a turning point.

It happened because people believed in them. Gourley Contractors gave their time, talent, and training. Copeland’s Inc. of Corpus Christi made sure every diver had the gear they needed. And Haus & Host provided a place for rest, reflection, and worship.

Six young lives were changed. Six stories now carry courage, confidence, and calling, because someone made a way.

And you can be that someone, too.

At Majesty Outdoors, our mission is simple:Bringing Hope to a Generation by Shattering the Cycle of Fatherlessness.

Just $25 can sponsor meals for a child for a whole month. Your gift, big or small, helps us keep making waves in young lives through mentorship, outdoor adventures, and faith-filled experiences.

✨ Be part of a story that changes everything.

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