-Milestone Events-
“It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation.
They will come and will declare His righteousness To a people who will be born,…” (Psalm 22:30-31)
Young Life is a forward looking, moving, and thinking ministry. That is part of our success and ability to flourish over the years. That being said, it can lead to a tendency to neglect the discipline of REMEMBER, reflect and oftentimes- CELEBRATE!
All throughout scripture, when the people of Israel forgot to remember, they started to wander. Sometimes for 40 years. Because of that temptation, they were given the gift of seven Hebrew festivals in scripture. These celebrations provided an opportunity to remember. For Christians, sacraments have provided the same opportunity. As a YL mission, we want to embrace the same discipline - to remember God’s power and presence in our lives and our ministry.
Milestone events present that opportunity. They are much more than a Banquet, Event, or Fundraiser. Over the ministry calendar, a YL Area utilizes key celebration markers to give their entire mission community a chance to look back and look forward. A chance to identify God’s ripple effect in the Past and and acknowledge his provision in the future.
Young Life in Greater Cincinnati just celebrated 50 Years of YL ministry. One of the guests exclaimed after the event, “Thank you for helping us experience a slice of heaven!” He had just experienced a wonderful evening of celebrating the Lord’s work in their local community and hearing from kids, leaders and staff, and looking to the future as the vision was shared. Looking back and looking forward. Funds raised that day helped address ‘today’ needs as well as establish a financial base for the future. In addition Young Life Alumni & Friends partnered with the Young Life Foundation to secure commitments to the future financial well-being of Greater Cincinnati.
The Lord did an amazing work through the efforts of field staff, YL Foundation staff, and Alumni & Friends staff. The connection of a milestone event with Legacy Giving is profound! The planning team for the Greater Cincy YL 50th felt that this event should be more than celebrating the past, and these expectations were greatly exceeded. The long-term impact OF LEGACY funding will grow, the ministry and its impact for decades! Additionally, the children and grandchildren of the donors will be informed of the impact of these gifts over years. Truly these gifts will ‘touch’ generations.
It was an incredible evening reconnecting with old friends, meeting new friends, and hearing about the Young Life work. Including past, present, and future, the Legacy Giving Campaign established financial health as well as a funding plan for the future through strategic leveraged ‘match’ of $50,000 cash for every $1MM pledged. Celebrate the past, but plan for the future!
If you have a milestone event approaching and you’d like to learn more about connecting YL Legacy Funds to your event – OR – if you have questions about milestone events or Legacy Giving, contact Gordon Anaple, Advancement Coordinator, ganaple@sc.yougnlife.org (513) 289-2133. Click here to see Tom Dixon, Associate Regional Director in a follow up message to 50th Celebration attendees.
