The Lasting Impact of Parent Leaders in WyldLife

"Mike shows me what Jesus is like." - JT, WyldLife kid in Great Miami Valley, Ohio

There's something uniquely powerful about witnessing the gospel through the lens of a parent who has walked the road of raising teenagers. For junior high students navigating one of the most pivotal developmental seasons of their lives, having adult mentors who understand both the challenges of adolescence and the hope found in Christ can be transformational.

WyldLife, Young Life's ministry specifically designed for middle school students, creates the perfect environment for parents to step into meaningful volunteer roles during this crucial time in young people's lives. Unlike traditional youth programs, WyldLife focuses on building authentic relationships with kids in grades 6-8, meeting them where they are with the love of Jesus—and parents bring a unique perspective that can't be replicated.

When Life Experience Meets Ministry Opportunity

Mike Allen embodies this beautiful intersection of parenting and ministry. For twelve years, this father of five boys has been showing junior high kids who Jesus is through his role as a WyldLife leader. Working full-time as a physical therapist at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Mike initially thought his season of ministry leadership had ended when he and his wife Janie graduated from Ohio State, got married, and started their careers.

But God had different plans. When Mike's oldest son entered Plains Junior High School, WyldLife had just launched at the school. Mike's initial involvement was simple—he planned to bring his son and a carload of kids to the weekly club meetings. What started as carpooling quickly evolved into something much deeper.

"I was stopping in to say 'hello' to the college leaders, then hanging around in case they needed an extra set of hands," Mike recalls. Within a semester, Area Director Shelia Chambers invited him to become a WyldLife leader. Mike said yes and jumped in with both feet.

The Parent Advantage in Youth Ministry

Mike's journey illustrates why parents make such effective WyldLife leaders. He compares his experience to the disciples telling Jesus they had only five loaves and two fish to feed 5,000 people. While he didn't feel like he had much to offer, he was willing to give what he had - and God multiplied it.

Parents bring invaluable qualities to WyldLife ministry that complement the energy and enthusiasm of college-age leaders and other young leaders. They offer stability, life experience, and a deep understanding of what families navigate during the junior high years. They've weathered the storms of adolescence, understand the developmental challenges kids face, and can speak with authority about God's faithfulness through all seasons of life.

"Mike invites kids into his life and home. When he speaks of Jesus, you can't help but want to hear more. It's who he is," says Shelia. "He has mentored and discipled his college co-leaders in life-changing ways, as well. His impact is immeasurable."

Why Junior High Is the Sweet Spot

The junior high/middle school years represent a critical window in spiritual development. This is when kids begin exploring faith on their own, questioning what they've been taught, and forming their own beliefs about God and life. It's also when peer influence intensifies, academic pressures mount, and the physical and emotional changes of adolescence create uncertainty and vulnerability.

Mike understands this season intimately. "That's the age when I started exploring faith on my own," he explains. "I love getting to be a safe place while kids discover who God is."

For parents, this presents an extraordinary opportunity. Your own children are navigating these same developmental challenges, giving you real-time insight into what junior high students need most. You understand their language, their struggles, and their questions because you're living it at home.

The Long View of Ministry Impact

Mike's commitment to WyldLife extends beyond having a child in junior high. Even though his youngest son won't start at the school until next year, Mike continues leading because he sees kids at this age trying to figure out how to grow up. "Why would I not do it?" he asks.

This long-term perspective is another gift that parent leaders bring to WyldLife. While college-age and other young leaders often serve only a few years, parents can provide consistency and continuity that spans multiple school years. Mike has watched kids with no faith background respond to the Gospel, continue following Jesus in high school, and go on to become leaders themselves.

The impact ripples through families as well. Mike's oldest son, Ben, "caught the bug" and has been leading alongside his father for the last four years. During a recent camp experience, Mike watched Ben explain the gospel to his younger brother and friends during cabin time. "Who am I that I get to watch my son explain the gospel to his little brother and his friends?" Mike wondered. "That is a gift that I never would have thought to ask for."

Fresh Faith Through Service

Perhaps counterintuitively, Mike has found that serving as a WyldLife leader has kept his own faith "fresh and vibrant." Rather than feeling drained by adding another commitment to an already full schedule, he's been energized by watching God work in the lives of students.

He imagines God telling him, "I'm not done with you yet. Whatever you give me, watch and see what I do with it." This perspective transforms volunteer service from an obligation into an adventure—a chance to participate in God's ongoing work in young lives.

You’re Never Too Old

Mike encourages parents and others who may think they're too old to be WyldLife leaders to take a risk and see what God has in store for them. The junior high years of your child's life—and the lives of their peers—represent a unique window of opportunity.

Your teenagers need you to be engaged in their world, not just as a parent but as someone who cares about their friends and their community. They need to see your faith lived out in relationship with others, demonstrating that following Jesus isn't just a family tradition but a life-giving relationship that extends beyond your home.

The kids in your community need adults who will invest in them during this crucial developmental season. They need safe places to explore faith, ask questions, and discover who God is. They need mentors who understand both the challenges they face and the hope available in Christ.

WyldLife provides the perfect vehicle for parents to step into this sweet spot of ministry—where your life experience, your parenting perspective, and your faith converge to create lasting impact in young lives. It's a chance to show junior high kids what Jesus is like, just as Mike has been doing for twelve years.

The question isn't whether you have enough to offer, but whether you're willing to give what you have and watch God multiply it beyond what you could imagine. In a season when your own teenagers are figuring out who they are and who God is, what better way to invest in their future than by investing in their community?

Learn more about WyldLife.

Working With The Future

What might it look like to engage with YL as a Millennial? Committees, Boards, Leader, or Donor? Yes to all of the above, and more. Young Life is making a concerted effort across the mission to engage the up and coming generations, and give them opportunities to make an impact in their communities and on future generations.

What might this look like? Darrin Murphy, Senior Campaign Director in the South Central Division, believes that Millennials (ages 30-45), who represent the largest component of the work force at 32%, are very connected with each other and love to be in community, but many aren’t at the stage to give significant time or finances to YL. He’s working to find ways to engage them in his Division and in big initiatives like the development of LoneHollow Ranch.

He added that Millennials are ‘powerful when you put them together, and at this stage in their lives they would rather be more involved in big activities and impact rather than ongoing monthly activities. They feel equipped to find and fix tangible/present problems. So, the LoneHollow Ranch Executive Campaign Committee (ECC) decided to form a focus group consisting of Millennials, adopting the name YoPro.

Matt Hamilton (age 33) is a part of this group. When asked what motivated him to come on board, he said: “I had a deep connection to YL camping as I became a Christian at Frontier Ranch, and I saw how the Lord used it to change my life and the lives of many of my friends. It just made sense to be involved in something bigger than me, that could help change others lives as well.” Hamilton points out that there is a desire among Millennials to keep moving forward and increasing responsibilities in the marketplace, by not continuing to be told what to do, but to become the one making the decisions. His hope is that his involvement in YL will leave a mark and a future legacy for his daughter, and that she could find a second home at YL camp, like he and his friends.

Young Life continues to seek ways to keep future generations involved in the mission by staying connected in multiple ways while offering various levels of engagement. Engagement including weekend retreats like the second annual LoneHollow Hill Country Hangout For Men (Feb 20-22, 2026), Family Camps, and Women’s Retreats to connect with young adults and young families. In the years to come, these families will grow and mature, and hopefully many of their children will connect with YL, especially if their parents are connected. Other opportunities include local YL Committees and Boards, volunteer leaders, mentors, donors, and much more.

Murphy and his YoPro Team are hoping to develop Young Professional groups across the state of Texas and then across the South Central Division of YL. They realize it might take a while to develop, but they are hoping that the upside with help sustain the ministry and mission of Young Life for another 84 years. As Hamilton said, “We can only grow from here, and make a lasting impact. There is lots of ownership to be had, to engage our peers, and create something really special for future generations, just as those who came before us did for my generation.” 

But it’s not just happening in Texas! We’re hearing of staff all over the world getting intentional to reach the next big generational force of Millennials! David Bast, Associate Regional Director in Jacksonville FL, hosts a monthly gathering of men getting together for a Sunday night of food, fellowship, and a short message just for them. ‘Men desire to be together and the young men are looking for wisdom and leadership from those who have lived life for a few more years. We have between 30-80 men coming together most nights.” The men bring the food and drink, and David and his staff just show up and share life with them. There is also a women’s group that meets monthly and has the same kind of impact.

Young Life Community Networks team is also actively engaging regions on how to build out Young Professionals boards and engage emerging professionals right after they get out of college. These gatherings of Young Professionals may look different from city to city when it comes to frequency, duration of meetings, or extracurricular activities; however, they are consistent in their intention. 

We know there are many other intentional ways Millennials are being engaged within the mission that we haven’t even heard of, or even dreamed of. If you have a great story to share or want to get involved in a YoPro board, reach out to the YL Community Networks team to get more involved!

Written by: John Haddad

Putting the FUN Back in Fundraising: The Live Auction Renaissance

After years of decline, live auctions are experiencing a remarkable renaissance in the nonprofit world and especially in Young Life. What was once considered an outdated fundraising relic is now being reimagined as one of the most engaging and effective ways to connect with donors. The transformation isn't just about raising money—it's about creating memorable experiences that turn casual supporters into lifelong advocates.

The Shift from Obligation to Excitement

The traditional fundraising model often left donors feeling like they were being asked to open their wallets out of obligation rather than enthusiasm. Live auctions, when done right, flip this dynamic entirely. Instead of feeling cornered by another ask, guests find themselves caught up in the excitement of competition, community, and shared purpose.

"We're seeing a fundamental shift in how people want to engage with causes they care about," explains Ken Tankersley, Young Life staff member and committee member. "Donors, especially younger generations, want experiences that feel authentic and fun. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves, and a well-executed auction delivers exactly that."

Creating Multiple Levels of Engagement

One of the most effective strategies emerging in modern live auctions is the concept of layered giving opportunities. Rather than presenting a single, high-stakes bidding environment, successful events offer multiple ways for guests to participate at different financial levels.

This might include:

• Paddle raises that start at modest amounts and build

• Group experiences that allow tables to bid collectively

• Sponsorship opportunities that can be purchased on the spot

• Add-on donations that complement successful auction bids

This approach ensures that a guest who can contribute $50 feels just as valued as one who bids $5,000 on a larger item. The result is broader participation and a more inclusive atmosphere that benefits everyone involved.

The Shared Experience Factor

Live auctions do well because they create shared experiences that extend far beyond the individual transaction. When done well, these events become stories that guests tell for years afterward—not just about what they won, but about the energy in the room, the cause they supported, and the community they were part of.

The shared experience element is particularly powerful because it transforms individual giving into collective action. Guests aren't just supporting a cause; they're participating in a movement alongside their peers, friends, and community members. This social dynamic amplifies the impact of the giving and creates deeper emotional connections to the organization.

A Strategic Backdoor to Philanthropy

Perhaps most importantly, live auctions serve as what many development professionals call a "backdoor to philanthropy." Unlike traditional major gift asks, which can feel intimidating or transactional, auctions allow donors to experience the joy of giving in a low-pressure environment.

This approach is particularly effective for donor stewardship and cultivation. Guests who might never respond to a direct solicitation often find themselves emotionally invested through the auction experience. They leave having made a meaningful contribution, having fun in the process, and feeling more connected to the organization's mission.

The stewardship opportunities that emerge from successful auctions are invaluable. Winners become ambassadors for the cause, sharing their positive experience with others. Non-winners often become interested in other giving opportunities, having experienced the organization's community and impact firsthand.

Making It a Game: The Competitive Spirit

One of the fun things about auctions is that they tap into people's natural competitive instincts while maintaining a spirit of fun and camaraderie. This requires careful balance—too much competition can create uncomfortable tension, while too little fails to generate excitement.

The best auctioneers understand how to read the room and adjust their approach accordingly. They know when to push for higher bids and when to celebrate participation at any level. They create friendly rivalry between tables or groups while ensuring that everyone feels like they're playing for the same team—the organization's mission.

Gaming elements might include team challenges, milestone celebrations, or creative bid increments that keep the energy high. The goal is to make the auction feel like a celebration rather than a sales presentation.

Best Practices for Success

Organizations seeing the best results from their live auctions follow several key principles:

Preparation is everything. Successful auctions require months of planning, from item procurement to guest cultivation. Treat your auction like a major production, with detailed scripts, contingency plans, and clear roles for all team members. Don’t let it be an afterthought.

Quality over quantity. Rather than overwhelming guests with dozens of items, successful auctions focus on fewer, higher-quality packages that generate genuine excitement. Each item should tell a story and connect to the mission.

Professional auctioneers make a difference. While volunteer auctioneers can work for smaller events, professional auctioneers bring skills and experience that typically pay for themselves through increased revenue and better guest experience. They keep the attendees engaged and the momentum building.

Follow-up is crucial. The auction doesn't end when the last item is sold. Successful teams have systems in place for immediate follow-up, stewardship, and cultivation that turn one-time auction participants into long-term supporters.

The Future of Fun Fundraising

As Young Life continues to evolve, live auctions can be a powerful tool for your ministry. They offer something that digital fundraising and traditional events often can't: the irreplaceable power of shared human experience.

When done right, live auctions don't just raise money—they build movements, create advocates, and remind everyone involved why they fell in love with the cause in the first place. They bring the FUN back into fundraising! 

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Interested in learning best practices on running a successful auction for your next fundraiser? Learn from tried-and-true strategies that range from pre-event to live event flow, to post-event. Interested? Sign up here to be the first to hear about this training. 

Parent’s Guide to Tik Tok

Whether your teens have TikTok accounts or not, it’s difficult to imagine that they haven’t seen a TikTok trend or two-not to mention noticing the ways that TikTok impacts their experience at school and in their friend groups.

This guide will help you discuss the following questions:

• What is TikTok?

• What are its potential dangers?

• Why is it so popular with young people?

• How does it work?

• Are there any options for parental controls?

• How can parents help their teens think about TikTok wisely?

JOG

Go With Us on a Journey of Generosity

How many conversations have you had about money with anyone other than a parent or spouse? Most people have had very few conversations about money - ever. So, for those of us who are involved in ministries and nonprofits either as staff, on a board, or as a partner, these conversations are ones we’ve probably just had conversations in our own heads around generosity. 

Opening Doors to Generosity

And at Young Life, we’ve found a great partner to help us think about these conversations: Generous Giving. This organization has opened doors for us to have conversations about generosity without any pressure to give. These conversations have opened up minds for creativity and getting ideas swirling. They’ve been amazing relationship building experiences for volunteers, committees, and other friends of Young Life. They’ve even been ways we’ve made new friends within our Young Life circles through these conversations. Generous Giving calls these conversations and experiences JOG’s. 

Before we go too far, let’s take a look at what Generous Giving is all about…

Understanding Generous Giving and the Journey of Generosity

Generous Giving stands as a truly unique organization in the landscape of faith-based ministry, distinguished by its foundational principle of giving rather than receiving. Founded in 2000 by The Maclellan Foundation, this privately funded organization operates with a focused mission: to spread the message of biblical generosity and cultivate generous hearts, particularly among those who have been entrusted with significant resources.

Unlike most organizations that discuss finances, Generous Giving approaches conversations about money from a radically different perspective. Their core philosophy centers on wanting something for people rather than from them. And they really mean it! 

This fundamental shift creates an environment where participants can engage authentically without the underlying tension of being solicited for donations or commitments.

The organization's vision extends far beyond individual transformation. They envision a large-scale cultural movement where Christians become known for extravagant generosity rather than consumption or accumulation. This movement aims to reshape how society perceives Christianity, with young people organizing their lives around giving before becoming trapped in endless pursuit of material wealth, and non-believers being drawn to Christ through the compelling generosity of His followers.

At its heart, Generous Giving seeks to liberate people to live and give in God's image, reflecting His character through radical generosity. This liberation promises greater joy, freedom, and purpose as individuals trade earthly accumulation for eternal treasure. The organization believes this transformation will ultimately release billions of dollars for Kingdom purposes, advancing the gospel, serving the needy, and bringing healing to a broken world.

What is a Journey of Generosity (JOG)?

A Journey of Generosity represents the primary vehicle through which Generous Giving accomplishes its mission. These carefully crafted retreats bring together peers for meaningful conversations about God and money in an atmosphere of safety and spiritual exploration.

The JOG experience emphasizes conversation over prescription, recognizing that there is no universal formula for generosity. Rather than providing rigid answers about how or where to give, these gatherings create space for participants to reflect on Scripture, encounter inspiring stories of generosity, and listen attentively to the Holy Spirit's guidance for their unique circumstances.

The retreat format intentionally removes participants from their daily routines, allowing time and mental space for deeper contemplation. Trained facilitators guide these experiences without lecturing or teaching, instead fostering dialogue where everyone participates as fellow travelers on the journey toward greater generosity.

The pressure-free environment remains paramount to the JOG experience. Because Generous Giving operates through independent funding, participants never face requests for financial commitments. This freedom allows for authentic exploration of biblical principles without the distraction of fundraising motives.

JOGs can take various forms to accommodate different preferences and circumstances. Some gather in intimate home settings, others in vacation rentals or corporate boardrooms, and some even connect virtually through video calls. The flexibility of format ensures accessibility while maintaining the core elements of meaningful conversation and spiritual reflection.

For those called to host a JOG, the process involves selecting dates with adequate planning time, securing appropriate venues, and providing meals for guests. Generous Giving supplies trained facilitators and materials, creating a partnership that enables hosts to focus on gathering the right people for transformative conversations.

The ultimate goal of every JOG extends beyond the retreat itself, planting seeds for lifelong transformation in how participants view and practice generosity as expressions of their faith and response to God's radical grace.

Intersection of Young Life & JOGs

“We are an organization that is built on volunteers - so the whole mission already rests on the generosity of volunteers: leaders, committee, work crew, summer staff, and countless other positions. Paid staff really are there to facilitate a program that allows generous people to continue to serve the Lord through the ministry of Young Life. It would make sense then, to continue to build and teach about generosity. 

The format that JOG uses is very similar to how Young Life gives testimony and uses personal story. They use a medium that feels like home to us in the same language. What they DON'T do is direct asks and so even the presentation comes with no strings attached except what God is prompting each of us. This is a winning tool for us in Young Life!” 

- Lee Anne Allman, YL Staff and JOG Facilitator

The Journey of Generosity events represent a powerful strategic partnership between Young Life and Generous Giving, offering a holistic discipleship tool that transforms how participants understand and live out biblical generosity. These experiences create space for staff, volunteers, donors, and committee members to explore how generosity profoundly impacts their relationship with God, themselves, and others. 

For Young Life staff and volunteers who regularly invite others to support the ministry, JOG provides essential spiritual formation around fundraising, helping them recognize the spiritual value that generosity holds for both givers and the advancement of God's Kingdom. Additionally, JOG events leverage Young Life's extensive network of relationships to share the message of biblical generosity beyond our ministry context, promoting a Kingdom-centered vision that benefits the global Church and encourages faithful stewardship. 

Young Life has been leveraging JOGs heavily in recent years, and has expanded these experiences internationally too! Our Global Field Development team coordinates and often facilitates these experiences. Based on our team's experience across Latin America, Europe, and various US areas, we've consistently seen JOG participants become more engaged with Young Life through both financial giving and volunteer service. 

“I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit during the JOG. I thought back over all that Jesus went through for me; his life, ministry, arrest, physical pain going to the Cross, crucifixion…and for the first time I saw it in the light of His generosity. I had never thought of it from that perspective before.” - YL staff in Middle East

“The concept of generosity is hard, to find time and space to ask God what I can do, how I can participate? What actions to take? I am thankful for this time and space to do that. It was a gift”  - Kenneth Céspedes, Friend of YL, Costa Rica.

“We are always busy during the week, so this is a gift to have time to reflect on this. Generosity moved beyond just money for me today. My hope for today was to understand the importance of generosity and now I know I must do something about it.” 

• María José Vindas, Friend of YL, Costa Rica.

Are you interested in participating in a JOG? Would you like to bring a JOG experience to your local Young Life Area for your leaders or committee members? Are you looking to bring friends of faith together to talk about generosity? If you want to experience this firsthand, or use a JOG to bring your local network of friends of faith together, we’d love to help connect you to the resources needed. 

Connect with our Global Field Development Team for more info: ewaller@sc.younglife.org

“Sharing of our faith is an act of generosity. Contact work is an act of generosity. Opening a home for Young Life Club is an act of generosity. A JOG is a chance to explore and expand the concept of generosity in a safe space.” 

-Chad Watson, Young Life Staff, Global Field Development

Written by: Valerie Morris

Patrick Pence

The Rippled Effect of a Life Transformed

In Chapter two of his recently launched book, “Foundation in Spirit and Truth: Discovering your strength and building the life you want,” Patrick Pence writes, “In 2018, my daughter got involved with a local group of the Young Life organization. They do a tremendous job helping young adults find guidance and community through the teaching and discussion of Christian principles. She attended Bible studies, prayer meetings, and then a large camp retreat in North Carolina. Her enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge to gain a deeper understanding of God led the two of us into many meaningful discussions.

I shared experiences from my childhood days in church and from my FCA days in high school. Sadly, after that I didn’t have much to contribute. After my mothers’ death, God had been just a desperate 911 call for me. Those prayers generally consisted of me trying to cut a deal. If You do this, God, I will do that. If I ever held up my end of the bargain, it wasn’t for long. 

But, using the fuel of my daughter’s fire, we started incorporating Christian practices into our daily routine. We read and discussed the Bible, attended or watched different church services, and prayed before dinner. 

With double fives in my age, it was this introduction, or re-introduction for me, to Christianity that became the spark for Foundation In Spirit and Truth. An idea that was the humble beginning of my journey to becoming the person I wanted to be, living the life I wanted to live. A journey that will continue until my very last day.”

A Daughter to Father Domino Effect

What Patrick Pence so eloquently communicates in his book, many have experienced or seen throughout the eight-plus decades of Young Life. Often, when a kid is impacted that impact reverberates through not just a school and a community, but the family they are a part of.

Patrick’s daughter was 15, a freshman in high school, when she was first introduced to Young Life. She was attending a sports camp in Illinois, when a friend kept asking if she would be interested in going to a Young Life camp later that summer. After watching the camp promotional video, she was “in.”

Following her trip to Windy Gap, a Young Life camp in North Carolina, in 2018, Patrick’s daughter wanted to discuss faith more with her father, the parent that had been the primary caregiver for many years. She was interested in her father’s story, and how they might explore faith together. Rather than fumble through her words, Patrick’s daughter wrote him a letter, clearly articulating why she wanted to delve deeper into her faith and how she wanted to do that with him. In Patrick’s words, “I wanted to give her the ability to dig in and explore what she believed and who she would be in that context. I loved her so much that I didn’t want to see her drifting along as I had for so many years.” According to Patrick, “We started with some simple things like praying before dinner, reading the Bible, attending a church or watching a service online.”

This initial start launched a season of tremendous discovery and growth for both father and daughter. While Patrick’s daughter grew in her new-found faith, continuing to be involved with her local club and Campaigners and even serving as a student leader in the local Wyldlife ministry (Young Life for those in middle school), Patrick became engrossed in his own personal revival. Looking back on his life, his faith and who he wanted to be moving forward. This entire process is outlined in “Foundation in Spirit and Truth.”

In Patrick’s words, “This book is a sixty year study of one subject; ME.” However, its contents will resonate with all who have drifted and struggled over the years. “Foundation in Spirit and Truth” is about a house being built up, rather than being torn down; it is a living testament to the impact of a life transformed and the influence of a daughter on a father. If you are interested in learning more about Pence’s book, you can do so here.

A Son’s Journey Impacting His Parents

Similar to Patrick Pence’s story, in 2018 the Watson family was featured in an article published in Young Life’s Relationships Magazine. The story was titled “Signing on for Young Life,” and was written by Stacy Windahl. In Windahl’s words, “It started as Young Life relationships often do. A leader serving as a volunteer coach discovers a discouraged freshman in the locker room and suggests they get together to talk. Before long, the athlete is coming to Club. This particular athlete, Joanne and Terry’s son, Chad, attended club and then camp at Breakaway Lodge. When Chad’s leader, Eric, had to leave camp to coach the state playoff game he invited Chad to come along if, and only if, the leader (Eric) could share the club talk they’d be missing. So, during their drive, Eric shared the “cross-talk,” and Chad made a faith commitment, then and there, and that changed the faith journey of the entire family.”

Windahl goes on to recount the story of how the Watson’s began to host Young Life club in their home the next fall; how club grew from 70 to 200 kids a week, and how a “few weeks” of hosting turned into “10 years” and thousands of kids entering their home. In fact, Joanne ended up becoming a volunteer leader and the region’s Student Staff coordinator! By the way, Chad is still involved with Young Life today, as he serves as the mission’s Senior Director of Global Field Development!

A Biblical Pattern Continues

Both the Pence’s and the Watson’s experienced first-hand the reality that often one family member’s encounter with Jesus will lead to multiple family members having an encounter with Jesus. Just as Andrew fetched his brother, Peter, in John 1:41, and introduced him to Jesus, God continues to be in the business of transforming not only individuals, but siblings, parents and entire families!

Living the Lord’s Prayer

Living the Lord's Prayer: Why the World's Most Famous Prayer Is More Relevant Than Ever

In a world of constant noise, endless distractions, and spiritual disconnection, an ancient prayer is offering modern men and women a profound pathway to transformation. Living the Lord's Prayer by Chuck Scott and Dr. Douglas Howe isn’t just another devotional book—it's a deep dive into what might be the most overlooked spiritual resource available to believers today.

The book emerged from a simple Lenten commitment when Scott and his friends decided to break down the Lord's Prayer word by word. What started as a seemingly trivial exercise transformed their lives, leading Scott to spend over eight years exploring the prayer's depths. What he discovered was life-changing: this prayer, recited by millions, yet truly understood by few, contains the blueprint for spiritual victory, personal transformation, and authentic relationship with God.

From Recitation to Revelation

Perhaps the most striking insight this book offers is how most believers have recited this prayer their whole lives without truly praying it. Like many, we've treated it as a religious obligation or a perfunctory routine, missing the profound invitation Jesus extended when he taught these words.

The prayer's opening word, "our," immediately disrupts our individualistic approach to faith. This three-letter word fundamentally encompasses the heart of the gospel, proclaiming "You're in," "Welcome to the family," "You're adopted." In an age of spiritual isolation and religious performance anxiety, this simple word offers radical acceptance and belonging.

Addressing Our Deepest Spiritual Crisis

There’s a critical spiritual malady affecting modern believers: the perception of an angry, disappointed God. When Scott and Doug ask groups "How would God describe your relationship with Him?" they find that over 91.6% of responses contain some form of negativity. This distorted view creates a performance-based faith where believers constantly try to earn God's love rather than receive it.

The prayer's address to "Father" shatters this misconception. Jesus deliberately chose "Abba"—a term of such intimacy and childlike trust that it was considered scandalous in his time. For those carrying wounds from earthly fathers, this revelation becomes particularly healing.

Practical Spiritual Warfare

In today's culture of spiritual skepticism, they boldly address the reality of spiritual warfare. Jesus alerts us to one of the enemy's primary tactics: temptation. Rather than dismissing this as superstition, the book provides practical strategies for recognizing and defeating evil's influence.

The book introduces the concept of "taking thoughts captive," turning potential distractions into opportunities for prayer. This transforms everyday mental wandering from spiritual failure into spiritual victory. When designing football plays during prayer time, Scott learned to bring these thoughts to God, turning them into intercession for players and coaches.

The Critical Importance of Forgiveness

One of the prayer's most challenging aspects is "as we forgive those who sin against us." Scott doesn't shy away from this difficulty, sharing his own two-year struggle to forgive a workplace injustice. The breakthrough came when he realized forgiveness isn't just about the other person—it's about our own spiritual freedom.

TODAY: The Urgency of the Present

Throughout the book, they emphasize "TODAY"—a word often capitalized repeatedly to drive home the prayer's urgency. We don't pray the Lord's Prayer to get into heaven one day; we live in the Lord's Prayer to get heaven into us TODAY! This perspective shift transforms prayer from future-focused religious activity into present-tense spiritual power.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

In our current cultural moment, where anxiety is epidemic, trust is fractured, and spiritual hunger runs deep, this prayer offers exactly what we need: a way to experience heaven on earth, becoming conduits through which God's Kingdom flows into our broken world.

The book addresses modern temptations head-on, acknowledging the specific struggles men face with substances, pornography, and other addictions. But rather than offering simplistic spiritual solutions, it provides a framework for understanding these as battles in a larger spiritual war—battles that can be won through the truths embedded in this prayer.

In a generation marked by spiritual superficiality and religious disillusionment, Living the Lord's Prayer offers profound depth and practical wisdom. It reclaims one of Christianity's most treasured resources, revealing it not as a prayer to be recited but as a life to be lived.

The book's importance lies not just in its spiritual insights, but in its practical application of ancient truth to modern challenges. It provides a roadmap for spiritual faith, emotional healing, relational restoration, and victorious living. In an age where many feel spiritually adrift, this study of the Lord's Prayer serves as an anchor, connecting believers to the timeless truths that can transform their daily experience.

This book offers not just answers, but an adventure—an invitation to discover the life that truly is life through the prayer Jesus himself taught us to pray.

WWJD? Or WIJD? - Remembering the Ascension of Christ

Let me begin by asking you a few questions…

What do we celebrate every year on December 25th?

Do you know when Easter is this year?

Will you do anything special to remember Easter?

When was the last time you received an Ascension Day card?

When is Ascension Day and will you do anything special to remember it this year?

For most of us, the answers to the first three questions above are a quick and easy “Christmas,” and “yes.” The vast majority of us are very familiar with the holidays that celebrate the birth and the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. However, when it comes to the final two questions, the answers will be less consistent. The reality is that some will answer “yes.” Generally, yes answers will be from those of us who have some connection to either the Catholic, Episcopal, or Lutheran churches; as these traditions likely follow a liturgical calendar in which the Ascension is remembered. Though some will answer “yes,” the majority will answer “no.” The Ascension is not an event that has made their calendar, nor has it received a significant amount of annual attention.

Along these lines, in his book, “The Beautiful Fight”, author Gary Thomas writes, “There’s a reason – a good reason – that the Bible records the ascension. It’s not a superfluous event, as if after Jesus died and rose from the dead, we can rush through the rest and say, “And, oh yeah, he went back up into heaven.” God’s inclusion of this historical fact in the written record of Scripture is both purposeful and significant. We might preach one hundred sermons on Jesus’ death and resurrection for every one preached on his ascension, but this serves only to reveal our cultural blinders.  Christmas and Easter are ingrained in American culture and stand out on the calendar of the contemporary church. But we lose something when the ascension becomes a forgotten appendage to the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection.”

The Reality of the Ascension

Remembered and celebrated forty days following Jesus’ resurrection, the Ascension is the biblically recorded event during which Jesus left earth and rose to heaven. Below are a few New Testament verses that capture this incredible occurrence…

 Mark 16:19 & 20

After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

 Luke 24:50-53

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

Acts 1:9

 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. [1]

 Hebrews 1:1-4

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.[2]

 Romans 8:34

Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.[3]

As we review the above passages, it’s clear the risen Jesus was “taken up into heaven,” where “he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty of heaven,” and is “interceding for us.” In fact, it’s also clear that the day of Pentecost and the giving of the Holy Spirit were directly correlated to the Ascension of Christ.

The Significance of the Ascension

In the words of Gerrit Scott Dawson, “The ascended Jesus is the reigning Jesus. Of all the meanings of the ascension, this one is preeminent: Jesus has gone up to the right hand of God the Father, exalted above every name and power. He reigns.” 

Similarly, author Gary Thomas writes, “Celebrating Christmas gives us faith; it affirms that our beliefs have roots in the historical fact of the incarnation. Celebrating Easter gives us assurance; it affirms that Christ wiped away our sins by his great sacrifice and triumphed over death.  Celebrating the ascension gives us hope and points us towards transformation; it affirms that we can become more and more like Jesus is right now.” 

In short, the Ascension shouts that Jesus Christ is the ruling Lord of this fallen, broken world.  It’s not just that he will reign when he comes again or that he did reign over death, but that he is reigning right now!

Do you remember the book “In His Steps” by Charles Sheldon? (Sorry, but your answer to this question will surely “date” you.)  From this popular religious title, first published in 1896, came the familiar abbreviation “WWJD?” (What Would Jesus Do?) Many people today only know this question via the acronym, often embossed on shirts, book-marks and a variety of other items.  I’m not suggesting this is a bad question to ask, but it’s a question rooted in the incarnation and a bit disconnected from the Ascension. In “WWJD?”, we often look back and consider what we know of Jesus, as communicated through the Gospel accounts, and ask the question, if Jesus were still here, what would he do?  However, as we remember and embrace the truth of the Ascension, “WWJD?” becomes “WIJD?” (What IS Jesus Doing?) The Ascension shouts that Jesus is present and active! His Spirit not only dwells within us, but Jesus reigns on high and is engaged in our world and our lives. And, this reality not only transforms a nifty acronym, it transforms our very lives and ministries!

As we remember the Ascension, we’re reminded:

·   To involve him in our goal setting and planning, but to be adaptable and open to God’s leading as we move forward. As Proverbs 19:21 states, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” And, again in Proverbs 16:9, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

·   To build time into our schedule to listen and ask him, What are you doing? And, how can I join you Lord? This is similar to what we see in Jesus’ life in Mark 1:35-38, where we read “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

 38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”

 ·   To be sensitive as we go about our lives and ministries; listening and moving in step with his leading. A great example of this can be found in Acts 8:26-39, when Philip has a God-ordained and life-changing encounter with the Ethiopian Eunuch. In this passage it says, “The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

 ·   To trust God’s active involvement and sovereignty, even when things aren’t going the way we would like. In the words of Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

So, What Now?

As we approach yet another Ascension day in May, let’s purpose to remove any “cultural blinders” (in the words of Gary Thomas), and remember that Jesus is not only alive; he is seated at the right hand of the father; he reigns and is actively engaged in our lives and in our world! Let’s live in the power and hope of this truth. Let’s seek to allow Jesus to radically transform our lives and the lives of those around us, and to remember that he is with us. Please join with me in remembering the ascension through this “Anglican Ascension Prayer.”

 Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ
to have ascended into the heavens,
so we in heart and mind may also ascend
and with him continually dwell;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.

Amen

Written by: Jonathan Schultz

Holy Moments at Sundance 2025

Have you ever seen a guitar player use an EBow? If you pick a guitar string, the sound fades out, but an EBow will make the string vibrate forever. You don’t even touch the string. You just hold up the EBow, and the magnet inside it causes resonance.

That’s a pretty good metaphor, I think, for how movies work. Our heartstrings respond naturally to good stories the way guitar strings vibrate to an EBow. There’s music there. 

But a good EBow, like a great movie, needs juice. Where an EBow gets energy from a battery, a movie needs truth. This is something I teach my creative writing students all the time: If you want your story to resonate, the secret sauce is truth. 

The way people resonate with truth is one element of the “power of stories”–a phrase I heard quite a bit when I went to the Sundance Film Festival with Young Life this January. A film festival might not seem like the most natural fit for Young Life staffers, until you realize that the natural thread that runs through movie directors and career evangelists is that they’re professional storytellers.

Windrider Institute

You might know that Sundance is the biggest, most prestigious indie film fest in the world. What you might not know is that the biggest bulk ticket-buyer of the festival is a Christian organization called Windrider Institute. Windrider was first formed by professors at Christian universities as a way to inspire students, artists, and academics to “create, view, and discuss visual media that address life’s ultimate questions.” After two decades, they’ve gotten pretty good at it.

The Windrider sessions my Young Life friends and I attended featured short films and interviews with filmmakers. Some of these shorts premiered at Sundance this year. Others were previously available.

One highpoint was a documentary called The Turnaround, available right now on Netflix. Let me tell you that its 25-minute length is worth every second of your time. The Turnaround tells the story of Trea Turner’s up-and-down 2023 season with the Philadelphia Phillies. The twist is that the doc is told from the angle of the hilarious Jon “Captain Philly” McCann who is having a year even more turbulent than Turner’s. His mouth alone earns the piece its R rating.

While Turner’s stealing bases, McCann steals the show as the story cuts between Turner’s on-field performance (or lack thereof) and McCann’s growing sense of anger, isolation, and despair. But after taking a tip from his therapist, McCann decides not to vent his frustration at the highly paid, underperforming Turner, but to orchestrate a city-wide show of grace in the form of a standing ovation for a $300 million player who had been putting up no results.

“Turner needs some love,” McCann tells the camera. “Not tough love. Love love.” This is the stuff male tears are made of.

What makes the Windrider Summit so neat is that after watching this roller coaster ride of a documentary, we in the audience, got to hear from the cinematographer who worked on The Turnaround. Turns out, there’s a lot that goes on behind the camera beyond just pointing and shooting. 

So what does filmmaking have to do with sharing the gospel with teenagers? Everything, everything. Like this cinematographer, everyone I know in Young Life is preoccupied with telling a story–the gospel story–as skillfully and accurately as possible. That might mean going over and over and over a club talk, or it might mean cleaning a camp toilet so pristinely you could use it as a cereal bowl. Yes, the order and cleanliness of a property bathroom speaks to campers. And what it speaks of is no less than the holiness of God. I believe it.

Another takeaway from my time at Sundance: The brilliant people talented enough to get their films into the festival don’t have some second set of concerns that the Bible never gets to. Their films ask the same questions the rest of us do. Who am I, actually? How can I find my place in the world? Where’s the hope?

We had the chance to listen to artists from America, of course, but also England, Lebanon, Ukraine, Israel, Japan, and Iran. What we saw were wildly different films from world-ranging locations that all came back to the same core questions of identity, relationship, and meaning. 

I was reminded of Harper Lee’s famous line: “There’s just one kind of folks.” That’s right. There’s only one kind of person, and there is just one name given to us whereby we might be saved (Acts 4:12), one mediator between God and us (1 Timothy 2:5), one shepherd (John 10:16).

For all the great questions I heard the films asking over the course of the week, I heard a lot of wrong answers, too. Or maybe “incomplete” would be a better word. Many movies found hope in good things like mended relationships, acceptance in the face of suffering, or the virtue of humility. Other movies were pretty dark. They weren’t necessarily inaccurate to human experience; a lot of the darkest movies I’ve seen have been the most honest. But if you’re looking for the light at the end of the tunnel, you better keep looking. It can be painful to bear witness to such aching, unanswered need, especially when, in Christ, you recognize the desperation you were called out of.

And of course that’s where Young Life comes in: we who were called out to call out. Though my volunteer leader days are behind me (or perhaps ahead?) I hope to be counted in the final reckoning alongside the called callers. Where the best and brightest have questions, we who are maybe not so bright have answers. Where the world gropes about in darkness, we have been mercifully brought into light. We know that our story has an ending, and that’s where eternity begins. 

So let’s keep screening the story of Christ, reflecting the light of his grand narrative in the 90 minutes we’re given in this dark theater.

Written by: Trevor Babcock

BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME

“If You Build it, he will come” 

The quote was made famous by the 1989 baseball classic movie “Field of Dreams” when Ray Kinsella hears the voice of Shoeless Joe Jackson whisper this iconic phrase. I love the game of baseball and this movie because Ray did something completely irrational by plowing under his farmland to create a baseball field. It created an emotional connection that few movies do, and now, in fact, MLB plays a real game on that same field. In much the same way, Jesse Cole, the owner of the Savannah Bananas did something completely different and some may say irrational to create the “Greatest Show in Sports.”

Attending a Savannah Banana game was one of my wife’s Lori’s bucket list items. So when we had the opportunity to attend a weekend trip with Young Life staff and Young Life fans to Savannah to attend a game we did not hesitate. However, much like Ray Kinsella back in the farmland of Iowa, we received so much more than just attending a game.

The Savannah Bananas have revolutionized baseball by turning it into a non-stop party for both fans and players. Launched in 2016 the team started out as a fledgling summer collegiate league. Jesse came in and knew he had to do things differently and continually innovate to be successful. 

Starting with a name that raised eyebrows and a mission to make baseball fun again. Jesse, with his showman’s flair, ditched traditional rules and created “Banana Ball”—a fast-paced, two-hour spectacle where fans can catch foul balls for outs, batters are penalized for stepping out of the box, and no one dares to bunt. What began as a local experiment has exploded into a nationwide phenomenon, with sold-out crowds, viral videos, and a traveling team often dubbed the “Harlem Globetrotters of baseball.” The Bananas blend athletic skill with wild entertainment, proving that America’s pastime can be both full of excitement and hilariously unpredictable.  If Young Life Camp was baseball - this would be it!

Lori and I have been the owners of an Everbowl franchise since October of 2023 and we have the opportunity to serve our guests and our staff in a fast-paced and fun environment. Everbowl is an Acai bowl, quick-serve restaurant that specializes in creating amazing bowls and smoothies to give people “Fuel for Movement.”  In addition to serving people, we strive to build community and create an amazing experience for our guests. Our store is in Bloomington Indiana on the campus of Indiana University. 

In addition to operating the store, we have the opportunity to coach and mentor our staff since they are all high school or college age. The weekend in Savannah gave us an opportunity to take a step back and understand the humble beginnings of the Bananas and how they have grown in popularity by putting “fans first” in everything they do. 

Culture is the heartbeat of the Savannah Bananas organization, shaping everything from their crazy on-field antics to their behind-the-scenes operations. The core of their culture is the “Fans First” philosophy, which prioritizes creating unforgettable experiences for fans and empowering employees to innovate and take risks. This approach is embedded in every aspect of the organization, from their unique hiring practices that assess cultural fit to their regular “Idea Paloozas” where team members brainstorm creative ways to delight fans. By embracing a culture that celebrates experimentation and rapid implementation of ideas, the Savannah Bananas have transformed traditional baseball into an engaging and inclusive spectacle, resonating with audiences far beyond the sport’s typical fan base.

The agenda for the weekend was all about making connections with others on the trip, building community, learning best practices from the Banana’s “Fans First” culture, and how to apply them to our own business. We were able to connect with other business owners that are passionate about serving others and of course serving God. 

One of the exciting things about this trip was how ministry staff walked away from the Bananas experience with a similar excitement for how they can infuse the “fans first” mentality into their work with kids just as we saw the applications for our business. We were each able to translate the experience and see ways to affect our own corners of the world. We met so many other adults surrounding Young Life who have unique ways God has positioned each of them to make Kingdom impact and each person got creative ideas for how to do that from this trip to Savannah.

So what did we learn? We learned a lot! Here are some specific key lessons we took away from this weekend that we could implement in our business. The idea of reducing friction in the guest experience, empowering staff to leverage their unique gifts, and using a new approach to hiring.  In addition, I added a purple top hat and jacket to my wardrobe, following in Jesse’s yellow tuxedo and top hat uniform. It’s fun to stand out and bring attention to your product or service.  The Instagram followers and engagement has increased and we’re having tons of fun!

As an enterprise, Everbowl just celebrated “National Acai Bowl Day.” This is our Super Bowl as a franchise. We give away free açaí bowls for two hours on this amazing day. This year our store gave away 363 free bowls! 

We wanted to have a party atmosphere and give people something to do while they waited in line, so we brought in a photo booth for our guests to take crazy pictures that would add to the fun. For the first 45 minutes a few people jumped in, but most of the time there was no activity. Then, I realized two of our high school team members who are incredibly outgoing would be amazing as the “Hype Squad.” I immediately moved them from the back of the house to the front of the house and empowered them to use their skills as the Hype Squad. WOW did they deliver! They had the crowd cheering, dancing and taking lots of pictures in the Photo Booth as they waited for their açaí bowls. It resulted in an amazing and remarkable experience for guests and incredible engagement from the “Hype Squad.” 

This weekend was an unforgettable experience for Lori and I. We made new friends, built a lasting community, had fun and brought home ideas that we can easily execute to bring fun with meaning into our daily work. Thank you all for including us in this amazing event!

Written by: “Mike from Everbowl” Fowler, Everbowl Bloomington Owner

Understanding Gen Alpha

Ever looked across the table at your Gen Alpha kid and felt like you were talking to a complete stranger? This eye-opening guide explores the fascinating world of Generation Alpha—those born between 2010-2024—who are growing up in a reality we could barely imagine. From their iPad-filled childhoods to navigating a post-COVID world, these digital natives are developing their own unique worldview that can sometimes leave parents scratching their heads.

The article takes you on a journey through what makes Gen Alpha tick: their impressive tech fluency, their surprising social awareness at young ages, and yes, their struggles with screen time and resilience. But it doesn't just highlight challenges—it offers practical ways to connect with and support the Gen Alpha kids in your life. Whether you're trying to understand why your 10-year-old is already passionate about social justice or looking for ways to help them build meaningful relationships beyond screens, this guide provides the insights you need to bridge that generational gap and strengthen your connection with tomorrow's leaders.

Two Sides of the Resort: YL College is Changing the Scene

This spring, I was in Panama City Beach. The setting is the quintessential college spring break trip: UV rays, loud music, salty air, and plenty of fun happening up and down the beach. It was my very first Young Life College Spring break trip. As the freshman Young Life College Divisional Coordinator, I went to learn, observe, and help as much as I could. 

I wasn’t totally sure what to expect. I have been to hundreds of weeks of Young Life camp, and was told that this would have similar elements, but catered to a more mature crowd. I was told that free time would abound, as college students appreciate a little less program and more time just “hanging out.” 

As is tradition at a week of Young Life camping, students were given twenty minutes to consider a relationship with Jesus. To reflect on His sacrifice and what it might mean for them. I went out to the beach ahead of this time, to make sure we were all set, as our speaker shared about the cross. One by one, students trickled to the beach and anyone with eyes on that shoreline witnessed something truly spectacular. What I experienced though, was beyond that.

Let me preface by sharing, I had found out, earlier that day, that my flight, for later in the week, would likely be cancelled due to weather, and I would need to reschedule. It just so happened that during those same twenty minutes, American Airlines returned a phone call that I had been waiting for, and I needed to take it. The resort we were staying at was just behind us on the beach and so I quickly walked through to the other side of the resort, and stood on the sidewalk of the main drag in Panama City Beach. At this point it was 9:30 pm and the crowd on that side of the resort was picking up. It was likely what you might picture a debaucherous college Spring Break to look like. A sea of humanity, loud, laughing, and in some ways….Lost. 

To be honest, I could barely pay attention to what the ticket agent was saying. Not because I was shocked by what I was seeing; I was in college many years ago, and that was the norm then. You see, I had walked no more than 50 feet, and the stark contrast of what was happening on one side of the resort, to what was happening on the other, was drastic. 

I couldn’t get back to the other side fast enough. As a matter of fact, I wanted to take everyone on the street with me. I wanted them to come and see. I wanted them to know that life can be so much more full than what they were heading towards. It also made me thankful for the 350 that were sitting on the beach, and the ministry of Young Life College. Another option was given to them that week, and they jumped at it. They may have heard “Panama City Beach Spring Break Trip” and thought “oh yea, sign me up,” without even knowing what they were coming to. 

We live in a world where both sides of the resort exist. One side truly offers life to the full, the other promises that, but always falls short. For those of us who know this life, we desire for those on the other side to join us. We can’t stop going to the other side and inviting students in. I have a dear friend who reminds me that the stakes are much too high.  

Written by Brigit Mustaine

DOING BUSINESS WITH YOUNG LIFE IN MIND

Taste and see! And we mean, literally go taste something amazing and see what God is doing through business partnerships and Young Life. What happens when a local entrepreneur with a heart for Young Life puts their passion to work? The possibilities are literally infinite! Around Young Life, there are literally millions of people fulfilling their callings in their daily lives, from parenting to professions, to ministry and yes, even business ownerships. There have been countless businesses that support Young Life, but the businesses we want to share about today have a really “sweet” aroma. One thing is for sure: the ideas and creativity that surround business owners working for a profit AND working for a cause are contagious! 

Raley Parker, former YL staff member, now owns multiple Jersey Mikes restaurants in Pennsylvania where the restaurants have local support, but also intentional sponsorship of YL international ministry. He recently expanded the vision and brought along his longtime friend, and Young Life alumni, Josh Hicks to open a Fox's Pizza Den in Elizabeth, Colorado. 

Sponsored Impact

All of these locations between Raley and Josh are actively sponsoring specific Developing Global Leaders (DGL) students with their business’ profits AND making global impact in the process. They’ve created signage sharing what Young Life is about, and more specifically, what DGL is about. They also share the photo and some general information about the student that location is sponsoring, bringing a personal touch to the impact that each purchase makes.

Local Impact

Both restaurants have amazing partnerships with global ministry through DGL sponsorship, but they also have intentional relationships with the local Young Life Areas. Students often work in the restaurants, and there are intentional programs and participation with local fundraisers. In fact, the Fox’s Pizza location not only sponsors a DGL student from Ukraine, but also helps sponsor and promote Young Life Douglas County publicly as well. 

Expanded Awareness

Hicks and Parkers’ pizza restaurant in Elizabeth, Colorado is in an area primed for growth, BUT one of the interesting hitches in this location is that there is actually no Young Life club in town. Yet, this location prominently displays a Young Life logo on their signage inside where they share about the impact every pizza purchase makes. Staff wear YL gear and regularly get either questions about what Young Life is, or they get comments like “I was part of Young Life up in ___________.” It’s been a great opportunity to open the conversation up and gather information for the local Young Life Area who are building interest lists for future YL clubs. 

They’ve also had a flood of local sports, schools, and other community events looking to have their pizzas at events. Hicks (local to CO) and the local Young Life staff have brainstormed opportunities for ways local Young Life leaders can participate in these events alongside Fox's Pizza. When it’s sometimes a puzzle to figure out how to get into a school or school event, Foxes is getting begged to come be part of the story. These types of collaborative efforts are helping open doors for businesses and ministry to work together and increase local awareness for Young Life Club

Unexpected Mentorship

Many of the staff at both Jersey Mikes and Fox’s Pizza are teenagers and both Raley and Josh see this as a huge opportunity to not just staff their restaurants, but to mentor teenagers as well. Raley has intentional programs with the Young Life club right there in town. However, we all know there’s so much leadership and mentoring that happens on the job site during an average day's work. The hope is that with these businesses, they’re not just supporting local or DGL ministry, but they’re pouring into the same teenagers who are needing jobs too! 

These business partners, and YL alumni, are just one glimpse into the potential when creative business owners connect their business ventures with local impact in Young Life. We’re honored to have amazing partners like Raley and Josh who are willing to get creative with their families’ income while also serving the Kingdom as well!

To learn more about Corporate Sponsorships for DGL, including some of these we’ve talked about here, you can learn more at https://dgl.younglife.org/corporate-sponsors/

Written by: Valerie Morris

Young Life Community Network Awards 2024

Every year the Young Life Community Network, in partnership with the Office of the President, honors three individuals or couples with our annual alumni awards. Below, you will find three stories, highlighting our 2024 recipients.

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2024 DISTINGUISHED YOUNG LIFE ALUMNI AWARD: BOBBY AND BETH REAGAN

As a young man, Bobby Reagan would have said he was a Christian; however, an introduction to Young Life through a faithful volunteer leader named Henry Harvey challenged Bobby’s faith and the ways he was chasing validation through performance. It was on a trip to Frontier Ranch in 1969, following his junior year, where he began to better understand the “ultimate validation” and came to faith.

LEADERSHIP = GROWTH

Following high school and graduating from the University of Tennessee in 1975, Bobby returned to Savannah, Georgia, and became a volunteer Young Life leader for the next decade. Bobby remembers this role being the impetus of him truly living out his faith. In his words, “Sharing the message with kids, leading Bible studies, having my friends and community being fellow Young Life leaders, pushed me to live consistently.”

In Atlanta, Bobby opened an office and became CEO of Reagan Consulting, Inc. (a consulting and investment banking firm working in the insurance distribution space). Most importantly, Bobby and Beth met in Atlanta in 1986 and married eight months later. Similar to Savannah, Bobby immediately stepped into volunteer Young Life leadership for the next six years. Bobby introduced Beth to Young Life and she began her involvement as a leader as well. If you were to look at a snapshot of the Reagans’ involvement in Young Life over the years, it would look something like this:

• Bobby – Volunteer leader, committee member, and committee chair in Savannah, Gerogia

• Bobby and Beth – Volunteer leaders, committee members, and committee chairs in Northwest Atlanta

• Bobby – Executive campaign committee chair for SharpTop Cove (1997-1999)

•  Bobby and Beth – Executive campaign committee for Windy Gap (2020-2023)

• Beth – Women’s Engagement and Philanthropy Council (Starting in 2017)

• Beth – Five local giving circles and on the planning team for the Global Giving Circle

•  Bobby and Beth – Longtime financial partners and encouragers of all!

THE FAR-REACHING IMPACT OF YOUNG LIFE

When asked about how their involvement with Young Life has impacted their work, Bobby is quick to point out that several of their first employees were involved with Young Life, including his firm’s current CEO. In fact, current Young Life staffers, like Campaign Director Elizabeth McRae, were once Young Life kids and Reagan Consulting employees.

Why have they aligned themselves so closely with Young Life and continued to give so much of themselves to the mission? Beth said, “Young Life invites! I was invited in and I am so grateful for that. I also see great return on investment! Young Life is a great steward of money, with little waste and great impact.” Bobby added, “We have been so blessed by Young Life and are amazed by how fruitful Young Life has been in the lives of kids in the U.S. and the world.”

“I love the way Young Life has an emphasis on relationship, not religion.” Beth sums it up nicely, “You don’t have to have your act together; all are welcome, what a beautiful way to introduce Jesus.”

THE FAR-REACHING INFLUENCE OF THE REAGANS

Lest we think the Reagans’ benevolence is limited to Young Life, they are very involved serving together at their local church; mentoring, teaching, and leading small groups. Furthermore, Bobby is board chair for “Elevate, Atlanta,” an organization that was started in Denver and is focused on serving inner-city youth there and in other cities.

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2024 ALUMNI SERVICE TO YOUNG LIFE AWARD: SHAWN AND WENDY LITTLE

As Wendy Little looks back on her teen years, she remembers a challenging home life and a negative view of “church.” She also remembers the way God gently broke into her life. Her family had left the Mormon church, and as a sophomore at Eastmont High School in Wenatchee, Washington, she said no to her best friend’s invitation to attend Young Life club “at least 101 times!” However, when her friend invited her to an open gym where they could play volleyball and listen to a brief message from then area director, Don Myers, she gave in. The next club meeting was at her best friend’s house, a home so familiar and welcoming that she was comfortable attending. It was on this night Wendy learned about Malibu Club and, though she wasn’t aware of the “religious part,” it was a week away from home with her friends. As God is so often known to do in “thin places” like Malibu, he revealed himself to Wendy that summer of 1992 and it was there she began following Jesus.

Shawn was a co-worker of Wendy’s at Safeway grocery store and a year ahead of her in school. Through his connection with Wendy, he began attending both Young Life and church. The two began dating and had plans to be married following Shawn’s graduation from high school in 1993; plans that did not materialize in the way either of them thought they would. The young couple broke up but reconnected over time, as Shawn began following Jesus and Wendy was looking for a faithful friend at a time of life during which she had little Christian community. This Christ-centered friendship blossomed into a loving relationship and the two wed in 1996.

MARRIED AND ON A MISSION

As Shawn and Wendy settled into married life, they attended church and were asked to lead the youth, which they did for the next seven years. This opportunity within their church only grew their desire to serve others, specifically adolescents. When asked to lead Young Life kids at camp in 2000, Wendy eagerly jumped in; Shawn officially began leading in 2002. It was clear Wendy and Shawn had hearts for the “furthest-out” young people who had stories similar to their own. Wendy said, “From the very beginning, I knew that I was called by God to serve voluntarily through Young Life in our community, and God has blessed us with the means to do so. Young Life’s tagline, ‘You were made for this’ speaks to the calling Christ put on my heart!”

BUILDING A CLUB ROOM, A LIFE AND A MINISTRY TOGETHER

Living across the street from Eastmont High School, the couple gutted half their duplex and used it as a club room. Since that time, Shawn and Wendy have served as volunteer leaders and team leaders; Wendy has also served on the area committee (as prayer coordinator) and even took a Young Life camp assignment as a head leader in 2015. Meanwhile, Shawn has not only led Young Life and WyldLife, but also serves as chaplain for their local hockey team. In the midst of this the Littles are parents to two daughters (one of whom is serving as a Young Life leader now).

When asked why they have given so much of themselves to, and through, Young Life for the past 25 years, Wendy replied, “It’s a calling. I had a hard upbringing and we want kids to have somebody to walk with them through life’s challenges. For 25 years I have had the privilege of sitting with girls and praying with them. I can never give up leading kids.” Shawn adds, “This all started with an invitation; the calling became clear after I responded. I didn’t realize how much I would love working with teenagers. Also, the community, the family of Young Life is so deep and meaningful — we’ve done so much life together!” Shawn and Wendy are very careful to point out “we did not arrive here on our own. We stand on others’ shoulders. The family of Young Life here has built us and sustained us.”

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2024 YOUNG LIFE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD: JENNI BRANDON

FROM BASEMENT CLUBS TO REGIONAL LEADERSHIP

Young Life first became a part of Jenni Brandon’s life when she was in fourth grade. Her Young Life leader moved into her family’s basement and club meetings were held in their home. Her family’s involvement in Young Life was deep-rooted, with her mom coming to faith through Young Life as a high schooler and her sister serving on work crew at Washington Family Ranch. Even her dad got involved as an adult guest and reconnected to the mission via an old friend, Gary Parsons (former vice president of Young Life Soviet Union). Jenni herself later joined a Young Life mission trip to Russia in seventh grade.

Jenni’s love for Jesus led her to become involved in many of the opportunities Young Life offers; WyldLife participant and leader, work crew, and summer staff. After moving to San Diego to pursue a PhD in Oceanography, she found herself seeking Christian community. She started leading Young Life College at UC San Diego, despite a stretching academic schedule. Jenni led for four years, later joined the committee, and now serves on the South Coast Regional Board and the Women’s Getaway Planning Team.

WHAT DRAWS HER TO YOUNG LIFE?

When asked about the most meaningful aspects of Young Life, Jenni shared that it’s the freedom Young Life offers. “The people in Young Life are authentically themselves,” she said. This environment of openness and love has shaped her own journey and motivated her to give so much of herself to the mission.

A SCIENTIST FOR CHANGE

Jenni has carved out a unique niche for herself as a scientist and consultant. After completing her PhD in oceanography, she launched her own consulting firm focused on climate change and sustainability. She helps nonprofits, philanthropists, and investors navigate the complex world of environmental impact and philanthropy.

Jenni’s passion for the environment, particularly in the area of plastic pollution, drives much of her work. Having studied plastic pollution during her PhD, Jenni is now using her expertise to help organizations tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges. “I think it’s such an important calling for us to steward creation,” she says.

Her career is a testament to her belief in the intersection of science and faith. As a staunch advocate for the idea that science and the Bible can coexist, Jenni says, “We need to talk more about this with kids; you can be a scientist and talk about Jesus.”

EMPOWERING WOMEN IN YOUNG LIFE

One of the things that excites Jenni the most about the future of Young Life is the work being done through Jamie Lisea’s work with women’s engagement and philanthropy, where Jenni helps plan The Getaway, a giving retreat for younger women in the mission. Women who have been involved in Young Life for decades are feeling more empowered to be part of the conversation around generosity and leadership. Jenni is particularly excited about the opportunities to give big gifts to Young Life and other causes, supporting the mission in new and meaningful ways.

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR STAFF AND LEADERS

Reflecting on her own journey, Jenni shared an important piece of wisdom with Young Life staff and leaders: “You may not know who those kids are at camp or in club, but what you are doing is meaningful.” She describes a pivotal moment during her junior high years when she struggled with her faith, and a Young Life leader, Kristy Fox, spoke into her life in a way that confirmed her beliefs. “I don’t know if I would be a believer if it weren’t for that camp talk,” she says. “Young Life leaders may not see the immediate impact they have, but they’re planting seeds that can change lives.”

As she continues to lead in both her professional and personal life, Jenni remains deeply committed to the mission of Young Life. Whether it’s serving on the regional board, mentoring college students, or empowering women to give generously, she is making a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves!

Are there people near you who might deserve a high five, fist bump, or dose of encouragement and appreciation? Even though we might only have three awards to give on an annual basis, all of us know unsung heroes of our mission and can offer our gratitude. We hope these stories have inspired us all in our ongoing Young Life efforts!

Written by: Jonathan Schultz

Remembering St. Patrick: A Patron of Young Life Leaders

If you’re like me, as March 17th approaches and we begin to hear the name of St. Patrick, you probably think of shamrocks, the color green, parades, and other gatherings. You also probably remember getting pinched as a result of not wearing the correct color, or pinching others who were not properly dressed for the holiday. Furthermore, if you’re similar to me, when you hear of St. Patrick, you naturally consider a holiday rather than the man for whom the holiday is named. Well, as people who appreciate the incarnational nature of Young Life, we’re also people who will truly value the story and ministry of St. Patrick, who has been considered patron saint of barbers, barrel makers, blacksmiths, cattle, engineers, people who are excluded, miners, those against snakes and, might I carefully suggest, Young Life leaders! For, as you familiarize yourself with the story of St. Patrick, you cannot help but see the parallels between the pillars of his ministry and those of Young Life. Consider this bio:

Born, Maewyn Succat, to parents Calpurnius and Conchessa, Patrick spent his early years in (Roman) Britain, in the present-day geography of England, Scotland and Wales. Though there is not absolute agreement, many argue Patrick was born at Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton, in Scotland in 387. Born to a wealthy family, his father was a deacon and his mother a relative of Saint Martin of Tours; they were Romans living in Britain, in charge of the colonies. As such, they were targets of Irish pirates, a possibility that became a reality when 14-year-old Patrick was taken captive by a group of Irish marauders to Ireland.

In Ireland, Patrick was pressed into servitude, tending flocks and fields. He was isolated and alone, clinging to his faith and hope of someday finding freedom. As a testament to his faith during this season, it is said that he turned to God in prayer, writing, “The love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was roused, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly the same. I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain.” It would take six years before Patrick, at the age of 20, could escape and walk 200 miles to the coast where he would receive safe passage on a ship and, eventually, reunite with his family in Britain.

Going to Where Others Are

Upon returning home and reacclimating to life in Britain, Patrick spent 15 years in theological training, before embracing a call that is both shocking and inspiring. Patrick returned to Ireland and brought the Good News to the very people who had imprisoned and mistreated him as a boy! Legend has it that Patrick had a dream, in which the people of Ireland were calling out to him, “We beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once more.” So, in response, at around the age of 46, the Spirit led Patrick back to Ireland — to the very nation and people he sought to escape — as a missionary, armed with the gospel. The year was approximately 432 and paganism was still dominant as Patrick arrived on the other side of the Irish Sea. “I dwell among gentiles,” he wrote, “in the midst of pagan barbarians, worshipers of idols, and of unclean things.”

Although returning to a pagan culture that once kidnapped and enslaved you is not the average story of a Young Life leader, the idea of entering a foreign place, “Going to where kids are,” is the call and privilege of every Young Life missionary. Though most of the time it may not require crossing an ocean or language barrier, every leader knows the experience of crossing a parking lot, gym, field, or lunch room to enter the world of adolescents. This “going” is not unique to Young Life, or St. Patrick, for that matter; rather it is the call of Jesus and can be seen, among many places, in John 4:4, as the Gospel writer says, “Now he (Jesus) had to go through Samaria.” Anyone familiar with the preferred travel routes in Jesus' time knows the vast majority of Jewish people skirted Samaria, opting for a route that would not put them in contact with the Samaritans. The only reason Jesus “had to go through Samaria,” was because of his heart for others and a divine appointment with a woman at a well. Patrick simply followed in Jesus’ footsteps, and we do as well.

Building Bridges of Friendship and Earning the Right to Be Heard

In Patrick’s return to Ireland, he not only understood their language, having spent six years of his life there, but he also understood the religious sensibilities of druidism and paganism, and used relatable images. Images like the shamrock, which Patrick used to teach about the Holy Trinity; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Or, the Celtic cross, which Patrick created in an effort to connect the significance of Christ’s death on the cross with the Irish people’s veneration for the sun. Furthermore, legend has it that upon his return, Patrick paid his former master the full ransom price of a slave as “compensation” for his escape. Patrick’s ability to deliver his message in ways the Irish could understand, and his willingness to, in the words of Colossians 4:5, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity,” had a profound impact. Within a century, the entire nation of Ireland had converted to the religious faith of one of its former slaves! Prior to his death at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland, March 17, 461, Patrick, venerated as St. Patrick from the seventh century on, had led countless people to faith in Christ and had established many monasteries, churches and schools.

In the spirit of St. Patrick and his Lord and Savior, Jesus, whom he emulated, Young Life leaders also seek to build bridges of friendship and earn the right to be heard. Like Patrick embracing the native Irish language, Young Life leaders seek to speak in terms that adolescents can understand. Furthermore, the use of images, word pictures, and popular media is a hallmark of Young Life communication. Leaders want to understand the culture they’re ministering in, and will often utilize the things teenagers already know to convey a spiritual truth. Like the Apostle Paul in Athens, in Acts 17:22, when he speaks to his Greek listeners about an altar with “an inscription: to an unknown God,” Young Life leaders observe, listen, recognize and utilize those things that point to God. These images might be found in a popular movie or song, a current event or a personal experience.

Also, under the banner of Colossians 4:5, which the King James Version interprets as “Walk in wisdom,” Young Life leaders apprentice Jesus and emulate St. Patrick as they look for ways to wisely serve schools, administrators, teachers, and parents, while being positive, healthy, role models for kids. While Patrick paid a seemingly unnecessary “compensation” to a former master, Young Life leaders also encounter costs as they invest their time, talents, and treasure in countless ways. All of this serves to “win a hearing” and draw others to Christ.

In closing, as we reflect on the amazing leader St. Patrick was and the incredible ways God used him in Ireland, there is a famous prayer credited to him. On March 17 (and every other day of the year!), it’s appropriate to speak this over our Young Life leaders and the mission at large. Join me in lifting up “The Breastplate Prayer” of Saint Patrick…

“Christ be within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ inquired, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.”

Amen

Written by Jonathan Schultz

Young Life’s Renewed Effort to Stay Connected to High School Grads

How Young Life is Actively Connecting with 100k Grads in the US:

Consider these two possible scenarios…

Scenario “A” - You show up to college with your parents to move into your dorm after 4 years of High School Young Life involvement (Some of you remember that day, right?).  You open the car and you and your parents begin the long, arduous process of lugging all of your belongings to your room. Then, after some time of unpacking and looking around, you exchange tear-filled goodbyes and your parents leave. You are all alone, navigating uncharted waters; you wonder, “How can l make connections and find any upcoming campus activities?”

Scenario “B” - You show up to college with your parents to move into your dorm after four years of High School Young Life involvement (Some of you remember that day, right?). You open the car door to exit, and…three energetic Young Life College leaders greet you by “semi-surprise,” hand you some snacks, say hi to your folks, help move you into your dorm room, tell you about the picnic happening tomorrow and give you a flyer about the five other events happening that week!

Now, which one is the better start? Which one leads to possible introductions to other people and ongoing connection to Young Life? (Duh!)

Friends for Life

While Young Life’s mission is about introducing kids to Jesus (evangelism) – it is also about helping them grow in their faith, and staying with them for the long haul; being “Friends for Life.”(discipleship). Every year, tens of thousands of graduating seniors, who have been involved with Young Life in High School, if not longer, graduate and head off to college, the military or the workplace. Statistics show that approximately 70% of kids stop attending church when they go to college. Connecting the dots, Young Life has long-recognized the need to connect graduating High School seniors with Young Life College staff and leaders where they are attending.  

For the past 15 years, great effort has been put into the very difficult objective of collecting information from High School seniors on where they are headed next (College, the military, work, etc.) to pass on to relevant Young Life representatives.  To make a long story short, the effort has involved multiple manual and disconnected collection systems. Furthermore, it has been tedious, difficult and has involved too many people in the chain between volunteer leaders and the Service Center. For all these reasons, while much has been achieved, the process has been less effective than it can be.  At our best, the effort was gathering actionable info on just 25% of graduating seniors.  Which means that some 75% were just walking “out the Door” (“It’s a Sin to Door a Kid” – get it now?)

Revitalizing a Meaningful Effort

A few years ago, for the too-many-eth time, Josh Martinelli (YL College leader, US Naval Academy) ran into a 2/C Midshipman (Junior) who said “I didn’t even know there was Young Life College here! I was on work crew at Windy Gap. If I had known I would have plugged in two years ago!”

…simultaneously, Ken Tankersley and Jonathan Schultz of the office of the Young Life Community Network had recognized the same issue and hypothesized that maybe using the relatively new technology of a web-based form and QR Code might help leaders collect relevant information more effectively? This initial technological solution was launched in the spring of 2023; however, the results proved to be less than overwhelming, with less than 3,000 graduates filling out the form.  

In the spring of 2024, those two paths collided and resulted in a pilot project to determine if there was a better way forward.  What if High School Young Life Clubs held a senior night each spring, as a regular club event and creatively invited, honored and involved every senior who had ever been connected (in fact, some clubs already do this)? What if, at the end of Senior Night Club, a pizza party was held for seniors only, during which someone explained to them how cool and great YL College is (best practice idea:  Have a prior-year senior, currently in YLC as a freshman, share.)  What if the “Let’s Stay Connected” form QR Code was then put up on a screen up front and, in less than two minutes, seniors simply entered their name, cell, email and destination into this YLConnect-integrated form?

A Successful Pilot, An Opportunity for Impact

This in fact was the pilot we ran with four Areas in Seattle, Phoenix, Memphis and Virginia Beach in May and June 2024. The results? Those four areas which got 14 names entered into the database in 2023 got 154 names entered in 2024.  The best part?  The kids did all the work!  (i.e. Leaders and AD’s had to do next-to-nothing.)  On average the entry took less than 60 seconds and 95%+ of kids present gladly shared their info.

There is momentum to make this approach an annual Young Life Club event.  Would you consider making this a best practice in your high school ministries? If we all stack hands on this, at least 50% (or more?) of our graduating High School seniors heading to college – not 25% - can have three excited Young Life College leaders greet them as they arrive at their dorm!  It is not difficult to envision the impact this could have on these graduates, Young Life College and the Kingdom of God.

By Dave Wilkins

Cosmic Faith

Each year, as the period of Lent approaches, I turn to John’s poignant account of Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. The pace slows as the apostle devotes almost a quarter of his Gospel to this one intimate gathering of Jesus’ closest friends.

The contrast in moods between Jesus and his disciples could hardly be greater. Earlier that week the disciples had been joined by a throng of people shouting “Hosanna!” and waving palm branches, eager to crown Jesus king of Israel. Little wonder they felt confused by Jesus’ somber tone a few days later. After a puzzling display of foot-washing, Jesus spoke of an imminent betrayal and announced that soon he would be leaving them.

Often Jesus had scolded them for missing his message. This time he answered their questions with limitless patience. He called them “my children,” and said, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” Mystified, they heard him declare, “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away.” How could it possibly be good for their leader, the one they accepted as Messiah, to abandon them? “We don’t understand what he is saying,” they murmured among themselves.

“In this world you will have trouble,” Jesus acknowledged, in one of history’s great understatements. Then came a ringing declaration, his final announcement to his bewildered followers: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

As a writer, I stop and reflect on Jesus’ choice of tense. Wouldn’t “I will overcome the world” be more appropriate? After all, a detachment of soldiers may have been buckling on armor and polishing weapons at that very moment, for the betrayer Judas had left the meal with dark plans in store for Jesus.

This sends me on a search for other striking references to time in the Bible:

• A psalmist writes, “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” (Psalm 90:2)

• Revelation mentions “the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.”  (Revelation 13:8)

• Peter explains that Christ “was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.” (1 Peter 1:20)

• Peter again: “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” (2 Peter 3:8)

• Paul introduces himself as “a servant of God… in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time. (Titus 1:2)

• Paul assures the Ephesians that “he chose us in him before the creation of the world.” (Ephesians 1:4)

Jesus himself, in the prayer that ends John’s account of the last supper, reminisced, “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”

Next, I came across a vigorous online debate on whether God is truly timeless. The debate predates the internet, stretching back at least as far as St. Augustine, who devoted Book 11 of The Confessions to a discussion of time. Someone asked Augustine, “What was God doing before creation?” Augustine responded that since God invented time along with the created world, such a question is nonsense, and merely betrays the time-bound perspective of the questioner. Before time there is only eternity, and eternity for God is a never-ending present.

From there, I stumbled across esoteric explanations of Einstein’s special theory of relativity, which connects time and space. Let me try to illustrate how the two are related.

Time, we are now told, depends on movement and the observer’s relative position. Consider a simple example. When I glance in the sky outside my window at 3:12 in the afternoon, I see a bright star, the sun, that hangs in space some 93 million miles away. Light actually left that star 500 seconds ago and traveled at the rate of 186,000 miles per second to reach me. As an observer on earth, I look into the sky at 3:12 p.m., although I dimly realize that I am viewing the astral results of what took place at 3:04 p.m. earth time. If the sun suddenly vanished in a sneak attack by a voracious black hole, I would not know it for eight minutes. Then the sky would darken and I would cry “The sun is gone!” and prepare for extinction.

As a thought experiment, now imagine a large Person—I mean very large, one with a legspan of at least 93 million miles. This Person stands in our solar system with his left foot planted firmly on earth and his right foot (asbestos-wrapped) resting on the sun. When this Person stamps his right foot, immediately solar flares shoot out in all directions and the sun belches gases. Eight minutes later,  we on earth will notice the dramatic change in the sun. 

Yet we are trapped on earth. The very large Person exists partially on earth and partially on the sun; his consciousness spans both. Although he is partly standing on earth, the Person has knowledge of the stomping right foot eight minutes in advance of anyone else on earth. A question: “What time is it for the large Person?” Time depends on the location in space.

Take a further mental leap and imagine a Being as large as the universe. The omnipresent Being exists simultaneously on earth and on a star in the Andromeda galaxy billions of miles away. If a star explodes in that galaxy, this Being takes note of it immediately, yet will also “see” it from the viewpoint of an observer on earth millions of years later as if it has just happened. Right now, as I write, space telescopes such as the Hubble and the James Webb are receiving real-time reports from events in the universe that occurred billions of years ago.

The analogy is inexact, for it traps such a Being in space even as it frees it from time. But it may illustrate how our “first A happens, then B happens” conception of time demonstrates the limited perspective of our planet. God, the creator of both time and space, can view what happens---and has happened---on Earth in a way we can only guess at, and never fully comprehend. 

At a single glance God knows what the world is about, and how it ends. But we time-bound creatures have only the most primitive manner of understanding: we can let time pass. Not until history has run its course will we grasp how, in Paul’s phrase, “all things work together for good.” In Romans 8 the apostle encompasses both time and space in a soaring declaration: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Perhaps Jesus had thoughts along the same line when he made the startling claim, “I have overcome the world” mere hours before his arrest.

Written by: Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey grew up in a strict, fundamentalist church in the southern USA, where he experienced a toxic religious environment that led him to temporarily abandon his faith after his father's death from polio. Through reading widely and encountering different perspectives, he cautiously returned to Christianity, discovering a more expansive understanding of faith than what he had been taught in his youth. As a journalist and author, Yancey has written numerous bestselling books exploring challenging questions about Christianity, including Where is God When it Hurts?, What's So Amazing About Grace?, and The Jesus I Never Knew, which have sold over 17 million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 50 languages. After working for twenty years in Chicago as a journalist and editor of Campus Life magazine, he moved to Colorado with his wife Janet, where his writing took a more personal turn as he continued to explore questions of faith and meaning. In his recent memoir Where the Light Fell, Yancey recounts his journey from fundamentalism to a life dedicated to helping others who struggle with faith, particularly those who have been hurt by religious institutions.

FRIENDS FOR LIFE: Vision for Engaging Young Professionals

The years after college can feel disconnected from Young Life for many young professionals. When you're in your mid-twenties to late-thirties, you're no longer a teen who receives Young Life's ministry directly. This time of life can feel isolating and challenging, and is often referred to as the “lost years.” But staying connected with Young Life during these years can be incredibly rewarding - it's a chance to grow personally while giving back to a mission that may have deeply impacted your own life. It's a win-win: young professionals and Young Life both benefit when they stay connected.

In his February 2022, Forbes Magazine article, “Why It’s Getting Harder for Young Professionals to Stay Mentally Healthy,” Mark C. Perna writes, “Younger professionals today are finding it harder to cope with life and work than their older counterparts, according to several recent studies. An October LifeWorks survey reported that 34% of individuals under 40 indicate that they feel in crisis or have concerns about their mental health and their ability to cope, while only 8% of individuals 50 and older report the same. An international study by Bain & Company also found that increasing numbers of Millennial and Gen-Z workers (61%) are stressed, overwhelmed, and in danger of burnout at work, compared to 40% of those 35 and above.” Perna goes on to cite three reasons that Young Professionals are struggling; they are:

1. Deteriorating Relationships at Work.

2. Loss of Identity “Cushions.” (markers by which individuals find their place, purpose, and sense of normalcy and well-being.)

3. Financial Challenges.

While Young Life may not be in a position to address all of these dynamics, the Young Life Community Network is poised to make a difference in this significant stage of life. We are convinced that we have an opportunity, if not a responsibility, to continue to care for this population of friends. As Young Life leaders are often known to quote, 1 Thessalonians 2:8 says, “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” Put another way, we desire to be “friends for life” and efforts to maintain connection and engagement are tangible evidence of this intent.

We are confident that as we care for and steward this population well, they will find meaningful ways to continue to contribute to the ongoing growth of Young Life, locally and beyond, for many decades to come.

To this end, the Young Life Community Network office is facilitating conversations with area and regional leaders to spark the growth of local young professional gatherings and “boards.” These gatherings of Young Professionals may look different from city to city when it comes to frequency, duration of meetings, or extracurricular activities; however, they are consistent in the following intentions…

1. Community: Giving Young Professionals with past ties to Young Life (and those that don’t) an opportunity to gather will provide much-needed relational connections. As is cited in Perna’s article (above), if work relationships are struggling, relationships beyond the boundaries of work can be incredibly important and refreshing! Not only will these opportunities serve to help people grow in relationships with others, but they will also grow their relationship with their city as they join together in various local venues and activities. These connections, facilitated by Young Life, can often lead to finding a local church, a small group, friendships, ongoing career opportunities, and other forms of community.

2. Professional and Personal Growth: A Young Life Young Professional effort can provide opportunities for ongoing professional growth via capable presenters and mentoring opportunities. Furthermore, growth in faith and ways to continue to improve one’s self personally are natural to this context. Topics that can be addressed in the context of a Young Professional gathering range from the value of a faith community and finding a local church, to financial management, to ways to serve at this unique stage of life. These gatherings can also serve the local ministry by leveraging the time and expertise of older professionals in the community. Inviting pastors, business leaders, and experts in certain fields to offer their wisdom by speaking to a group can deepen connections and further engage people. Mentoring opportunities often engage even more local adults.

3. Ongoing Connection to Young Life through Information and Opportunities to Engage and Serve: Many Young Professionals who are at the beginning of their careers don’t feel like they have the time or energy to serve in classic Young Life volunteer roles, like being a leader or serving on committee. Neither do they have the expendable income to feel like they can make a sizable financial dent. At the same time, a group of Young Professionals can make a very significant difference in a local area or region. In the past, Young Professionals have leveraged their social influence and connections by raising money to support regional initiatives and opportunities for Young Life to grow in select international locations by providing for both camp and operating needs. By combining their funds, or leveraging their connections, Young Professionals can make a significant financial impact. Additionally, opportunities to serve local areas via “one-off” opportunities abound! What ministry wouldn’t need a group to help set up for an event, host a table at a banquet, or provide a larger adult presence at a gathering of kids? Finally, these short-term opportunities to serve often lead to longer-term roles for many, as they are given time to determine what the next best step for them might be.

Though there are few active examples in Young Life currently to show the value and impact of Young Professional gatherings and boards, examples abound in the business community. Furthermore, before the Covid pandemic, Young Life groups were functioning in cities like Chicago, New York, and Washington DC. These Young Life efforts have provided much evidence of the potential, value, and impact, while also helping us better understand how to sustain these efforts long-term in the future.

The office of the Young Life Community Network is gathering interested area and regional leaders to explore this concept, take part in several Spring 2025 conversations, and pilot several of these gatherings in the Fall of 2025 and beyond. If you would like to learn more about young professional gatherings and “boards” by joining our Spring 2025 conversations we invite you to reach out to Brigit Mustaine at bamustaine@gmail.com.

Written by Brigit Mustaine & Jonathan Schultz

Built to Fly

Remember—you are built to fly, and God designed you to soar!

Ever wonder what happens when you mix faith, wild adventures, and a bunch of life-changing moments? That's exactly what Eric Scofield serves up in "Built to Fly," a collection of stories that'll make you laugh, maybe cry a bit, and definitely think about life differently.

Scofield, who spent years working with Young Life, shares some pretty incredible stories that started out as ordinary moments but turned into something way bigger. Think of it like those before-and-after home renovation shows, except instead of houses, we're talking about lives being transformed.

The book kicks off with Scofield bunking with a guy who introduced him to something called "covenant groups" - basically a group of friends who meet regularly to keep each other honest and growing. It's like having a personal board of directors for your life, and it completely changed how Scofield approached everything.

He's got some funny stories about learning to let go (like when he had to trust other people to run a summer camp without him), and he introduces this cool concept called being "FAT" - Faithful, Available, and Teachable. No, it's not about your waistline - it's about being the kind of person others can count on.

Scofield doesn't just share the highlight reel - he gets real about the stuff that can sink you if you're not careful. He uses metaphors like hidden rocks and shaky foundations to talk about how seemingly small problems can turn into major disasters if you ignore them. There's this great story about a fancy yacht that got wrecked because someone was too stubborn to wait for high tide. (Spoiler alert: don't be that guy.)

The book's got some wild stories that'll make you wonder about divine intervention. These aren't just cool stories though - they're about what Scofield calls "crazy prayers," those seemingly impossible requests that show what faith is all about.

A big chunk of the book focuses on working with young people, drawing from Scofield's years with Young Life. He's got this knack for seeing potential in kids that others have written off, and his stories about troubled teens turning their lives around are pretty inspiring.

The whole book circles around this idea of being "built to fly" - that God's designed each of us with amazing potential. There's this great story about Scofield's dad building a biplane in their garage that becomes a metaphor for how dreams take time and patience to build.

What's cool is that each chapter ends with "Flight Plans" - practical questions and steps to help you apply what you've just read to your own life. It's like having a personal coach helping you figure out how to use these lessons.

Download a sample chapter HERE.

Buy the book on Amazon HERE.