Introducing “Club 37”

A Simple Way YOU Can Leave a Legacy

Let’s talk about death, shall we?

Uh oh, we’re about to get really morbid!

We know. We KNOW.

It’s not fun to think about dying. And, it’s even worse to think about the legal “stuff” you should do to protect your assets.

BUT, here’s the cool part…

Did you know there are thousands of people who have written Young Life into their wills and trusts?

They’ve chosen to donate a portion of their assets back to Young Life and that giving actually goes a long way to providing for the future of Young Life. These folks are part of “Club 37!”  It is simply our group of friends who want the work of Young Life to continue even after they are “promoted.” 

When you give to the Young Life Foundation, you are truly building a legacy that lives well beyond your own years.

Why “37?”

Among our founder’s many skills was his ability to understand his audience. When Young Life club became Jim Rayburn’s primary vehicle for gathering young people and sharing the Gospel, he understood that kids may not want to come to something that was brand new, untested with the “crowd.” So he decided to call that first club, “Club 37” so that kids might feel like this was something well established and worth their participation.

More than eight decades later, millions of “kids” have now grown to maturity and Young Life has grown into all 50 states and more than 100 countries.  This growth, in part, has been fueled by the generosity of so many people whose lives have been changed by their experiences with Jesus through Young Life.  And for thousands of those people, they have chosen to invest in the mission by including Young Life in their will/trust or other end of life plans.

If you would like to be included in this group or have questions about how you can keep Young Life going beyond your own lifetime, then let us know.  We can be reached by phone at 800-813-1945 or by email at YLFoundation@sc.younglife.org or online at www.younglifefoundation.org.

What is Newt Reading?

What’s on Newt Crenshaw’s Bookshelf?

Get a glimpse into Young Life President, Newt Crenshaw’s, bookshelf and see what he’s been reading lately. Maybe you’ll get some inspiration for your own next great read!

From Newt:

First, I’ve been reading through the Bible chronologically with my wife, Susan. It has been good and a blessing to be in the word daily, and to be given passages to read that I might not select on my own. I have profited by being in front of the biblical text and asking the basic discovery bible study questions, then waiting on the Holy Spirit’s conviction, teaching and movement. We are also just finishing up a study of the book of Daniel with our “adult Campaigners group” – powerful, difficult, and influential.

Here are a number of books that I have read over the past year or so that have had an impact on me:

In the areas of health and science, I enjoyed and benefited from Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, a medical doctor who studies and practices longevity. He discusses many aspects of living a long, healthy life with some obvious and not-so-obvious recommendations. I also found Dasha Kiper’s Travelers to Unimaginable Land: Stories of Dementia, the Caregiver, and the Human Brain to be a poignant and powerful read.

In the area of spiritual formation, God has been teaching me many things from three books, two of which we read as a part of the Good Way (way to go, Good Way Team!): New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton, Invitation to a Journey by Robert Mulholland, and Interior Freedom by Jacques Philippe.

In theology and philosophy, I have been deeply challenged by: The Theology of Migration by Dan Groody, How to Inhabit Time by James KA Smith, and My Bright Abyss by Christian Wiman.

On leadership, I found Janet O Hagberg’s Real Power: Stages of Personal Power in Organizations to be both prophetic and prescriptive for the challenges we face as leaders today.

For biographies, I laughed, cried, and mourned as I read Phillip Yancy’s relatable and vulnerable memoir, Where the Light Fell.

In fiction, I tend to read the classics and went back for a second time to Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy – a “must read” among the great books. I also have been reading more modern fiction, and an amazing and challenging novel by Nobel laureate in literature and Norwegian author, Jon Fosse, called Septology, is worth the time and effort.

Finally, in poetry, I picked up African American Poetry: 250 Years of Struggle, edited by Kevin Young, while at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, AL while on a civil rights tour with the mission lead team a couple of years ago. Reading poets like Phyllis Wheatley and Langston Hughes moved me in new ways. I also regularly have Collected Poems: 1909-1962 by T.S. Eliot as a traveling companion, a treasured book given to me by a friend and fellow Eliot admirer.

As I told my children while raising them, reading is the window to the world!

Get to Know Capernaum!

Misunderstood, but full of joy! Our Capernaum students are an opportunity to experience joy and love. They live without abandon, but are often misunderstood because of their disabilities. Meet Tess (video below), a Capernaum student and a bright light to all she meets. Students like her are looking for a place to belong, have friends, and learn about God’s love.

In Luke 14 it says, “Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame. Sir, the servant said, what you ordered has been done, but there is still room. Then go out to the roads and country lanes and bring them in that my house may be full.”

This is the heart of Young Life Capernaum, that our leaders around the globe would go out into the streets and alleys, the barrios and the penthouses, the villages, and the cities to find teenagers with disabilities.  We want to know their names.  We want to invite them to our tables.  We want to journey with them and share with them about how the God of the Universe is madly in love with them.  

Since 1986, we’ve been intentionally creating spaces for students with disabilities to learn and experience God’s love in the context of Young Life fun. That means camping too! The video above gives just a glimpse of what these special weeks look like.

Teenagers with disabilities are found in communities around the globe, making up close to 15% of the teen population. Many are experiencing great isolation and rarely see friends or engage in social activities outside of school. Close to one third of families impacted by disability leave the church because their child was not welcomed or included.  

We know that as our friends get involved with Young Life Capernaum, they will experience authentic friendship, growth, and purpose. As that happens, they will experience the deep love of Jesus and have opportunities to grow in their faith. Many will go on to grow in leadership and have a powerful impact on their communities.

The passage above reminds us that Jesus was constantly bringing marginalized people together, that they may know him and that He may transform everyone’s understanding of community.  The same thing is happening in Young Life, and it starts with us knowing their names.

We’ve heard countless stories of how our students have been impacted by Capernaum ministries, but we also know that the impact is mutual, changing the hearts of  parents, peer buddies, volunteers, and staff.

Praying for Exponential Impact This Summer

THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF THE GIFT OF THE BIBLE 

(Alex is the 2nd from the right in the picture above with several of his YL guys)

Venture capitalists look for big ROI’s (Return On Investment). Financial planners offer strategies to lead to healthy growing portfolios. We all like to know that our relationships matter. I have alway been struck by the value that you receive by investing in local Young Life. The number of volunteer leaders, investing countless hours with students, engaging, connecting and discipling.  It's hard to put a price on something so priceless.  

There is one ‘product’ of the YL mission that is not hard to count. Consider how $2.50 (the cost of one Bible for a student at Young Life summer camp this summer) can make a huge impact in the lives of young people today, AND lead to ongoing impact for years to come.

Alex, an Area Director in South Carolina, was thrilled for Matthew who had come alive in Christ at Carolina Point. Alex had the honor and privilege to present a Bible to Matthew at camp that summer. Even though this happens hundreds of times at Young Life camps all across the U.S., Alex was thrilled to give Matthew his first Bible. As a junior, Matthew had the potential to make a significant impact on his school in the coming year and Alex knew it was critical to help Matthew begin to read the Bible.

As the school year began that August, Matthew began praying for Peyton, a freshman at his high school. He wanted Peyton to know Jesus personally, and experience His life and love. Each week….

• Matthew invited Peyton to club 

• picked him up, and 

• drove him home

A few months later, Matthew invited Peyton to summer camp at Windy Gap. Peyton was a little unsure because he had sport conditioning workouts and other summer commitments. With faithfulness, courage and persistence Matthew asked Peyton’s mom about Windy Gap and told her, “He needs to come.” Matthew promised it would be the best week ever. Peyton decided to go! Prayers answered. 

They arrived at camp and as the week went on Peyton was having the time of his life but wasn’t so sure about the whole “Jesus thing.” He had doubts and questions and didn’t know where to begin. Matthew became a little disheartened but kept praying. At the end of the week, several YL leaders shared their own story of faith and Matthew noticed that Peyton had tears in his eyes. As they talked Peyton confessed, “I want to meet this Jesus that everyone talks about.” 

Matthew prayed with Peyton in the club room that day to begin his relationship with Jesus. Now it was Matthew’s turn to give a Bible to his young friend.  

Today, Alex is still on Young Life staff and Matthew has also joined the Young Life staff. After graduating high school, Peyton joined the Marines and has continued in his faith.

The gift of a Bible has the potential for a ripple effect of eternal proportions. Alex experienced the joy that Young Life leaders and staff pray for - the joy of sharing God’s Word with their young friends. For Alex, the joy was magnified as he witnessed Matthew grow in his faith through investing his life in Peyton’s. The ripple effect may be more accurately termed a seismic impact. Alex giving Matthew a Bible changed Matthew’s life and Peyton’s life for eternity.

Would you consider how you might play an active part in starting ripple effects that result in seismic impact? Click below to contribute to help raise the remaining $86,000 for Bibles to distribute at U.S. Young Life camps this summer! For those who give over $1000, we will send a copy of this summer's Young Life Summer Devotional. EVERY GIFT RECEIVED BETWEEN JUNE 20, 2024 - JUNE 21, 2024 WILL BE MATCHED UP TO $10,000!

metaphors

Our Metaphors Matter

Metaphors have a way of holding the most truth in the least amount of space. (Orson Scott Card)

If you want to change the world, you have to change the metaphor. (Joseph Campbell)

Metaphor – “A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.”

In her July, 2020 article, The Words that Help us Understand the World, Hélène Schumacher states that “aside from injecting color and imagery into language, metaphors serve a functional purpose; they can explain complex concepts we may not be familiar with, help us to connect with each other, and can even shape our thought processes. They help us better understand our world.” Furthermore, I would argue that metaphors have the ability to not only reveal a narrative, or world view, but also influence it and the roles we see ourselves and others playing within it. In the words of Parker J. Palmer, in Let Your Life Speak, “Metaphors are more than literary devices… Animated by the imagination, one of the most vital powers that we possess, our metaphors often become reality, transmuting themselves from language into the living of our lives.” (p. 96)

An example of this can be seen through Leadership Foundations’ understanding of “city as playground.” An organization that has historical roots in Young Life, both in its commitment to an incarnational approach and through it’s early and present day leaders (Former Young Life staff, Reid Carpenter and David Hillis to name just two), it is committed to, in the words of Zechariah 8:4-5, to see cities as places where “Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each of them with cane in hand because of their age. The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.”

Leadership Foundations chooses to not embrace the metaphor of “city as battleground.” Rather, the ramifications of “city as playground” and the narrative that follows are significant; theologically, socially and economically. Theologically, God is seen as a friend of the city rather than a foe. Socially, neighbors are seen as colleagues rather than competitors. Instead of seeking (or avoiding) an enemy and fighting a battle, this metaphor aligns people as human beings, at times facing bullies; but together in their humanity and heart for their city. Economically, “city as playground” moves the narrative from scarcity to abundance, and provides space for not only individuals, but churches, businesses and other institutions to influence the vibrant, creative, life-giving opportunities of a city. Finally, “city as playground” is an effort to allow people of good faith and people of good will to partner for a city’s best. To understand “common grace,” to live out the incarnation and recognize God’s movement in all and through all.

As we consider the prevalence and power of metaphors, we can look to the Bible. For example, in Matthew 5:13, Jesus is quoted as saying, “You are the salt of the earth.” Then again, in 5:14, he says, “You are the light of the world.” In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” All of these metaphors serve to communicate truth, and each of them influence the paradigm or narrative we live in and the roles we play. 

Consider for a moment the metaphors that we are surrounded with… What might they tell us about our narratives? How might they influence the way we see our roles and those of others? Consider the church… Is it a club with members who pay dues, an army with soldiers, or a body with many parts? How about Young Life? What metaphor might you use to describe our eighty-three-year-old mission? I have heard some refer to it as a family; others, a body. What do you think? Finally, how about teenagers? Are they tornadoes or hurricanes, wreaking havoc wherever they go? Are they untrained horses or dogs pulling at the leash, as some have been known to suggest? Are they a “white paper,” taking on any impression? Or, perhaps they are clay; malleable, full of potential.

What do you think? Do our metaphors matter? How might you answer some of the above questions? I’d love to hear from you at jschultz@sc.younglife.org .

If you would like to learn more about Leadership Foundations, “City as Playground,” you can find a recent publication featuring the writings of various authors here. 

Written by: Jonathan Schultz – Sr. Director, Young Life Community Network

devotional

Thanks to a generous gift from the Young Life store and an anonymous donor, Young Life Discipleship will once again give a devotional book to everyone serving at our summer camps. This year’s book is titled Jesus the Glorious Son of God: Learning the Gospel According to John. It walks through the entire book of John, paying close attention to what it reveals about Jesus and what it teaches those who follow him. This year’s devo follows the 2023 book, Jesus the Suffering Servant: Learning the Gospel According to Mark. The 2025 and 2026 devo books will focus on Matthew and Luke.

The main goal of the summer devo is to provide Biblical discipleship resources for our volunteer work crew (high school age) and summer staff (college age), and to create multiple opportunities for reflection and discussion both among themselves and with the adults they work alongside. Our Capernaum staff have adapted the devo for our friends with disabilities who will be serving on summer staff.

The book is also available on Amazon so that leaders and staff back home in their local areas can go through the same content as their work crew and summer staff friends, and then process it together once they return home. We believe deeper understanding and faithfulness will happen not just at camp but also after camp with ongoing conversations and reflection.

You can see a PDF version of the devo at this page, along with a more detailed vision statement and leader’s guide: https://discipleship.younglife.org/summer-devo-2024/

You can purchase a copy of Jesus the Glorious Son of God on Amazon for just $4.99 (Or get the Capernaum Version here)

For questions about the summer camp devo vision, development, or content, email discipleship@sc.younglife.org.

Adventure Camping

Adventure Camping

Did you know that over 50% of Jesus teaching was done in an outdoor setting? Jesus intentionally and masterfully utilized being outside to create teachable moments for his audience. Whether talking about seeds, fields, birds, flowers, or fruit, Jesus regularly captured the attention and imagination of his listeners by pointing them to the ways God’s creation speaks truth about His Kingdom.

So—did you know that Young Life Adventures models our communication with campers after Jesus’ way of teaching?

Adventure camps exist primarily for the second part of Young Life’s mission statement: “Introduce adolescents to Jesus and help them grow in their faith.” Each adventure camp differs in its programatic approach and experiences it offers campers. But what adventure camps have in common is intentional crafting of content designed to help teenagers deepen their relationships with Jesus, often by utilizing the environment or experience to point to truth about God.

Young Life Adventure camps provide the perfect next camp experience for a teenager who has attended a week of outreach camp and is ready to learn more about their new relationship with Jesus. Through smaller camp sizes, high relational impact occurs, and leaders are equipped to help their students gain greater understanding of how to live life centered on God. And through outdoor experiences, whether hiking, kayaking, surfing, or doing service projects, we intentionally create conversations and space to process the teachable moments that occur each day.

Countless examples of experiential teaching happen each week at every Adventure camp location. For example, at Adventures Baja, campers learn about following Jesus for life as they engage in service projects like building a house for a family, cooking a meal and playing with children at an orphanage, and helping with community service projects. When a camper sees a cement slab foundation, learns to swing a hammer to frame walls, and watches a house begin to take shape, conversation naturally occurs around what we build our lives upon. Just like Jesus taught about the importance of building our house (life) on the rock in Matthew 7:24-27, campers get the tangible experience of building an actual home on a firm foundation so it will last for the family whom will receive it.

When a teenager returns home from a week in Baja, they will always remember being a part of building a house, with hopes that this experience will continue to speak into the foundation of their life forever.

Whether biking on a single track trail and talking about the narrow way that leads to life, hiking up a mountain with a heavy pack and discussing what it means to give our burdens to Jesus, or simply listening to the birds and remembering that we are “worth more than many sparrows”, taking adolescents outside to encounter Jesus is woven into the fabric of adventure camping.

To learn more, check out https://adventures.younglife.org/ and consider a week at a Young Life Adventure camp next summer!

Wilderness Ranch - Celebrating 50 Years

In 1972, two men sat around a campfire nestled in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado. The first man, Will Wyatt, owned the property; the second, Bob Mitchell, was a senior leader – and future president – of Young Life. They agreed upon a plan to use that very space – lake, cabins and land – as a base for backpacking trips and adventure camping for teenagers looking to grow deeper in their faith.

What they couldn’t envision, however, was how the Lord would take this simple idea and make Wilderness Ranch a place of transformative ministry for thousands of kids over the next 50 years.

More than just a week in the mountains, Wilderness Ranch has come to represent a space of spiritual awakening, community, vulnerability, fragility and growth. Stripped of their distractions and defenses, kids and adults alike practice “challenge by choice” – learning the art of stillness, reflection, determination, grit and surrender. This special place helps them lean in to meaningful and intentional relationships.

For five decades Will and Betty Wyatt’s gift has provided Young Life with another way in which to introduce kids to THE Guide. This is the One who invites them further down the trail and higher up the mountain, walking alongside them throughout all the joys and challenges the abundant life offers. By trip’s end these young men and women are different than when they left the trailhead earlier that week. They know the Creator, their guides, their friends, and themselves better – in a way only an experience like this can provide.

Thank you, Lord, for all you’ve done here in so many precious lives, and may these transformational moments at Wilderness Ranch continue for years to come.

Interested in learning more? Contact Brian Ray (bray@wilderness.younglife.org)

eagles nest

A week of adventure and fellowship!

Where and what is this property?

APRIL 25-27, 2024

• Eagles Nest Ranch is located 60 miles northeast of Denver along the South Platte River in Weld County.

• A working cattle ranch of approximately 45,000 acres, it is one of the oldest cattle ranches in Colorado, settled permanently in the early 1850s. What is the purpose of this time?

• This beautiful ranch is an opportunity to showcase Young Life initiatives to our partners (donors, committee, etc.) with fun and fellowship in an incredible setting.

• The full amenities of the ranch are available to Young Life guests so we can fish, golf, skeet shoot, horseback ride, jog, etc. with our guests.

• Time spent will be an even balance between free time to enjoy these activities, having fun with our guests, and get-togethers to showcase Young Life ministry.

What is the cost?

• Just get yourself there and the rest is on us!

Register here. or email Tank (kenbtank@gmail.com)

Power of Humor

… Come and see, 

… Come worship the Lord with laughter,

… and bring a teenager

Dear Young Life,

Two of my favorite quotes are:

“Laughter is the Holy Spirit.” (Anne LaMott)

“Laughter is the closest to grace.” (Karl Barth)

I love that!  Don’t you? 😊

They both lift up the premise that laughter is serious business in the Young Life mission. I’m so proud that Young Life laughs! Our humor is essential in introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ, and helping them grow in their faith.

In Young Life, our message is Jesus.

Our method is friendship.

One of our many strategies is this simple and beautiful endeavor, and calling; humor.

In the month of April… There is a day we all set aside to take part in a “fool’s day.” We get to focus on the silly, the court jester part of all of us, and the creative ways we might “prank,” or “get” someone.

I don’t think “April Fools Day” is the kind of humor that Young Life is striving for. We should never use humor to “get” anyone. Rather, it is to capture or captivate a teenager to consider the One who created them.

So, it is imperative we take the 364 other days to be “Fools for Christ.”

“We are fools for the sake of Christ.” (Paul)

With our humor and laughter, we take kids from…

Boredom to abundance,

From darkness to light,

From fearful hiding to an appropriate Spot Light.

From resistance to curiosity,

From a life spent in and around turmoil and trauma, to the best week of their life.

The beat down get lifted up… the invisible become seen.

We take kids from death to life with humor, so we must always be careful with it and cherish and nurture it. Laughter in Young Life should never humiliate, degrade, embarrass, or victimize. It should always lead to safety.

We should stand on the “why” of laughter. We should pray over our delivery of humor before we ever take the stage. Our program directors should pray over every skit, every sketch, camp and club… Everything.

The “why” of humor in Young Life is grounded in the idea that we are taking, leading, presenting, and placing kids at the feet of Jesus. Many in the world believe that the “why” or reason is just to be funny. May it never be in Young Life. May we lift up the principle that our programs should be… Godly first; fun second and funny third. (In that order and priority.)

I have seen many funny things that were not godly. I have seen many godly things that weren’t that funny… godly is the goal.

If you can imagine a diamond ring analogy, the diamond is the Gospel message. It is “just Jesus.” Humor and program are the four prongs that lift up, and hold it in place, the beautiful diamond. We lift it to the light so kids can examine its brilliance and experience the amazing love story of Jesus.

On a practical level, may I lift up what I see as the “3 M’s” of humor in Young Life; Movement, Momentum and Message.

Movement

Movement is giving lots of extravagant things to see. It’s “eye candy” that involves them. It’s crazy adventure. It’s using the entire stage and exaggerating our physical movements. It’s over the top uniforms and costumes.

Momentum

Momentum is constantly keeping in mind that we are taking and leading kids somewhere with our laughter. It’s pointing kids to where we want them to go:  the feet of Jesus. We need to keep things moving quickly. Lights and sound;  being unprepared can be momentum killers.

Message

Message is grasping and praying up the idea that everything a kid sees says something about Christ. 

If someone was to receive a pie in the face at club, how would Jesus do that?

• Shaving cream, not whip cream.

• Towels available on impact.

• The person would know in advance they were gonna be part of something fun.

• There would be cheer for “Let’s hear it for ____!”

In closing, I lift up to you excerpts from 1 Corinthians 15…

“Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye… the dead will be raised imperishable and we will be changed.”

“The perishable puts on imperishable.”

“The mortal puts on immortality.”

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

“Thanks be to God, who give us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

I have seen this mystery first hand thousands of times in Young Life, especially at camp. You see a kid get off the bus skeptical and resistant. Then, in the twinkling of an eye, you see something different. Perhaps in the middle of a volleyball tournament, square dance, hoe down, ropes course, etc. a kid gets lost in the fun and takes a step towards Jesus.

“The perishable took on imperishable.”

“The mortal took on immortality.”

We are court jesters for Jesus my fellow “fools for Christ.”  Everyday!

Hi Ho Away We Go!

Warmly in Him,  Ash

Written by Mike “Ash” Ashburn

Our Town, Our Kids – Reimagining Your Young Life Area

We collaborated on a book about our ten years together as Area Director and Committee Chair. Initially concluding our difficult experience was unique, we’ve realized our experience is too common, even pervasive.  Young Life Area Directors experience their work with so much hope but, too often, lonesomeness as well. 

Our story hovers around the challenging but ultimately thriving relationship between the Area Director and the Committee Chair. 

So many Area Directors find Committee to be inadequate, inconsequential, or worse, a bother not worth the effort. 

We demonstrated the Area Director/Committee Chair relationship offers Young Life Staff and Areas under appreciated potency.  

Build a Relationship Strong Enough to bear the Weight of the Opportunity! 

“Might be the most important book in Young Life in the last twenty-five years.” 

— Brent Cunningham, Area Developer, rural Alaska

READ CHAPTER ONE

BUYING OPTIONS and YL BULK DISCOUNTS

My Gap Year With Young Life

The WHY Behind the WHAT in Young Life

My name is Raquel Moldowan and I am a recent high school graduate. Although I knew I wanted to go to College, through lots of prayer and thought about my future, I decided to take a gap year after graduation. I didn’t want this to be any ordinary gap year of staying home to work or signing up for a gap year program, I wanted one that was curated to my interests. I decided what I wanted to do something with Young Life because Young Life had played a huge role in my life and I wanted to dig deeper into that.

I wanted to explore what a career in Young Life would look like. I had experienced so much of Young Life as a student and saw all of the fun and simplicity looking from the outside in, However, my eyes were opened to the depth and intentionality that happens in Young Life ministry from what I saw on this trip. 

Here’s what I ended up doing:

I road-tripped around part of the US, spending around two weeks at a time with different Young Life Areas to see the differences in each areas, what each did well, and ultimately if I wanted to go on staff one day. This three-month adventure was on and I dug deep into the big WHY behind Young Life and spent time in places like Texas, Tennessee, Ohio, and more!

The Why to the What. 

On this trip, I ultimately learned the importance of knowing your “why” behind anything you’re doing. In Young Life, this is incredibly important, but I saw it in action on this trip. Through prayer, listening to Brian Summerall teach at the TBLC, and talking to many volunteer leaders as well as staff people, I started to understand why we need a why behind our what. 

The WHAT of Campaigners

I spent time at clubs, campaigners, and even camp with the team in Lubbock, TX, but the thing they take the most pride in is contact work, and rightfully so! Between silly conversations at volleyball games and taking pictures on the field of my first ever Texas football game, I started to see that contact work was more than strategies and numbers, it was the answer to the why behind why they do what they do. 

Young Life is for loving kids. These kids need quality time with their leaders, they need big fun events with raffle prizes that don’t make sense to other areas. Why? Because the kids there respond to that. They feel loved and included by that! 

The WHAT of Club

I continued my journey ending my time in Texas and driving through four states in one day to get to Chattanooga, TN. I spent those two weeks, not only meeting some of my now closest friends, but also seeing their Young Life in huge private schools that have boarding students and look more like Hogwarts than anything else as well as public schools and very low-income schools. 

As I explored this different setup, their ‘what’ was the same as every other place I had gone. Their ‘what’ was showing kids Jesus, bringing kids to the feet of Jesus, and loving kids well. 

Each school, each place, each kid is different. How are you showing that kid that Jesus meets their needs where they’re at?

The WHAT of Camp

On this trip, I had not planned to go to any Young Life camps, just Young Life areas. However, I ended up at not one, not two, not three, but FOUR Young Life Camps. I got to be on work crew at three of those camps and even ended up leading a WyldLife camp trip in Ohio when one of their leaders was too sick to lead. 

You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again, Young Life camp is an incredible tool. 

I have been blessed by growing up in a place where we have a Young Life property close by. It had never even occurred to me that some Areas are too far from a Young Life property to go to for camp, especially for just a weekend camp. I watched as these middle schoolers enjoyed camp at a property that was definitely not a Young Life property. This challenged my idea of camp and humbled me. 

Throughout the weekend, I started to see it: the ‘what’ of camp is different in different places. It might be a Young Life property, it might be a church camp, or it might even be someone’s barn. 

Camp may look different but the WHY of it in this case is the same: bringing kids to the feet of Jesus. 

Three Months, 4,385 (ish) miles driven, and 72 days later, I am so grateful for the experiences I got, the people I met, and the deeper thinking that sprouted from this trip. I am forever grateful for this experience and am so grateful for what it taught me as a leader and a friend. It taught me to dig deeper. 

Don’t just do something just to do it, ask the why behind it. If there is no answer to that question, maybe alter it, change it, or curate it to loving the people around you and showing them Jesus the best you can.

If you know a recent graduate looking to do a gap year experience, and experience the why to the what around Young Life, contact your local Area Director and get involved! 

If you want to contact Raquel and learn more about her trip and how she structured this experience with the help of local staff, reach out to her here: raquel.moldowan@gmail.com

Cultural Theologians at Sundance Film Festival

As a kid, I would often find myself swept up in the adventures that were playing out on the big screen. I imagined that I was Rufio fighting Captain Hook, Henry Rowengartner pitching for the Cubs, or Maximus Aurelius standing before thousands in the Roman Colosseum. 

Not only did I love watching movies, I wanted to make them. I was inspired by directors like Steven Spielberg and M. Night Shyamalan. I got my first video camera in the 5th grade and began writing and directing my own short films. While other kids were playing summer league baseball, I was recreating the Sandlot. Somewhere along the way, I realized that any good movie could stir not only your imagination, but your soul. 

At the heart of any worthy film, is a great story, and the greatest filmmakers are some of the most profound storytellers. Every January for the past 46 years, some of these masterful storytellers have gathered together to explore the depths of the human experience through cinematography.

This past January, I had a front row seat. The Windrider Forum/Sundance Film Festival Experience may be the best kept secret in Young Life. Every January, the YL Community Networks office leads a dozen or so staff, Committee and friends of Young Life out into the mountains of Park City, Utah to attend the renowned festival for independent films. 

For five days we bounced around town attending the premiers of various action films, thrillers, dark comedies, and documentaries. We got a behind the scenes look at filmmaking, sitting at the feet of Oscar winners and Oscar hopefuls, Hollywood stars and no name actors, seasoned directors and first time filmmakers alike. 

At the end of each day, our little Young Life fellowship would gather at a lodge just outside of town, and wade into the shallows of the existential questions being explored by some of the world’s most influential independent filmmakers. By the end of  each night, we were all tired. But something had been awakened in me. 

My biggest take-away came from the festival within the festival.

The Windrider Summit hosts a large group of people of faith from a variety of backgrounds  from all over the country, who gather at Sundance to discuss faith and film. Every morning, before embarking on our movie marathon, we would gather in a chapel turned theater to thoughtfully engage culture through a uniquely spiritual lens. 

The summit hosts and awards various filmmakers, both Christian and non-Christian, who are impacting culture through their art. The distinct emphasis of Windrider is on the power of storytelling, through the medium of film. It is that spirit of Windrider that captivated and inspired me.

As we took the time to engage film through a distinctly theological lens, I was reminded that every film is theological in its nature. Filmmakers are in essence cultural theologians, offering unique perspectives on faith, meaning, redemption, suffering, and the human condition. 

A common theme that kept coming up this year was fatherhood. Films like To My Father, We Were Meant To, Super/man: The Christopher Reeve Story, Exhibiting Forgiveness, and Daughters all grapple in their own unique way with the complexities of fatherhood and a father's impact in the lives of their children.

If the cultural theologians are noticing the importance of fatherhood to the human experience, who better to enter the conversation than Christian filmmakers who are able to communicate the extravagant love of a heavenly father for whom we know the world is searching. 

As Young Life staff, we have been commissioned to communicate the greatest story ever told. Why would we not engage a world longing for hope with one of the most powerful mediums available to us? 

I left the Sundance Experience more assured of my calling and more inspired to continue to use film to communicate the transformative power of the gospel through the stories of staff, leaders, kids, and friends of Young Life. In some ways, I’m still that 5th grade kid, discovering over and over again the wonder of making movies. But, now I have a greater purpose and endless stories to tell.

Written by: Bryan Spillman

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THE LAST REPAIR SHOP

This short film just one an Oscar as was co-directed by two of the artists we met at Windrider (Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers) 

YL One

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?

Matthew 18:12 (NIV)

Breaking Barriers: YL One's Mission to Empower Marginalized Youth

In a world where 25 million young lives face the challenges of incarceration, homelessness, trafficking, or foster care, Young Life One (YL ONE) serves as a beacon of hope. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:12, YL ONE is dedicated to delivering the gospel and fostering meaningful connections, making a significant impact on the lives of those often overlooked.

Meet Rachel Karman - Visionary National Director of YL ONE

Rachel Karman, the National Director of YL ONE, brings a unique blend of Young Life leadership and social work experience to the forefront. Rachel spent 10 years as a social worker in Los Angeles. Later, in 2015 she was hired to work for a school in San Diego for a school with students experiencing homelessness. A compassionate advocate for youth, Rachel responded to the call when an Area Director asked her to spearhead a ministry for marginalized students. Her commitment didn't stop at the local level; she envisioned YL One as a nationwide initiative. With a grant and a devoted team, what began as four ministries in 2019 has now blossomed into 40 thriving programs by 2022.

Central to YL ONE’s Mission: Building Trust, Bridges, Belonging, Casting Vision, and Impacting Futures

• Building Trust: YL ONE collaborates with local agencies to establish connections with incarcerated, homeless, trafficked, and foster youth, recognizing the paramount importance of trust in fostering meaningful relationships.

• Building Bridges: Addressing fundamental needs such as meals, clothing, shelter, and job coaching, YL ONE aims to bridge the gap for vulnerable youth, providing them with the essential building blocks for a brighter future.

• Fostering Belonging: Through 1:1 mentorship and engaging weekly group events, YL ONE creates a secure environment where vulnerable youth can experience a sense of belonging and family.

• Casting Vision: YL ONE shares the transformative message of Jesus, speaking truth into the identities of vulnerable youth and helping them discover purpose and hope.

• Impacting Futures: YL ONE’s mentorship programs empower vulnerable youth to grow in faith and transition into self-sustaining adulthood, offering holistic support for various aspects of their lives.

YL ONE’s Impact: A Nationwide Movement Transforming Lives

• 40 active ministries spanning the U.S.

• 1,500 vulnerable kids known by name.

• 150 mentors providing 1:1 mentorship and comprehensive support services.

• 250 YL ONE participants attending Summer Camp.

• 25 former Young Life ONE kids serving through work crew and summer staff discipleship programs.

How You Can Contribute: Making a Difference Together

To further YL ONE's mission, consider the following avenues for involvement:

• Join the Prayer Team: Become an official prayer partner, believing in the transformative power of prayer.

• Initiate YL ONE in Your Area: Extend the reach of YL ONE by bringing it to your community, impacting marginalized youth locally. 

• Explore Employment Opportunities: Identify companies or internships in your area that could offer job opportunities for these youth.

• Volunteer for Club Activities: Dedicate your time and skills to support YL ONE’s local events.

• Financial Support: YL ONE seeks funding for expanding training, resources, leadership, local investment, and sustainability. Learn more here. 

If you feel led to support this ministry, please email ylone@sc.younglife.org.

Read a Personal Story: Making a Difference, One Life at a Time

Click here to read a heartwarming personal story from the life of a young individual whose journey was transformed by YL ONE. Discover firsthand the impact of YL ONE in the real-life experiences of these kids and how it has made a lasting difference.

Together, we can break barriers and be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of marginalized youth nationwide. Join the transformative journey with YL ONE as we strive to make a lasting impact—one relationship at a time.

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Learn even more about YL One

Written by: Meghan Scheer

BETTER TO GIVE ANSWERS OR ASK QUESTIONS?

POWERFUL QUESTIONS

How curiosity is more effective than advice 

Be honest, would you rather give advice or ask a question?

For most of us, the answer is that we would much rather give advice! Or at least, that is what we tend to do. Our ultimate aspiration is to become experts in our field and then share our wisdom with others. That being said, it seems most of us are opposed to taking advice. This pattern can be observed in society, in faith, and even within our own families. We are determined individuals who prefer to find our own path rather than follow advice or accept answers from others. Our desires and egos hinder us, and despite the abundance of freely given advice, very little is actually put into practice.

Arguably the only person in history qualified to give advice was Jesus. However, as we take a look into the Gospels, we see that Jesus was much more inclined to ask questions than to give answers. Jesus asked 307 questions, 128 of which appear in more than one Gospel, while he only gave 8 answers. JESUS ASKED QUESTIONS NEARLY 40 TIMES MORE OFTEN THAN HE GAVE ANSWERS.

As we look deeper, we find the most amazing observation — Jesus only directly answered three specific questions:

1. “Are you the Son of God?” (John 18:37)

2. “Which is the greatest commandment?” (Matthew. 22 36-37)

3. “Teach us to pray?” (Luke 11:1)

Clearly, Jesus knew it was more effective to ask questions than to give advice. In general, he asked six kinds of questions:

• QUESTIONS OF INVITATION: Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. (Matthew 20:32) 

• QUESTIONS OF IDENTITY: Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” (Luke 9:18) 

• QUESTIONS OF INTENT: “What do you think?” (Matthew 21:28)

• QUESTIONS OF HEALING/COMPASSION: “Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?” (Matthew 9: 5-8)

• QUESTIONS OF LIFE/FAITH: “Are your hearts hardened?” (Mark 8:17)

• QUESTIONS OF LOVE: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?” (Luke 6:32 )

By asking thought-provoking questions, Jesus actively engaged those around him by offending the mind, engaging the heart, and creating meaningful conversations. Most importantly, Jesus asked the questions people wanted to be asked. A well-crafted question can slow down the conversation, change perspective, and challenge one’s thinking. In a society lacking in respectful dialogue, it seems logical to begin with a question that can open up dialogue instead of giving advice that risks shutting it down. It seems to me in a world where civil discourse is in short supply,  it makes sense to start with a good question. Voltaire may have been right. “It’s not the answers you give, but the questions you ask.” 

The design of a powerful question can be simple:

• SHORT:  Seven words or less

• OPEN-ENDED: “What, How, Where, and When” more than “Why”

• CURIOUS: Come from a place of learning

• DISRUPTIVE: Stimulate fresh thinking and self-awareness

What is your most profound question?  Send it to me and we will share it in the next IN THE KNOW! 

Written by:

Ken B. Tank. - SVP, Young Life Community Networks. 

Summer Staff Experience

We’ve all read the passage describing the early church and have aspired to be like them to some degree. However, with the current busyness, individualism and transience, I wonder, “Is this even possible today?” However, in my time as a Summer Staff Coordinator, I saw this lifestyle lived out.

During one session, my co-workers and I led 12 teachings in 25 days geared towards various topics of scripture: How to Read Your Bible, How to Pray, The Holy Spirit, Hearing God’s Voice, etc. You’d think 12 sessions would be plenty, but they wanted more! These Summer Staffers were on fire for the Lord and hungry for His word! When we weren’t reading scripture, we were talking about scripture (amongst other things!). I found myself hanging out with two lifeguards as they asked questions about the Holy Spirit, shared their own insights with me and told me stories of how they experienced His voice that week. Truly, we were devoted to the teachings of the apostles.

Summer staff is hard and exhausting. You will run out of energy and sin will show its face. It’s scary, but it forces you to be vulnerable and known. I had a very long day of 1on1s and felt completely out of gas. As their supervisor, I tried my best to maintain my composure and be an encouraging presence… But I couldn’t. I was tired and it showed. One student, named Blake, walked up to me while I was sitting by myself and asked, “Hey Ryan, are you okay? You seem exhausted.” I shared with him my exhaustion and he shared with me how much of a blessing I had been for him! It was needed. It’s my tendency to act like I have it together in leadership but Summer Staff won’t allow it… and I am glad it doesn’t. True fellowship can’t be one sided and God helped me see that. Truly, we were devoted to fellowship.

Summer Staff is a beautiful example of God’s intention for mission. Everyone knows their role and works hard towards the common goal of seeing students begin a relationship with Jesus. At the end of each week, Young Life gives campers a moment to declare whether or not they decided to follow Jesus  right before they head home. During this time, Summer Staffers take a break from cleaning camp and gather in the dining hall to watch a live feed of this event. During our 25 day session, we saw around 450 students begin a life with Jesus!!!  All the hard work paid off! God did something big and He let us in on the action. Truly, the Lord truly added to His numbers daily

During my time on Summer Staff,  I got to live in a community with students who were dedicated to prayer, the scriptures, each other and had a common mission. What’s even better is we got to see God use our work in big ways. Living life like the early church is hard but it's not impossible. For those looking to try, Summer Staff is a great opportunity to experience it. 

Written by Ryan McSwane

The History-Making Hot Dog

The History-Making Hot Dog
How God Uses Camp Food and DGL Scholarships to Change Countries

“The food at Young Life camp was marvelous; I had never eaten a hot dog in my whole life. Experiencing it was history-making for me.”

Hot dogs aren’t typically a history-making event. For Sharon Intauno (DGL 2014), it was more than the hot dog … the whole Young Life camp experience was a significant turning point in her life. Sharon recalls the laughter, the fun, the joy she experienced at camp – a welcome relief from grieving the loss of her mother, the only parent she had known, when she was only 11 years old. “To be around a group of people who were so caring, I felt like a child. It was the most amazing time of my life.”

Little did she know that week at camp what the Lord had planned for her life. Recently named Regional Vice President, Young Life Africa South, Sharon, a 2014 DGL graduate, exemplifies how God can use Young Life’s Developing Global Leaders program to radically change the trajectory of someone’s life. 

As a young teenager, Sharon was thrust into the role of head of the home – cooking, cleaning, and caring for cousins, nieces and nephews in her charge. She worked selling popsicles at a bus stop to help make ends meet and attended school when she could. She did well academically, but struggled to pay her tuition. She confessed, "When school fees would run out, I would be sent out of class but I would sneak back in so I didn't miss too much." 

Sharon was invited to Young Life when she was in high school and it was there she grew in her Christian faith. "In spite of the challenges in my life, I had faith that I would one day be the first person in my family to earn a university degree." 

Upon high school graduation, Sharon was accepted by two colleges. "Unfortunately, I had no means whatsoever to afford to register for even one semester but that's when I was offered a DGL scholarship and my life changed."

Thanks to her DGL scholarship, Sharon was able to lead Young Life and attend the University of Zimbabwe where she earned a Bachelor of Science, Development Studies and graduated with honors.   

Like nearly one third of DGL graduates, Sharon went directly to full-time Young Life staff; she quickly became an area director and in 2016 pioneered Zimbabwe Young Life College. Eventually she was promoted to Senior Regional Director for Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and South Africa and in 2023 was named Regional Vice President for Young Life Africa South.

 "By God's grace I went on staff ten years ago and I've never looked back." 

Sharon and her husband, Moses, recently had their first child, a daughter. Sharon delights in her roles as wife, mother, leader, friend, and most significantly, a daughter of the King. 

Through sponsorship, Developing Global Leaders (DGL) offers Young Life leaders in the world's poorest developing countries a pathway to a future they never thought possible – the opportunity to attend university in their own country and impact their community with the Gospel.  To find out more about DGL and what it takes to sponsor a student go to dgl.younglife.org or reach out to Andy Morman at amorman@intl.younglife.org

Written by Toni Morse 

Annual Examen

Below is a previously written article around doing a DAILY EXAMEN. Many of these same principles apply to the idea around evaluating and examining your year as well.

You may also find value from this article by Stephen W. Smith: The Great Annual Examen

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The first time I heard the phrase was from my parents. The second time, it was a teacher.  Later, crossing guards and others burned it into my memory. The instruction was simple -look both ways before crossing the street. Lastly, I learned the song!   

“Look both ways when you cross the street, 

Left and right, what do you see?

 If no cars are coming, you're safe as can be. 

Look both ways, look both ways.”           

                                                       ~~ Geof Johnson 

The safety message was to ‘take a moment before you move forward.’ Recently I have considered how valuable it would be to apply this simple principle that we learned as children into my adult life today.

• Awareness of your surroundings

• Ponder the destination you just left as well as where you are headed

• Notice the unexpected in the ordinary

“Looking both ways'' is a life lesson that translates. It affirms awareness more than caution. Embedded in the statement is the intent to move forward. A child who is encouraged to look both ways does not intend to stay on the curb, but more so intends to head toward a new destination. As believers, we are people who see, reflect, take note, and change. MOMENTS happen daily and may be forgotten, but MOVEMENTS need to be noticed, acknowledged, and fostered.

The DAILY EXAMEN is an ancient spiritual practice adopted by the early church and exists in many forms today. Simply it is a prayerful reflection over the events of each day. If there is an element that is distinctive of the ‘Examen’ it may be the PACE. In a world of sound-bytes, video clips, and cultural attention deficit, the Examen is a stroll that moves through the last 24 hours and then slowly crosses into the next day. No moment is too small and if our theology is correct, God is in all of them. In summary, you are looking for God's presence in your past and His direction as you go forward. 

As believers our relationship with Jesus is to be current, dynamic, and noticeable. Our interaction with him should be similar to how we talk with a friend, familiar, safe, and vulnerable. For me, to have a consistent practice that allows me to see God’s hand in my whole life has been invaluable and pivotal to my faith.  

Many have developed techniques for a Daily Examen. Saint Ignatius Loyola championed its practice early on and encouraged the Jesuits to practice it 2x a day (noon and the end of the day). He viewed it as a gift from God directly and wanted it shared widely. Below are the simple steps of the Daily Examen and a way that you can look both ways, your past and your future, in a posture of gratitude and sensitivity to Christ. 

1. SETTLE -  Become aware of God’s presence. Slow your breathing. Try putting your feet on the floor (get settled). Set aside distractions and be expectant to receive from the Lord. The day could feel chaotic or busy, but ask God to bring clarity as you reflect. 

2. LOOK BACK - Review the day in gratitude. Note the joys, delights, and gifts of the day. Slowly, purposefully, and intentionally, notice the significant and seemingly minor moments of your day (food, sights, people, work, etc). As you reflect on the previous 24 hours, pick one event that stands out to you.

3. NOTICE - Pay attention to your emotions. Ignatius thought God was easily found in our emotions. What were they? What is God saying through them to you? Not shame, but awareness. Is there a prompt in the midst? Someone to reach out to or contact? Anyone you need to apologize to? Anything bother you? What can you do to take care of it? Has this distracted you from anything? (try to sit and listen) 

4. FOCUS -  Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. A vivid moment that could be good or bad. Look at it from all angles. Allow prayer to spring up to it. Praise, petition, lament, intercession, and gratitude. 

5. TOMORROW -  Now go forward! What are your feelings about tomorrow? Any changes, convictions, hopes?

As you look both ways and foster a sensitivity to notice God’s hand in your past and your future, you will understand in a deeper way that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” - Hebrews 13:8

A CHALLENGE: If you want to join me in practicing the Examen everyday for a month, together send ME a short email so we can encourage one another! 

Written by Ken Tankersley (kenbtank@gmail.com)

Generous Portions

“Generous Portions” is a 30-day devotional celebrating God’s generous portions at many of our Young Life camp properties. This devotional seeks to encourage the readers faith in God and engagement with Young Life via real-life stories, selected scripture and life application questions.