A Generation-Changing Pilot Program

Young Life is committed to reaching every kid, but in order to do that we have to get a little creative. We’ve seen the need with teen parents, and YoungLives has grown from just an idea to a movement that is literally impacting generations in an exponential way. YoungLives boasts 17k teen parents served worldwide in 590 ministries (33 counties). 

But, the need is great. And so, we’ve gotten creative yet again in how we are scaling up ministry. One creative idea started with partnerships with strategic churches and the rest is literally history still being written! 

Inspiring a Volunteer Movement through YoungLives

In the fall of 2023, YoungLives was awarded a grant to launch the Church Collaboration Pilot in three divisions at three camp properties. This initiative funded 70 childcare volunteers from six strategically selected churches, inspiring new ministry after the camp experience, and significantly increasing volunteer diversity. Volunteers who served returned to their communities eager to contribute time, talent, and resources to start new ministry. 

Pastor Marshall Benbow, who attended with fifteen childcare volunteers from his church, reflected on the experience, “This was a great fit for us because we are called to make disciples who live from the gospel crossing ethnic and economic lines and YoungLives camp gives us a chance to do all that in one shot.” 

“That’s Generation Changing”

The volunteers served hundreds of moms and children with a holy payoff at the end of the week-long mission’s trip, getting to see moms come to know Christ, changing their families forever. Volunteers allowed camp to happen for moms to participate in fun activities, Club, and time with their leaders. 

On the last day of camp, everyone gets together from babies to moms to volunteers and staff. Everyone got to experience generation-changing decisions in the say-so. It’s a beautiful week for everyone - including all of the volunteers! 

This pilot is proving to be an onramp for churches that previously knew little about the ministry and to inspire communities to launch new YoungLives AND Young Life areas. In just one year, this pilot has quadrupled the number of childcare volunteers and as a result, three new ministries have started. We believe this pilot is a scalable model that will continue to inspire a volunteer movement across the entire mission. 

Watch five minutes of Pastor Benbow’s sermon on camp here: 

If you are interested to learn more of the innovative ways we’re scaling YoungLives ministry, the team would love to share more! Contact the YoungLives team to learn more! 

Club 37

“Club 37” – Young Life’s First Club and Our Lasting Legacy

When we think about legacy, what better place to start than at the very beginning of Young Life?

Over 80 years ago, Jim Rayburn had a vision: to build meaningful relationships with young people and share the life-changing message of God’s love.

Among Jim’s many skills was his ability to understand his audience.  He recognized that to engage young people, he needed to create an inviting and familiar space. That’s why he named the first club “Club 37,” giving it an air of established community and continuity.  What started as a simple gathering has blossomed into a movement that has touched millions of lives!

For many who began their journey with Club 37—or joined along the way—they have chosen to invest in this mission through their wills, trusts, and end-of-life plans. These remarkable individuals form what we now proudly call “Club 37” — a community of friends committed to ensuring the work of Young Life continues long after they’ve been “promoted.”

The Young Life Foundation is here to foster connections with those who have chosen to include Young Life in their will or trust. There’s no secret handshake or hidden code to join—just a shared passion for continuing our mission. We want to ensure that those who plan to give have a way to stay connected with the incredible work happening in Young Life today, and with others who share that love.

Here’s how you can get involved:

1.  Have you included Young Life in your end-of-life plans through a will or trust? Let us know! Your commitment means the world to us.

2. Curious about the impact of Young Life and our vision for the future? Reach out to our team! We’d love to share the exciting developments happening in local ministries and explore creative opportunities for growth.

3. Want to experience Young Life in action? Join us at camp as an adult guest, volunteer, travel with Young Life, or visit a local club. Let’s get you connected!

If you’re interested in being part of this inspiring community or have questions about how to ensure Young Life continues to thrive, please reach out. You can contact us at 800-813-1945, email YLFoundation@sc.younglife.org, or visit us online at www.younglifefoundation.org.

We can’t wait to connect with you and hear your story of how Young Life has impacted your life!

Coming Home

School starts today in California, which is something I can hardly remember. I remember the smell of crayons and the feeling of stiff new shoes – I remember air conditioning, the creaking of lockers, and the beveled edge of a flip-top desk. It was laid out clothes the night before, anticipation, and nerves—the first day of school. I saw a Delta commercial about coming home the other day. Coming home. I'm always so focused on the exit, the adventure, the emancipation. Sometimes, it's good to remember the other direction. The reentry, the homecoming, and the first day of school instead of the last are important contexts. We don't leave unless we are home first. We don't get summer vacation unless we go to school in August first. 

When I was twenty years old, I was sitting on a beach in Santa Cruz, California, on the last night of summer. We were sitting around a fire, and the sun was going down – bright Pacific Coast Orange across the dark blue toward Monterey. I wasn't listening to the conversation anymore because there was one person surfing on 26th Street. He was lying with his arms out; he had his feet up on his surfboard. I could see his toes sticking up into the sunset. I think about that guy all the time. I bet he doesn't even remember that day. It's funny what sticks into us.

I spent my summer doing a tour of my past. I bought a Harley Davidson motorcycle. My dad said it wasn't practical. My neighbor Jeff didn't say so, but he thought it wasn't practical, too, and I could tell by his face. The motorcycle broke down in Bend, Oregon. Something called a "BCM" melted. I hitchhiked to Washington State and saw my family, and then I went to my 20th High School reunion. A lot of other things happened, but I'll save those things for later.

At my high school reunion, I walked to the place we were supposed to meet for dinner. There were 50 of us that said we were coming, via a Facebook event page. Nobody was there yet. I got scared and left again. I walked to my hotel room and looked at myself in the mirror. It was the first day of school all over again. I could feel it in my stomach and across the back of my shoulders. I've played my guitar and sang for thousands of people many times. It isn't scary anymore. But going back home again, facing all those years of my own compiled expectations and childhood projections – that was about as scary as it gets.

One guy cuts trails in Montana now. He has an army of children. One guy works for the airlines. Some dentists. One guy was terrible in High School, and as it turns out, he is still terrible. It's nice when some things don't change.

One of the single moms told me that she just wished she could have made more of her life. She wants more for her kids, she said. You're not not dead, is what I was thinking, but I guess twenty years is plenty of time to make some irreversible decisions. Maybe the only thing worse is not making any decisions at all. There were some people like that at my high school reunion, too.

I loved them again. I loved some of them for the first time. Our lives go so quickly, and eventually, there are only a few left who were there at the beginning. I don't remember the first day of school anymore. I don't know if I remember anything about myself, at least not objectively. I couldn't escape the feeling that maybe these guys did. Maybe they remember me. Maybe they remember me like I can't remember me anymore. It felt like that Delta commercial. I've spent a lot of time leaving. I haven't spent enough time coming home.

Written by Tyson Motsenbocker

MEASURING THE DISTANCE FROM 8TH GRADE TO HIGH SCHOOL

By the time the highly anticipated fall rolls around and you reach high school, you have journeyed through the US education system for quite a while. By age 14, you have survived preschool and kindergarten, risen through elementary school, and transitioned to junior high! Naturally, you might ask “How much different could high school be?” Well, the answer is simple, VERY! While it may only be the next grade up, the distance can seem much further. 

What’s so different?  

The shift to high school is disruptive. Social scientists frequently cite concerning trends that reference an increase in anxiety, dropout rates, peer pressure, and loss of sleep in this development period. Any one of these issues can send the most well-meaning parent into a tailspin. Fortunately, it doesn’t always have to, there is hope! As with any new journey, you need to be aware of what the road ahead has in store. The challenges, the pitfalls, and the unknown.  Secondly, you have to know what to pack and who to bring along for the adventure. Maybe pick a travel companion or two to join you along the way. The list below was curated from simple conversations with some experts; former high school students and Young Life leaders.

• EXACTLY THE SAME, JUST BIGGER!: It’s true, high school is different. It’s exciting and scary. The size and rigor of your school has increased. Your new school may be so big that you can get lost in the hallways. The “bubble” of junior high or middle school is gone. Despite a national graduation rate of 88% in the US, data suggests that 9th-grade students struggle most to pass classes. High school classes can sometimes be 4 times the size of their junior high counterparts, and teacher-to-student ratios reveal the shift (JH 15:1, HS 20:1). While the teaching style moves from "hands-on" to "herding", school administrators have responded by utilizing "buddy programs" and mentorship opportunities to ease the transition.  As you begin, take the opportunity to meet teachers, visit the school beforehand, and set yourself up for success! 

• BACK TO SQUARE ONE:  An 8th grader is the King/Queen of middle school. Their ascension to the throne has taken time and, unfortunately, the reign will be brief. High school social structure dictates that 9th graders are at the bottom of the heap again. This transition can be brutal and while statistics show that bullying behavior drops in high school, it still can be rough. Some key “pressure points” during this season include identity, friendships, and community, and as with any new beginning, this allows for conversations around those lifelong themes. What do I want to be?  Who do I want to be with? Who are “my people?” Take the opportunity to slow down and seek deeper conversations while you make your way through the hallways. 

• YOUR PERMANENT RECORD: High school is harder and will stretch you in many ways. The temptation is to believe that everything counts because the course load is greater, and the workload is more. Study skills are a must, and the time management needed to balance your school, work, and social life takes skill as well. It's not fair, but the evaluation you start to feel from day one of 9th grade will remain until you hold your diploma in your hand at graduation. Where early education provides support and guidance, 9th grade provides the opportunity to grow and request help for what is perhaps the first time. It takes significant maturity to ask for help, but the benefits of developing this life skill can allow for others to come alongside you. It can change everything and ease the pressure of this daunting transition. 

• LIVING WITH UNICORNS:  The high school years are incredibly unique! In life, there are no other “unicorn” moments like it. Adolescents are peaking in 4 key areas- spiritually, physically, emotionally and relationally. Sports, peers, academics, and even decisions about faith take on a much greater importance in high school. These new-found freedoms, accompanied by various influences, can lead you to be confused and exhausted, but it’s important to remember the community around you that can assist. Coaches, teachers, ministers, Young Life leaders, close friends, and parents are a great resource to help navigate these key decisions. 

• TOMORROW NEVER COMES: The #1 question that high school students have for God is “What is your plan for me?” With so much happening at this stage of life, that response makes sense. Most of our prayers focus on the future. 9th grade in many ways marks the beginning of “adulting.” the friendly confines of junior high disappear in high school. There are more teachers, more classes, and more options. The focus shifts from figuring out how to spend recess and pivots to how will spend the rest of your life and what will you do with it. Grades, varsity sports, extracurricular activities, and resume-building experiences tend to all compete for your attention and come to the surface. While these things and your plans demand attention,  make sure you don’t miss the present. The moment is now, and if you practice presence at the moment, you will benefit from it for the rest of your life.  

• IT’S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW, BUT WHO YOU KNOW: In a culture of “influencers,” it shouldn’t be a surprise that your “tribe” determines much of your behavior. “What am I going to do?” “What am I going to believe?” Your values start to get defined and owned at this age. Peer pressure makes its way into decisions like drinking, smoking, choices about our sexual health and even what we wear. By choosing to affect others you change the rules, so surround yourself with people who pull you up and don’t pull you down. What about parents? They matter now more than ever. Their roles may look different from a year ago, but good parenting is an art form. The recommended solution is never to hover over your child, but being present and available is crucial for their confidence and success. 

SO WHAT, NOW WHAT?

With an ever-growing list of the challenges of high school and all that encompasses freshman year, what can you do?  That very question may have the answer; YOU don’t do anything alone! God has created us to be in community and to do life together. Within each challenge is an opportunity to reach out to a person(s) and to experience what it is like to be cared for, mentored, and guided. There are many people in high school, so choose YOUR people. With any new surroundings, you need someone who has been there before and can give you advice and show you the way.  A mentor is by definition someone who has gone ahead of you. That can be any of the people referenced in this list. They are there, they care, and they can’t wait to help you find your way! The road in high school can be rocky and long, so bring a friend! (Or several!!) 

-Ken B Tank, SVP, YL Community Networks.

Leading a Volunteer Movement

Leading a Volunteer Movement 

A few months ago a group of Young Life staff were together to discuss a pillar of the KNOWN campaign:  “Leading a Volunteer Movement.” We started the conversation prayerfully considering questions like: 

What kind of culture or soil do we need to become so that volunteers could grow?  

How do we cultivate organizational and area culture that inspires volunteers toward mission? 

What new behaviors do we need to organizationally and perhaps personally consider?

As a group we tended to spend most of the time discussing “technical” solutions to these questions. Tod Bolsinger, author of “How Not to Waste a Crisis, Quit Trying Harder,” recently met with our team and he described technical challenges as challenges that exist that current knowledge skills and tools can resolve. Those technical solutions in our organization are our existing Mission Vision Values and Methods (MVVM) and the YL C’s (Contact Work, Campaigners, Club, Camp, Committee, Church) that are based on Jesus’ model of incarnational witness and missional community.  

What was much more difficult for us to discuss were “adaptive” solutions, which Bolsinger described as systemic problems with no clear answer or challenges that cannot be solved with existing knowledge skills and tools. 

Often “adaptive” solutions require a shift in behavior. Attempting to ask, “what new behaviors do we need organizationally and personally to consider, in order to become a place volunteers could grow?” is a much more difficult question to answer because it requires something new of us.

The true reality is that the world our volunteers and kids live in is an accelerated world. The needs of kids and volunteers globally is changing at a rapid pace. However, the love of God and the gift of his Son Jesus is relevant and does not change. God may be needing our behavior to change to better represent him in this changing world.

God is definitely up to something when it comes to adaptable change. We can all relate to the changes in kids, communities and church since 2020. One systemic challenge globally is loneliness. You have heard the research: Gallup polls show that one in five adults globally identifies as feeling lonely, with the loneliest age group being 18-24. YL’s RELATE research further adds data and affirms this challenge. What is causing global loneliness to increase, therefore demanding us to adapt? What is an adaptable behavior for the challenge of loneliness?

Jesus’ model has given us the technical solutions to the systemic problem of loneliness; The relational posture of ministry and the building of missional community. 

Jesus also offers some adaptive solutions. He experienced humanity; the knowledge, skills and tools of his time in the church.  Also, in those 30 years, he grew painfully aware of the systemic challenges of the time. Jesus then began cultivating a new culture that people were inspired by and drawn to. 

He started by recruiting 12 volunteers and then He took these volunteers to places and to people that were not typical. He modeled behavior through posture and pace: by stopping to listen and ask questions. He moved at a pace that was approachable, he adapted his pace to accommodate others needs, and he took the time to deeply listen, enjoy an impromptu meal, ask questions, and tell stories. All the while his 12 volunteers were watching and learning how to cultivate health and missional community.

Healthy Culture is one that is aligned in its values and nimble enough to adjust the behaviors that support those values. In our organization's case we have the values but could inspiring a volunteer movement be requiring some new behaviors of us?  

• What new behaviors do we need to organizationally, and perhaps personally, consider?

• What THREE behaviors does your organization, or team need to identify to become a place in which your staff, volunteers, or customers can grow?

• What behaviors are you committed to “becoming” that contributes to the cultural soil in which volunteers and relationships can grow?

Written by Lyn Ten Brink

‘How Up Your Fundraiser Game!’- My Top Ten List

‘How Up Your Fundraiser Game!’- My Top Ten List

By Jonah Werner

I originally wrote this list in 2019 and wanted to share it with you all again!  Since then I’ve spoken/performed at over 100 more Young Life fundraisers, so I’ve learned even more.  Here’s my updated list.  Hopefully it’s a helpful tool for you!

Putting on a Fundraiser can be daunting, frustrating and overwhelming.  Or… It can be awesome.  After speaking and singing at 500+ Young Life fundraisers I’ve seen it all.

Here’s my top 10 list, ranking what things are most important to focus on when you are striving to ‘up your fundraiser game’ (ranked from least important to most important).   Drum roll, please!!!

10.  PROGRAM.  Good program characters can add the YL flavor to a fundraiser, but be careful because skits and games can end up being huge ‘time suckers’ which can be counter to a tight event.  If you are going to do program, make sure it’s rehearsed,  timed and excellent.

9.  FOOD.  It’s important to make your fundraiser feel inviting, but don’t spend a cajillion dollars on food.! Most people just want to have something good and simple.  Go for elegance over extravagance.

8.  A/V.   Invest in a sound system that suits the needs of the venue and hire a pro to run it.  It is worth it, I promise!!  If you are using videos, make sure you have the A/V person practice showing them several times over before the event.  How many times have you been to a banquet where the video failed?  My answer… WAY too many. 

7.  VENUE.  Choose a place that facilitates great communication with your guests. Outdoor venues can be great, but they also come with the biggest risks- Uncertain weather, sound issues, etc.  That is stressful!!  Choose a place that is right for the size and ‘feel’ for your audience.  Also, it’s often overlooked, but lighting matters! Ambiance matters! People will focus and enjoy themselves much more when you have a cozy, dim lit room with a spot lit stage. 

6.  CONNECTION TIME.   YL fundraisers can be one of the greatest ways to bring a community together.  Make sure you carve out time for people to mingle, laugh and connect as a community!

5. SPEAKER.  I’ve been the ‘key note speaker’ for most of my 500 plus fundraisers, but I’ve also attended plenty of YL banquets as a guest, and I can tell you this for sure…. Who you choose to speak and ask for involvement and financial support matters!  A great speaker will not only engage your guests, but they will also take the opportunity to share the gospel and inspire them to get involved and give- in the form of invitation, not obligation.  When you hire a ‘professional’ to cast the YL vision and ask for involvement and funding, it almost always translates into more engagement and more money pledged.  

4.  STAFF Presentation.  Other than the kids you are ministering to, who do guests want to hear from the most?  YOU!  They want to hear where you’ve been, where you are and where you are going so they can get a vision for what you are building in your area.  ‘Area updates’ can either be a boring numbers ‘blah, blah, blah’, or an opportunity to inspire your guests with ‘God stories’ and amazing accounts of Him moving in your area!!  Mentioning your goals, financially and otherwise is crucial.

3.  TIMING of the Night.  You may be surprised this is #3, but Timing. Is. Essential!  I’ve been a part of too many fundraisers that go way too long.  If your guests run out of the room when your banquet is over (or even before it ends), you probably went too long and lost out on a big opportunity.  You’ll know you’ve timed it right when your guests linger after the final ‘thank you’ has been said. 1.5 hours -2 hours is the ‘sweet spot’ (leaning closer to 1.5 and never going over 2:)

2. KIDS!  When people are deciding to support a ministry, they want to see who they are supporting.  If you are able, do whatever you can to get kids involved.  i.e.  Kids welcoming guests, serving dinner, sharing individual stories at dinner tables, cardboard testimonies, etc.  Also, individual kid testimonies can be the most powerful and compelling part of a fundraiser, so invest time and work into training kids on how to share their stories effectively.  Kids are key!! They are only 2nd to #1 and that is….

1. JESUS . Of course I was going to say this! He is the reason you give your life to serving in this mission.  Fundraisers are a unique opportunity to share Jesus with so many who may not have otherwise heard about His transforming love.  You have already ‘earned the right to be heard’ with many parents and supporters because you have spent your life giving to their kiddos.  Invite Jesus into every detail and the rest will follow.  

In conclusion, my biggest advice is this...  Keep. It. Simple.

Go for ‘sleek’, avoid ‘clunky’ and make sure Jesus is the lens through which all is  communicated.  If you do that, you will have successfully ‘upped your fundraiser game’.  

Jonah Werner is an award winning musician and speaker who has played music for YL all around the world.  He’s done 35 month-long YL assignments and has a deep passion for the mission. You can bring Jonah to your area fundraiser! He speaks, entertains with music and story and is a professional at asking for involvement and funding.  His hope is to ‘take the work out of the fundraiser for you!  Contact him at jonahwerner@gmail.com or http://www.jonahwerner.com  You won’t be disappointed!!  

Also, see what other staff are saying about Jonah as a YL banquet speaker here…  YOUNG LIFE STAFF TESTIMONIALS (make this clickable with the testimonials I sent).

The Anxious Generation

Every once in a while a there’s a new cultural phenomenon that gets everyone talking. I’m sure that you can recall at least one with some fondness from when you were a teen. Maybe it was a movie that all of your friends rushed to go see the midnight release [that was Lord of the Rings for me]. Or maybe it was an album that dropped and everyone was playing it on repeat [50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Trying]. There are some things in pop culture that seem to be universally praised. Yet there are other phenomena that generate so much buzz because they are so controversial.

Jonathan Haidt’s latest book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, is one of those controversial pieces of pop culture. This is a book, that to be honest, I’ve been waiting for since I heard he was working on it. It’s controversial for good reasons. In this book he makes some pretty bold claims—that will either seem spot on or alarmist depending on who you are—that have some huge implications for how we understand GenZ. To cut to the chase, he argues, using a ton of data and studies, that technology has not only rewired GenZ’s cognitive functions but that it’s also rewired GenZ’s outlook on life. He talks about the difference between a “play-based childhood” and a “phone-based childhood.” 

 BIG IDEA: A “Play-Based Childhood (and adolescence)” is crucial for developing into people who flourish socially. The “Phone-Based Childhood (and adolescence)” has had severe negative effects on GenZ.

The play-based childhood is embodied, synchronous, involves one to one or one to several communication, and encourages a high bar for entry and exit in communities. The phone-based childhood encourages an outlook that is disembodied, asynchronous, one to many communication, and a low bar for entry and exit. His findings are based on his area of expertise—he’s a psychologist teaching at NYU's school of business. Childhood, cognitively speaking, is extremely formative. Play-based childhood is essential for developing social skills and conflict resolution. These crucial life skills and how to carry them out get engrained into our brains within the first 15 years of our life. Moving away from a play-based childhood to a phone based childhood undercut the process of human socialization that has developed over millennial. Kids have moved from what he calls “Discover Mode” where the attitude puts an emphasis on socialization, looking for opportunities, and a growth mindset to “Defend Mode” where  the attitude puts an emphasis on scanning for dangers, a scarcity mindset, clinging to safety, and anxiety. You pair this “great rewiring” with the additional harms of social media for adolescents, e.g. sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, and addiction, not to mention the multitude of ways social media has been show to be especially harmful for girl’s self-images and you get the crisis of the anxious generation. 

Although Haidt is an atheist he recognizes the severe spiritual implications of his findings. “The phone-based life produces spiritual degradation, not just in adolescents, but in all of us” (199). It blocks or counteracts six practices (202) that are crucial for growing in our faith:

• Shared sacredness

• Embodiment

• Stillness, silence, and focus

• Self-transcendence

• Being slow to anger, quick to forgive

• Finding awe in nature

We were designed by God to worship in community, community actually strengthens and grows our understanding of God. Rituals help us to understand the sacredness and holiness of God. We are designed to need moments of stillness and silence. But we live in a perpetually distracted state. Being slow to anger and quick to forgive is a command but social media trains us to do the opposite, it conditions us to be reactive and make rapid judgements on others who we barely know. We were made to encounter God in the grandeur of nature, the beauty of music, works of art, etc. But noticing God requires slowing down…. These building blocks of the spiritual life become harder and harder to experience when phones become more than an instrument and they become a way of life. 

How do we undo the effects on the “anxious generation?” Haidt is more optimistic than I am about “undoing” the effects. I’m more optimistic about our ability to mitigate the effects. By increasing certain embodied practices, we can lessen the gravity of the effects of a phone-based childhood (and adolescence).

Put it into Practice!

1. Invite adolescents to participate in “tasks” with you. That might be a project, an errand, going shopping with you, etc. This doesn’t sound like “play” but it helps them feel useful and connected to the real-world communities they are part of. Plus it’s great contact work!

2. Find ways for them to lead. Kids need caring adults in their life. But learning to be a caring teen in the life of another teen can help them to develop the mindset needed to undo the disembodied isolated tendencies so prevalent in culture.

3. Get them outside! Backpacking, hiking, fishing trips. Time out in nature helps cultivate a sense of awe and curiosity which we know is crucial for human flourishing. 

4. Carefully consider your own use of social media around students. Are you on your phone as much as your Young Life friends? Be the one to engage in an embodied way even though everyone around you might be staring at their phone.

5. Encourage activities – games that get them to interact and socialize. Social interactions can be anxiety producing for many GenZers. Consider how you might ease them into smaller social interactions that will serve them in the long run. Some teens need to be re-socialized after the isolation of Covid + the “safety” of the digital life.

Bonus: Dig into Young Life’s Relate study to learn even more about Gen Z and how they operate!

Written by: Chris Woznicki

The Divine in the Disruption

What is our reaction when our plans get disrupted? We have one picture in our mind of how things will go, but that’s not even close to what ends up happening. That happened for us as we set out on our Young Life Expedition trip to Machu Picchu. This epic, once-in-a-lifetime trip was something we’d looked forward to for years, but it was quickly met with disruption at every turn, and reminded us our plans are not our own. 

The trip was full of disruption from the start. Our car was all packed up, kids off to grandparents, house all straightened up for the house sitter, and the out-of-office setting was already on our inboxes. We were about 20 minutes from walking out the door to head to the airport, only to get a nonchalant text from the airline that they had canceled our first of three flights to get us to Cusco, Peru. That set off a chain reaction of travel communication to try to rebook, but not without stealing a day of our trip. 

This could have ruined our whole mood, but then we realized we were gifted the gift of time! It’s a little strange to suddenly have no where to go, nothing to do, and everyone thinks you’re gone. We walked around town feeling anonymous in our own town! We also snuck in a fun bonus hike with our dogs and relived the days before kids! It ended up being a huge blessing of a day. 

Once on our way 24 hours later, we thought we were smooth sailing. However, once we landed in Lima, we met another moment of disruption! The domestic customs line was much quicker than all of us tourists going through customs. So, by the time we reached the baggage carousel, we quickly discovered that only two of our three suitcases had made it to Peru! Maybe you’re like me and you’ve stood by those baggage claim conveyor belts and thought “anyone could just walk off with any bag they wanted right now.” If you’ve ever had that thought, I’m here to tell you that’s what happened to our bag. 

A local Peruvian woman took our suitcase, thinking it was her own, and it had its own adventure somewhere in Peru while we went and trekked through the Andes, saw Machu Picchu, and arrived back into town. All week we figured the bag was gone forever, only to have it arrive less than 24 hours before we flew back home to the United States. 

As we got to know our team on the trip, and learn about ministry in the Amazon Region from the local staff, the travel disruptions quickly became living metaphors of what we all experience day in and day out. These minor travel inconveniences were in-your-face reminders that things happen regularly that are out of our control and these often turn us in completely new directions… often beautiful directions! 

We have expectations of what our ministry will look like. 

We have expectations of what our family life will look like. 

We have a picture of how our career will pan out. 

We have dreams and ideas that we make. 

But these aren’t always God’s plan. Sometimes we experience moments of disruption that turn us in a different direction. And when we experience these, they give us the opportunity to experience things we never even considered. 

Proverbs 19:21-23 New International Version (NIV)

Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

Jesus often taught in moments of interruption. In today’s world that often feels like disruption. 

Wherever we are today, whether in direct ministry or otherwise, may we be reminded to notice the disruptions and where those are pointing us instead. Are there opportunities to experience something greater in our faith than we originally thought possible? Where is God working within the moments of disruption? And will we be faithful to trust that He has a bigger plan for us than we ever imagined possible? 

• What’s been a time where you were disrupted? 

• How did you see God working in that disruption? 

• How did you experience God in a space of being out of your comfort zone? 

____

Wanting to join us on a trip like Machu Picchu? Check out our trips for the upcoming year! 

Written by Valerie Morris

FAITHFUL PRESENCE

Two-term governor of Tennessee Bill Haslam, and devoted friend of Young Life, reveals how faith--too often divisive and contentious--can be a redemptive and unifying presence in the public square.

As a former mayor and governor, Bill Haslam has long been at the center of politics and policy on local, state, and federal levels. And he has consistently been guided by his faith, which influenced his actions on issues ranging from capital punishment to pardons, health care to abortion, welfare to free college tuition. Yet the place of faith in public life has been hotly debated since our nation's founding, and the relationship of church and state remains contentious to this day--and for good reason. Too often, Bill Haslam argues, Christians end up shaping their faith to fit their politics rather than forming their politics to their faith. They seem to forget their calling is to be used by God in service of others rather than to use God to reach their own desires and ends.

Faithful Presence calls for a different way. Drawing upon his years of public service, Haslam casts a remarkable vision for the redemptive role of faith in politics while examining some of the most complex issues of our time, including:

• partisanship in our divided era;

• the most essential character trait for a public servant;

• how we cannot escape "legislating morality";

• the answer to perpetual outrage; and

• how to think about the separation of church and state.

For Christians ready to be salt and light, as well as for those of a different faith or no faith at all, Faithful Presenceargues that faith can be a redemptive, healing presence in the public square--as it must be, if our nation is to flourish.

Read a short excerpt here:

The images are as jarring in hindsight as they were on that day. The US Capitol under siege by protesters. Windows smashed. A woman fatally shot. Demonstrators climbing on statues in the rotunda. Members of Congress huddled under their desks. A protester dangling from the balcony above the Senate floor across the inscription Annuit Coeptis (meaning “[God] has favored our undertakings”).

On that same day, the country set a new record for deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic. This followed a summer of racial unrest, social justice protests, and a bitterly contested presidential election.

The entire country seems to be at each other’s throats. Republicans are convinced that Democrats are socialists and them winning elections will mean the end of our country. Democrats are convinced that Republicans are racist with no concern for those the Bible calls “the least of these.” Activists on the left and the right are convinced that only they represent “We the people” and vow to take back their government from the politicians.

The words of Isaiah ring true almost three thousand years later: “Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter” (59:14).

How did we get here? And, more importantly, where do we go from here? If “truth has stumbled in the public squares,” do we just give up on the public square as a place to solve problems? Having served as a mayor and a governor, I know the limitations of government and the wisdom of the psalmist’s advice to “put not your trust in princes” (Psalm 146:3). But I also know that it matters who we elect, and it matters even more what they do and how they act after they are elected. Like we teach our children: decisions have consequences. Who we put in office and how we support those people make even more of a difference than I thought before I was in office.

Politics is the way that groups make decisions on how they will govern themselves so they can live together, whether it be your neighborhood association, a middle school student council, or a country. Like every other noble calling, politics can easily be twisted into a passionate pursuit of our own political success instead of a desire to serve. At its best, politics can be about wise, selfless decisions that mean better lives for people.

Unfortunately, it is far too common for politicians on both sides to play to the frustration and outrage of the voters they seek. Real leadership, however, is about connecting the legitimate problems facing those voters with the difficult reality of governing—and actually working to solve those problems.

While there is hope for solving a pandemic with a vaccine, there is no vaccine for the contemptuous polarization that grips us today. As the American experiment faces its greatest test since the Civil War, what can we, elected officials and concerned citizens, do to be faithful in such a time as this?

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