JOG at Lost Canyon

Right Place, Right Time

What happens when you schedule a Journey of Generosity (JOG) retreat at the same Young Life camp as Leader Weekend? You get a front-row seat to generosity in action, that’s what you get! That’s exactly what one region from Arizona/New Mexico invited me to facilitate a JOG experience at Lost Canyon camp. Hosted by regional staff Ashley Tucker and Veronica Morrison, this gathering opened doors for adults in their region to come together in community, explore generosity, AND experience generosity in action. 

The Foundation of Trust

Here’s the thing with JOGs - you almost have to experience one to catch the contagious vision for these events. JOGs are events where people come together to talk about what generosity means. There’s no ask and no pressure to give in any way. Strategic stories of generosity are shared to open up ideas about what generosity means. Many of these ways generosity shows up have nothing to do with writing a check either! That’s what makes these conversations so powerful! 

Inevitably, JOGs spark so many creative ideas around how we can be generous with the many talents, skills, and passions God has given us. (And, spoiler alert, we need that in Young Life!) We benefit when people, of all kinds, get creative about what it means to bring their unique perspective to support causes they care about. 

On a Regional level, this was a unique opportunity for Tucker and Morrison to bring together people from within their Region to get to know each other and share thoughts around generosity. We know, from doing these, that people often start talking about Young Life and ways to support our ministry in creative ways, from donating art, to donating time, to opening up their home, to becoming a leader, and the list can go on and on. 

A Hesitant Beginning

The start to any event with new people, and especially one where we’re being asked to think about vulnerable things like giving of ourselves, can be a little awkward. As participants gathered, the atmosphere carried a familiar tension that often accompanies new experiences. Many couldn't quite articulate what they had committed to, having said "yes" primarily because of their relationships with Ashley and Veronica rather than a clear understanding of the process. 

One participant's candid reflection captured the mood perfectly: he acknowledged being there specifically to push himself into uncomfortable conversations. This vulnerability set the tone for what would become a transformative experience for everyone involved.

The Perfect Setting

The timing and location of the JOG proved to be quite brilliant. Held at Lost Canyon’s Adult Guest Lodge during a Leader Weekend, the event was surrounded by over 500 volunteer leaders who were literally living out generosity through their service to help kids meet Jesus and grow in their faith. This tangible example of sacrificial giving provided a powerful backdrop to the theoretical discussions happening inside the meeting space. The JOG participants had the opportunity to join in on a few aspects of the weekend retreat and have some proximity to what Young Life specifically is doing with adolescents. 

The overnight format created an immersive experience that participants described as feeling truly "away" rather than squeezed into a busy day. Coffee conversations in the morning, informal break times, and shared meals allowed for organic dialogue that extended well beyond the formal JOG sessions. Adults could even attend YL club activities and participate in worship, creating a holistic experience that felt integrated rather than compartmentalized.

A Transformation Unfolds

The contrast between a JOG event's beginning and end is always striking. What starts as a somewhat stiff gathering of uncertain participants evolves into a warm, open community willing to engage authentically. By the conclusion, people were sharing genuine thoughts, pushing back on ideas when necessary, asking clarifying questions, and expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity to explore generosity together. True friendships were made and deepened as a result of thinking through these ideas together. 

The Facilitator's Journey

Don’t be fooled by the role of a facilitator; we don’t have it all figured out ourselves! Facilitating JOGs has become its own journey of personal growth for myself. It can be hard to sit in the long silence after throwing a discussion question out to the group! It can be even harder to confront your own approach to generosity day in and day out. I really have struggled with this issue for a long time myself and so I feel like every time I am exposed to the material, it helps to form how I think and behave surrounding giving.

It's not about having all the answers but about creating space for collective discovery and growth!

The Ripple Effect

The Arizona/New Mexico Region JOG exemplifies how authentic community can be built around challenging topics when approached with intentionality, skilled facilitation, and mutual respect. From hesitant beginnings to grateful conclusions, it was a great time to go deeper with others. 

In a world where meaningful dialogue often feels elusive, events like these remind us that transformation is possible when we're willing to sit in discomfort, ask hard questions, and journey together toward deeper understanding.

Verley Sangster

What started with a single transformative week at summer camp in 1972 would reshape an entire organization's approach to youth ministry. Verley Sangster and his wife made a decision that seemed impossible to many—leaving their comfortable life in Indiana to move eight children to Chicago's tough west side, all because they believed every kid deserved to experience God's love.

But Verley's story goes far beyond one family's leap of faith. As a pioneering leader who helped grow Young Life's urban ministry from 16 areas to 45 during his tenure, he became the bridge between worlds that often struggled to understand each other. His vision of bringing "the gospel to every kid," not just the easy ones, not just the privileged ones, but truly every single kid, would challenge an organization and inspire a movement that continues today. Discover how one man's unwavering commitment transformed both Young Life and countless young lives across America.

Bringing Out the Best Version of People

Piper Miles was first introduced to Young Life in Atlanta and fell in love with the mission through the relationships she built - including her faithful Young Life leaders. Growing up, she attended YL's Family Camp and later served on Work Crew at Trail West in Colorado. Today, as someone who invests her career in fundraising for pediatric oncology and hematology, she knows firsthand the power of generosity and how lives can be transformed.

Piper describes her experience with Women Who Love Young Life this way: "Where there is Young Life, there is community. I’m so grateful for the women who continue to act like 'YL leaders' in my adult life - the way they pursue and pour into generations younger than themselves. Most recently, I’ve been invited into giving circles, cultivating unique and fun invitations for women to be a part of kingdom work. Giving circles are SO. MUCH. FUN! They stimulate us socially, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and financially as we consider our gifts. I’ve experienced giving circles bringing out the best version of people - you leave having laughed, cried, and already wondering how you can do it again."  Piper has hosted local giving circles in Atlanta and joined her mom, aunt, and cousin at The Getaway giving circle last spring. 

This fall, you’re invited to enjoy this same experience at The Getaway, October 17–19, 2025, at The Scott Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, AZ.

The Getaway is more than a weekend away - it’s a unique giving circle experience full of passion, purpose, and connection. Together, we come around our shared love for Jesus and the mission of Young Life reaching kids around the world. Women come from around the country, each contributing $2,500 to a shared fund. At The Getaway, we’ll hear about three exciting ministry investment opportunities designed to help Young Life reach more young people. We’ll have time to ask questions, discuss, and pray together, and then we’ll vote as a community on where to direct our collective gift. This is a chance to experience community in the truest sense - to laugh, worship, enjoy great meals and receptions, pray and then give… together!  (Check out this 1 min fun recap video from the last time we gathered)

There are still some spots available - we would love for you to be part of this powerful movement of women raising their voices for Young Life and God’s Kingdom. Come ready to be refreshed, connected with others, and a part of something bigger than yourself—together, for the sake of kids and the Kingdom. 

To save your spot, register HERE!

YL Cover

Do you know any of the people in this photo? This photo has been used in countless ways throughout Young Life’s recent history and was an iconic image for the pure fun and joy that happens at Young Life. We’d love to connect with the people in this photo to see if they’re still involved in Young Life. If you know anyone in this picture, could you reach out to our team? (Email ktankersley@sc.younglife.org)

Frontier Ranch

Restoring Frontier: The Next Chapter 

In the rugged beauty of Colorado's wilderness lies a place where heaven and earth have been meeting for over seven decades. It’s a place where countless young lives have been transformed, where laughter echoes through mountain valleys, and where the simple message of God's love has found its way into more than one million hearts. That place is Frontier Ranch, and it's about to write its next chapter.

From Elite Retreat to Sacred Ground

The story of Frontier Ranch reads like something out of a classic American novel. What we now know as this sacred space began as the Round-Up Lodge for Boys, an exclusive summer retreat for society's elite. For decades, it served as a playground for the privileged, tucked away in Colorado's breathtaking landscape.

But God had bigger plans.

In August 1950, Young Life founder Jim Rayburn set foot on the property and felt something extraordinary. As he walked the grounds, he was moved to pray—not just for a nice vacation spot, but for this land to become part of Young Life's growing ministry. Remarkably, at that very same time, two Young Life work crew members, Cy Burress and Jerry Kirk, were independently lifting up prayers for the exact same vision. Talk about divine alignment!

What happened next was nothing short of miraculous. The property initially carried a hefty $500,000 price tag - a fortune in 1950. But through a series of negotiations that can only be described as providential, the price dropped to $350,000, then to $250,000. On March 20, 1951, Young Life finalized the purchase of what would soon become Frontier Ranch.

A Legacy Seven Decades in the Making

Just four months after that historic purchase, the first excited campers arrived at the newly christened Frontier Ranch in July 1951. And what a journey it's been since then! Over the course of 70 incredible years, Frontier Ranch hosted more than one million guests, each one carrying home memories, friendships, and often, a life-changing encounter with Jesus.

As Jeff Chesemore, a 34-year staff veteran who met Jesus at Frontier in July 1983, beautifully puts it: "Frontier Ranch is one of God's 'thin places' where heaven and earth meet, a sacred space where he changes lives for eternity. Lives like mine."

Whether it was around a crackling campfire, during a conversation on a mountain trail, or in the quiet moments of reflection overlooking Colorado's majestic peaks, Frontier Ranch became the backdrop for countless "aha" moments with God.

The Unexpected Pause

Then came 2020, and with it, challenges that nobody could have predicted. In response to the decline in camping ministry and business demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Young Life made the strategic decision to scale back operations at Frontier Ranch. For the first time in seven decades, the sounds of laughter and late-night conversations began to fade from the mountain air.

Even as operations scaled back, the wheels were already turning on something bigger, something better, something that would ensure Frontier Ranch could serve future generations for decades to come.

The Next Frontier: A Campaign of Renewal

Enter "The Next Frontier," our campaign to restore and renew Frontier Ranch. This isn't just about fixing what's broken; it's about reimagining what's possible. The infrastructure needs that accumulated over seven decades of ministry are being addressed head-on, with engineering, planning, and permitting processes already underway.

This isn't just maintenance, it's ministry preparation. Every dollar raised, every plan approved, every beam restored is an investment in the next generations of young people who will walk these trails, share these meals, and encounter the same God who has been moving at Frontier for over 70 years.

Building Tomorrow's Memories Today

The vision driving the Restore Frontier campaign is both ambitious and deeply personal. Restoring and renewing Frontier Ranch so the next generations can know Him. It's about ensuring that the magic that has happened here for seven decades doesn't end with the current generation.

Imagine: somewhere out there is a teenager who doesn't know it yet, but their life is about to change at Frontier Ranch. Maybe it will be their first time away from home, their first real conversation about faith, or their first glimpse of how big and beautiful God's love really is. The Restore Frontier campaign is making sure that teen—and thousands like them—will have the same opportunity that over one million guests have had before them.

The Adventure Continues

As fundraising and restoration efforts continue to gain momentum, there's an electric sense of anticipation in the air. One thing is crystal clear: Frontier Ranch's best days aren't behind it—they're ahead of it.

The same God who moved Jim Rayburn to pray for this property in 1950, who orchestrated its miraculous purchase in 1951, and who has been faithfully changing lives here for 70 years is still at work. The Next Frontier isn't just about restoring buildings and updating infrastructure, it's about restoring hope, renewing purpose, and ensuring that this sacred space continues to be a place where heaven and earth meet.

For those who have walked these paths, slept in these cabins, and felt God's presence in these mountains, the Restore Frontier campaign represents something deeply personal. And for those who have yet to experience the magic of Frontier Ranch, it represents endless possibilities.

Welcome to the Next Frontier. The adventure is just beginning.

Join us as we kick off our journey to restore and renew Frontier Ranch with a virtual event October 2 to unveil the vision, remember inspiring stories, and share how you can help preserve the legacy. Join us for this virtual event (open to all) on OCTOBER 2, 2025.

When God Gives a Gift

When God Gives Something, He Gives It for Good

There's something extraordinary about serving on a Young Life camp program team. You get this front-row seat to transformation, watching teenagers step off buses (or in this case a boat) with crossed arms and guarded hearts, trying their best not to look interested in whatever's about to unfold. But then, day after day, something beautiful happens. Laughter breaks through. Walls crumble. By the final evening, you'll see those same arms wrapped around their leaders, and some of these kids saying “yes” to Jesus for the very first time. It's wild. It's sacred. And it never loses its power to amaze.

Last month, I witnessed one of these transformations up close with a high school girl named Jenny while on Program Team at Malibu. She was sweet but clearly wrestling with her own insecurities, which showed up in how she dressed and occasionally in some pushback she gave our leadership team throughout the week. But there she was on the final night, standing at Say-So to share that she had decided to give her life to Jesus. The joy in that moment was infectious - all of us were so happy to see her take that brave step of faith.

She knew me as “Rowdy,” a boisterous Young Life staff member in a costume, bringing entertainment and fun throughout the day. 

After Say-So ended, I lingered in the club room as kids slowly made their way out. Jenny approached me with the biggest grin and playfully asked, "Rowdy, can I have your hat?" In that moment, I felt something I can only describe as a nudge from the Lord - clear and unmistakable: "Give it to her, and be quick about it."

Without hesitation, I smiled and said, "Jenny, you bet." I took off my hat with genuine joy and handed it to her. The look on her face was priceless,a mixture of surprise and confusion. "Are you sure?" she asked with a nervous laugh. "Of course, Jenny. The hat is yours," I replied, then headed backstage to grab a few things before our next event.

Moments later, as I made my way back through the lingering crowd, Jenny suddenly appeared in front of me with that same nervous smile. She pressed the hat against my chest and said, "You can have it. I feel too bad." Inside the hat, I discovered a note that read: "Thank you for the hat, but I feel too bad. I'll have God for the memories."

Looking up at her, I smiled and said, "Jenny, I saw you stand up at Say-So tonight. The moment you chose to believe in Jesus was the very moment the Holy Spirit made His home in your heart. I have that same Spirit living in me. When you asked for this hat, I heard God's voice telling me to give it to you. It's yours now. And here's the thing about God - when He gives you something, He never asks for it back. Take this hat as a reminder that God wants good things for you."

I placed the hat back in her hands. This time, with tears in her eyes, she received it with pure joy.

Jenny taught me something I still forget sometimes: When God gives you something, His grace, His Spirit, His abundance, even a hat, He means it. He doesn't take it back.

Yet how often do we respond to His goodness by saying, "Thank you for the opportunity, but I feel too bad"? Or "Thank you for the provision, but I'm not sure I deserve it"? Or "Thank you for this role, but someone else probably belongs here more than me"?

This is a kind of spiritual poverty - assuming God's good gifts come with strings attached, that we must earn them or eventually give them back. But that's not the God we encounter in Jesus. The God we serve gives with joy. He gives for keeps.

He gave His Son. He gave us His Spirit. And He's still giving- every week, in every cabin, at every Say-So.

You are part of that story. Your giving has made it possible for students like Jenny to experience camp, to hear Jesus' voice, and to say yes to Him. You've helped create moments where kids feel seen, known, and loved so deeply that even a borrowed hat becomes holy ground.

So let me ask you: What's the "hat" God's been trying to give you? Is there some part of His goodness you've been pushing away? What if today is the moment to finally receive it—not with guilt or hesitation, but with joy?

Because when God gives something, He gives it for good.

Written by Jonathan Drinkwine. 

From High School Student to Vice President

From High School Student to Vice President: Frey’s Global Impact

In the busy capital city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where 80% of the community is Muslim and over half the population consists of teenagers, Fireselam, known affectionately as Frey, leads one of the most challenging yet rewarding Young Life ministries in the world. Her journey from a curious high school student to the first Vice President of Young Life's Ethiopia geography is a testament to not only her faith, but her leadership as well!

The Seed of Faith

Frey's faith story begins not with her own encounter with Jesus, but with her older sister Emebet's faith story. When Emebet discovered God's love and began following Christ, she couldn't keep this life-changing revelation to herself. She began sharing about Christ within their household, planting seeds of curiosity and hope in her family's hearts.

The turning point came when Emebet extended a simple invitation to her younger sister: "Come to church with me." That invitation would prove to be the catalyst for everything that followed. In that church service, Frey encountered Jesus personally and made the decision to begin her own relationship with Christ. Yet, like many new believers, she found herself in a place of beautiful uncertainty; she had said yes to Jesus, but she didn't know what came next.

"I had accepted Jesus Christ but I didn't know how to follow him," Frey reflects on those early days of her faith. This honest confession captures the experience of many new believers. 

Enter Young Life:

Just three months into her Christian walk, Frey heard about Young Life through a leader who visited her school. Intrigued and eager to grow in her newfound faith, she decided to check it out. What she discovered was exactly what her young heart needed—a community of leaders who were not only friendly and welcoming but genuinely invested in helping her understand what it meant to follow Jesus.

Young Life didn't just offer Frey religious activities or theological discussions; it provided practical discipleship (and fun!). The leaders taught her fundamental spiritual disciplines that would become the bedrock of her faith journey. They showed her how to have quiet time with God each morning, how to read her Bible meaningfully, and how to pray with intention. Most importantly, they helped her understand that following Christ wasn't about following rules or rituals, but was about being invited into a personal relationship with the living God.

"The leaders were able to help me know how to follow him and it's about Christ inviting me to a personal relationship," Frey explains. The understanding that Christianity is fundamentally relational rather than merely religious became the cornerstone of her understanding of faith and would later influence how she would lead others.

From Receiver to Giver

After experiencing firsthand how Young Life leaders had invested in her spiritual growth, she felt called to become a leader herself. In 2002, she began as a volunteer leader. This transition from participant to leader illustrates one of Young Life's most beautiful dynamics:  the way it creates a cycle of investment and multiplication. Frey didn't just benefit from Young Life's ministry; she became part of it, ensuring that the same transformative experience she had received would be available to the next generation of teenagers.

Her volunteer leadership experience was so fulfilling and effective that she eventually joined Young Life staff, embarking on a career that would span decades and multiple leadership roles. From Area Director to Regional Director, each position allowed her to expand her influence while staying true to the core mission that had first captured her heart as a high school student.

Leading in a Complex Context

Frey's current role as Vice President of the Ethiopia geography places her at the helm of ministry in one of the most culturally and religiously diverse contexts in the Young Life world. Leading Young Life in a community that is 80% Muslim requires not just administrative skill but deep cultural sensitivity, unwavering faith, and the ability to navigate complex interfaith dynamics while staying true to the gospel message.

The demographic reality that over half of Ethiopia's population consists of teenagers presents both an incredible opportunity and a significant challenge. While there are more potential Young Life participants than in many other regions, reaching them requires innovative approaches and culturally relevant ministry strategies.

Under Frey's leadership, Young Life Ethiopia has learned to operate with both boldness and respect, sharing the love of Christ in ways that honor the cultural context while never compromising the transformative message of the gospel. 

The Multiplication Effect

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Frey's story is how Young Life's investment in her has multiplied exponentially. The teenager who once didn't know how to follow Jesus is now responsible for training volunteer leaders, serving as a liaison to local churches, and overseeing Young Life ministry across an entire nation. She has become a prayer warrior, an administrator, and an advocate for the love of Jesus.

Frey's involvement in the Women's Leadership Accelerator program further demonstrates this multiplication principle. Not only did she benefit from the program's focus on developing female leaders, but she also became a trainer herself, helping other women discover their leadership potential and find their voice in ministry contexts where women are often overlooked or undervalued.

A Living Testament

Today, Frey’s story illustrates how investing in one teenager can ultimately impact thousands of others. From her sister's faithful witness to her own encounter with Young Life leaders, from her years as a volunteer to her current role as a national leader, every chapter of her journey demonstrates the profound, lasting impact that Young Life can have on both individuals and communities. It's a reminder that in God's economy, no act of faithful witness is too small, and no young person is beyond the reach of transformative love.

In a world where young people are often dismissed or overlooked, Frey's story stands as a powerful reminder that teenagers are not just the church of tomorrow—they are the church of today, capable of incredible faith, leadership, and impact when given the right foundation and support. Frey is leading so many, encouraging a new generation of Young Life staff and leaders, not just in Ethiopia, but across the global Young Life ministry! 

The Lasting Impact of Parent Leaders in WyldLife

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

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

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

When Life Experience Meets Ministry Opportunity

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

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

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

The Parent Advantage in Youth Ministry

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

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

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

Why Junior High Is the Sweet Spot

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

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

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

The Long View of Ministry Impact

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

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

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

Fresh Faith Through Service

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

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

You’re Never Too Old

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about WyldLife.

Working With The Future

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by: John Haddad

Putting the FUN Back in Fundraising: The Live Auction Renaissance

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

The Shift from Obligation to Excitement

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

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

Creating Multiple Levels of Engagement

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

This might include:

• Paddle raises that start at modest amounts and build

• Group experiences that allow tables to bid collectively

• Sponsorship opportunities that can be purchased on the spot

• Add-on donations that complement successful auction bids

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

The Shared Experience Factor

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

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

A Strategic Backdoor to Philanthropy

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

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

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

Making It a Game: The Competitive Spirit

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

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

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

Best Practices for Success

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

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

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

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

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

The Future of Fun Fundraising

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

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

____

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

Parent’s Guide to Tik Tok

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

This guide will help you discuss the following questions:

• What is TikTok?

• What are its potential dangers?

• Why is it so popular with young people?

• How does it work?

• Are there any options for parental controls?

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

JOG

Go With Us on a Journey of Generosity

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

Opening Doors to Generosity

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

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

Understanding Generous Giving and the Journey of Generosity

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

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

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

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

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

What is a Journey of Generosity (JOG)?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Intersection of Young Life & JOGs

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

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

- Lee Anne Allman, YL Staff and JOG Facilitator

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Chad Watson, Young Life Staff, Global Field Development

Written by: Valerie Morris

Patrick Pence

The Rippled Effect of a Life Transformed

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

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

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

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

A Daughter to Father Domino Effect

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

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

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

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

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

A Son’s Journey Impacting His Parents

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

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

A Biblical Pattern Continues

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

Living the Lord’s Prayer

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

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

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

From Recitation to Revelation

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

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

Addressing Our Deepest Spiritual Crisis

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

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

Practical Spiritual Warfare

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

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

The Critical Importance of Forgiveness

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

TODAY: The Urgency of the Present

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

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

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

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

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

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

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

WWJD? Or WIJD? - Remembering the Ascension of Christ

Let me begin by asking you a few questions…

What do we celebrate every year on December 25th?

Do you know when Easter is this year?

Will you do anything special to remember Easter?

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

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

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

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

The Reality of the Ascension

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

 Mark 16:19 & 20

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

 Luke 24:50-53

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

Acts 1:9

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

 Hebrews 1:1-4

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

 Romans 8:34

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

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

The Significance of the Ascension

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

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

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

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

As we remember the Ascension, we’re reminded:

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

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

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

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

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

So, What Now?

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

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

Amen

Written by: Jonathan Schultz

Holy Moments at Sundance 2025

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

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

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

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

Windrider Institute

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by: Trevor Babcock

BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME

“If You Build it, he will come” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Understanding Gen Alpha

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by Brigit Mustaine

DOING BUSINESS WITH YOUNG LIFE IN MIND

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

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

Sponsored Impact

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

Local Impact

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

Expanded Awareness

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

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

Unexpected Mentorship

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

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

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

Written by: Valerie Morris