2019 SERVICE TO YOUNG LIFE AWARD By Shannon Harrell
Sam and Linda Bradshaw with their kids, Kent and Carol.
In 1979, Sam and Linda’s extensive service to Young Life began when their son, Kent, started attending Young Life as a sophomore in high school. The Bradshaws then joined the local committee in Houston. Since their first encounter with the mission, Sam and Linda have served in a variety of critical roles as adult guests, donors, local volunteers and banquet hosts. They’ve also had significant impact in Young Life International, the Young Life Foundation, Young Life Military– Club Beyond and Developing Global Leaders.
family marked me. I believe I’m a ‘bolder’ leader because of their influence. And their investment in me and our regional vision allowed us to reach thousands of kids, ALL kinds of kids, for Jesus Christ.”
Alumni Awards
In John 13, Jesus declares, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Sam and Linda Bradshaw have lived lives marked by love and are known for their generosity and commitment to loving and serving those near and far so that they may hear the good news of Christ.
While their passion for local ministry is contagious, Sam and Linda have also had farreaching impact through several branches of Young Life ministry internationally. This has led the Bradshaws to generously support regions worldwide and to fund several Developing Global Leaders (DGL) students. DGL offers educational funds, life-skills mentoring and Young Life ministry training for the leaders of tomorrow in over 30 countries around the world. Since 2016, the Bradshaws have supported 15 different DGL students. The Bradshaws also have a heart for military families. Young Life’s Club Beyond provides ministry to middle school and high school students worldwide. Sam and Linda have also been champions for Military Family Camp at Trail West and faithfully supported scholarships for these families. In 2009, this passion for Young Life’s military ministry
THE HEAD COUNT IN HEAVEN WILL BE HIGHER BECAUSE OF THEM. After retiring as the president of Triad Energy Corporation, Sam lives in Houston, Texas, where he and Linda still actively support the local Young Life ministry and advocate for multiethnic Young Life where there is less local giving. Field Senior Vice President James Rockwell said, “Sam and Linda are my role models. Many years ago when I was asked to move to Houston, it was my lunch with Sam that turned my heart toward Texas. He and Linda had such a deep understanding of calling and leadership. The love and support the Bradshaws showed me and my
led to Sam joining the MCYM Board of Directors. In the words of Executive Director of the Young Life Foundation Jeff Rudder, “Anyone who knows Sam and Linda knows they exude joy, love, commitment, faithfulness and generosity! I have personally been blessed by their desire to follow Christ and to serve Him through Young Life and the Young Life Foundation. The head count in heaven will be higher because of them.”
RELATIONSHIPS
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