Relationships Spring 2017

Walking the deck with a former Navy chaplain » 5

How to start three different ministries before graduating college » 7

Young Life Alumni Awards » 9

Spring 2017 | Vol. 31 Issue 1

On an island: One of Young Life’s smallest areas

SEES BIG RESULTS 11

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CONTENTS | SPRING 2017

11 GILLETTE’S ISLAND 5 WALKING THE DECK 7 LIVE, LOVE, REPEAT LIFE 9 YOUNG ALUMNI AWARDS

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

TO WALK HER DOWN THE AISLE

ABOUT THE COVER

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14 15 NET GAINS 18 WAVES OF CHANGE 21 TO GIVE YOURSELF AWAY Publisher/President Newt Crenshaw is a publication of Young Life, a mission devoted to introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith. Relationships magazine is published three times a year (spring, fall and winter) by Young Life.

If you’re receiving duplicate copies or would like to switch over to the electronic version, please contact the Young Life Mission Assistance team at 877-438-9572. We can also help you with the change of address or giving information.

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Executive Editor Terry Swenson Senior Editor Jeff Chesemore Coordinator Donna McKenzie Copy Editor Jessica Williams Art Director Isaac Watkins

From the President #younglife Young Life Lite Passages Young Life Spoken Here

In 2016, Young Life leaders enjoyed taking 280,279 kids to our 49 camps across the globe. A week at camp offers kids like this one at Lost Canyon the opportunity to hear about the good news of Jesus Christ in a place made just for them.

Cover photo by Hailey Porth

Designers Liz Knepper Joann Oh Diné Wiedey Contributing Photographers Chad Cogdill Holly England Joann Oh TOMS Shoes, LLC Trina Rinks Photography

Young Life is a Charter Member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

younglife.org P.O. Box 520 Colorado Springs CO 80901 Support Young Life at giving.younglife.org/kids

FROM THE PRESIDENT

YOUNG LIFE — Who We Are and Aspire to Be

“

I am glad we have a clear set of values that help define who we are, who we aspire to be and act as a guide as we move into this next season of ministry.”

As the years seem to roll by with greater and greater speed, 2017 has special significance.

Earlier this year we launched a movement we are calling “Forward.” We believe God is calling us to go Deeper in Christ through discipleship; go Together as we build a diverse, global team; go for more Innovation as we constantly improve the way we reach the next community with the gospel; and go for more Growth as God calls us to expand His kingdom in schools, in communities, in cities — throughout the U.S. and around the world.

The sure foundation upon which we will build this next phase of the ministry is Jesus Christ, His gospel, and His call in the lives of nearly 5,000 staff and over 70,000 volunteers who are committed to introducing Him to adolescents and helping them grow in their faith. Holding that foundation together are Young Life’s values — the distinctive characteristics defining who we are, and who we aspire to be: 1. The Gospel — Living according to and communicating the whole gospel of Jesus Christ. When Jesus comes into our lives and saves us, He bids us to follow Him and make Him Lord of all we have and all we are — no exceptions.

2. Scripture — Acting under the authority of Scripture and relying on the Holy Spirit to empower our ministry. We remind ourselves daily the final authority in faith and conduct is God’s Word, and our greatest power source is the Spirit of God residing in us.

3. All Kids — Reaching adolescents of every ability and all economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Like Jesus, we want to welcome all kinds of young people into this ministry who reflect the diversity of the human race God has created.

4. Ecumenical — Collaborating with followers of Christ from various traditions and local churches worldwide. We aim to focus on what binds us together across various church traditions.

5. Diversity — Welcoming those whom God calls to our mission — men and women of all ethnicities and abilities who are committed to the common purpose of introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith.

If we want to reach all types of young people, then it stands to reason we will also desire to welcome all types of people into our mission.

6. Health — Encouraging our staff and volunteers in their personal and spiritual health so we may minister out of a consistent and growing relationship with Christ and His followers. For over 75 years, we have focused on building disciples and leaders within our mission who can move into the lives of young people with confidence, knowing their own lives reflect our Lord and Savior Himself.

7. Stewardship — Observing the highest standards of stewardship of all the resources placed in our trust. God has blessed us with the best partners, supporters and donors in the world. We aim to invest and use their resources wisely, and in return bless them through the impact their generosity will have within God’s kingdom.

8. The Next Kid — Developing innovative approaches to reach uncommitted, disinterested young people around the world. We like to say innovation is in our DNA. From the beginning, our founder, Jim Rayburn, was never satisfied with old methodologies if newer ones could be found to reach more young people with the gospel.

I am glad we have a clear set of values that help define who we are, who we aspire to be and act as a guide as we move into this next season of ministry. I am committed to keeping these values in front of me on a regular basis, so I can reflect on how all of us in this beautiful mission of Young Life are staying true to these distinct characteristics.

I hope you will join me in doing the same, so together we can move …

Forward – In Christ for All Kids!

Newt Crenshaw Young Life President

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SOME OF OUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS

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“When I lost my mother, my Young Life leader showed me nothing but support. Also, when I tore my ACL this year during my football season, my Young Life leader contacted me and showed me nothing but love.”

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“how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news” — Isaiah 52:7 | surely, the presence of the lord is in this place. #tia

“I lead because I want to love my friends like Jesus loves me and help them to know the freedom that is actual life, a life with Him.” — Nick Trewartha (Capernaum Leader) #younglife #capernaum

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When Bel ev ng s See ng ♥

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By Stacy Windahl

A Young Life staffer and professional magician living by faith — not by sleight (of hand).

“

Some tough kid could come in, aloof and apprehensive.

After one or two magic tricks, the walls would crumble.”

Ty can make some magic at your next banquet.

Contact him at tygallenbeck.com

As a college student in Southern California studying to become a youth pastor, Ty Gallenbeck encountered the magician and illusionist David Blaine. Wanting to know the methods behind Blaine’s magic, he bought a book. And he started practicing.

Not long after, Gallenbeck met a magician at a Youth Specialties Conference who would become his friend and mentor. Danny exhorted Gallenbeck to practice until his tricks were perfect, and only then, to share his tricks with others. And then Danny told Gallenbeck to stop trying to be David Blaine and to simply be himself.

After two-and-a-half years of practice, Gallenbeck moved back to Delta County, Colorado, and his first gig. Unable to find a youth pastor position, he accepted a position at a local Boys and Girls Club. There he discovered the allure of illusions. “I quickly saw how some tough kid could come in, aloof and apprehensive.

After one or two magic tricks, the walls would crumble. I watch their faces — the sheer wonder, amazement and joy of seeing something that is unexplainable. I never grow tired of that.” That was the first place Gallenbeck witnessed how magic could start the conversations that could change situations.

When leadership changes at the Boys and Girls Club led him to consider new opportunities, a friend introduced him to Young Life. A quick review of the website and Gallenbeck believed he had found an organization of kindred spirits.

At a Frontier Ranch family camp he became convinced of it. “I remember the music playing for the walk-on skit was a song from (the Celtic

punk band) Flogging Molly. I thought, ‘We’re at a Christian camp. Someone is going to get fired over this.’” To which he added, “I loved it.”

In 2009 he came on Young Life staff, working with kids even as he performed magic for corporate and private events. His area, Delta County, has suffered significant job losses recently. Two-thirds of the area’s coal mining jobs have been eliminated in just the last three years.

So Gallenbeck’s tricks have become a helpful trade to sustain his ministry.

But recent economic crises were less difficult for him than a crisis of faith that the magic conjured up when he was in college and learning the craft. Seeing is believing, as the saying goes.

But Gallenbeck said, “In my line of work, there are hundreds of things that you see with your own eyes that don’t actually happen. And when a look behind the curtain reveals all of it as a series of tricks, you begin to look for falsehood in everything.” Even in God Himself. So he took this bag of doubt and dumped it at God’s feet.

“If you’re there,” he said, “I need to see you.”

What he heard was the verse that’s become his life’s call: “For we live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Having gone through that kind of faith crisis at a similar age, Gallenbeck uses card tricks not only to begin conversations, but also to encourage kids to reveal their own doubts. “Let’s talk about it, because it’s a huge part of my story.”

Together, they talk about a God who is greater than any trick. A God who brings light out of darkness, faith out of doubt, who offers us all the assurance that it is only in believing that we can truly see.

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Mark Tidd (second from left) aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt in 1996.

Jennifer and Mark, 2016.

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An Interview with Chaplain Mark Tidd U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Mark L. Tidd retired in 2014 after serving as the 25th Chief of Navy Chaplains. During his assignment, Chaplain Tidd provided oversight to more than 1,000 active and reserve officers serving as Navy chaplains, as well as an equivalent number of enlisted Religious Program Specialists who served alongside them.

Chaplain Tidd grew up as a “military brat” in a Navy family and became involved in Young Life as a student. He would continue his involvement with Young Life as a volunteer leader in Hingham, Massachusetts, and as an intern with Young Life’s Dale House in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Chaplain Tidd currently serves on the Club Beyond® Board of Directors. Young Life’s ministry to military teens is known as Club Beyond on installations around the world.

Jodi Chesemore, director of Communications for Young Life Military-Club Beyond, recently caught up with Chaplain Tidd and his wife, Jennifer, whom he met while both were on staff at the Dale House.

RELATIONSHIPS: Describe your experience with Young Life as a teenager.

MARK TIDD: I was first introduced to Young Life in Northern Virginia as a junior in high school and became more involved my senior year. I’d grown up in the church but I was hearing the gospel from a different perspective, with a different set of ears and in a different environment. It penetrated more deeply in some ways at that point because it was so different. It was like reading the old King James Version and then reading the JB Phillips New Testament (which was huge at that point). That was life changing. I went to Frontier Ranch the summer after I graduated and the following two summers while in college I served on La Vida staff [Young Life’s adventure program based at Saranac Village] and totally loved it.

JENNIFER TIDD: I moved about a week before school started for my sophomore year and a girl on the school bus asked me if I wanted to go to Young Life. I asked, “What is that?” And she said, “Well it’s a club and they sing and do stuff like that.” I said, “No.” It just sounded weird! On the way home from school that day she asked again, “You sure you don’t want to go?” And I said “yes” because I didn’t want to do my homework.

I’m pretty used to being the new kid because the military does that, so I walked in and the girl leader, Judy Britton, said, “Hi, what’s your name?” She then said, “It’s good to have you.”

It was odd being in a big room with about 50 kids goofing around. I thought the singing was cool, and the skit, I had never seen anything like that before. I remember listening to the leader, Newt Hetrick, give a message but, not having

any background about Christianity or the Bible, I was kind of neutral on the whole thing. When I was leaving, Judy came up and asked, “What was your name again?” I was stunned because she asked me my name for the second time. It was a place I wanted to go, because someone cared who I really was.

R: Talk a little bit about your experience while at the Dale House.

MT: When I arrived, Jennifer had been on staff at the Dale House for six months. This was an opportunity to learn more about ministry in a different context. I sensed an emerging call to ministry but didn’t know exactly what form that would take. I didn’t see myself in a pulpit necessarily every Sunday. Working at the Dale House seemed to be another step along the road of discerning what the call to ministry might be like. As a residential ministry, it’s very incarnational, very involved in people’s lives and the brokenness of people’s lives. I saw how grace can do amazing things in the lives of people who are very broken and in the lives of staff as well, who are pretty broken in their own ways.

Now in reality [sailors] might never want to darken the door of a chaplain’s office, but because you were there in their space, on their turf, on their terms, it was natural to have a conversation.”

aircraft carrier, I’d walk through the spaces on the ship. On the cruiser, I’d spend time in the boiler room or the machinery room and just talk to the sailors. Conversations like, “So how about those Red Sox?” or, “What are you hearing from home?” In the process of those basic conversations it’s amazing how many sailors say, “Chaplain, I was meaning to come by your office.” Now in reality they might never want to darken the door of a chaplain’s office, but because you were there in their space, on their turf, on their terms, it was natural to have a conversation. Sometimes, they were profound conversations about family issues back home or spiritual struggles or what they’ll do with their life. We teach new chaplains, “The point of ministry is not to stay in your chapel and have sailors come to you. It’s not just the chapel service that you do. It’s going to the places where your Sailors and Marines are. And being accessible to them. Then you also have the opportunity to speak the Word, whether it’s in a chapel service or a casual conversation. You’re able to be God’s presence in that person’s life, but you also have to be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves. You have to have great wisdom in how you do that.” It was a great privilege that continued to the end of my service, including my time as a senior chaplain.

It’s doing Young Life in a different context.

R: What’s the importance of having Club Beyond for Military Teens?

Mark in 1978 atop Pike’s Peak during his Dale House days.

R: Did living in a residential home prepare you for living as a chaplain with the people you were ministering to?

MT: Yes, there’s a sense in which you’re always aware you’re with people watching you to see if anything is different about your life. Living on board a ship in pretty cramped quarters is not too far from being in a residential setting like Dale House.

R: How did your experience in Young Life influence your chaplaincy in the military?

MT: In many ways, ministry as a chaplain is an awful lot like ministry for Young Life leaders. We talk within the Navy about “deck plate ministry,” in other words, the ministry of just walking the deck plates and talking with sailors. When I was assigned to a cruiser or an

MT: When I was growing up, my father’s career was one where we traveled coast to coast and moved 11 times from the time I was born until college. It wasn’t until my junior year of high school that I encountered Young Life. After that experience, as Jennifer and I had our two children and they grew up moving places, we were very attuned to what was available for our kids. They each attended three different high schools. That constant transition can have a real impact. It’s important for kids to be able to find those communities that will help them discover the true meaning of life. Just by virtue of being a teenager, you’re going through some challenging times and if you’re moving around every two to three years, that community is changing as well. For kids to have access to Club Beyond can be the difference from having challenges that expose all the cracks in your life to discovering you’re not alone in that walk. There are other people — in fact there is a person walking alongside you, someone who cares deeply about who you really are and wants you to have the opportunity to discover the meaning of life itself. Club Beyond provides that opportunity to military teens in a powerful way.

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By Leslie Strader

How a staff kid started three different Young Life ministries before graduating college.

You can do this as a middle schooler or a high schooler or a college student. It’s not impossible — God can use anyone. It’s God through you.”

Natalie Nollan grew up watching lives change.

During the week, high school kids considered her living room their second home. Year after year, she listened to her dad, Kenny Nollan, speak at Young Life clubs and banquets. And every summer, she looked forward to her family serving a month on assignment at Washington Family Ranch in Oregon, where Natalie said she “felt a lot of love.”

Her childhood was similar to most kids whose parents serve on Young Life staff. But her last 10 years in the role of Young Life volunteer and “club planter” have been completely unexpected.

And the impact she’s made for the kingdom is anything but ordinary.

You might say, if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Natalie has been flattering Young Life for years.

“Natalie came to me one day and said, ‘Dad, why isn’t there WyldLife here? Can you help start a club?’” Kenny, now Southern Divisional coordinator for Young Life College, recalled.

“I told her if she really wanted it, talk to her friends and we’d go from there.”

Natalie accepted her dad’s challenge, and by the end of seventh grade, leaders recruited

by Kenny from the University of Michigan took 25 kids to camp. WyldLife in Brighton officially kicked off when Natalie started eighth grade, and it’s still going strong today.

“There were kids from church and school coming and lots of community and parent support,” Natalie said. “When I went to high school, WyldLife continued and even morphed into a partnership with the church. It was an incredible experience.”

Where’s WyldLife?

Bringing It Back

It all began in 2006, when the Nollans moved from Seattle to Brighton, Michigan, when Natalie was starting middle school. Natalie was excited about jumping into the ministry she’d seen work through her family for years. Unfortunately, WyldLife didn’t exist at Maltby Middle School.

The Nollan family.

Clockwise from top-left: Anna, Nate, Natalie, Kim and Kenny.

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Entering ninth grade, Natalie found herself with Young Life déjà vu: club had dissolved at Brighton High School. So Natalie determined to bring it back.

Again she went to her dad with her big idea, and this time, he told her: “First, get people together to pray once a week. Then, identify and gather student leaders who can help you get this started. And third, look for a teacher to get involved. You do these three things, and I’ll help you.”

As part of her “strategy,” Natalie wore a Young Life T-shirt to school once a week. One day, a biology teacher named Jonathan Wendrick stopped her and asked if Young Life was on that campus. She told him about her efforts and invited him to see a WyldLife club in action.

Before long, a team of 30 high schoolers were praying in Mr. Wendrick’s classroom before school. And soon after that, Mr. Wendrick and

his wife, Erin, joined staff. Today, they still lead a vibrant club at Brighton High.

“We didn’t know what we were doing,” Natalie said. “We were just friends trying to launch this thing together, so there were moments of challenge. But there were so many great moments — like watching my friends stand up at Say-So at camp, then figuring out together what happens when you try to really live that way.

“I believe everyone deserves to have someone pouring into their lives. Ultimately, I believe that someone is Jesus. I wanted my friends and the people around me to experience grace and freedom the way I had growing up.”

Beyond Me

When Natalie left for Lafayette College in eastern Pennsylvania in 2013, she planned to “take a break” from Young Life. But compelled by Christ, a love for people and the needs around her, Natalie soon found herself in a familiar starting place. After months of prayer, Natalie and a small group of friends kicked off Young Life College during her sophomore year, making her university campus the third Young Life club she’d “planted” since she was 12 years old.

“Natalie has the ability to relate to people like crazy, across the board,” Kenny said. “She’s stayed faithful to the truth of the incarnation and seen people’s lives flipped around once they became

connected to the person of Jesus. It’s been fun to watch it all happen.”

Natalie has seen the Lord use her “live, love, repeat” model of ministry to transform hearts from a middle school gymnasium to a university coffee shop. While none of this was her plan, God’s purpose for her has been clear, and her obedience to His leading will echo for eternity.

“Whether Young Life ministry is in my future or not, I always want to live this way,” Natalie said. “It’s been my entire life experience. Being relational, listening to people’s lives, loving them, being engaged. That’s Young Life. That’s Jesus.

“I hope my experience shows you can do this as a middle schooler or a high schooler or a college student. It’s not impossible — God can use anyone. It’s God through you. Because there’s no way I could’ve done this with my own strength.

It’s beyond me.”

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Always at your fingertips

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GOOD NEWS!

Natalie (right) with her college roommate Candace (left) and friend Bri, who helped start Young Life College at their university.

Check out the FREE Relationships app for iPad and iPhone. From your mobile device, search “Young Life” on the Apple App Store to learn more and download.

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ALUMNI AWARDS

By Jonathan Schultz

Blake Mycoskie

2016 Distinguished Young Life Alumnus Award

“

One of my main takeaways from being a Young Life leader was the concept of ‘meeting kids where they are.’”

Blake Mycoskie

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Blake Mycoskie was first introduced to Young Life as a high school student in Arlington, Texas. According to Blake, “[Young Life] was a very important part of my spiritual development and me becoming a Christian.” Upon high school graduation, Blake headed to Dallas, where he attended Southern Methodist University and eventually became a Young Life leader. During this season, Blake accompanied students to Young Life camp and also served on summer staff at Windy Gap one summer as a horse wrangler.

Today, Blake Mycoskie is founder and chief shoe giver of TOMS®, and the person behind the idea of One for One®, a business model that helps a person in need with every product purchased.

Since 2006, TOMS Shoes has provided over 60 million pairs of shoes to children, and TOMS Eyewear has restored sight to over 400,000 since 2011. “In 2015, TOMS Bag Collection was founded with the mission to help provide training for skilled birth attendants and distribute birth kits containing items that help a woman safely deliver her baby. As of 2016, TOMS has supported safe birth services for over 25,000 mothers.” (www.toms.com) Blake is also the author of Start Something That Matters, and has received accolades including the Secretary of State’s 2009 Award of Corporate Excellence (ACE), and being named on Fortune magazine’s 2011 “40 under 40” list, recognizing him as one of the top young businessmen in the world.

When asked if there were any lessons learned during his involvement with Young Life that influenced him and the formation of TOMS, he cited two.

“One of my main take-aways from being a Young Life leader was the concept of ‘meeting kids where they are.’ I remember we’d have club and there would be kids out front beforehand smoking. I thought it was cool that they felt just as welcome as anyone else. As I’ve built the TOMS brand and company, I’ve done the same thing; I’ve met people where they are as I lead them. ‘Earning the right to be heard’ was another key lesson I picked up. When you first sign on to be a leader as a college kid, you’re full of enthusiasm and light on wisdom. You just have to jump in — it is a little like sink or swim — and learn as you go. Honestly, teenagers are the hardest audience — they can be intimidating! But by showing up I saw real change take place.

“The link between Young Life and TOMS is really a philosophical one. We share the ideal of service to others. In Young Life, that’s through building relationships that meet spiritual needs.

In TOMS, we’ve taken on meeting different needs, like shoes and eyesight. Both come out of the common Christian ideal of serving others; being a good steward. You hope that your values come across in your service and seeds are planted.”

Blake, thank you for the difference you’re making in the lives of so many people around the world. We’re proud to honor you as our 2016 “Distinguished Alumnus Award” recipient.

Frank and Sally Walker 2016 Alumni Service to Young Life Award

“

Frank and Sally have been pillars of Young Life in Genesee County for approaching five decades."

— Michael Miller, Young Life Divisional Campaign director

In 1971, Frank and Sally Walker knew very little about Young Life; however, they were intrigued by this group that was trying to get something started in their community of Grand Blanc, Michigan, and accepted the invitation to learn more as adult guests at Frontier Ranch. Fortyfive years later, Frank and Sally continue to volunteer with Young Life, and we’re proud to name them as recipients of our 2016 “Alumni Service to Young Life Award.”

Upon returning home from Frontier in 1971, Frank and Sally immediately became volunteer leaders in Grand Blanc, helping to start club and lead Campaigners at Grand Blanc High School. During those early years, Frank and Sally were committed to getting kids to camp; however, it would not be via chartered buses or even personal cars. No, they would do so by implementing an idea that Area Director Stan Voth had dreamed up; they would do so via bicycle! Whether east to Saranac in New York, or west to Silver Cliff in Colorado, the Walkers (and others in their area) hit the road with dozens of kids, dozens of bikes, several support vehicles — including a boat trailer that had been converted into a bike trailer — and a camper that would serve as the kitchen. Camping and building relationships along the way, Frank and Sally consider these trips among their fondest memories.

In 1975, Frank and Sally transitioned onto the local Genesee County adult committee and eventually served on the regional committee with Regional Director Ken Knipp. “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award than Frank and Sally,” said Knipp, who now serves as vice president of Training for Young Life. “They are two of the most selfless people I have ever met. They have made a difference in the lives of hundreds of people, both directly and indirectly. They are unflagging in their commitment to serve Christ and to love people.”

In the late ’90s, while still serving on committee and supporting the local ministry financially, Frank and Sally helped with the search for a new Young Life property in Michigan. In 1999 property was purchased, and in 2001, Timber Wolf Lake opened. In 2000, before the camp was “open,” Frank was involved in the urban Young Life club on the north side

of Flint, Michigan. During this time, he would take kids camping on the property. Sixteen years later, at the age of 83, Frank is still involved with the Young Life mentoring program on the north side of Flint, and he and Sally served as adult guest hosts at Timber Wolf Lake in the summer of 2016. In the words of Young Life Divisional Campaign Director Michael Miller, “Frank and Sally have been pillars of Young Life in Genesee County for approaching five decades. Frank Walker has influenced countless kids and adults for Christ by relentlessly showing up. He quietly and humbly wins the right to be heard and just keeps on doing it. If Young Life had an ‘Energizer Bunny’ award it would go to Frank Walker, hands down!”

When asked about their fondest memories of the past 45 years, Frank and Sally spoke of bike trips and their time on regional committee. They reflected on having visited 12 Young Life camps and attending the Malibu Club 50th Anniversary Cruise. They celebrated the establishment and growth of Timber Wolf Lake, “from an empty field to a wonderful camp.” However, they truly lit up when they recalled the amazing people they’ve had the opportunity to meet and the many changed lives they’ve witnessed over the years.

Frank and Sally, thank you for four-and-ahalf decades of volunteer service to Young Life.

Whether as leaders, committee members, financial partners, mentors or bicycle trip planners, you’re an inspiration to us all. We’re so grateful for you, so proud to call you our own, and so privileged to honor you as our 2016 “Alumni Service to Young Life Award” recipients!

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By Jeff Chesemore

Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale … of a faithful servant caring for kids in one of Young Life’s smallest areas.

Anderson Island, a breathtaking locale tucked in the southernmost part of Washington’s Puget Sound, is a mere five miles long and three miles wide. It’s home to bald eagles, sea lions, seals, whales and approximately 1,200 humans, the majority of whom are retirees.

The only access to and from the island is by ferry, which is significant for the kids here.

While there’s a two-room schoolhouse for kindergarten through fifth grade, older kids must take the ferry to school.

And that’s exactly what 4 percent of Anderson Island’s population does every day.

The 58 (yes, 58!) middle school and high school kids spend four hours daily commuting back and forth from school. Arriving at their bus stop at 5:30 in the morning, the kids spend the next two hours riding two buses and a ferry to arrive at school by the 7:30 bell. Just one of the unique challenges they face growing up here …

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The journey to summer camp begins on the Anderson Island ferry. Lissy Bridges (back row, second from left) is a Young Life kid-turned-leader; Jeff Gillette (back right) is area director; Trina Wiggins (red cap) serves on committee. All three are leaders who have been with Anderson Island Young Life since it began.

No (Kid) is an Island

Twenty years ago, many of the kids felt trapped living in such an isolated environment.

Suicide and addiction rates in the adolescent population soared as they searched for meaning, connection and care.

A concerned Jeff Gillette witnessed it all from behind his cash register in Anderson Island’s general store, which he had run since 1979. He could see things were quickly coming to a head.

“We had a 16-year-old who committed suicide in the late ’90s,” Gillette said. “At a town meeting afterward, one impassioned man said, ‘This just kills me. How could he do this?

I would have loved to have sat down with him.

I would have listened. I would have talked him through this.’

“The teenager’s friend looked at the man and not being obnoxious — he was serious — said, ‘Who are you? And how was he supposed to have known to talk to you?’ That planted a seed.”

The exchange revealed a distressing truth: a majority of the island’s adult residents didn’t know the kids, and vice versa. Feeling alienated,

kids often erected walls and lived in selfimposed isolation and eventually, rebellion.

“Around 2000,” Gillette said, “a lot of the kids began breaking into the summer homes out here and tearing them up. They became defiant and did whatever they wanted. It was a really hard season to go through with the increase in addictions, suicides, teenage pregnancies.”

Around this time, Gillette discovered Young Life through his own kids, who “fell in love with it in high school.” They jumped into Young Life on the mainland, through friends they knew from school. Because club began at 7:00 and the last ferry back to Anderson Island left at 7:30, Gillette’s kids spent the night with friends on the mainland. Seeing what club did for them inspired Gillette to join the Lakewood/ Steilacoom committee to learn what it would take to start the ministry back at home.

“I thought, if we brought Young Life here, it will give kids an alternative to boredom and feeling trapped. Within a few years maybe we’ll turn a corner.”

By the time Anderson Island Young Life began in 2005, changes came a lot quicker than expected. “Within two months of starting Young Life, the problems stopped,” Gillette said.

“We were stunned at the difference.”

The first few years consisted of young staff coming in and establishing the work, with the Anderson Island committee also running club for a year. The young staff did an amazing job reaching kids, but the move proved difficult for them socially, as they didn’t have any peers on the island. Ultimately, the ones who came to help the kids fighting loneliness, became lonely themselves, and eventually left. The committee acknowledged that the time had come to hire an islander who loves kids.

is “the store” Gillette is now manning. “Jeff’s as humble as it gets. This is a calling for him; he just wants to faithfully serve on his island. In his humility and quiet nature he flies under the radar, but he’s also someone who has incredible spiritual wisdom.”

Part of this wisdom comes in reaching out to kids who spend nine hours every day off the island. Like Young Life leaders around the world, Gillette simply goes where the kids are, which for him means doing contact work on the ferry!

“It’s the one central point where you can see every kid,” Gillette explained. “We know every kid, we know where their homes are and we have their contacts.”

Often Gillette and the other leaders will show up and greet the kids in the morning with hot cocoa, breakfast bars and sometimes even homemade breakfast burritos. They may organize games and mixers on the ferry ride in, but more often than not, they’ll simply spend time in friendly conversation. On some evenings they have pizzas ready for the kids’ return.

“Young Life in a place like Anderson Island takes ingenuity,” Stewart said. “It’s unique in that it isn’t school-based ministry, it’s island- based.”

Ingenuity

Finances and Friendships

“When the committee started the next search,” Gillette said, “Joyce and I had just sold our business. I’d run the general store for 30 years, with no plans with what to do next. I sold it because I thought, ‘I’m past the 50 mark. If I’m going to do something different I need to get started!’ So we sold our business and prayed.”

It didn’t take long for the committee and the Gillettes to agree on whom God was calling to the position. Jeff heartily accepted the offer in the summer of 2009.

“It’s been a good fit,” he said. “I love going to work every day.” With Joyce working behind the scenes on the administrative and creative end, Jeff was freed up to run with kids. All concerned parties — the kids, the parents, the committee and the Gillettes — were thrilled with the arrangement.

For his part, Ross Stewart, regional director for the South Puget Sound, is thankful that this

As with many small areas, raising funds for ministry costs as well as the kids’ camp trips was a challenge. (Last year, 85 percent of the kids were on free or reduced lunches, so they spend a lot of time working to raise money for camp.)

Gillette discovered, however, that financial obstacles would be the very tool the Lord would use to help knit the community together.

The turning point came as Gillette and the committee planned a golf fundraiser.

After hearing their heart for helping kids connect with the adults, the man advising them said, “You have to decide whether this will be a relational tournament or strictly a fundraising tournament.”

“It became a big prayer item,” Gillette said.

“We decided we’re going to choose ‘relational’ and God honored that. (continued on page 13)

Within two months of starting Young Life, the problems stopped.”

Anderson Island students at Malibu.

Beth Kobernik (front center) has been a volunteer leader and committee person for all 12 years of Young Life’s presence.

12

(continued from page 12) “One complaint I’d heard from adults was, ‘Who are these kids? We don’t know them. We don’t know their names.’ So we went to the golf association and explained, ‘We want to have a golf tournament. If you want, the kids can caddy for you and you can contribute toward their camp funds. But I keep hearing you say you don’t know who these kids are anymore. If you want to golf with them, I guarantee by the end of the tournament, you’ll know who these kids are.”

The golfers voted unanimously to play alongside the kids, none of whom had ever golfed before. Part of the fun was the challenge for kids to find out things about their adult counterparts that Gillette didn’t know. For every fact they could stump him on, their camp funds increased. The adults were tasked with the same challenge, and the facts they learned about the kids also helped the kids with their funds.

At the awards dinner afterward, Gillette was blown away by what he witnessed. “When I walked in, all the kids had chosen to sit with the adults they golfed with instead of their peers.”

Buoyed by this success, Gillette and the committee resolved every future fundraiser would have a relational aspect.

“Once we did it this way, people started taking ownership of Young Life and getting involved. We started with three leaders and a handful of kids, but now locals refer to it as our Young Life program.”

The fundraisers continued, with different opportunities set up for kids to make money toward camp while building relationships with adults all over the island. Kids worked wherever needed — at senior citizens’ dinners, ice cream socials, on trails clearing paths and spreading bark, picking up litter, and on and on.

The result, Gillette said, is that “now the community takes pride in the kids and kids take pride in the community. Because a kid who cleans up the park will not take his pick-up truck and do figure eights on the lawn! The kids went from feeling trapped to proudly thinking, ‘This is our island.’”

For those kids more comfortable in quietly serving others, Gillette and the committee offer other options. “Not every kid loves club and big crowds. We take some teens to Washington Family Ranch [Young Life’s camp in Oregon] to be YoungLives nannies. We’ve also taken a group of kids to Lost Canyon in Arizona to be buddies to Capernaum kids. We try to offer something for everybody.”

Kids These Days!

The last dozen years have of course offered challenges, but Young Life is firmly entrenched

13

Breaking from raking.

The kids went from feeling trapped to proudly thinking, ‘This is our island.’”

in the hearts and lives of the residents of Anderson Island. The adults have wrapped their arms around the small, but vibrant population of kids here.

Stewart said, “I heard John Vicary [Young Life’s executive vice president of U.S. Ministries] say, ‘Young Life only comes to places where it’s invited and wanted by the community.’ That’s the case for Anderson Island — they were adamant they wanted Young Life and they made it happen. I’m so proud the community and our mission have come together to reach these kids.”

“When I worked at the store and a kid walked by,” Gillette remembered, “the seniors would say, ‘Kids these days. They don’t do anything, they’re lazy, etc.’ I got so tired of hearing ‘kids these days.’ Now it’s, ‘Kids these days! Thank you for bringing them to this event.

We’ve got some of the most amazing kids!’

Now, it’s a glorious statement!”

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to Walk

her down the

Aisl

By Brad Mowry,

Eastern Division Capernaum Coordinator

This was one of those dreams: Hannah was ‘one of the girls,’ giggling and posing for silly pictures.

She belonged.”

e

I remember the doctor’s words clearly, “It’s a girl.” My wife said, “Really?!” She was convinced we were having a boy. It was our first child and we decided to wait and be surprised by the gender.

Holding Hannah in my arms that morning, I could hardly believe I was a father. I began to dream about all the fun times we would have.

I was young, but I could picture growing old and Hannah growing up. I pictured birthday parties, soccer games, prom nights and someday walking her down the aisle to give her away (to some guy who probably didn’t deserve her!).

Five months later all those dreams shattered as the doctor told us, “She has brain damage and is probably blind.” Like a piece of paper sucked out of a car window, those dreams slipped out too fast to grab them.

We moved on without those dreams: birthday parties included only family, there would be no soccer, no prom, no aisle to walk down and no guy — deserving or not — to whom I would give her away.

Then Young Life Capernaum came along.

Capernaum has given Hannah friends — her leaders pursue her and are indeed her friends.

She has never spoken a word to them, but they know her, they communicate. They love her and she loves them.

She went to prom this year. Was this a Capernaum event? No, but because of Capernaum, my eyes were opened to other possibilites for her, like the prom.

It was amazing to see her looking beautiful in her dress, laughing and smiling as she listened to music. A group of girls danced with her — pulling on her wheelchair to help her spin like everyone else to “Cupid Shuffle.”

Then they told me, “Make sure we get a picture with Hannah before you leave.” As I watched these five girls pose for the photo booth, I realized this was one of those dreams:

Hannah was “one of the girls,” giggling and posing for silly pictures. She belonged.

Then, this summer, Hannah was invited to be a bridesmaid in the wedding of her Young Life leader, Rachel. “It isn’t what you dreamed of,” Rachel explained, “but at least you’ll get to walk her down the aisle.”

I could not have been prouder — even if life had been “normal” — I don’t know if the joy I felt could have been matched. What was more powerful to me than walking her down the aisle was what Rachel said next. I was worried she was using her wedding to just give me my moment.

“This isn’t just for you, she’s one of my best friends and I want her in my wedding.”

Through Rachel and Capernaum some of our dreams have come true. God has used Capernaum to open our eyes to see Hannah in new ways. We are grateful.

P.S. It’s not soccer, but Hannah joined the Bocce Ball team for our local Unified Sports league this winter! (Anyone know the rules of Bocce?!)

This story first appeared on the Young Life Capernaum Everywhere blog.

Hannah (right) with her Young Life leader, Rachel.

14

NET

By Bethany Bradsher

How the Lord is using a 40year Young Life staff veteran, his family, relationships and lacrosse to change countless lives.

Those guys changed the whole trajectory of Young Life at the school ... They just became fearless.”

As Joe Belinko prepared for Century High School’s 2014 lacrosse season, he found himself at a ministry crossroads. The head coach for the junior varsity lacrosse team and the area director for Carroll County (Maryland) Young Life had seen the number of kids attending club decline in recent years; the previous summer only 11 had gone to camp. Almost 60 years old, Belinko had been on Young Life staff in Carroll County since 1980; at times he’d wondered if he could still relate to high school kids or if the Lord was calling him to move away from the ministry.

Belinko and his leaders had agreed to suspend club for a while, so in the early months of that year, through games and practices with the team, he connected with the players and invited them to an annual area-wide Young Life event called Midnight Madness. He also continued to pray about what the Lord was doing with Century Young Life. The answer would be delivered in dramatic fashion as the lacrosse season concluded.

At season’s end, he and his wife, Karen, who has also been involved with the Century club for decades, hosted the team party, and Belinko saw an opportunity to take those coach-athlete friendships a step further. As the party was winding down Belinko grabbed his son Camden (a new leader at the school) and another volunteer leader for an impromptu prayer meeting in his basement.

The party, he had realized, presented a unique opportunity, one that might not come around again. After the prayer, he asked the guys and their parents if they would gather to watch a short video.

He played the Lake Champion promo, explained the details and cost of the summer trip, and went back to socializing and eating with the team. “I talked to them about going to camp,” he said. “I told them, ‘I know it sounds kind of hokey, but I guarantee that you guys will have a great time.’”

Belinko had already developed plenty of credibility with the boys and their parents through an undefeated lacrosse season, and within days of the party and its spontaneous camp commercial he had deposits and registration from nine boys. By the time they departed for New York, 14 members of the team were on board and heading for an unforgettable week at Lake Champion. “The whole thing really was just God working, orchestrating things, answering prayer,” he said.

Camping Does Its Job

Because the group had so little exposure to Young Life before they went to camp, they were wide-eyed during the first few days. Belinko saw

15

them slowly start to warm up to him and Lake Champion as they leaned into the gospel message. He knew their hearts were changing midweek when, after the county fair, his group sprinted to the club room so they could claim the front row during club.

“Camping does its job,” Belinko said. “During the course of that week, God was changing their hearts. Twelve of them made commitments at camp, and then after we got home a 13th, Jake Leitner, called me and said he was ready to give his life to Christ.”

That unlikely camp group — and the eternal repercussions of their week in New York — would have been sufficient as an inspirational story, but God had big plans for those transformed lacrosse players when they returned to Century High School. That fall, buoyed by the boys’ excitement and the effect they were having on friends and classmates, Century had Young Life club with more than 60 people in attendance at the Belinkos’ farm, a sprawling property with space they renovated just to host Young Life groups.

And as Belinko and his other leaders discipled the young men who were serious about growing in their faith, they saw a ripple effect as the boys prayed for friends, brought them to Young Life and talked up the summer camp experience.

“Those guys changed the whole trajectory of Young Life at the school,” Belinko said. “They just became fearless.”

others at his high school make decisions to follow the Lord, he became bolder — seeking out the kids who seemed to be the furthest from Christ and inviting them to Young Life.

As Century’s club continued to grow, so did interest in the area’s next summer trip to Saranac. That summer 63 kids traveled to upstate New York for camp, more than tripling the number from the previous year. Many of those lacrosse players, including Keepers and Leitner, were part of the trip and found themselves in the midst of a spiritual awakening that was transforming their friends.

“It’s not just about the numbers, but all of the numbers are stories,” Keepers said. “At Saranac I was able to see so many people make a commitment. That was so incredible to see people who were struggling with so much stuff back home make a decision I knew was going to change their lives. I was witness to a culture change at my high school.”

Left: Joe and two of his lacrosse players at Frontier Ranch.

Right: Camden, Karen and Joe in Colorado.

Joe on summer staff at Saranac in 1976, the first year he was on staff, as a parasail boat driver.

Witness to a Culture Change

One lacrosse player who was changed by Christ and became an ambassador at the school was Zach Keepers, a sophomore when he made the decision to attend Lake Champion with his teammates. As he grew in his faith and saw

(continued on page 17)

16

(continued from page 16)

Ready to Lead

Back at school in the fall of 2015, the movement continued to grow, fueled by the influence of young men and women who were serious about following Christ. Kids were coming to club and bringing friends, studying the Bible at Campaigners and even showing up for 6 a.m. discipleship meetings at Bob Evans. And that fall at the Belinkos’ farm, 175 students from Century High showed up at a Young Life club.

Buoyed by the momentum and the prospect of introducing so many new friends to Christ at camp, Belinko started to dream big. He met Christ in 1973 as a camper at Silver Cliff in Buena Vista, Colorado, and because that place was so significant to his journey he’d always wanted to take a group of Carroll County kids to Frontier Ranch. It was a trip that covered 1,800 miles each way and required more of a time and financial commitment than the previous trips to East Coast camps, but Belinko and his team felt the Lord was prompting them to step out.

They kicked off the Colorado trip registration with a Young Life Christmas party, and within two days about 100 kids had signed up and paid a deposit. Belinko planned a Western tour of sorts, complete with white-water rafting and other special attractions along the way, and when the buses pulled away that summer 110 kids and leaders were onboard. “That just speaks to the power God has and the way He works in Young Life at Century,” Keepers said.

The group was so large that Belinko didn’t have enough leaders, so he recruited eight recent

17

Joe and Camden Belinko (back left) with Century High guys at Frontier Ranch.

Century High graduates to come along as junior leaders. Several, including Keepers, were his original junior varsity lacrosse players who had sat in his basement three years earlier with almost no knowledge of Young Life or the way the Lord would soon use it to shape their lives.

Not Finished Yet

After such an ambitious trip in 2016, Belinko is happy to be selling a Lake Champion week for this summer, and 56 kids have already signed up to go. He’s gratified by the contact with college freshmen like Keepers, who is training to be a Young Life leader at the University of Maryland, and others from the lacrosse team pursuing leadership training at High Point University and the University of Wisconsin. As the Belinkos watch the Lord continue to work at Century and use this core group of guys to spread the gospel in places far beyond Carroll County, Maryland, they continue to do the work of the area spurred on with a clear message from God. They’re certain He used that extraordinary four-year period to remind them to trust and persevere.

“After wondering if He was calling me out of ministry with Young Life, I realized God wasn’t finished with me yet,” he said. “It’s a thrill. It’s exciting to be part of it. The thrill is just to see these kids go on in their faith.”

That just speaks to the power God has and the way He works in Young Life at Century.”

WAVES OF

By Nicki Walter,

Young Life staff in Munich, Germany

From left to right: Surfboard shaper Hiucif Rahim, Nicki Walter and Darius in Gijon, Spain.

“

It’s unbelievable what’s happened in the context of our friendship in the last three years!”

When I first met Darius in 2014, he was a small, loud, aggressive and completely unrestrained fifth grader. I made many attempts to befriend him, but each time I came away disappointed with whatever strange behavior he used to try to blow me off. In the midst of this, our Young Life team continued praying for Darius.

The following year his mother asked if I could help pick out a surfboard for his birthday and take him surfing on the Eisbach River here in town (Munich). I invited him to a weekly small group connected to the Christian Surfers ministry, where we meet for Bible study and then go surfing. Darius came and experienced the fellowship and friendliness of our group.

Besides his natural talent in surfing, Darius also had an interest in the Christian faith.

Darius became a steady part of the small group and felt a sense of belonging there.

He surfed every day and continued asking questions about faith. His behavior and his whole being seemed to change. A short time later I asked him if he wanted to help me start a prayer group at his school, where we’d read the Bible and pray together every week before school. He was excited and managed to make it to school 30 minutes early every week to be there. Now we have seven kids from the middle school and high school coming, and we meet for a full hour every Tuesday before school starts.

In the fall of 2015 I’d planned to fly to Spain to visit a family from Christian Surfers. I invited Darius to come with me, but his family had already planned a skiing trip in the mountains.

Three days before I left, though, Darius came to me and said, “Hey, Nicki, my parents said there’s not enough snow to ski; can I maybe still come with you to Spain?”

Darius was so excited and nervous because this would be his first flight, first time to Spain and first time surfing in the ocean. My friends in Spain lovingly took us in and I immediately noticed how it affected Darius to be in a Christian family atmosphere. It was the small things like eating three meals a day and the times we all sat together and prayed. Everyone took turns praying, even Darius. We had a blast and surfed a lot.

When we returned to Munich, Darius wanted to go to church with me. That Sunday, as I drove him home after the service, he said he wanted to be baptized. Wow! It’s unbelievable what’s happened in the context of our friendship in the last three years! I’m excited to see how he continues to grow and what God has in store for him.

This experience I’ve had with Darius gives me so much joy, and confirms the work I’m doing with Young Life is right. I love it when kids come to me with questions about faith or wanting to know who Jesus is and what it all means. This doesn’t happen every day, but it does keep happening, and it’s for this reason we’re here to speak the good news to these kids.

Darius surfing the Eisbach River in Munich.

18

PASSAGES

By Jeff Chesemore

Doug Coe Oct. 20, 1928 – Feb. 21, 2017 For a life of worldwide influence, it’s hard to beat that of Doug Coe, former Young Life staff who is now at home with his Savior. His quiet mentoring and discipleship over the last seven decades transformed lives as varied as those of high school kids to every U.S. president since Eisenhower.

Coe joined Young Life staff in the early ’50s and proceeded to run, according to the June 1954 edition of Young Life magazine, the “biggest club in the country” at Salem High School in Salem, Oregon. “The Salem club hit a record-breaking high this year with 452 in attendance.

Leading that many high school kids is two or three full time jobs.”

Coe moved to Washington, D.C., in 1959, where he worked for nearly 60 years with International Christian Leadership

(later known as the Fellowship, and now the International Foundation). Working behind the scenes he brought together members of the House and Senate for small group prayer, counsel and fellowship. He also played a major role in organizing the annual National Prayer Breakfast.

In July 1980, Coe hosted the presidents of Young Life and Youth for Christ, Bob Mitchell and Jay Kesler respectively, to discuss the idea of a joint ministry to military youth. That meeting proved historic in both organizations as it gave birth to the military ministry known today as Club Beyond®.

Coe’s ties with Young Life are also familial. Among his six children are Debbie and Paula, which means he was the father-in-law to Doug Burleigh, former Young Life president, and Lee Corder, the mission’s senior vice president of International Initiatives. Burleigh shared this memory of Coe: “When I was getting ready to marry his daughter 43 years ago, he told me, ‘Doug, invest your life in things that are eternal — I can think of two: a love relationship with Jesus Christ and relationships with family and friends in Christ. Ten thousand years from now, these things will matter.’ (I was 29 then and now I’m almost 72 and was he ever right.)”

Jerome “Jerry” Lewis Aug. 12, 1927 – Nov. 27, 2016 Jerry Lewis was beloved in Young Life for his Christlike character, his tremendous generosity and hospitality. He and his wife, Martha Dell, who preceded him in death in 2014, were fixtures in the national urban work as well as at home in Denver.

Beginning in the 1960s, the two were intimately involved with Young Life.

Lewis was a member of Young Life’s Board of Trustees from 1977-1981 and 1983-1988. He was elected to trustee emeritus in 2001.

Verley Sangster, the mission’s urban vice president in the 1970s and ’80s, said, “Bob Mitchell formed the first National Urban Committee to the board of trustees and Lewis served as the chairman. His leadership and generosity helped

19

develop ‘Outreach ’80s,’ a fundraising campaign for training urban staff and developing training centers in Jacksonville, Chicago, Boston and San Francisco. Over the years this training led to thousands of kids from urban communities meeting Jesus. Lewis once told me, ‘My gift was making money to support those who had the gift of ministry.’”

Jerry and Martha Dell also donated their home to be used as a gathering place for discussion and renewal. Every year more than 40 ministries and hundreds of followers of Jesus utilize the grounds of the “Downing House” for directed retreats and spiritual formation gatherings. Whenever Jerry or Martha Dell were approached with requests for counseling or hospitality, the answer was always “yes.”

Longtime staff Don Reeverts said about his friend of more than 40 years, “Jerry was tenacious and determined.

He wanted to obediently follow Jesus and be generous in his finances and the use of his home. He and Martha Dell were superstars who lived to help and encourage people.”

Thousands throughout the mission of Young Life will miss Jerry Lewis, whom Reeverts called “a man of character, a man of his word, a man with a great heart for his Lord.”

Linnea Marjorie “Marge” Stone Petersen Aug. 30, 1925 – Nov. 30, 2016 It’s no stretch to say Marge Petersen is a historic figure in the mission.

Touching countless lives while serving on staff for 15 years, she continued to influence and inspire many others when she became the first woman elected to Young Life’s Board of Directors.

In 1952, Stone came on staff in Knoxville, Tennessee, serving there until she transferred

to Wheaton College four years later. Here she worked in the Chicago Women’s ministries, eventually becoming the associate dean of women in 1960. During this time she led under future president, Bill Starr. “Marge was a very gracious lady,” Starr said. “She was my right arm and a tremendous producer for Young Life in our ministry."

Stone transferred in 1964 to Berkley, California, where she finished her time on staff. In 1968, she married Hugh Petersen; four years later, the Young Life Board of Directors elected her to serve on the board, a role she faithfully carried out for the next three years.

Ted Johnson, who serves in Young Life Development, said, “I have known Marge and Hugh for 35 years, back to my Santa Barbara days. ‘Gracious, generous, wise and a lot of fun’ — that was Marge! She made a wide mark with her life.”

Will Wyatt Sept. 2, 1928 – Jan. 27, 2017 Will Wyatt was truly a pioneer in Young Life.

Along with his wife, Betty, he purchased the property that became Wilderness Ranch, and also helped start Young Life’s Silver Dollar City Discipleship Experience (now known as Discipleship Focus).

Since 1952, Wyatt wore many hats in the mission: head wrangler at Frontier Ranch, volunteer leader, area director, committee member, just to name a few.

UNGLIVN ES YO C E E X P E R I E

ER VOLUNRTEETE AM! ON

CHILDCA

THE

After purchasing the Lake Cliff Dude Ranch near Creede, Colorado, in 1970, the Wyatts dreamt aloud with Bob and Claudia Mitchell about introducing kids to wilderness camping, while also training them up in their faith.

Young Life soon began adventure camping at the newly named Wilderness Ranch, which still provides kids with lifechanging experiences today.

Later, the couple felt the Lord leading them to develop a program where students could live in community, study the Word and live out their faith in a paid work setting.

The Silver Dollar City amusement park in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains proved to be ideal for the endeavor.

In 1977, 30 college students began the inaugural program, serving at the park while learning deep biblical truths from the Wyatts and others. The results were obvious. “It is one of the best leadership training experiences I’ve ever seen,” said Mitchell, Young Life’s president at the time.

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YoungLives Impacting teen moms. Shaping generations.

20

TO

GIVE One Clemson student builds a bridge with the only material she has — herself.

As Greenville, South Carolina, has grown more diverse in recent years, a moderate need has continued to brew. Bridging the gap between Young Life leaders and Latino teens has posed considerable challenges, and Ana Montoya had no intention to ever cross that chasm. She just wanted to be a doctor.

The Lord, however, had other plans.

A native of Colombia, Ana moved to America with her family in 2001. After graduating high school, she enrolled at Clemson in 2013, the first in her family to go to college, her eyes fixed on medical school. “If you had told me in high school ... that I would be a Young Life leader,” Ana remembered, “I probably would have laughed in your face.”

“She demanded a lot from herself,” said Annie Wike, a Young Life alumna who mentors Greenville’s leaders. The more she saw Ana, the more Wike believed she could help bridge the gap separating Young Life from Latinos. “You’ve got the language,” Wike told her. “You know the culture.”

At Clemson, Ana found her way to Quest — Young Life’s student leadership program on campus.

“I got introduced to Young Life,” she said, “and I was like, what is this? I was still just a new Christian, trying to figure it all out.”

In 2014, two weeks before learning where she would begin contact work with Clemson-area high school teens, she felt the Master’s call. “The Lord was like, ‘Ana, I just want you to trust Me, and I want you to follow Me and see what Young Life could do.’”

Ana (right) with Lulu and baby Leilani.

21

AWAY

By Travis Johnson

That was when Ana met Lulu.

Lulu was an intimidating young Latina — a freshman at Walhalla High School while Ana was still a freshman at Clemson. Ana sat across from her at the lunch table and said hello. “She wouldn’t really talk to me,” Ana said. “And then she started talking about me in Spanish.”

So Ana replied in Spanish, and an unlikely friendship began. “[Lulu] was the first friend that I became super close to,” Ana said.

By the next year, Ana was inviting Lulu to Young Life club and to church. She even met Lulu’s family, bridging the gap that Wike had always believed she would.

The trust Ana built those first years led her to walk with Lulu through a significant turning point. In the spring of 2016, Lulu revealed she was pregnant.

She was afraid to tell her parents; she didn’t even know where to go for medical care. “We’ll figure it out,” Ana told her.

Ana reached out to a local clinic to get her a free pregnancy test. “I was there for her first ultrasound,” Ana recalled. They took the photo of Lulu’s baby and told her parents together.

For the next eight months, Ana walked Lulu through her pregnancy — helping her confirm her Medicaid eligibility, taking her to appointments, speaking truth and encouragement when fear and doubt drew near.

“It was so out of my comfort zone,” Ana said.

“I learned so much about health care and trusting the Lord.”

In December, Lulu gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Leilani. “She’s an incredible mother,” Ana said.

In May 2017, Ana will graduate Clemson. The journey has not been without struggle. “This year’s been hard,” Ana said. The young woman who demanded so much of herself ended up giving herself away. After earning a long line of A’s, Ana was hit last semester with a B — only her second in three years of college.

“But,” Ana was quick to say, “I was able to be there with Lulu.”

Annie Wike looks back on the story with awe.

“To be a college student and do that?” she said.

To her, Ana is a hero.

“The Lord just carried me through,” Ana reflected. “I am so thankful that I get to lead, and be her friend, and be family to her.”

YOUNG LIFE SPOKEN HERE

YOUNG LIFE’S MISSION IN

ARMENIA After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Armenians longed to fill the spiritual void resulting from 70 years of Communist rule. The country warmed to outside influences, and in 1998, Young Life officially entered Armenia.

The ministry grew to such an extent that by 2013, Young Life purchased a former Communist youth camp that had been abandoned for decades. Located just 90 minutes north of the capital city of Yerevan, the new camp will be a catalyst for sustained growth in Armenia, and hopefully expand ministry in the region.

Today the work in Armenia is growing rapidly, with 15 staff and 233 leaders reaching kids in eight established locations.

EST. 1998

Young Life Camp

Yerevan

To learn more about the work in Armenia, go to armeniacamp.younglife.org.

BY THE NUMBERS

2,240

702

2,220

28

Average number of kids in club weekly

Kids to camp in 2016

Average number in Campaigners

Total ministries 22

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US POSTAGE

PAID Young Life

P.O. Box 520 Colorado Springs, CO 80901 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

YOUR

Legacy and

YOUNG LIFE

If you’ve already included Young Life in your plans, or have interest in discussing a legacy gift opportunity, please return the enclosed card with your information.

Online, you can go to www.younglife.org/plannedgiving and fill out the provided form.

Or call Jeff Rudder at 800-813-1945, or email him at jrudder@sc.younglife.org.

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Is Young Life an important part of your story? Would you consider including Young Life in your estate plans?

Young Life is building for the future in our mission of reaching kids, and we need your help!

“

Future generations will be told about the Lord.

proclaim His righteousness They will

to a people yet unborn.”

— Psalm 22:30-31