Relationships Spring 2013 by Young Life

NEWLYWEDS “RE-CELEBRATE” WEDDINGS WITH THEIR YOUNG LIFE FRIENDS

Spring 2013 | Vol. 27 Issue 1

AARON RODGERS

A YOUNG LIFE STORY

SUPERSTORM SANDY:

Young Life Expeditions responds SMALL TOWNS,

BIG DREAMS

contents SPRING 2013

ABOUT THE COVER

5 7 9 17 11 Cheering ON AAROn

Long before Aaron Rodgers was the Super Bowl and NFL MVP, he was a kid coming out to Young Life club in Chico, Calif. In this issue we talk with Rodgers and his leader, Matt Hock, about their friendship over the years and Rodgers’ involvement in Young Life (then and now). (Photo Courtesy of the Green Bay Packers)

The honor of your presence Two newlywed couples “re-celebrate” their weddings with their Young Life friends.

Mustard Seed Ministry How jumpstarts are helping small town Young Life bloom and grow.

Young Life Expeditions and Superstorm Sandy

A pictorial of how our ministry assisted with disaster relief.

coming full circle Young Life College in Nicaragua.

IN EVERY REL ATIONSHIPS

2 3 4 5 15 19 20 22

From the President In Your Own Words mission news young life lite From the Grapevine Passages Young Life spoken here Parting Shots

Tales of friendship between an area director and a field general.

fromthepresident when we’ve hit the wall “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31, NIV

God is different from us. He does not grow tired or weary. He is unfathomable. And He has the ability to do something absolutely amazing: He can and will give us strength and power when we have hit the wall.” — Denny Rydberg

When was the last time you felt absolutely exhausted? When you felt like what my Grandma called being “bone tired”? All of us have hit the wall at various times in our lives. Maybe it was caused by physical exertion. Maybe you went to Beyond Malibu or spent a week hiking in our Wilderness Ranch program. You couldn’t believe how tired you felt and yet you still had more climbing to do. Perhaps it’s a relational problem. Despite your best efforts, your rebellious child has done it again. Or your marriage feels like “all work and no play.” Or it’s a health issue. A deeply spiritual friend battling cancer said for the first time in his life he was just too tired to read or pray or worship. He didn’t have the energy to do anything he loved! Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember God cares and can do something about our weariness. In Isaiah 40:28-31 (quoted above), the prophet is speaking words of comfort to God’s people living in exile. What does he say? • The everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, is different from us. I loved the line in the film Rudy, where the priest says to Rudy, “Son, in 35 years of religious study, I have only come up with two hard incontrovertible facts: there is a God, and I’m not Him.” God is different from us. He does not grow tired or weary. He is unfathomable. And He has the ability to do something absolutely amazing: He can and will give us strength and power when we have hit the wall. • None of us is immune. Even youth get tired and young men at the height of their physical prowess stumble and fall. We are all frail, only a short step away from total exhaustion. • But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. When we come to the Lord, we will soar; we will run and not grow weary; we will walk and not faint. How do we renew our strength? By realizing it’s the Lord who is the source of what we need. We come to Him. We don’t just put on a good front by smiling when on the inside we’re crying over our overwhelming weariness. We acknowledge He’s our hope and sustenance. We admit our fatigue; we ask Him to renew our bodies and our minds. And He does. It’s interesting that I wrote this when I was feeling absolutely fatigued. I returned from an extended international trip and felt like I was doing extremely well. But about five days later, something happened and I felt EXHAUSTED. In the midst of my weariness, I tried to practice what Isaiah was preaching: I came to the Lord and asked Him to renew and sustain me. Did I try to get more sleep, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthily and adjust my schedule where I could? Yes. But I again realized the Lord was my hope; He is the true source of any strength and vitality I might have. When I came to God, did I feel like running a marathon? Not quite. But I did have a sense of confidence that He was doing what He had promised. My hope is in the Lord and for that I am thankful.

Denny Rydberg Young Life President

inyourownwords our readers share their thoughts

Thank you so very much! I wish I could say this to everyone in contact with my daughter from Frontier Ranch. Carli (15) came home from camp and told us she had the best week of her life. She didn’t want to leave. Everything was wonderful! From the group of girls she shared her cabin with, the conversations she had with her leader and the many volunteers, the speakers, music, food, and the amazing things they experienced. As soon as she came in the house she went to the website to show us everything she experienced. Our family was not able to pay for the entire cost of the trip; if it wasn’t for the very generous gift of the scholarship, there’s no possible way she would have been able to go. We are so very grateful there are such giving people involved with Young Life. Carli has come home a very different person. She is very content, giving and more patient with everyone. She doesn’t seem to have the anger inside her as she did in the past. I am so happy she has accepted Jesus Christ in her heart. She could not have done this without your group. My second daughter (12) cannot wait to be a part of this wonderful group! Thank you for everything you have given our daughter and our family. — Tina Schwanebeck, Glen Ellyn, Ill.

I am a psychotherapist, and I see clients who grew up in the foster care system, but are now young adults (18-22 years old). I’ve been meeting with a young woman for the past month to address her severe anxiety, and frequent panic attacks. One of the techniques I find helpful for those struggling with anxiety is a process called “guided imagery” in which I instruct the client to close his or her eyes, and think of a place where they feel completely safe, loved, and the most sense of peace and calm. I instructed this young woman to spend some time thinking about where this place is for her. I watched her sit across from me in silence, eyes closed, smiling from ear to ear, as she transported herself to a safe, peaceful place. As the session drew to a close I asked, “So, where was this place you were imagining?” She responded shyly, “Well, you’ve probably never heard of it. It’s a place I visited for three summers in a row when I was in high school. I looked forward to going every year. I would leave my group home or foster home and go to camp. But it wasn’t just any camp — it was a special camp — called Woodleaf. I was really happy there.” Thank you, Jesus, for being our safe place and refuge every day. Thank you, Young Life, for manifesting the love of Jesus to His beloved children. Your efforts are so significant, and you impact kids’ lives in incredible ways (some seen and some unseen). Thank you for availing your time, treasure, and talent to be the hands and feet of Jesus. — Jen Goebel, Santa Barbara, Calif.

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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.

Publisher /President Denny Rydberg

Copy Editor Jessica Williams

Executive Editor Terry Swenson

Lead Designer Jason O’Hara

Lead Editor Jeff Chesemore

Contributing Photographer Green Bay Packers

Coordinator Donna McKenzie

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

missionnews NEW Committee WEBSITE!

Saranac’s History Wanting to learn more about what being on a Young Life committee involves? Look no further! We’ve developed a new website, complete with videos and testimonies, to help explain the role of committee. Check it out at youweremadeforthis.com/committee.

Saranac Village, our camp in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, is seeking information (historical references, personal stories and any accompanying photos) to help tell the story of Young Life there. If you have any stories or photos to share, please contact Brooke Varner at saranachistory@gmail.com.

The new look is here Yo u r m i n i s t r y, y o u r s t y l e , y o u r y o u n g l i f e s t o r e . c o m

younglifelite BY STACY WINDAHL

THE HONOR OF YOUR PRESENCE

Vow renewal ceremonies are not uncommon. At significant marriage milestones many couples reaffirm the commitment they made to one another on their wedding day. But these ceremonies don’t often take place on the two-week anniversary. On a Monday night. With food, dancing, cupcakes and bubbles (not bubbly) to follow. Where the guests assembled are high school kids. That’s a recipe for chaos — or just a Young Life club-turned wedding celebration. On Oct. 22, 2012, two newlywed couples, Stephanie (Anderson) and Dustin Diez of Nashville, Tenn., and Kate (Habicht) and Nathan Quinn of Richardson, Texas, unknown to each other but sharing a love of Christ and kids, hosted wedding celebrations for their Young Life friends on the same day and each in their own hometowns. The brides wore their wedding gowns and the grooms wore their formal best. They shared their vows with their young friends as witnesses and they received the well-wishes and prayers of their club kids, some of whom had watched those relationships develop from ministry team members to partners in ministry, love and life. HOSTING FRIENDS WITH EXCELLENCE Stephanie is a staff associate working in the Nashvillearea Young Life Capernaum ministry with kids and young adults with disabilities. Dustin was a Capernaum buddy volunteer and they met at a committee-hosted pizzamaking party. Because of their shared ministry and their love for their Capernaum friends, including those same friends in their wedding celebration was a priority — but one with complications. The original wedding reception was held in the Andersons’ back yard which presented accessibility issues. And the Diezes wanted their friends to enjoy a celebration tailored for them as honored guests, and inviting their full participation without requiring the help of parents and caregivers who often accompany them. Enter Suzanne Williams, Capernaum’s Southern Division coordinator, and Stephanie’s co-leader. With the help of enthusiastic donors who covered every expense, a host of volunteers, and 10 sorority sisters from Belmont University, Williams and the Capernaum ministry team threw the Diezes and friends a wedding celebration that included a catered dinner, professional DJ and photographer, and formal invitations handaddressed to each Capernaum guest. “Most of our Capernaum friends don’t get invited to weddings. They’re often treated like children. In Young Life,” explained Williams, “we don’t do that. They get that enough. We treat them as friends. And they are.” She continued, “We wanted to host these friends with excellence, to celebrate Stephanie and Dustin

and our friendship with our Capernaum friends knowing that this party has nothing on the party Jesus will one day throw for them.” Bride and groom greeted each guest at the door, and then guests were directed to their decorated tables. After watching a wedding-day video of Stephanie and Dustin exchanging vows and rings, three of their friends joined the bride and groom up front to offer blessings. Natalie Herdon composed and read this prayer:

The Diezes hear Natalie’s prayer.

Dear Lord, Thank you for Stephanie and Dustin. Please take care of them so that they stay safe. Please help them to have a good marriage. Please help them to get along with each other. I hope that Stephanie and Dustin will have fun together and will be happy. I pray they know that we love them. I hope that they have lots of friends. I pray that they have children soon. {Eliciting a ripple of giggles throughout the hall.} Help them to trust you for everything. In Jesus’ name, Amen. A PICTURE OF CHRIST’S LOVE On the same night, in Richardson, Texas, Kate and Nathan Quinn exchanged their vows (again) with nearly 100 high school kids bearing witness. They promised to love one another “unconditionally and sacrificially, so others may see the picture of Christ’s love for them through our marriage.” What was different about pledging that kind of love to one another the second time? For one, Nate was really tired. (The two had arrived home from a Maui honeymoon at 5 that morning. Nate went to work hours later and when his workday ended, he got “re”married.) But there was more. “The second time was more about them than us — our first ceremony, we definitely shared the Gospel, but I was focused on the commitment I was making to Kate. The second time,” he said, “the Gospel was being shared. We had already made our commitment to one another, so this was about the Gospel, and our commitment to be ambassadors of

Dustin and Stephanie Diez.

The Quinns in the center of the celebration.

Christ as a couple.” Sharing Jesus through their wedding ceremony was natural for the couple because they have been sharing the Gospel with their lives and relationship from the very first. The two met through Young Life. Kate revealed a growing crush on Nate to her cabin of girls at Frontier Ranch during summer 2011. (The news reached Nate not long after.) The Quinns’ relationship developed differently than the way dating and romance often play out on the screen. No games or drama; no overnights or sex before marriage. And no falsehoods about Nathan being the fulfillment of all of Kate’s dreams or Kate being the answer to all of Nate’s needs. They knew and told their kids that each would fail the other. That was a given. It wasn’t going to be easy, or even fun every day. But as a reflection of the Gospel, it would be wonderful. Pastor, author and Young Life friend Tim Keller has written: “The reason that marriage is so painful and yet wonderful is because it is a reflection of the gospel, which is painful and wonderful at once. The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” Natalie Larch, Berkner High School senior and witness to the Quinns’ relationship from

day one, said, “The part [of the ceremony] that stuck out to me the most was not only the adorable and loving things they said about each other, but how they always vowed to still put God first in their lives. I think in these times with so many kids’ parents being divorced Dancing the night away. this showed real hope for love in the world. Kate and Nate have given me a lot to look forward to in a husband. Instead of just having each other as the center of their relationship, God is.” That’s all Kate had hoped for. She remembers crying on her wedding day and again on Oct. 22. The second time, though, she was overcome realizing that “after this ceremony our home is waiting for us. This is where we start real life together. With this ceremony we start our ministry together. And we want to honor the Lord with our lives as Young Life leaders in front of His kids.” And at the two week mark, the Diezes and Quinns already had.

Nathan and Kate Quinn.

The second time was more about them than us — our first ceremony, we definitely shared the Gospel, but I was focused on the commitment I was making to Kate. The second time the Gospel was being shared. We had already made our commitment to one another, so this was about the Gospel, and our commitment to be ambassadors of Christ as a couple.”

— Nate Quinn

BY LESLIE STRADER

Mustard Seed Ministry: How jumpstarts are helping small town Young Life bloom and grow When Jesus spoke about growing the kingdom of heaven, His image couldn’t have been more surprising. It’s like a mustard seed, He said. Not much bigger than the period at the end of this sentence. But with time and attention, He told His followers, the seed will become shade and shelter. A refuge. Home. Young Life’s Small Town / Rural initiative is in the business of mustard-seed ministry, planting leaders in the hearts of small communities that dot the mission’s landscape. But this is no slow-growing tree. Through Young Life’s Jumpstart program, small-town ministries are springing up and flourishing where nothing was before. And in Buffalo, Mo., where there’s fertile soil, the roots are already growing deep. “Let’s do this” In 2010, in his quest to reach more small towns in The traditional model of starting a new Young Life ministry Missouri for the mission, Fritsch implemented the “miniinvolves hours of meetings, prayers, phone calls and Jumpstart” model, concentrating the weeklong work into fundraising stretched over a period of two to four years. A one intense day. decade ago, Don Stuber, field director of Young Life’s Small Last spring, with a half dozen mini-Jumpstarts Town / Rural initiative, wondered if there was another way. successfully implemented, Fritsch and his area development “Did you ever drive by a school that does not have team spent a day in Buffalo, Mo. The result, he said, was “a Young Life and wonder how can we get it here?” The beautiful convergence of all the ingredients we’ve learned answer, according to Stuber, is an all-out intensive effort to over the years, and now we’re offering these ideas and rally support for Young Life in a community. Stuber and his methods to communities of all sizes.” team have a name for this ministry blitz: The Jumpstart. “It’s 300 phone calls and 30 meetings in one week. We Small town, big mission field narrow the focus and condense it down. You can sense the In March 2012, Fritsch and his team of Young Life staff, flow of Holy Spirit momentum. And the key is ownership. committee and leaders from nearby communities made You need people stacking their hands together saying, ‘Let’s a big impact in a town of slightly more than 3,000 souls. do this.’” With Young Life’s relational ministry as his compass, Fritsch With this model, months of contact work needed focused on equipping the most obvious, indigenous leaders to establish the ministry are compressed into a week. he could find there: teachers. This mission blitz opens wide the doors to conversations The team focused on Buffalo Prairie Middle School with parents, educators, community leaders and that day and began at 7 a.m. with prayer. Fritsch said, “We business owners. prayed God would draw people in and make it what He As a result — if done well and God willing — the goal of wanted it to be.” establishing a committee and leadership team happens in a Then through a series of one-hour meetings, their team shorter amount of time. met with 50 different parents, business owners, social Pete Fritsch, Young Life area developer in Missouri, service providers and educators, asking them all the same said the Jumpstart model is “a significant breakthrough in question: What do your kids need? He listened. Then he offering Young Life to a community.” And now he’s trimmed shared the vision of Young Life. the timeline even more ... The team capped off the day with a mini-club, where

107 middle school students experienced the “beautiful pandemonium” of WyldLife for the first time. Folks from Buffalo led the club with the help of Fritsch’s team. In all, 45 adults participated and said, “It was unlike anything anyone had ever seen. It felt like the entire town had came out to experience Young Life.” Fritsch explains that packing all their efforts into one day is simply a more efficient way to offer Young Life to a new community. And while the method may look different, the goal is the same: community ownership and participation in the ministry of Young Life. “The heart of Young Life is the special relationship that leaders develop with disinterested teenagers,” said Fritsch. “That’s at the core of everything we do. “In every community, there are Jesus-loving, kid-loving people who are already connected to kids. Many teachers are Young Life-minded people even though they don’t know Young Life yet. We invite the body of Christ in the community to come alongside these heroes and do ministry together.” After club, Fritsch and his team met with the adults who witnessed the events of the day. When asked if they wanted to pursue bringing Young Life to their town, Fritsch said it was a unanimous “yes.” Room to grow Bill Monday, local bank president, said being a part of bringing Young Life to Buffalo was an easy decision. “As we went around the room getting input from individuals I could clearly sense a common thread among everyone and, most importantly, I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in the room,” he said. “The initial response and acceptance from the kids was exciting, as it appeared that WyldLife was going to fill a void in the lives of these kids.” The collective “thumbs up” signaled them to move forward. Joe Chenoweth, a nearby Young Life staff person, then began training their leaders and committee. He also helped them raise $13,000 using the same one-day Jumpstart model in their fundraising. Since the first club, Buffalo has had five more WyldLife clubs, ranging from 80 to 100 kids attending. Tim Garber, assistant principal at the school, said WyldLife has taken off smoothly, and he is looking forward to the future impact the ministry will have on the campus. “So far WyldLife in Buffalo has been a huge success,” he said. “The students are eager to attend, and I have noticed several adults making positive connections with the students. I am excited to see how God continues to use this to impact young lives for the kingdom.” Shirley Hickman, an empty-nester volunteering with WyldLife, is grateful for a way to connect with the students in her community. “The leaders feel like they are reaching a mission field in their back yard,” she said. “There isn’t anything else in the community that is reaching these kids.” There is one thing we know for sure about Young Life ministry: it works. Whatever form is used to put the ministry in place, the end result is changed lives. Fritsch agreed: “Everybody we talked to in Buffalo considers Young Life a pure gift from the Lord.”

Editor’s Note: Don Stuber has also initiated jumpstarts in larger cities such as Anchorage, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Salt Lake City and San Antonio.

Young Life Expe

SUPERSTO

Last fall, Superstorm Sandy, the largest Atlantic hurricane on record, wreaked havoc from south of Jamaica all the way to Maine. The storm landed on the shorelines of New Jersey and New York early on the morning of Oct. 29 and the destruction there was particularly devastating. Jan Mulder, regional coordinator with Young Life Expeditions who lives in Illinois, responded quickly. “Our prayers went out immediately to the East Coast,” Mulder said, “and many of us wondered how our Young Life friends there were faring. My heart knew it was time to put into action what Young Life Expeditions had dreamed about for years, to be able to assist with disaster relief.” A week later she was in Staten Island, N.Y., preparing for the teams who would arrive and help in whatever ways they could. For the next few weeks, 238 people came from all over the East Coast to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus. In New York, the teams served in areas like

Staten Island, Long Beach and Brooklyn, while other teams provided aid in New Jersey at Point Pleasant and Toms River. On Staten Island, Mulder said, one woman in tears asked for assistance removing photos from wet photo albums, the only possessions she was able to save. “One man told us of his 85-year-old mother who lost everything; as her only son he was so grateful for our help. Another told us how he saw a wall of water coming and climbed in his frontyard tree where he stayed for eight hours until help arrived.” The appreciation for their teams’ efforts was overwhelming, Mulder said. “St. Philips Baptist Church hosted us and had a delicious homecooked meal waiting for us every night when we returned back hungry and dirty. The pastor is very excited now to get Young Life going in their community.” To learn more about Young Life Expeditions, please visit ylexpeditions.com.

editions and

STORM SANDY 10

CHEERING ON AARON Tales of friendship between an area director and a field general.

BY JEFF CHESEMORE

A few recent highlights from Aaron Rodgers’ résumé include: • Super Bowl XLV winner and game MVP • The 2011 NFL Most Valuable Player • Popularized the phrase “discount double check” • Honored by the state of Wisconsin with Aaron Rodgers Day (12/12/12) • Young Life Alumni and Friend

While many people might consider that last accomplishment as minor when compared to the others, Rodgers does not. “I had a ton of great experiences doing Young Life and enjoy supporting it to this day,” he said. “I love that Young Life’s mission of just being real with kids and meeting them where they are is continuing to go on.” Like most Young Life alumni, Rodgers’ involvement began through a relationship. Matt Hock, the area director in Chico, Calif., was coaching Rodgers’ older brother, Luke, in baseball when he first met Rodgers in 1997. The following year, when Rodgers was a freshman at Pleasant Valley High School, the two struck up a friendship. When Luke invited his younger brother to club, the rest was history. “Young Life club was always something I looked forward to,” Rodgers said, “and it just became a fun, safe environment. A lot of my friends went and we had a blast. Afterward we’d go to Jon & Bon’s or Baskin Robbins and get ice cream. I just loved Mondays at 7:27 wherever club was that week.”

The kickoff

Before becoming involved in Young Life, though, Rodgers grew up in a strong family of faith. “The most important part of my childhood was growing up in a home where our foundation was built around a faith in God and trusting Him for things that might not have seemed realistic many times. My dad went back to college in an effort to pay for his kids’ own college futures. We sacrificed a lot, came together as a family and leaned on our faith through that whole process. We trusted God for resources and guidance on where to live, where to go to school and how to get through those times, so I learned from a young age how important that faith was to my parents.” The strong foundation his parents laid helped Rodgers eventually realize his own hunger for a relationship with Jesus. “You have a faith that’s your parents’, and you say the prayer to be saved, but at some point it’s got to be a personal relationship. To be honest with you, Young Life was a big part of that, because for the first time I saw how much fun Christians could have. I went from going to church on Sundays, knowing how important that was to my parents, to a desire to grow deeper in the Lord.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 “It was so fun to hang out with Matt because he was the coolest Christian I knew,” Rodgers continued. “I saw him on campus. Matt wanted to spend time with me and that was something I thought was really great. And that’s the goal of Young Life — that extra time with kids, that campus time, the hours you put in. “What I’ve always loved and appreciated about Young Life is it’s not about what you look like or wear, or if you’re in the cool group. It’s just ‘we want you to come and have a good time.’ And the Gospel was presented in a way that’s not over your head, with analogies and demonstrations that made you think, ‘Jesus is someone I could really hang out with.’ Matt was great at using real life stories to let us know what the Gospel is really about. It didn’t matter if you grew up in the church or didn’t know who Jesus was.”

football. I think my one regret from high school is from the summer going into my junior year, when Young Life in Chico had the opportunity to go to Malibu. I really wanted to go. However, it fell on the same week as football camp and coach basically said, ‘If you go [to Malibu], you’re going to go into training camp as the number two guy.’ Looking back now I see football camp wasn’t that important,” he laughed. “I wish I had gone to Malibu!”

From leading songs to leading the Packers

In his freshman year at Butte Community College, Rodgers became a junior leader at club and loved the process of learning the philosophy behind leading a Young Life club. “I had a blast seeing the other side — how the leaders put together a club, picked songs, you know, all the fun things that when you’re a kid, you don’t see.” Road wins One of the parts of leadership Every Young Life leader looks for Rodgers enjoyed most was selecting opportunities to share life experiences the music for club. “I had a couple with kids. Hock and Rodgers fondly of go-to songs. ‘It’s remember two special weeks they Amazing’ was one. spent together. “On spring break during When I learned how my sophomore and junior years,” to play guitar one of Rodgers said, “I went to Mexico with the songs I wanted to Young Life and Amor ministries to build learn how to play was houses for underprivileged people down ‘One Tin Soldier,’” he there. Those were two of the greater laughed. “That was experiences of my life. Doing mission one of my favorite work and spending 15 hours in a van songs and still is to with 14 other people was how I spent this day. And I always my spring breaks and I had a ball.” enjoyed ‘Humble Hock agreed. “Those were some of Thyself.’ All the guys the sweetest memories — having cabin used to try and use times in these tents. We’d talk about a really deep voice who Jesus is, the purpose of life, seeing because of the guy/ what people have in a Third World girl part in it! I love country, while being thankful for the music and I loved stuff we have.” leading songs. Other shared experiences involved Speaking in Campaigners on Friday mornings front of people has before school. “We did a small group always been a little with Aaron and his friends,” Hock said. uncomfortable for “We’d walk across the street to the me, but I always loved Donut Nook and get maple bars and being up front for open up Scripture. There was a lot songs or mixers.” of growth in my walk with Jesus and Even then, hopefully in their lives as well.” Rodgers was a quick Camp is also a memory, but with learner and a humble mixed emotions. While Rodgers loved leader. “He brought winter weekends at Woodleaf, there authenticity and is a summer trip he missed. “Summer genuineness,” Hock camp was always difficult because of said. “He was a total

team player; things were starting to look up for him in regards to moving up as a quarterback, but he would never use his status for leverage or preferential treatment. He just looked to serve and began to live into that.” In the years since, that service has carried over to life in the NFL, Hock said. “Aaron understands relationships and the platform Jesus has given him. He doesn’t always have to verbally proclaim he’s a follower of Jesus. He doesn’t let the left hand know what the right hand’s doing in terms of giving. He doesn’t give to get attention. He gives out of the goodness of who he is and what Jesus has done for him. That may be through giving his time or finances or an experience to someone. He really understands the platform he has right now and he uses it to bring life to people. He understands that God’s economy is relationships.” Knowing the power of these relationships is what spurs Rodgers on to support the work of Young Life in Chico and Green Bay.

Aaron in a light moment at practice

figure in their life. And the more Matt Hocks we can have in the world, the more kids are going to have those dreams and hopes renewed and reenergized. It’s been fun to still be a part of what Young Life’s doing and stay involved financially, making sure they’re getting an opportunity to carry out that incredible mission of reaching kids.”

did. He loved us where we were at. He showed us the kind of love Jesus gave. He wasn’t hanging out with all the cool kids and the rich politicians. He was hanging out with the lowest of the low and that’s what he’d always bring it back to: it’s not what you look like, or what you wear, or what group you’re in or what clique you’re in or what sport you play or don’t play, or how well Winter weekend at Woodleaf in 1999. Aaron (back row, second from left) flashes the “P V” sign for Pleasant Valley High School, you’re doing in school, it’s that you’re and Matt (back row) in red hat and white shirt. loved. And Matt was always able to live that out. I think as you get older you gain a greater appreciation for people who genuinely live out their faith like that, and that’s what I’m trying to do in my own life.” Hock’s goal with Rodgers, like every kid he works with, is to make On fame and a difference in his life long-term. “Some of these kids will stand next faith Today Hock shakes to you when you make your marriage his head when vows; when you tell people your wife’s In 2007, after the Packers vs. Cowboys game in Texas, where Rodgers appears on pregnant, these are the people you call. Aaron experienced his first significant playing time in the NFL TV. “I still view him I view Aaron as I do any of my Young and threw his first touchdown pass. From left, Marty Hock Jr. as the kid in the Life kids — my job’s to cheer them on (Matt’s dad), Aaron, Marty Hock III (Matt’s brother) and Matt. tent helping build in life. My goal with Aaron is to keep houses, laughing and trying to put Jesus in front of him. “What I’ve learned over my time cracking jokes. So I send books and encouraging texts in the NFL is it’s really important it’s surreal to see him in commercials to him. I just remind him he’s God’s to remember where I came from. and magazines.” Hock’s commitment beloved in the midst of people telling It’s then I remember the struggles to his friend extends to Sundays on the him he’s something or he’s not. My job I had when I was in high school on couch. “It’s definitely fun to watch him. is to keep reminding him of who he is and off the field, just trying to fit in I haven’t missed any play Aaron’s had in the eyes of Jesus.” and figure out who I wanted to be. I in the NFL. I sit and watch every single When asked about the incredible know there are millions of kids out game and cheer for him.” turn his life has taken over the last few there who have dreams and are trying What truly excites Hock, however, years, Rodgers responded, “I’ve learned to figure out life, whether that’s in is how Rodgers handles himself off a lot about myself and relationships sports, educationally, vocationally, the field. “Money, fame and popularity and how to surround myself with whatever they want to do. The more are not what give him life. What people who are good for me in where opportunities I have to align myself impresses me is seeing him visit a I’m at in my life right now. I need with programs and organizations that little girl who’s in remission from enough people who can support me, really care about kids, I’m going to cancer. Out of the goodness of his but also tell me what I need to hear, do that. I work heavily with a group heart he went and surprised her and not what they think is going to make out here who helps kids with cancer did whatever she wanted to do that me happy.” (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood day — kick the soccer ball around, play You can be sure Matt Hock, who Cancer) that’s near and dear to my video games. Again he doesn’t do it for has been with him throughout the heart. I want those kids to have the any type of recognition, but because journey, will continue to be one of same opportunities I had. he gets to participate with Jesus in the those voices for years to come. “I support Young Life as well redemption of the world.” Aaron Rodgers is one of thousands because I want kids to be around When living out his faith, Rodgers of alumni still intimately involved people like Matt who really care about embodies the phrase “earning the with Young Life. To visit the Alumni them. I don’t think there’s enough right to be heard,” a model he saw and Friends website, join, update good role models, especially for men firsthand in Hock. “St. Francis of Assisi your information and reconnect growing up. So many haven’t had the said, ‘Preach the gospel at all times; if with your Young Life friends, go to foundation I had, with a positive male necessary use words.’ That’s what Matt alumniandfriends.younglife.org.

A wyld night on cowboy turf by bailey wolford In the land of Friday Night Lights, every Texas schoolboy knows “football is life.” But at 10 o’clock on one November Friday night, 800 middle school kids from across North Texas heard about something more. After being ushered onto buses in their areas, kids arrived at Cowboys Stadium with brightly colored T-shirts declaring, “WyldLife Takeover. One night. One stadium.” Upon arrival, the kids (100 at a time), entered the field the same way the Cowboys do — running out of the tunnel. Immediately they began a scavenger hunt which Julie Clapp, director of alumni and events, explained, “let them go all over the field level. They were leapfrogging on the field, kicking field goals, taking pictures in front of Tony Romo’s locker and singing Taylor Swift in the Cowboys tunnel. I loved seeing middle school kids running around being kids!” Then the kids rushed to the stage set up on the 50-yard sideline (which, of course, did not cover the hallowed lone star in the middle of the field). After club and a talk, the crowd that somehow fit between the 40 yard lines and the center star split up around the field for a special cabin time. Many

leaders felt this was the best part of the night — kids were truly engaging with the message and appreciative of the time to talk about what they had heard. But the fun didn’t end there. At 12:30, the WyldLife Takeover brought pizza and drinks onto the field, giving leaders even more time to pursue kids. One area director remembers a student who came to the stadium as her first-ever WyldLife event. She spurned invitations by leaders, but after being welcomed by other WyldLife girls attended her first club the next week and took home a camp flyer. By 2:30, the field was empty and the kids were now on the upper levels of the stadium watching a movie on the Cowboys’ giant HD screen. The 6:00 a.m. breakfast, cartoons and departure came too soon after what one Allen WyldLife kid called the “Best Night Ever at Cowboys Stadium!” After the WyldLife Takeover, leaders commented on how excited kids are about camp because of the fun they had at the overnight. One of Carlos Flores’s kids from a new Latino WyldLife club in Dallas said Nov. 30 was the best night of his life. Flores replied, “If you thought this was fun, just wait until camp!”

“Good Job, Jacob!” By amanda kolman

Christopher Hill and his friend Jacob.

If you were to attend a Young Life Capernaum club, you may notice some differences from other Young Life clubs, but what you wouldn’t miss are the unmistakable similarities — students laughing and playing silly games, interacting with leaders who love them, and hearing the Gospel. And just like any other Young Life club, an ordinary night may just result in something extraordinary. On one ordinary night at club in Bellevue, Wash., kids were playing games, laughing and hearing about Jesus. One student, Jacob, who has been diagnosed with Landau-Kleffner Syndrome, a speech and comprehension processing disorder, stood off to the side and bounced a basketball back and forth with his leader, Christopher Hill. Hill began volunteering a year ago and found himself spending more time with Jacob at club. “He has trouble participating in some of the group activities, so I try to spend one-on-one time with him,” said Hill. As club was wrapping up, Jacob and Hill continued to bounce the basketball back and forth. Suddenly, Jacob began to count, one number for

back behind bars ... by choice by jeff chesemore

Scenes from the WyldLife takeover.

each bounce of the ball. When Jacob’s dad arrived to pick him up, he stood and listened as Jacob began counting further than he ever had before. “Good job, Jacob,” he said over and over as Jacob counted higher and higher. Encouraged by his dad’s enthusiasm, Jacob counted all the way to 30. Apparently, the kinetic motion of bouncing a ball, coupled with using his verbal skills, turned a light on in Jacob’s mind. When he was finished, Jacob’s dad told Hill that this was the best counting Jacob had ever done. Jacob was beaming with pride. “Jacob had a win in his struggles with his disability, all because he was at Capernaum that night and it created a place where Jacob and his dad could share a special moment,” said Hill. “One of the things I love most about Capernaum is watching kids with disabilities have small victories in an environment of love.” The power of the Gospel begins with the fact that Jesus entered our world and lived among us. He situated Himself in the very midst of our struggles. In Bellevue, Christopher Hill has placed Himself in the very midst of students who struggle with disabilities. God is using Him, not only to help those students overcome obstacles, but also to know that the One who conquered death is the very One who loves them just as they are.

What’s the natural next step after teaching in a prison for 31 years? For Gary Camp it was taking the short walk to the cell block to continue caring for the kids there. In 2001, with retirement nearing, Camp began to dream about the next phase of life. As someone with a lot of energy, he couldn’t envision just taking it easy. His daughter, Amy Heater, who works in Young Life’s Mulitcultural/Urban office, asked, “What about Young Life?” Camp replied. “Everybody I know in Young Life is 25 to 30 years old — what do they have for someone in their 50s?” So Camp met with Ken Webster, the area director in Kane County, Ill., to brainstorm. Webster asked Camp, “Why can’t we have Young Life there in the prison?” “I can do Young Life there?” Camp asked. “I don’t know why not!” Webster replied. The next step involved talking to the administration at the Illinois Youth Center in St. Charles. The superintendent responded: “Now, let’s figure this out. You know the system. You’ll work alongside the chaplains. As often as you want. For free? Yeah, you can do it!” With that affirmation, Camp immediately came on Young Life staff and has worked outside the facility’s classrooms ever since. While his ministry doesn’t look like a typical Young Life club — there are no volunteer leaders, guitars or pies in the face — Camp’s enthusiasm comes through loud and clear for kids like Daniel. “Daniel was such a gift. He caught my attention when I saw him on his knees in his cell, elbows propped up on his bed, reading his Bible. Over time I befriended him and noticed his kind, gentle spirit. One morning after club, the Holy Spirit prompted me to share the salvation message with him. He made a decision for Jesus, and I’ve had the privilege of helping this new brother grow. Daniel said, ‘I’ve wondered what the Lord could do in the life of an ordinary person like me.’” Camp’s presence also enlarged the vision of Matthew, who said, “Since I started with Mr. Camp, he’s been teaching me that a prisoner isn’t what I’m destined to be.” While Camp’s faithfulness over the decades has encouraged the kids, his presence has also raised eyebrows among the staff, most notably the guards. Camp laughed, “I know they’re thinking, ‘Why does he keep coming back after 31 years?’” Camp smiles because the answer is simple: he has a heart for hurting kids and longs to hear them say, “I don’t want to continue in this lifestyle. I don’t want to die before I’m 20 or be locked up for the rest of my life. I want to go in a different direction.” And he’s honored to be the man to point them there.

Gary Camp (left) with administration officials from the Illinois Youth Center in St. Charles.

Have questions about Young Life prison work? Contact Gary Camp at gvcamp@comcast.net.

BY AIMée Kessick

Young Life College in Nicaragua Editor’s Note: What follows is the last in a six-part series looking at the ministry of Young Life College at campuses across the United States and abroad. When Sergio Castellón was growing up in Esteli, Nicaragua, it was hard to picture life beyond his neighborhood. Like many of his peers, his dreams of the future were often hampered by the day-to-day economic realities he faced. But as a teenager, Castellón encountered Young Life — better known in Nicaragua as Vida Joven — and was introduced to Jesus. Thanks to leaders like Jim Hornsby, who helped start Young Life in Nicaragua, Castellón grew in his faith and became a Vida Joven leader in his neighborhood. “One of the greatest gifts Jesus gave me during my time in Esteli was discipleship,” Castellón said. “Jim and others like him saw something in me, they believed it was possible, and they mentored it into reality.” Castellón is part of a vast spiritual family tree planted by Hornsby, and his wife Sarah, who brought Young Life to Nicaragua in 1988. Now retired from Young Life, the Hornsbys left a legacy of ministry that includes a leadership team of 34 national staff, more than 200 volunteer leaders and 36 clubs nationwide. Annually, Vida Joven Nicaragua impacts more than 7,000 kids and hosts more than 2,000 at La Finca, the Young Life camp there. Castellón’s relationship with Hornsby nurtured a

passion for ministry in his neighborhood, and then on his college campus, where he saw a great need for the Gospel. “If there isn’t someone to give you vision and direction, I found you will lose yourself in college,” said Castellón. “I believed God could use the same principles of Vida Joven that I learned in the neighborhood to reach university students.” In step with students, universities and the Gospel Through the pioneering efforts of leaders like Castellón, Vida Joven Universitaria got its start in Nicaragua seven years ago in the city of León — providentially, about the same time as Young Life College efforts in the States began taking root. One of the principal concepts Castellón and others used in developing the vision was to take and create opportunities to walk alongside students and faculty on campus — a radical idea for the average Nicaraguan leader accustomed to ministry in the neighborhood, not on a campus. “We try to serve the university and connect with its campus life in any way we can,” said Ashley Butler, a coordinator with Vida Joven Universitaria, who along with her husband, Pratt, is an area director in the city of Managua. Initiatives like participating in campus

León leaders spending time together.

Sergio, Pratt, Ashley and Sabony.

festivals and service projects, connecting with academic departments to tutor, serving as guest speakers in classes, and offering camps, seminars, and special extracurricular course series have allowed Vida Joven to step onto local Nicaraguan campuses. Meeting students and faculty where they are has opened doors for many to know Jesus on these same campuses. One such student, Maria, participated in a leadership seminar series offered by Vida Joven on her campus in León. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “All of the teachers and class leaders were very engaging and made me really excited not just about the subject, but about Vida Joven too. Later, many of these same class leaders invited me to a camp and helped introduce me to Jesus. I started going to our local college club and Bible study, and eventually became a leader myself. Since joining Vida Joven, I feel my life has really become integrated. What I am on campus is what I am throughout my life — a follower of Jesus.” Another student, Gilbert, was drawn to the friendships he saw between Vida Joven students and leaders on his campus in Managua. “From the time I entered club,” said Gilbert, “I felt I wasn’t alone anymore. One of the things that impacted me was the way the group and leaders ‘lived together.’ It was community.” Seeing this type of community and relationship, Gilbert continued going back to club, and then to camp, where his relationship with Jesus began. Discipling and multiplying As Gilbert grew in his faith, he eventually became a leader himself and currently is a team leader for Vida Joven Universitaria in Managua. “I’ve had the opportunity to do things I’d never done before,” he said, “To love other students like Jesus, serve, pray, and grow in my

Reach, Build and Launch Given these categories often overlap and can be accomplished simultaneously, the following programmatic elements have proven to be effective within Young Life College: • A strategic plan to connect with Young Life kids before they arrive on campus and during the first few weeks of classes through tools such as Alumni and Friends, Rush Week, barbecues, etc. • A weekly gathering that’s friendly and welcoming to non-believers as well as encouraging and challenging to believers. • Large and small community groups that help students learn what healthy, Christ-centered community can be

relationship with God. One of my greatest privileges has been as a discipler. Seeing others accept Jesus and grow in their faith is the best!” This discipleship emphasis is the foundation for Vida Joven Universitaria in Nicaragua. “Discipleship ties our ministry together and allows it to extend out,” Castellón said. Over the past seven years, university ministry has experienced exciting momentum and growth as it aims to develop kingdom-minded leaders. Through this discipleship model, eight ministries have developed in four cities around Nicaragua — León, Managua, Esteli and Matagalpa — while enhancing the rest of Vida Joven’s national ministry to adolescents. “We want each of our college student leaders to believe in a single vision — to follow Jesus and share Him with others. It is an integral, lifelong pursuit. Wherever they are, whatever they are doing, whatever their future, we hope that it will be their passion, what they communicate to others, and what they will be a part of,” said Sabony Rizo, one of the first kids to meet Jesus through Vida Joven 23 years ago, who is now a campus coordinator and area director in Managua. “One of the interesting things about the Vida Joven ministry is its ‘full-circle’ philosophy,” said Pratt Butler. “For us, it doesn’t matter if a kid comes from the street, neighborhood, high school or university campus. We love to introduce them to Jesus and help them grow in their faith with a kingdom-minded attitude.” As Vida Joven Universitaria Nicaragua grows, they hope to see even more of these Jesus-following student leaders discipling others, starting Vida Joven in a local neighborhood or city, or becoming professionals and supporting the mission of Young Life, making eternal impacts for Jesus wherever they go.

and integrate their faith into everyday life through Bible study, prayer, sharing and encouragement. • Mentor relationships between students and adults that connect students to the wider body of Christ. • Opportunities for shared adventure, including mission trips, Young Life Expeditions, social justice work in the local community, work week, Beyond or other adventure camps, road trips, overnights, etc. • A regular practice of launching students as disciples out into their spheres of influence to make an impact and participate in God’s mission in the world. This includes inviting students to serve as leaders in various Young Life ministries, churches, local non-profits, etc., as well as in their career, family, neighborhood and community.

passages

Philip DARBY MCdonald

July 3, 1928 - Nov. 4, 2012 BY jeff Chesemore

After a long battle with cancer, Phil McDonald, 84, went to be with Jesus on Nov. 4, 2012. He first came in contact with Young Life in 1945 when he heard Jim Rayburn speak at an assembly at his high school in Yakima, Wash. Two years later he helped drive some kids to The Firs in Bellingham, Wash., for a Young Life weekend camp. McDonald recalled, “At the camp that weekend was Jim Rayburn, Add Sewell, Murray Smoot, Ollie Dustin, Wanda Ann Mercer, Orien Johnson, Norm Robbins and Annie Chears. WOW! I was overwhelmed and very excited by everything I saw and heard.” He later attended Whitworth College, where he served on student staff and met his future wife, Joan. In 1950, Rayburn invited McDonald to bring his legendary sense of humor and accordion-playing skills to the summer program team at Star Ranch. While attending Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), McDonald led club in Tyler, Texas, a 100mile trek which he took several times each week for the full four years. Upon graduation he met with Rayburn, who had decided where the couple would start their full-time staff work. McDonald told the story: “After graduating from DTS in the spring of 1956 Jim called and said he was sending us to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area in Minnesota. I wanted to stay in Texas, but Jim had a very persuasive argument. Something like, ‘You’re going.’” He served there until 1979 in the positions of staff, area director, regional director and divisional director. Joan

Phil McDonald (left) hamming it up with Dick Lowey and Bob Mitchell.

McDonald wrote about her husband’s faithfulness in the Twin Cities. “Phil led the Washburn Young Life club in South Minneapolis for 28 years with the largest attendance being more than 400 kids. There are seven guys who met the Lord in the Washburn Young Life club who are now full-time pastors.” McDonald was on the forefront in promoting women to executive positions in Young Life and in other youth ministry. He was also an integral player in getting Castaway Club, our camp in northern Minnesota, up and running. He himself said it was one of his biggest challenges and one of his greatest joys. Jeff Munroe, in his book, Castaway, wrote, “Phil McDonald assumed the role of the patient caregiver of this vineyard, pleading for more time to solidify camp finances. Of course, in the changed lives of kids fruit was being produced, but there were enormous fiscal pressures on the camp. ‘I always figured, if it was worth beginning, it was worth continuing,’ McDonald said. ‘I knew that property was everything a kid could want, and all we needed was some better equipment. I always believed it would work.’”

George Moore

nov. 16, 1949 - Nov. 24, 2012 BY bailey wolford

On Nov. 24, George Moore went home to be with his Savior after a courageous battle with cancer. Moore’s involvement with Young Life goes back to 1971 when he came on staff in Indiana. He was instrumental in the mission’s growth throughout the state, especially in Indianapolis. He became an area director on the northeast side of Indianapolis and then moved into the role of regional director of Indiana from 1980 to 1986. A gifted camp speaker and leader, Moore’s love and enthusiasm for Jesus were contagious. For the past 18 years he served as a senior pastor in Omaha, Neb. Moore and his wife, Pam, were never far from Young Life. In fact, Pam served as an area director, then regional director before leaving staff in 2010. “George was perhaps one of the most encouraging and ‘big dream’ leaders I’ve ever served with. As a young staff person so long ago, I would come to George with ridiculous, radical, childlike dreams and ideas on how to reach kids or raise money. He would listen intently as I would excitedly

Mike Ashburn with George Moore.

ramble on. Then, he would get this really mischievous, but honoring grin on his face and say, ‘Go for it, Ash … Jesus can do it!’ “He was a visionary to the ‘nth degree’! He not only saw situations and people for what they were, George saw them for what they could be. I will really miss my brother, George Moore.” — Mike “Ash” Ashburn, special assistant to the president

younglifespokenhere Young Life’s Mission in

CAMBODIA

This nation of nearly 14 million people has endured 30 years of conflict, including the genocide of two million Cambodians, a 10-year occupation by the Vietnamese, and a 13-year civil war. Stability finally came to Cambodia in 1999 and the country is now governed by a constitutional monarchy. That same year, Young Life’s international director, Bob Reeverts, responded to interest in starting Young Life. Pyneath Sor was hired as area director and began recruiting volunteers and started a computer class at a high school in the capital city of Phnom Penh. Today 580 kids learn computer skills in five classrooms and the number of classrooms in the local schools continues to grow. There are also seven community centers, five in Phnom Penh and two in Battambang. Kids can participate in English language training, tutoring, guitar lessons, plus Young Life club and Bible studies. This is an outstanding Asia ministry producing a large pipeline of future leadership for ministry and the country, where 95 percent of the population consider themselves to be Buddhist.

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Pyneath and Christina Sor at their wedding.

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h An of 500tth s ’ y t a Annniivveerrsa 5 r w s ’ y a a a t s w p a a sarryy t Cas a ttiio rra n b e . l . e . C C a o n e b e . l . e . C B

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Join us atclubs Castaway on Aug. 30 - Sept. 1 for anMore friends, and lots of Young Life fun. extraordinary timeregistration of connectingon with old friends, information and facebook.com/ castaway50th at castaway.younglife.org. clubs and lots oforYoung Life fun. More information

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1. Young Life Palestine leaders in front of the Dead Sea and the mountains of Jordan, including Mt. Nebo, where Moses looked west toward the Promised Land. 2. Grand Rapids friends hanging at Castaway Club.

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