Relationships Winter 2010 by Young Life

Relationships WINTER 2010

Native American JROTC cadets find hope at “training” camp. pg. 9 WyldLife leaders create the road trip of a lifetime. pg. 15 One family impacts countless lives through Young Life’s Trail West. pg. 19

CONTENTS

WINTER 2010

A WELL-BALANCED LIFE

A Yale University student makes the time to care for WyldLife kids.

FEATURE

AN UNLIKELY LEADER With no Young Life in her past, Kelly Hills joins the mission to give kids a future.

ALONG THE ROAD A friendship forged on a school bus leads to new life in a driveway.

WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE? Creativity rules the day when an area needs a good “Plan B.”

FAMILY MATTERS One family’s experience at Trail West grows into decades of ministry and changed lives for countless families.

EVERY ISSUE

2 From the President 3 In Your Own Words 4 Young Life Lite 12 Young Life Online 17 From the Grapevine 22 Parting Shots

WINTER 2010 / 1

POINT YOUR TEPEE EAST

Native American Junior ROTC cadets attend a new kind of training camp and experience a new way to orient their tepees and their lives.

ABOUT THE COVER All year round Young Life leaders invest in kids, sharing with them the joy and hope to be found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Winter weekends, like this one at Young Life’s Lost Canyon in Williams, Ariz., provide kids with a break from the noise and distraction of the everyday, so they can enjoy the beautiful creation and hear about their beautiful Creator. Photo by Brian Orlovich

FROM THE PRESIDENT WOULD YOU JOIN ME IN PRAYER?

favorite request that I’ve appreciated during worship is when the pastor says, “Would you join me in prayer?” And then he or she leads the congregation as we come before the Lord. I appreciate the fact that I am being invited to join with the pastor and the congregation in this very important part of the service. So let me present the same invitation: Would you join me in prayer for all the lost kids — that we, as a mission, might introduce them to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith, which is something we’ve been doing since our inception 68 years ago. I don’t know if you heard about or participated in Young Life’s Day of Prayer on Tuesday, Oct. 6 this year. Thousands of staff, leaders, friends of the mission and committed kids gathered across the United States and around the world to pray. These groups included areas, regions, and divisions from every state and country where we have Young Life. People at the Service Center and our camps prayed as well. We began by praising the Lord for His attributes, His work and for His many blessings. Then we interceded. We prayed for kids by name, for leaders and staff, for opportunities, for schools and communities, and for specific needs of the mission. While Oct. 6 was special, it was not unusual. Prayer has been an integral part of the history of Young Life since our beginning; Young Life has always been a place of prayer. In fact, prayer led to the start of our mission. When our founder, Jim Rayburn, was encouraged to begin his ministry at a Texas high school, there already existed a group of women who had been praying for that school and asking God to send someone to help kids meet Christ. Rayburn was the answer to their prayers. Prayer set the stage. Prayer prepared the ground for a fruitful ministry that expanded over time.

The stories of prayer throughout our 68-year history are legendary. Miracles occurred as this fledgling movement began and continued. Camps were purchased even when we had few resources. Hearts were changed. Tough places became receptive to the Gospel. Passionate people joined staff as people prayed. Prayer has been at the very fabric of all we have done and all that we are. So whether or not you participated on Oct. 6, I am inviting you to join me in prayer in the hours, days, weeks, months and years ahead. We believe God has given us the vision and the desire to increase the number of kids we reach from one million to two million a year — our Reaching a World of Kids initiative. So we are coming together as followers of Jesus who love kids and want them to know the abundant and eternal life Christ can bring. We are praying that the Lord of the harvest will raise up workers to meet the millions of lost kids around the world. Would you join me in this endeavor? Would you make a note to yourself and put it in your Bible, in your journal, on your computer or wherever you can be reminded to pray for kids and the mission? And then would you covenant to pray, pray, pray? In the book of James, we are told, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16, TNIV). We know we are not righteous in ourselves but that Christ has made us righteous. So, acknowledging that righteousness, and remembering the promise that your prayers and the prayers of God’s people are powerful and effective, would you join me in prayer?

Prayer has been the very fabric of all we have done and all that we are.

Denny Rydberg Young Life President 2 / WINTER 2010

IN YOUR OWN WORDS Our readers share their thoughts

To This Very Day I was involved with Young Life from 1984 to 1985 and I can honestly say that I have never been part of a more enjoyable, meaningful and diverse group of people in my entire life. The fact that it was during such a crucial time in my personal development only makes it that much more memorable and remarkable. The friends I made in Young Life are still friends to this very day and we all have great memories of our times together — whether at a weekly meeting, summer camps like Woodleaf or Frontier, or just a bunch of us getting together on our own. I highly recommend for anyone who is considering checking Young Life out that they do so quickly, and with an open and caring mind and heart. Beause that’s what makes it work so well for so many. — Eddie G. Hansberry Los Angeles, Calif.

Caring for the Children I just wanted to thank you for all the hard work you put into the YoungLives camp. Last year was my first year going to camp to be a childcare worker and I loved it. It really inspired me to challenge myself and stop being so shy. I started volunteering more at church, even though it was a lot easier just to go to church each week and not get involved. Who would have guessed a weeklong camp could change my life so much? My husband and I are now in the process of becoming foster parents. It’s exciting and scary at the same time. Anyway, thanks again for all that you do, so when you’re stressed about all of the things that need to get done, just remember how much you’re impacting everyone around you. I can’t wait for camp in July. I’m putting a note in our church bulletin to ask if anyone would like to volunteer at camp with me. — Susan Mercy Goodyear, Ariz.

A World of Blessings I am writing this because yesterday I met a group of Young Life folks when they exited from Denver International Airport through my booth. I did not have a chance to say how much Young Life is a blessing for our family. My older brother, Wondemeneh Baye Tiruneh, is one of the Young Life members in Ethiopia. He joined the team as a volunteer after he graduated high school. I was very young and did not understand what he was doing. At first, my parents were not happy about his decision. It is not because they do not believe in Jesus Christ, it was because he was the older child and he was supposed to work an ordinary job to make some money and support the family. But he decided to help my father in the daytime and do his Young Life responsibilities in the afternoon. I saw many teens accept Jesus Christ as their Savior through this ministry. Now he is working with this ministry full time. He is happy and blessed in his life, and has brought God’s blessing to all our family members. God bless you. — Kidist Tiruneh Denver, Colo.

is a publication of Young Life, a mission devoted to introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith.

WINTER 2010 / 3

Publisher /President Denny Rydberg Executive Editor Terry Swenson Lead Editor Jeff Chesemore Coordinator Donna McKenzie

Copy Editor Jessica Williams Senior Designer/ Illustrator Luke Flowers Contributing Photographer Brian Orlovich

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

YOUNG LIFE LITE By Stacy Windahl

Sharing the love of Christ through laughter

s a rule, teenage girls bound for Young Life camp a turn. Keely went first, and shared about her Christian don’t pack light. Some girls arrive with two suitcases; upbringing, her fun high school years and some heartache one for clothes and one for shoes. Most manage with over a boyfriend her parents didn’t approve of. Pretty normal just one suitcase, but a girl can cram a summer wardrobe stuff, she thought. And then her friends shared their stories. into one suitcase if it’s big enough — and soft-sided with Tabitha still struggled watching her mom fight breast industrial-strength zippers and expandable panels. cancer. Mitchell, the class clown, talked about his parents’ When Keely Wagner of divorce and his shuffle Schulenburg, Texas, signed between homes in the up for a Young Life summer midst of their contentious backpacking trip, she wasn’t relationship. Brittany overly worried about what she’d talked about her dad’s pack. In fact, she signed up on addiction and financial a whim reasoning that too troubles. Tyler, a 6-foot-2few would sign up to make inch football player, broke the trip a reality. She was down when he talked surprised, then, when her about his early childhood leader announced the trip in foster care and life on was a go and that she, two the streets witnessing leaders and five friends shoot-outs and drive-bys. would be headed to “Each day was an Colorado’s Wilderness eye-opening experience Ranch after all. She for me. I thought I knew was even more these people so well, surprised when she but they brought things received the to the group that I had packing list. never known,” said Keely. The packing list Kids come to camp with called for hiking boots, a lot of baggage, and the tennis shoes, wool socks, shorts heaviest stuff isn’t what (two pair), pants (two pair) and they cram in a suitcase. underwear (two pair). “You have Keely’s especially aware of got to be kidding me,” Keely said. that now. “This has to be against the law. Five years after her trip I knew there and now a middle was no backing school English Kids come to camp with a lot of baggage, and the out, but still, teacher, Keely heaviest stuff isn’t what they cram in a suitcase. are you serious? appreciates the Two changes of unseen burdens clothes the whole of teenage kids. week?” “I look at students and wonder why they struggle in class, She was grateful for the light load when she hit the why they aren’t dressed appropriately or can’t get along with trail with her group of eight and their guide. The hiking was their peers. What else is going on?” strenuous and even the limited gear on her back felt heavy. To find out, Keely is embarking on a new adventure. This But Keely says the pain lessened and the load got lighter as time, she’ll serve as a leader in the high school where she the week went on and she learned about the burdens her met Young Life. She’s packing light so she can help carry the friends were carrying. load of some kids who need a hand and the opportunity to Part of the Wilderness experience involves sharing your leave their burdens in Jesus’ care. life story — its highs and lows. Every night someone took 4/ WINTER 2010

Armed with the Good News, a leader reaches out to kids in darkness.

By Ninie Hammon

A Yale pre-med student leads with an elite group of kids. By Chris Lassiter

WINTER 2010 / 5

o car. No time. No experience. On top of that, Yale University student Bryan Twarek has a no-nonsense major. But when close college friend Mike Lehmann approached Twarek about helping establish Young Life in urban New Haven, Conn., the senior pre-med student just couldn’t say no. What Twarek did have — a heart and mind for ministry and a willingness to hang out with 13-year-olds — far outweighed any of his limitations. The last two years of ministry have been an amazing journey. “I feel like I’m getting more from Young Life than I’m giving,” said Twarek, nicknamed “BT” by his father. “It’s neat that an organization can work both ways like that.”

A learning process

Twarek showed up for “Exercise Club” in blazing orange A Young Life leader 1980s-era short shorts. While he’s perfectly fine making a gets creative he place of fool of himself in front of 30 teens, gettingas to that reaches out to kids comfort has been a process. Fair Haven K-8 School, one of severalof schools involved in the midst their in the Fairhaven WyldLife club, is less than two miles from demanding schedules. Yale University geographically, but in some regards the two schools are worlds apart culturally. The Fair Haven School serves primarily black and Hispanic kids, quite opposite from Twarek’s upbringing in suburban Kansas City, Mo. “I can say when I first heard that Young Life was starting here, I was incredibly excited,” Twarek said. “At the same time, after going to my first WyldLife club at Fair Haven, I was terrified. I had grown up in a suburban environment. I came from a big school, about 2,200 people. Young Life was popular and established. New Haven was completely different. It was an urban environment and a different population. Nobody had any idea what Young Life was. There was no community support behind it. We were starting from scratch, and I had never worked with middle school kids.” Even though he was terrified, Twarek kept going back. At first, he just felt like the guy who made them laugh at club. But as he returned week after week — playing ga-ga (an inside handball type game), hanging out at the library or eating at Grand Apizza (a local pizza place) — real friendships began developing. No longer petrified, Twarek now looks forward to his time with the kids. “It’s a slow-developing skill,” Twarek said. “I can see amazing progress in the last two years.”

New Haven … made for this

Besides being home to a prestigious Ivy League school, New Haven has a tradition for producing some of America’s favorite foods. Louis’ Lunch on Crown Street claims to be home to the original hamburger in 1900. Wooster Street is home to two of the nation’s most critically acclaimed pizza joints: The Original Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana and Sally’s Apizza. Catherine Haist, a 1998 Yale University graduate, is working hard to make Young Life the next strong tradition in New Haven. In September of 2005, Haist took a job at Fair Haven Middle School. It’s now Fair Haven K-8 School. “I really fell in love with these middle school kids,” Haist

said. “Pretty soon into it, I realized how much pain and hurt was in these kids’ lives. I recognized it was a spiritual need.” A conversation with Mike Kahmann — who was serving as the Young Life New Canaan committee chair at the time — birthed a vision for the ministry in her heart. Haist was hired on as part of Young Life’s Teachers in Mission program and in June of 2008 — one day before receiving her teaching tenure — Haist resigned from the school and went on Young Life staff full time. At the first club, 75 kids came out. Haist had the vision. She had relationships with the kids. All she needed was some co-laborers. Enter Twarek. “It’s really just a God thing,” Haist said. “It’s a tribute to the mission as a whole. Kids are raised up through this ministry, and it means so much to them that they want to give back. That’s really the story of BT.”

Now that’s dedication

One of Haist’s favorite BT stories shows just how much the Yale senior is willing to sacrifice to lead Young Life. Twarek was teaching math and English at a summer camp for underprivileged kids in Boston.

“It’s a very difficult balancing act. I’d say my biggest regret with Young Life is that I don’t have more time to spend.”

— Bryan “BT” Twarek He convinced his boss to let him off for a few days to lead his WyldLife kids at Young Life’s Lake Champion. Sleep deprived, he arrived back in Boston four days later, and immediately went back to work on no sleep. “A little bit of a sacrifice,” said Twarek, trying to downplay the ordeal. “But it was worth it.” According to Haist, that’s typical BT. “After spending four full days at camp, running around with middle school kids, he must have been beat,” Haist said. “He’s willing to do that, never showing a hint of ‘Ah man, why am I doing this?’ That’s just who BT is. He wouldn’t have had it any other way. ” Balancing Young Life with his academic work, social obligations and campus responsibilities has been extremely difficult at times. Twarek has learned to seek the Lord in prayer, manage his time wisely and delegate some responsibilities. Sometimes, he even has to say no. “It’s a very difficult balancing act,” Twarek said. “I’d say my biggest regret with Young Life is that I don’t have more time to spend.”

Top Left: ’80s Night Thro-back Fair — Haist after being “pied” in the face. Middle Left: Twarek on megaphone rallying kids at WyldLife club. Clockwise from Bottom Left: Twarek and Haist play Twister with a couple WyldLife kids; Twarek puts one of his middle school guys in a headlock; WyldLife campers gone wild; A leader with the kid who “pied” him in the face at a WyldLife event.

6 / WINTER 2010

“I

love high school kids. I just love them. So any time they’re around I ask myself, ‘I wonder what school they go to? I wonder if there’s Young Life in that school?’” Judging from Kelly Hills’ own high school experience, however, you might never guess she’d feel like this today. Although she presented herself as happy, Hills’ classmates didn’t know she was leading a double life. “I always felt alone and like I didn’t have any friends. Upon entering college, I quickly joined the party scene and ended up with a 1.6 GPA after my first semester. I came home exhausted ... and pregnant. Ashamed, and once again alone, my parents and I decided the best thing to do would be to give the baby up for adoption.” Eventually Hills married Dallas, who was in the Air Force, and they moved around the country. The marriage didn’t completely take away Hills’ pain, though. “Scars from my past followed me into my marriage, where not even my husband could heal them.” The couple moved to McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey and Dallas left for Afghanistan in November 2001. “When the husbands would leave,” Hills explained, “a lot of the wives would go live with their parents, and so I lived in what seemed to me to be a ghost town.” Again, Hills found herself alone.

The turning point

By Jeff Chesemore

With no Young Life in her past, Kelly Hills joins the mission to give kids a future.

WINTER 2010 / 7

One day Stewart and Elizabeth Welch, a couple who had been Young Life volunteer leaders in college, moved in next door. They befriended the Hillses and invited them to church. “There was something about the Welches that was different and inviting,” Hills said. “Elizabeth followed up with me after church and asked me what I thought. Then, she invited me to study the Bible with her every morning. Our relationship was very comfortable; I knew I could share intimate details and not be judged or looked down upon. She taught me how to study the Bible, pray and be Jesus in the flesh.”

For her part, Welch remembers Hills “sitting on our floor in our living room, telling us her life story and thinking, ‘Wow. This girl is real.’ I remember long walks through our neighborhood, discussing theology and the world’s problems. “But what I most remember,” Welch said, “was Kelly’s thirst for the Word of God, and how she soaked it up like a sponge. She had the zeal we all hope for and was contagious in her search for knowledge and truth. It was one of the best seasons of my life.” Soon Hills began a relationship with Christ through Welch’s incarnational ministry; meanwhile, Stewart Welch invited Dallas to a men’s Bible study on base and it wasn’t long before he too met Christ. That year the Hillses became volunteer leaders at the base’s Military Community Youth Ministry (MCYM), where they learned what a successful Young Life club looks like in Club Beyond, Young Life’s ministry to military teens. In 2004 they moved to Frederick, Md., where they met Kate (Barrett) Morgner, an intern at the time. Morgner taught the couple how to pursue kids, lead Campaigners and start a club from scratch. “I had the opportunity to explain why we do what we do in Young Life.” Morgner encouraged them to build relationships with the kids first, and then allow these relationships to draw kids to the programmatic elements of Young Life, like club and camp. “Kelly and Dallas both had a huge capacity to do that, not to mention the boldness.”

“One thing I know: I love Jesus and I love kids; and they need Jesus.”

— Kelly Hills

“The number one thing that stands out to me about Kelly is that she was very driven,” Morgner said. “‘We’re going to make this happen’ was her constant attitude. I also saw how kids could relate to her because she’s a down-to-earth wife and mom, with a really young spirit about her.” Today the couple lives in Waynesboro, Pa., a small town without Young Life when they arrived. Through some connections in nearby towns, Hills took five girls to Saranac — and Young Life began. They have since started club, Campaigners and taken more than 50 kids to camp.

“One thing I know”

There are many factors which go into making Hills such a strong leader. “Kelly remembers better than most what it was like to be a teenager; she has a pulse point for them,” Welch said. “She’s fiercely loyal and committed, and knows how to love kids where they are. She’s honest and open with them and really knows how to live out 1 Thessalonians 2:8, [in that] she shares not only the Gospel, but her very life as well.” “I wasn’t a club kid in high school,” said Hills. “I wasn’t a Campaigner. I didn’t do work crew or summer staff. I hadn’t even been to a Young Life camp until I was 28! I have two kids and one on the way. I’m an unlikely candidate to be a Young Life leader, but one thing I know: I love Jesus and I love kids; and they need Jesus.”

From Top: Hills hangs out with some of the Waynesboro kids before club starts; Hills leads kids on a tour of Washington, D.C.; Stewart Welch, Dallas Hills, Kelly Hills and Elizabeth Welch having fun with the camera; Hills with kids as they prepare to depart for camp.

8 / WINTER 2010

epees are the historic dwelling places of Plains Indians like the Crow and Northern Cheyenne tribes of Montana. The tepee itself is regarded as a second mother, a sacred place of protection and renewal. Every morning when a Native American would emerge from the tepee, it was as though he was being reborn with the possibility to start life anew. Plains Indians always pointed the tepee entrance east to face the rising sun; east where all new things come from. Last summer Berris “Bear” Samples brought a new thing to Indian cadets from the Northern Cheyenne and Crow tribes. Samples is a former Young Life area director and retired 35-year Army colonel who teaches Junior ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) at Lodge Grass High School on Montana’s Crow Indian Reservation. With fellow instructor Joe Chargualaf (Sergeant C) and Young Life’s Montana Region, Samples piloted the first-ever JROTC summer training week at Crooked Creek Ranch in Colorado. Typically, JROTC cadets attend Cadet Leadership Challenge camps to test themselves on ropes and obstacle courses, and to practice teamwork during land and water activities. That sounds familiar. Volleyball tournament, anyone? In fact, Young Life camp offers many challenges and adventures like JROTC camp; just add fabulous food, crazy fun and a welcoming acceptance that can’t be forgotten.

All this for me?

Stina Wallace, a JROTC cadet, remembered arriving at Crooked Creek to the cheers of the work crew and summer staff. “I was scared to get off the bus,” she said. “Why were they doing this? Now I know it was to make it fun for me. I felt accepted there.” Elaine Stone, a Cadet Lieutenant Colonel, said the welcome struck her right away. “When we first got there, everyone was excited to see us. I was surprised by that.” Sergeant C explained that this was the first trip off the reservation for most of the cadets, and none expected such a warm welcome. “It was an eye-opener for me and the kids. The reception they received everywhere in camp was new to them.”

Different and that’s OK

And if Young Life camp surprised the cadets, they surprised some people at camp too. Frank Ivey, camp speaker for the week, remembered the JROTC leaders asking when the cadets could wear their camouflage fatigues. “How about day two, for the volleyball tournament?” we suggested. On day two, Ivey awoke early for the camp staff “chalk talk” and saw groups of cadets strolling around camp in full fatigue uniform. For a while that morning Crooked Creek looked like a military base. “They were up earlier than any other kids in camp,” Ivey said. “Their shirts were tucked neatly into their trousers, their trousers tucked into their boots. It was quite a sight.” He also recalled that when WINTER 2010 / 9

Native American Junior ROTC cadets attend a new kind of training camp and experience a new way to orient their tepees and their lives. By Stacy Windahl With sincere thanks to Colonel Berris “Bear” Samples

the other campers appeared on the scene in their customary uniform — shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops — they accepted the Indian cadets all the same. “There is a lot of grace given to all kids at Young Life camp. It’s as though kids regard each other and say, ‘Well, this is different, and that’s OK.’”

Obstacles and other courses

One evening, cadets from the Lame Deer and Crow reservations experienced the obstacle course, an activity designed to foster cabin unity. For several of the cadets, it was a camp highlight, and a chance to exercise their considerable teamwork skills in a shared objective to protect their leader. And, it was an easier course to navigate than what many of the cadets encounter on the reservation. Poverty, heavy alcohol and drug use, child and sexual abuse, are prevalent on the reservation. More devastating is the sense of hopelessness and fatalism of young people in the tribes. According to Samples, a number of cadets said they didn’t expect to live past the age of 30 because none of their family members had, and “every one of the boys at camp had considered suicide.” Getting the Indian cadets to lower their barriers and begin to trust is one important step toward healing. Camp provided many opportunities to grow in both trust and faith. For Tanisha Redfield and her friend, Kelly Blackfoot, that happened on the ropes course. That was Tanisha’s favorite spot because, she said, “we had to trust in other people and in ourselves.” The girls were paired as buddies on the ropes course on an especially rainy day. “We were 30 feet up in the clouds and it was rainy and slippery. I lost my buddy at one point. She froze up. I went back to get her and we finished together,” said Tanisha. “We still have a special bond.”

Don’t give up on me

Ivey appreciates that many Native American kids may feel left behind on a slippery and treacherous course. During his four weeks as camp speaker he met a number of Native American kids and remembered trying to get one such girl from the smokers’ pit to join her group for cabin time. Her attitude was negative. She wasn’t buying into camp. But Ivey told her, “This is going to be a great week. I’m not giving up on you.” She replied, “If you don’t, you’ll be the first adult who hasn’t.” (Continued on pg. 11) Left to Right: The JROTC team out of uniform; “What? We have to ride with saddles and helmets?”; Hauling with an ATV revved this camper’s engine.

10 / WINTER 2010

(Continued from pg. 10) Samples and Sergeant C spent a lot of the week helping the kids drop their defenses to trust in leaders who love them and a God who will never give up on them. They participated shoulder to shoulder with the cadets, encouraging them along the way; cadets like Teton, a Northern Cheyenne, who said to them, “You mean, you would stand by me? You have hope for me?”

Untold stories

Samples has plenty of hope for them, but he knows these are hurting kids. Most don’t even have the vocabulary for expressing their pain because so few discuss grief and loss on the reservation. When Josh, a fellow Crow student, died in an auto accident in spring 2009 (soon after making a faith profession at his church), Samples tried to model a way to talk about their grief. He told them that life is a story and we shared that story with Josh. He shared his own hurt over Josh’s death and what he remembered most about him. He modeled the same kind of conversations at camp. After a few days the cadets in Samples’ cabin began to share their own stories during cabin time; kids like Zac Cummins who said cabin time “was a relief to talk about what was going on at home and what we left.” According to Samples every single kid has a devastating story to tell. “Even the guys were crying, weeping because their stories had been untold. It was a catharsis for them as though they could say ‘now I am known.’” Samples said that, like other teenage kids, these Indian cadets just “want to be known, to love and be loved.”

Dawn of a new day

As the week continued it became clear that something was happening among the Crow and Northern Cheyenne cadets. Elaine said she understood God’s love for the first time at camp. “The things Frank was talking about; it was all new to me,” she said. And Ivey noticed how the cadets, like Elaine, responded to these new things. At the beginning of the week the kids seemed wary, withdrawn and they rarely smiled. By week’s end the same kids were talking, laughing and leaning forward during club talks hanging on his every word. One of the cadets stood up at Say-So about to profess her faith, but quickly sat, aware that she’d been the only one in her group to stand. That was fine by Ivey. “I knew that their starting point was so different than most kids. But I saw God begin to thaw their hearts during that week. Our perspective is that we are going to love these kids where they’re at and allow God to do what He’s going to do.” God’s continuing to warm the hearts of the JROTC cadets. Samples and Sergeant C see tremendous changes. Kids who were usually quiet are more open since camp. Many are eager to return. More are eager for their friends to travel with them and experience something completely new: to reorient their lives and get their tepees pointed east where new life isn’t just a possibility, but the promise of God. WINTER 2010 / 11

Cadets from Lodge Grass and Lame Deer high schools were led by “Bob” Old Elk (front row far left), Colonel Berris “Bear” Samples (front row, orange cap), Lauren “Yipper” Sikes (front row, far right), Sergeant Joe Chargualaf (second row far left), Sergeant First Class Rocco Copper (back row right of center with sunglasses).

They participated shoulder to shoulder with the cadets, encouraging them along the way; cadets like Teton, a Northern Cheyenne, who said to them, “You mean, you would stand by me? You have hope for me?”

This cadet makes the ropes course look easy.

YOUNG LIFE ONLINE Connect with the mission @ younglife.org

CELEBRATING THE LIVES OF THREE YOUNG LIFE HEROES

The mission recently lost three faithful servants, their contributions too vast to be adequately covered here. You can read the full stories online at younglife.org/us. Select “News” in the “Take me to” drop-down menu on the home page.

Pat Morgan (1940-2009)

Serving thousands of kids and adults through her decades of involvement with Wilderness Ranch and Young Life in Midland, Texas, Pat Morgan was also a strong supporter of the new Capernaum ministry in Midland. The embodiment of hospitality, she was a spiritual mentor to so many — loving and encouraging those privileged enough to be around her, whether it be for a week or a lifetime.

Radson “Raddy” (1947-2009) A hero of the faith in Africa, Raddy’s joy and selfless acts of service changed the lives of countless kids and adults who crossed his path. While he never led a club or gave a talk, Raddy’s brief six-year involvement as camp staff with Young Life in Zimbabwe impacted the lives of orphans, pastors, widows, leaders, staff and so many, many more. Famous for his smile and generous bear hugs, Raddy served each camp guest like he or she were Christ.

Leonard Hansen (1922-2009)

Leonard Hansen returned from World War II a decorated hero — having received the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Commissioned by Jim Rayburn to start the work in central California, Hansen began the first Young Life club at Woodlake High School in 1952. His wife, Elizabeth, would play the piano and he gave the club talks; he volunteered with Young Life for 25 years and remained a strong supporter of the ministry to the very end.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, AND TO SIGN UP, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL YOUNG LIFE STAFF PERSON.

12 / WINTER 2010

or a high school senior, the last few months before graduation are all about closure — final experiences, lifelong friends and celebrations. It’s an unusual time to reach out to a stranger on the school bus. That’s why Lauren Stutzriem knew without a doubt that she was fulfilling a divine appointment the day she started talking to a sophomore named Brittany.

Left to Right: Lauren (left) with a friend at Slop Fest; Lauren (right) strikes a pose at ’90s night; Lauren gives the talk at “Senior Night” club.

A friendship forged on a school bus leads to new life in a driveway.

On the surface, nothing about it made much sense: Lauren was a senior, with high school nearly in her rearview mirror, and her first impression of Brittany wasn’t all that good. She had noticed the younger girl on the bus because she was chatty and boisterous. “She was really loud, and I thought, ‘I don’t think I would ever want to be friends with this girl,’” said Lauren, who finished high school in Northern Virginia and enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University this fall. “But for some reason, I felt this weird feeling toward her. God just kind of shoved her right in front of me, and all of a sudden we were friends.” Brittany complimented Lauren on her hair, and before they knew it Brittany was sharing stunning details of a difficult home life. She had dealt with addiction and mistreatment in her family, and had lost her mother at a young age. A few months before she met Lauren, she had called a family friend and asked if she could move in, and WINTER 2010 / 13

By Bethany Bradsher

her new guardians were providing love and stability. Lauren was amazed at how much Brittany had endured, and she yearned for Brittany to know the love of Christ. She invited her to Young Life.

A history of planting seeds

It wasn’t the first time Lauren had asked a friend to come to club. Ever since she discovered Young Life late

in her sophomore year, she had been convinced that her classmates were searching and that Young Life could lead them to acceptance and purpose by introducing them to the Lord who made them. “She just has this vision, and she gets it,” said Michelle Stapleton, one of Lauren’s leaders in high school. “She understands that we’re trying to share the Gospel with high school kids.” Sometimes at Campaigners, Lauren would come up with ideas to draw friends to club, Stapleton said, like making invitations or organizing drivers to pick them up and get them there. But by the time she met Brittany, she was feeling discouraged. She knew she was planting seeds for the kingdom, but that didn’t keep her from wanting to see a harvest. Then, to her surprise, Brittany showed up at the next Young Life club after that conversation on the bus. She had told Lauren that she believed in Wicca*, but there she was, listening to

a talk about Jesus. The talk at the end made her a little uncomfortable, she said, and Lauren wondered if she would ever come back. The next week, Brittany was back, and then again the week after that for the last club of the year. It was Senior Night, when the seniors planned and implemented every aspect of the meeting. Lauren asked if she could be the one to give the talk, and during that time she focused on God’s character and His goodness. If God is who He says He is, she said, He is bigger than any problem you might have and He is in control. She spoke about the difference Jesus had made in her own life. “I’ve always wanted to give the talk, ever since I started coming to Young Life,” she said. “I’m really fond of sharing how I became a Christian.”

Words of life in the driveway

After Lauren’s talk, Brittany approached Stapleton and told her that she wanted to learn more about Jesus. Stapleton encouraged her, but she was leaving on a trip, so she asked Lauren to follow up. Before a week had passed, Brittany was already at church with Lauren’s family, and not long after that she brought Brittany to her first Campaigner meeting. Lauren drove her home from Campaigners, and the two were sitting in the car talking about the things Brittany had been hearing. “I said, ‘I don’t want to push you into anything you don’t want to do, but do you think you’d be ready to accept Him into your life?’” Lauren shared. Brittany said she was ready but wasn’t sure how to pray, so Lauren led the prayer for her friend, then celebrated with her. Brittany was a new creation, and Lauren was reminded of how powerfully God can use willing hearts. “She pursued her,” said Stapleton, “without going through me. She just did it.” Lauren’s boldness with Brittany has encouraged the leaders and staff in her area, Stapleton said, nudging them to cross relational bridges and to be unafraid to ask spiritual questions of kids. It’s the kind of story that has become a shining symbol of what Young Life is hoping to cultivate — an environment where high school kids are so drawn to Jesus that they can’t help but tell their friends about Him. Even the committee has taken hope from the power of that Young Life is hoping to cultivate an one friendship, said Area Director Ryan Clegg. environment where high school kids are For now, Lauren is trying to find students at her new college who share her faith and her passion for so drawn to Jesus that they can’t help sharing it. She calls Brittany regularly to encourage her, and she’d like to be a Young Life leader. Wherever but tell their friends about Him. she ministers, she will keep expecting God to move in her world and to lead her to the people who, like *Wicca is a polytheistic pagan nature religion, which includes the use of Brittany, desperately need a dose of hope. magic and witchcraft. 14 /WINTER 2010

he Highway 507 WyldLife leaders from Washington sat in stunned silence. The team was preparing lastminute details for camp, which was only three days away, when the cell phone rang. The news was not good — their week at Washington Family Ranch would be canceled due to the Oregon State Health Department’s concerns over flu symptoms at the camp. “What was an extreme high of preparing to leave for camp with 67 kids and leaders turned into an extreme low!” said Chris Holterman, a teacher and volunteer leader at Rainier Middle School. Immediately, Area Director Mariah Warner suggested, “Well, let’s pray and see where the Lord leads.” So the team prayed, Holterman said, “thanking God for all He’d done throughout the year by preparing kids for camp, praising Him for the funds raised and asking for guidance on what to do next.” The team then started brainstorming, because “we felt that God didn’t pull all these kids together and raise all this money just to have it go for naught.” After four hours on the phone and Internet, the team had formed the blueprint for their “Highway 507 WyldLife Alternative Camp Experience Road Trip.” This didn’t mean, however, that the leaders weren’t hesitant about the outcome. “I just didn’t know how we could perform every part of camp while still trying to spend quality time with the kids we were bringing,” volunteer leader Shannon Gubser said. “Let’s be honest, the people who put on camp begin the preparations a year in advance. How could we do in 72 hours what they do in a year?” Hesitant or not, three days later the trip was under way.

By Jeff Chesemore

Creativity rules the day when an area needs a good “Plan B.”

Highway 507 kids and leaders at one of their several club sites; Hanging with a friend; Kids on beat with “Rock Band”; Leaders “bring the funny” on the road. WINTER 2010 /15

An opportunity realized

Above: Leaders and kids enjoy great one-on-one time at all kinds of locations. Right: Kids flex their muscles at yet another stop.

“I should know when God is involved, nothing is impossible — absolutely nothing. We don’t need to go to camp to have kids meet Jesus. He is everywhere.”

“To be honest, I was skeptical at first about how this was all going to play out,” Holterman confessed. “How could we possibly do this and how could it possibly be as good as camp? I should know when God is involved, nothing is impossible — absolutely nothing. We don’t need to go to camp to have kids meet Jesus. He is everywhere.” The Highway 507 Young Life area obviously wasn’t the only one impacted by the flu this summer. Other areas also had to “think on their feet” when coming up with alternatives to the planned camp week. For many areas, the challenge didn’t deter spirits, but instead afforded them the chance to think outside the box and treat kids to new experiences. “You would think that more than 1,000 kids not being able to go to camp would be a lost opportunity,” said Mason Rutledge, Evergreen regional director. “That is not true for our staff and leaders. What might look like a camp being closed, just turned into another ‘camp’ being opened.” “I’m still so grateful,” Warner said, “for the loud and clear message we sent our community that we’ll never miss a chance to share the great news of Jesus with a generation that wants to hear.”

— Chris Holterman

The element of surprise

In true Young Life fashion, kids never knew what was coming next during the five days and four nights. Traveling more than 1,500 miles through Washington, Oregon and Idaho, the kids enjoyed Young Life clubs, water parks, amusement parks, go-karts, miniature golf, bumper boats, arcade games, all-you-can-eat dinners, motel stays, church sleepovers and Young Life’s Breakaway Lodge in Gearhart, Ore. Armed with an in-house program team, speaker, musician and two-person work crew, the leaders made sure that the standard of excellence you find at Young Life camps carried over to their own “traveling camp.” The five clubs — held in a different location each night — were filled with songs, surprises and the Savior. All the quantity and quality time spent together helped kids open up to their leaders and the message. “We did one-on-one meetings on the bus, by the creek, in hallways, at Taco Bell, in the pool and more.” “Cabin time was mind-blowing!” Holterman said. “Kids were letting go of their hurts and pains; they were opening up about needing God in their lives.” Along the way, the response was profound, as many kids began relationships with Jesus.

From Top: Seeing,

hearing and speaking no evil while on the bus; The red team always wins!; A refreshing game of “pass the buck”-et!

16 / WINTER 2010

FROM THE GRAPEVINE A fruitful selection of stories from the field

Pocket Change

By Cory Bordonaro

In a time and place where darkness is When Thor Odland, and his wife, Kate, joined Stavanger, Norway’s international staff in February 2005, they met with all too common, light is spilling in. both an interesting physical and spiritual climate. Termed In a culture where Jesus is fictionalized, “the land of the midnight sun,” Norway is known for long truth is speaking up. summer days and winters that see an average of just about six hours of light each day. While the summer sunlight lasts club, in an attempt to give kids a chance to respond to the for up to 21 hours, those winter months, Odland Gospel message, Odland held up a 100 Kroner bill (the says, tend to be “cloud-covered, rainy and equivalent of about $15), saying: “I want to give dark.”  this to someone. It’s a gift and I want you to According to Odland, a firsthave it.” generation, American-raised Norwegian, Every kid in the room raised his or the culture there has elevated her hand, vying to be selected to receive materialism and sexual promiscuity. the money. One brave young man stood “Norwegian inclination toward the up, opened his palm and Odland gave subject of God is lost in their him the bill. Odland explained that Jesus’ self-sufficiency.” redemption is similar, because it’s a gift When prayer opened the door that simply needs to be claimed. In a time for Young Life to join hands with the and place where darkness is all too common, Thor and Norwegian State Church’s confirmation Kate Odland light is spilling in. In a culture where Jesus is with their program a few years ago, Odland and his fictionalized, truth is speaking up. In a corner of daughters. staff began putting on club for a small group of the map where economic status is prized, Jesus is students each week. What began with about 30 kids prodding hearts and minds with pocket change. has grown to become an avenue for relationships with a group about four times that size. During this year’s final

Food This Good

By Steve Rawls, area director, Rockbridge County, Va.

“I haven’t had food this good since my mom died.” Mary Beth repeated that statement throughout her week at camp. The fact that we even knew her was itself an act of God. Her mom passed away from cancer in December 2008. A local Hospice worker, who had a son previously involved with Young Life here in Rockbridge County (Virginia), met Mary Beth through working with the family. When I received an e-mail about Mary Beth, I was skeptical. This didn’t fit the way I did ministry. We don’t make “cold calls” to people we don’t know. We meet kids where they are, build relationships and then invite them to what we’re doing. But I knew we had to follow up. Our leader Jill Refvem happily invited Mary Beth to club. Nervous at first, Mary Beth almost backed out of coming that night; but she did, and had the time of her life. That night we told her about summer camp at Lake Champion. The next week I had a check from her dad for the full amount of camp.

We had an exciting week at Lake Champion with Mary Beth. It seemed like everything reminded her of her mom’s love — the food, the skits and so much more. During a time of 20 minutes alone, she was scared. She didn’t like being alone, especially since her mom passed away. Eventually she sat down and let herself be alone. “I felt like Jesus was on one side of me and my mom was on the other.” Mary Beth had the greatest week of her life as she experienced love and community in a way she never had before. She also heard about a relationship with Christ and what that looks like. It was my privilege to see her go to Mary Beth the new Christian seminar and her leader, on the last day, smiling Jill, at Lake Champion. from ear to ear.

WINTER 2010 / 17

The Tentacles of Young Life

By Brian Orlovich, area director, NW Valley Phoenix, Ariz.

Recently, during a “meet and greet” time at church, I met an much longer after that, he and his wife also accepted Christ. older gentleman named Jim. Jim noticed my Young Life shirt With a proud look on his face, Jim added that their kids are and said, “Young Life, oooooh!” This is not uncommon as fully grown and he is thrilled that his grandchildren are being people either know about Young Life, or they think I’m raised in homes that love and honor God. a life insurance salesman. I didn’t question his He looked at me with all seriousness and response, I just moved on to the next person reverence as he said, “Young Life’s tentacles to meet and greet. are long and far-reaching. I just thought you At the end of the service, as I was needed to hear that. Don’t give up. gathering my things to leave, Jim leaned Don’t quit!” in close to me and said, “I don’t know As I thanked this man with tears what your involvement with Young Life welling up in my eyes, I knew God sent is, but you are involved, correct?” I said Jim to give me that pep talk, with our that I was. Jim went on to tell me that upcoming camp trip to Woodleaf (one he and his wife were married 20 years of Young Life’s camps in California) fast and raising four kids without God in their approaching. We continue to pray that the Brian Orlovich, family. Then, Young Life got ahold of two “tentacles” of God’s love and forgiveness will with wife, Amy, of his kids when they hit high school, and wrap around these kids as well as their families and their kids. they eventually gave their lives to Jesus. After at home as the Lord’s “faithfulness continues that, his other two kids accepted Christ and not too through all generations.”

Ready to Respond

By Jeff Chesemore

“As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” — Mark 4:29 (TNIV)

Last summer Moges Berassa, Young Life leader in Ethiopia, found himself in need of a sickle, because he was in the midst of a deep spiritual harvest. After five “rich weeks at a Young Life camp in a place called Kuriftu,” Berassa returned to Addis Ababa, with a much larger spiritual family. During camp, 973 kids from five Ethiopian towns attended. In Young Life typical Young Life fashion, these camps were marked by adventure and club in fun. Work crews from Alpharetta, Ga., and Lancaster and York, Pa., stood Ethiopia boogies alongside the Ethiopian staff, doing a remarkable job serving the campers. down!! And throughout the summer, Berassa reported, “The message about Jesus Christ was proclaimed clearly and neatly.” The result? “Many kids experienced Jesus like never before,” Berassa said. “We saw kids with tears, broken hearts and a readiness to respond — even kneeling down to pray.” For Berassa, the most exciting part of the five weeks was witnessing 581 kids stand up to make decisions to follow Jesus Christ. Anyone who has ever led at Young Life camp, however, knows that the end of camp is actually a beginning. It marks a new period of intense depth in the lives of kids, where leader follow-up is critical. In many ways, the time-consuming work of walking with kids as they learn to walk with Christ presents even greater challenges. “Things are still hot!” Berassa said. “Kids keep calling for more questions and help. Pray for us as we continue to follow up with them and Moges Berassa start Bible studies.”

18 / WINTER 2010

Mark and Elaine with friends Monty and Carolyn Churchill, summer 2009.

By Erika Jay

One family’s experience at Trail West grows into decades of ministry and changed lives for countless families.

Mark and Elaine, summer 2009.

With the boys: Brad, Matthew, Blake, Brian and David, summer 1991.

WINTER 2010 / 19

he drive from Norman, Okla., to Buena Vista, Colo., was coming to an end as the Burget family approached the gates of Trail West. The five boys in the back excitedly bounced around, anticipating the adventure of the week ahead. As the family pulled into camp, they saw pictures of Waldo from the children’s book series Where’s Waldo? and a sign that read, “1-800-I AM LOST.” The next sign encouraged the Burgets to find Waldo as quickly as possible. As they continued along the dirt road, Mark and Elaine’s young sons celebrated loudly as they spotted Waldo (or rather Trail West’s version of him) hiding in the trees. The boys couldn’t imagine anything more fun when, as if right out of a Wild West show, cowboys greeted the Burget family car on real horses asking if anyone had seen Waldo. The boys proudly announced they had and the cowboys deputized them, right there, on the spot. It was the start of an incredible week and a life-changing ministry through Trail West and the Burget family.

Deep roots

Mark and Elaine Burget were no strangers to Young Life when they made their first trip to Trail West for Family Camp in 1991. And Mark isn’t exaggerating when he says, “We have a long, rich history with Young Life.” In 1970, Mark met the Lord through Young Life as a junior in high school and attended Star Ranch and Castaway. He served as a leader throughout college at the University of Oklahoma and drove jeeps while on summer staff at Frontier Ranch. As volunteers in the mid-’80s, Mark and Elaine started Young Life in Norman and have trained college leaders at OU for more than two decades. “For more than 20 years, we had college leaders in our home every Sunday night; it’s been wonderful,” Mark beamed.

A new passion

But Trail West offered something different. It was there that the Burget boys had their faith solidified

and where Mark and Elaine could bring entire families to experience the best week of their lives. “It gave us a new and deeper appreciation for Young Life. They were doing for families what they had been doing for teenagers for so long — loving them where they are, bringing world-class humor and sharing Jesus,” Mark said. Elaine lit up, “We thought the boys would get tired of it at some point, but for 10 summers in a row, that’s where they chose to go. We had so much fun, and the spiritual input was so incredible, we committed to bring families with us every year we went back.” That’s just what the Burgets have done. Over the years, they’ve brought more than 50 families to Trail West — seeing countless lives changed, marriages saved, relationships restored and the community of Norman impacted. Mark described, “Nowhere else have I seen a room full of people where fathers will stand and turn to their kids saying, ‘I’m sorry I’ve failed you,’ and where teens turn to their parents saying, ‘I met Jesus this week.’ It’s transformational.” Elaine shared, “Trail West has impacted our community back home; we see entire families’ lives changed, the renewing of vows and more.”

“Nowhere else have I seen a room full of people where fathers will stand and turn to their kids saying, ‘I’m sorry I’ve failed you,’ and where teens turn to their parents saying, ‘I met Jesus this week.’ It’s transformational.” — Mark Burget Deputized

Over the last 19 years, the Burgets have reached beyond families in Norman as they have come alongside the property and invested their own lives in the very ministry of Trail West — supporting the property financially since 1991 and giving greatly of their time. Mark served on Trail West’s committee for eight years and has felt privileged to serve in the role of camp speaker at work week. In addition, when asked by Camp Manager Skeet Tingle to write a set of devotions for families staying at Trail West, Mark humbly agreed. Tingle explained, “He wrote two sets of amazing devotions we slip under families’ doors every morning so they have something to start their day with before they ever leave their room.” Last summer Mark and Elaine offered themselves, serving as adult guest hosts for a week. Tingle shared, “Every day, Mark came by my office saying, ‘Thanks for letting us be here this week.’ They’re some of the most gracious, other-centered, godly people I’ve met.” He went on, “We never have enough ‘leaders’ at Family Camp. Mark and Elaine are always stepping in to serve. It’s comforting and reassuring to have them around; you feel bolstered with them there.”

Serving at camp with son Brian, summer 2009.

At the hot tub, summer 2004.

But the Burgets’ investment in the camp’s ministry doesn’t stop with Mark and Elaine; the entire family has come alongside in some capacity. Three of their boys have served on work crew, summer staff and as camp interns — helping as horse wranglers, kid wranglers and filling in wherever needed.

Deep impact

There is no question Trail West has played a large role in all of the Burgets’ lives. Mark reflected, “Taking family vacations at Trail West is one of the best things we ever could have done in raising our boys ... we would do anything for Trail West if asked.” Jane Lumbard, who works in the camp office, commented, “One of the aims of Trail West’s Family Camp is for people to experience a Christ-centered marriage and family life — the Burgets are an example of that, responding to what the Holy Spirit has done in their lives. They’ve used Family Camp as an opportunity to serve the Lord through ministry and to enhance their own family’s spiritual life. It’s the apex of Trail West’s purposes.” The Lord continues to use the partnership in ministry between the Burgets and Trail West to impact the lives of countless families. To think, it all started with a simple game of “Where’s Waldo?” and a couple of cowboys.

20 / WINTER 2010

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JUNE 16-22 at Camp Buckner in Burnet, TX JULY 17-23 at Lost Canyon in Williams, AZ AUG. 3-9 at Lake Champion in Glen Spey, NY AUG. 17-22 at Washington Family Ranch in Antelope, OR You can also help with donations of gift cards or baby equipment through TARGET.com gift registry for each camp. SOUTHWIND - Ocklawaha, FL - June 29-July 3, 2010, waiting list only NORTHBAY - North East, MD - June 30-July 4, 2010 LOST CANYON - Williams, AZ - July 3-8, 2010 ROCKBRIDGE - Goshen, VA - Aug. 4*-8, 2010, waiting list only

*Discipleship campers coming in the night before.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, AND TO SIGN UP, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL YOUNG LIFE STAFF PERSON.

WINTER 2010 / 21

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PARTING SHOTS A collection of photos from the field 1. Winchester, Va., girls make other campers wonder, “Where’s Waldo?” 2. Young Life, in partnership with Fuller Theological Seminary, hosted high school students from 18 states on Fuller’s campus for the Student Leadership Project, an intensive 11-day program. 3. A Denver Young Life Capernaum kid and her leader. 4. A Baton Rouge camper happily tackles the challenging ropes course.

FEATURE PHOTO

In August, 65 national leaders from 15 different countries came together in the Dominican Republic for the first-ever Area Director School in Latin America. This week provided leaders with opportunities to grow, learn and connect with one another, as they train to further impact their individual countries for Christ.

22 / WINTER 2010

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not too early to be thinking about your family vacation next summer. Especially when Trail Westâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Family Camp is filling fast for summer 2010! Get your registration and deposit in ASAP to ensure the best week you and your family have ever experienced together!

Fo r mo re inf or ma tio n, ca ll us at (71 9) 395- 24 7 7. Or , ch ec k ou t ou r we bs ite at tra ilw es t.y ou ng lif e.o rg .