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TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN YOUNG LIFE
I M O T H Y C H R I S T I A N Y O U N G L I F E
SUMMER 2025
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Hey Timothy Christian Young Life Community!
As summer draws to a close, we can’t help but look back with gratitude for all that God has done in the lives of our youth over the past few months. Our camping trips were a highlight of the season—days filled with laughter around adventurous activities, late-night cabin time talks, and powerful moments where students encountered Jesus in new and lifechanging ways. These experiences have sparked deeper friendships, strengthened faith, and created memories that will carry into the new school year. In this newsletter, you’ll find stories from our summer adventures, updates on what’s ahead this fall, and ways you can continue praying for and supporting the youth at Timothy Christian. Thank you for being such an important part of this journey with us!
YOUNG LIFE CAMP
This summer, our high school group had an unforgettable week at SharpTop Cove. Surrounded by the stunning North Georgia mountains, students had the chance to step away from everyday distractions and experience a week filled with adventure, laughter, and life-changing conversations. From zip-lining and lake activities to late-night cabin talks, every moment created space for deeper friendships and meaningful encounters with Jesus. Throughout the week, we saw walls come down, hearts open, and students take steps of faith that will impact them far beyond camp. SharpTop Cove was more than just a getaway—it was a powerful reminder of God’s love and the incredible ways He is moving in the lives of our youth.
BEYOND MALIBU WYLDLIFE CAMP
This summer, our middle school Wyldlife crew had an amazing week at Timber Wolf Lake! From giant swings and lake activities to hilarious club skits and crazy cabin time, every day was packed with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable memories. More importantly, it was a week where students got to hear about Jesus in a way that made sense to them, ask real questions, and see God’s love in action through friendships and leaders who truly care. One of the best parts of Wyldlife Camp is watching high school leaders build meaningful connections with middle school students while growing in their own leadership and faith. Timber Wolf Lake was more than just a week of fun—it was a powerful experience that sparked new friendships, lasting memories, and a deeper understanding of God’s love for each of our middle schoolers.
One evening at Wyldlife camp, one of our leaders experienced something they’ll never forget—a real, personal encounter with the love of God. Later that night, they shared with Eric that it felt like God met them exactly where they were, speaking directly into a struggle they had been carrying for a long time. They described feeling an overwhelming sense of peace and comfort, almost as if the Holy Spirit had wrapped them up and reminded them they weren’t alone. That night became a turning point for them—a marker in their life where they could look back and say, “no matter what happens it's going to be ok.”
TC Young Life sent 12 students to British Columbia to Young Life’s outdoor camp “Beyond Malibu” to hike a mountain late July! Cassidy Block and Marshall Jebb led the trip along with 2 trained Young Life guides.
WORDS FROM A HIKER...
"I had the most amazing opportunity to travel to British Columbia to climb Mt. Pearkes. In six days, we walked 41 miles and climbed 7,200 ft. in elevation. Singing worship songs up the mountain and engaging in conversation, I encountered Jesus by learning to trust and rely on Him in my weakness. I also learned the importance of encouraging and supporting others when they were struggling. The Lord prompted me to enjoy the journey and not always be focused on the destination.One of my highlights from the trip was singing the worship song “Come Rest on Us” on top of the mountain at our campsite. I was so overcome by how vast God’s creation is and His love for us, but also how God made the mountains, the sea, and all living creatures and He allows us to take joy in what He has created! Every morning we would wake up to the tune, “Rise and shine and give God the glory glory” then take down our tents, pack up camp, and begin our day-long hiking adventure. This adventure took me out of my comfort zone, pushed me to be better and stronger, not only physically, but also growing deeper in my relationship with the Lord. It was an amazing experience and something I’ll never forget!"
Ella Rickert (Class of "26)
2ND ANNUAL BAGS TOURNAMENT AND COMMUNITY NIGHT FOR ALL! 6 - 8 P M
COME FOR A FUN NIGHT OF BAGS, TACOS AND FUN! MEET OUR NEW STAFF AND LEADERS TOO! PARENTS, HIGHSCHOOLERS AND MIDDLESCHOOLERS ARE WELCOME TO PLAY IN THE TOURNEY! IF YOU WANT TO PLAY, SCAN TO SIGN UP (TEAM OF 2). AZTEC DAVE’S TACO TRUCK WILL BE THERE SO BRING THE FAMILY! ALL PROCEEDS TO GO TO FUND TC YOUNG LIFE!
WHEN? WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 6-8PM WHERE? THE WAC PARKING LOT
New Chapters: Saying Goodbye & Welcoming In
To start, let’s welcome Kyle Lilliwitz, the new Young Life leader at Timothy Christian this year! Here’s a message from Kyle:
What’s up, y ’all! My name is Kyle Lillwitz, and I have the blessing of serving as the new YL leader for Timothy Christian! I was born and raised in Lemont, Illinois, and graduated from DePauw University, where I played basketball and studied biochemistry. I love talking about Jesus, science, and sports but if you ever want to talk about anything, I’m all ears! I love Jesus and want to show y ’all how much He loves you and wants a relationship with you! I can’t wait to get to know you all on this amazing journey and see what God has in store! See you at TC, and go Trojans!
As we celebrate new beginnings, we also want to take a moment to honor the closing of a special chapter. After much prayer, counsel, and careful consideration for what is best for him and his family, Eric Bando has made the difficult decision to step down from overseeing Young Life at Timothy Christian. Here’s a message from Eric:
“Leading Young Life at Timothy Christian has been a lifechanging experience I will never forget. The relationships I’ve built with students, parents, Young Life leaders, and people in the community have impacted me in more ways than I can count. That’s why I’m truly excited for the future of TC YL and all that God has in store! The good news is, I’ll still be around as a Bible teacher at Timothy, and I’m grateful to continue those relationships just in a different role. Thank you all for your love and support!”
With Gratefulness, Eric Bando- ebando@ylchicago.com
Kyle Lillwitz- klillwitz@ylchicago.com
Abby Huizenga- abbyh2@gmail.com
