Relationships Fall 2011

Relationships FALL 2011

The passionate vision of our younger leaders. pg. 9 Capernaum kids’ dreams of service become a reality. pg. 15 Young Life College: transforming the next generation. pg. 17

CONTENTS AWAKENED TO LIFE A death, a church and two unlikely leaders transform Hispanic teenagers in San Antonio.

FALL 2011

FEATURE

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TWICE ADOPTED One girl’s journey from Russia to America to Rockbridge to Jesus.

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CREATED TO DREAM A group of Capernaum friends learns they can dream big and make a huge impact.

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SCULPTING THE NEXT GENERATION Young Life College at the University of Arkansas.

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A LEGACY THING How Young Life shaped a family.

SETTING THE EXAMPLE Younger leaders from around the mission share their surprises, insights and vision.

EVERY ISSUE

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ABOUT THE COVER Our new camp at Washington Family Ranch is now a reality! Built for our WyldLife ministry, the camp, called Creekside, has eight waterslides, a pool, an indoor ropes course, climbing area and miniature golf. The first summer campers arrived June 18 and have been awestruck at the amazing activities, beautiful scenery and delicious food. As with every Young Life camp, the attractions here perform an important function: providing a platform of fun and adventure as we introduce kids to the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

THE ART OF SURRENDER A Filipino artist paints a picture of Christ through a life of love.

From the President In Your Own Words Young Life Lite From the Grapevine Parting Shots

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Photo by Kathi Inglesby FALL 2011 / 1

MAKING A SPLASH!

A look at Young Life’s newest camp. pg. 8

FROM THE PRESIDENT

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DEDICATION AND THE FOG OF WAR

arilyn and I had the privilege this summer to lead a On the sea, landing craft were taken a mile in the wrong trip to Europe with 60 friends of Young Life. It was direction by the tides. The ropes for the grappling hooks that sort of a Young Life camp for adults. We did club were to be used to scale the cliff became too wet and too almost every day, complete with music, Young Life humor heavy to reach their marks, etc. Adjustments had to be made. and a message. But we added to that by meeting with some Adaptations created. There were no “time outs.” The war of our European staff who represented the work of Young raged on.

Life in the Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal and Spain. Being

As believers, all of us are in a war. It may not be the with those committed staff was a summer highlight. same as what the soldiers, sailors and airmen faced in World

Another highlight was the time we spent at Normandy War II or what they face today. But we are involved in a and World War II battle sites. It was my second time there, but I was touched even more deeply than the first time I visited that hallowed and historic place. We were at the large American cemetery in the early evening when taps were played and the flag was lowered. Among those gathered around the flag pole was a U.S. Army veteran who had landed on the beach at D-Day. Private Hubbard from Massachusetts was in his late 80s, but he had been a teenager when he landed at Normandy on We must be dedicated and willing to sacrifice. And we must be June 6, 1944. This was his aware that in the fog of war, our best plans may not work and we first time back and one of will most likely have to make adjustments. the first times he shared with people like us about what it meant to be on the beach in 1944 and now again in cosmic spiritual battle with a crafty foe. And we must bring 2011. Two truths were so evident to me: the same spirit to the battle as did the men and women in

• The dedication and sacrifice displayed by these young France and other battle sites. We must be dedicated and

people as they faced a very difficult enemy willing to sacrifice. And we must be aware that in the fog of

• The fog of war war, our best plans may not work and we will most likely have

First, dedication and sacrifice. The men arriving on the to make adjustments. beaches knew very quickly that they might never return

Fortunately, we do not fight in our own strength. Our home. Soldiers were dying all around them and still they weakness is made perfect in Christ’s strength, and we go moved forward. There are so many stories of courageous acts into battle with a sense of confidence that He will give us the of heroism as they fought on. They were willing to suffer and dedication, the willingness to sacrifice, and the wisdom to die for a cause. make adjustments as we serve Him.

Second, the fog of war — a term coined to describe how, once a battle begins, the best-laid plans may be thwarted by Denny Rydberg the unexpected so that decisions must be made on the fly.

Young Life President On D-Day and just prior, parachutists were not able to land on their targets because of the wind and navigational problems.

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IN YOUR OWN WORDS Our readers share their thoughts MEETINGS LEAD TO ... LESS MEETINGS! “The vice principal at Laurel Ridge Middle School in Sherwood, Ore., shared with me that since our student staff person, Matthew Morrison, began meeting with the boys for Campaigners, those same kids have been ‘meeting’ less often with the vice principal in his office. Basically, their behavior at school has dramatically improved. He said that Campaigners is changing the boys’ lives! (He said this after giving me a bear hug and thanking us for regularly doing contact work in his school the last two years.) I am thankful for school partnerships and principals like Mr. Beasley who let us care for and enter a world of kids.”

— Jon Gardiner, area director, Sherwood, Ore.

WITH A BANG “First, me and three of my friends (Alex, Abraham and Jesse) were all in WyldLife together. We were all skaters so once we got involved, the [WyldLife leaders] really supported that, so that’s how we became close with them.

We all lived in Point Loma and made a pact that we would all go to Lost Canyon together. We went and it was the greatest time of our lives. It brought us closer and closer to God. After camp, we all split up. Alex moved and so did Abraham. Me and Jesse never saw them again, but we’re still in Young Life at Point Loma High School. Our last memories together were the greatest of our lives — a six-year friendship ended with a bang thanks to Young Life.”

BURSTING WITH JOY “I wanted to share how excited I am to be a volunteer leader with Young Life Capernaum.

As a mom of a special needs daughter, I had signed up my daughter and myself to attend Young Life camp in Flagstaff, Ariz., last July.

My daughter had never been involved with any kind of special needs camp before. I wanted her to have an experience of a lifetime. I had heard from my friend about this camp and God opened the door for us to come. (Thanks, David Thames!)

Little did I know the plans God had for us at that time. I started soaking up all the fun and activities and information because I wanted to bring it back to Kauai once I got home. My friend’s daughter was also involved as a buddy at the same camp (Shaelynna Ringor). We both started spreading the word and Young Life Capernaum was birthed in Kauai on Sept. 11, 2010. We have been having awesome clubs every month with fun themes. I want to thank Nick Palermo and everyone who has supported us and prayed for us to make this happen. This summer we are having a five-day camp, our first Young Life Capernaum camp in Kauai. We are so excited. The kids are bursting out of their skin with joy because they can’t wait! Love you guys and thank you again for all you do. God bless you big.”

— Ana Munoz and Kauai Capernaum leaders, Lihue, Hawaii

— Quan, 16, San Diego, Calif.

is a publication of Young Life, a mission devoted to introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith. younglife.org P.O. Box 520 Colorado Springs, CO 80901

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If you’re receiving duplicate copies of Relationships 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 Executive Editor Terry Swenson Lead Editor Jeff Chesemore Coordinator Donna McKenzie Copy Editor Jessica Williams

Lead Designer Jason O’Hara Designer/Illustrator Luke Flowers Contributing Photographer Kathi Inglesby

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

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t’s been said that God doesn’t call the equipped — unearthed an old tin box containing all manner of treasure.

He equips the called. That’s what Young Life leader Dybeck sifted through the box and uncovered one Kim Dybeck counted on as she entered a bedroom of needle and a spool of thread — platinum-colored — in the freshman girls dressing for their first Pitman High School exact shade of Lacie’s dress. While Lacie stood motionless, (New Jersey) homecoming dance. Dybeck only knew one of Dybeck whipstitched the dress bodice to her slight frame. the girls in the feminine fest that she had walked into. “I “Periodically someone would yell, ‘The guys are here!’ or wondered if I’d be considered an intruder in this high school ‘It’s time for pictures!’ and the disappointment on Lacie’s memory,” said Dybeck, “but I hoped one of them could use a face motivated me to sew even more quickly and carefully,” mother’s touch as she got ready for this special night.”

Dybeck recalled.

Dybeck noticed one girl, not yet in her formal dress, When Dybeck finished, Lacie thanked her and looked sitting quietly on the floor looking lost in the fluff and fuss. into the mirror. When she didn’t smile, Dybeck’s heart sank.

Dybeck approached “It’s just that … well … her and offered to it’s so wrinkled,” Lacie help curl her hair. With said. And it was. An the girl’s enthusiastic iron was dispatched to assent, Dybeck, the the room. But with no mother of three ironing board on hand, grown sons, dove Dybeck kneeled on the into the deep end hardwood floor to iron of the estrogen pool the satin skirt. The and grabbed a curling pain she felt from her iron. She twirled recent knee surgery Lacie’s hair around (to repair a meniscus the curling iron as the she tore hurling a other girls deliberated flour bomb across a on the right pair of field during Young Life shoes; eyeliner or not; camp that summer) necklace, bracelet or reminded Dybeck that both? Eventually every she was in the perfect fashion dilemma was position to pray. resolved. Primped and While Dybeck “I wondered if I’d be considered an intruder in this polished, the group prayed — and high school memory, but I hoped one of them could ironed — Lacie stood started for the stairs.

The procession over her, waiting use a mother’s touch as she got ready for this halted with a cry from anxiously. “It takes a special night.” — Kim Dybeck the stairway, “Lacie’s little time to look like dress is too big!” Dybeck looked up at the object of the girls’ a princess,” Dybeck said, and for the first time that night, attention to see a petite Lacie dwarfed by a dress that was Lacie broke into a wide smile. A short time later, Dybeck slid sizes too big. “Lacie was devastated. On a night that she the smooth satin dress over Lacie’s head and tied its sash should feel like a princess, she looked so sad. It broke my into a neat bow. Lacie was radiant in a dress tailor-made heart,” said Dybeck. for her.

Someone said “Do something!” and moments later Lacie descended the steps to join her group leaving the homeowner handed Dybeck a roll of heavy-duty, Dybeck to wonder at God’s provision. She’d been equipped double-sided tape. She looked at the tape and the satin with everything she’d needed: a needle and thread, an iron, dress draping Lacie. “Umm, I’m actually more of a sewing and a mother’s touch — all to express the Father’s care for girl. Would you have a needle and thread?” Dybeck and every detail that matters to a teenage princess of Lacie returned to the dressing room while the homeowner the kingdom.

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A death, a church and two unlikely leaders transform Hispanic teenagers in San Antonio.

Awakened to Life

By Leslie Strader

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drian Lopez serves on student staff in south San Antonio, Texas, at McCollum High School, a campus that’s 98 percent Hispanic, where he’s been meeting kids and leading them to Christ for the last two years. While Lopez grew up in this part of town, he’s a long way from the life he used to live.

In January 2009, through a seemingly senseless tragedy, Lopez lost a good friend. At the time, Lopez was a drug dealer; his best friend, Daniel Torres, was an alcoholic. But the tragedy would serve as a catalyst to awaken something inside.

Today, Lopez and Torres have left drugs and alcohol to serve Christ and His church. And Lopez will tell you the ministry of Young Life used everything wrong in his life to bring him face to face with the One who made it all right.

A death that led to life

Victor Ramirez was 18 years old when he was killed in a drunk driving accident. Two years earlier, Victor had accepted Christ at Lost Canyon, Young Life’s camp in Arizona. Victor and Lopez were close friends.

“He told me he met Christ at camp,” Lopez recalled.

“He was going to church and seemed quite zealous for the Lord. I wasn’t saved at the time so it didn’t mean that much to me. I’d give him rides home — it looked like it was a tough life. I gave him worldly advice. He told me he had to lean on the Lord.”

Victor’s death had a lasting effect on Lopez. At his funeral, south San Antonio’s area director, Annie Mays, read a letter Victor had written to himself at camp.

“That was one of the first things that really woke me up,” Lopez said. “I was raised really religious, but this was different. I was selling drugs at the time. My little brother had just [been] busted for selling drugs for me and that crushed me. I realized I was living a sinful lifestyle. I felt like I offended Him with my very breath.”

So Lopez started attending church and trying to “live a moral life.” One day, he heard someone mention Young Life and that sparked a memory. He decided to find Mays, the girl he knew was somehow connected to Victor’s transformed life.

Willing but not yet able

Soon after, Mays agreed to meet Lopez and Torres.

She had been praying for years for male leaders for her mostly Hispanic club, but wasn’t sure these guys were the answer.

“They told me, ‘We know we’re supposed to love God and spread the Word and this is how we want to do it — we want to do what it was that brought Victor to Jesus,’” she said. “They were knuckleheads, but I knew they loved kids. And I knew they needed to be discipled.”

Mays knew of a church right next door to McCollum — Mayfield Park Baptist Church. The pastor, Jerry Canupp, had been praying that Mayfield could connect with the high school. He would soon find out Adrian Lopez and Daniel Torres were the answer to his prayers as well.

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LEFT: Daniel Torres (far left), and Adrian Lopez (fourth from left) celebrate several McCollum students’ baptisms at Mayfield Park Baptist Church. RIGHT: Daniel Torres (second from left) with McCollum guys at Frontier Ranch in July 2010.

“I met Adrian at a club I visited,” Canupp said, “and I developed a relationship with him. He and Daniel spent most of their time in my office asking questions. I’ve seen these guys go from an alcoholic and drug dealer to incredibly capable ministers of the Gospel, especially as it relates to teenagers. They’ve grown very fast in their faith.

You wouldn’t even recognize them from the guys I first met. It’s all of the Lord.”

Lopez said God used all the events of his life to bring him to Christ. “I was introduced to Young Life through death and making wrong decisions. Sometimes you don’t truly understand God and why He does what He does, but I trust that He’s sovereign in everything. I am amazed how God works and uses situations to bring people to Him.”

Coming full circle

Because of the effect Young Life and the church have had on his life, Lopez is passionate about making that connection for the kids he cares about. So now, Mayfield Park and Mays and her staff build relationships in the high school through Young Life, and then bring the teens to church.

Mayfield Park opens its doors every week for McCollum kids to have dinner and Campaigners there. These same kids come to Mayfield’s mid-week youth ministry event and to church on Sunday mornings.

“So often Young Life has been the church for kids,” Canupp said. “Then kids graduate and they don’t have a connection. It’s incredibly important for them to be

“I’ve seen these guys go from an alcoholic and drug dealer to incredibly capable ministers of the Gospel, especially as it relates to teenagers.”

— Jerry Canupp

connected to a church. Adrian and Daniel give both ministries great continuity. I’d hate to think about where we’d be as a church if Young Life hadn’t come in. It’s given our church the chance to see lives transformed.”

Mays says Lopez and Torres’ presence as strong male leaders, coupled with the open-hearted attitude of the church, has had eternal impact and redeemed the pain of loss.

“The church has been God’s clear provision to us,” she said. “You can’t afford to think your ministry is going to be enough, especially in a high-risk area. When these kids graduate, most of them are not going to go to a university where they have great college Young Life. More likely they’ll go straight to work or community college and live at home.

So if you don’t give them a church body to integrate into, they’re lost.

“It’s been incredible to see Adrian and Daniel grow as men and usher kids into the body of Christ. They bring kids to church and those kids bring their families.

“Adrian and Daniel don’t think of themselves as doing ‘Hispanic ministry.’ They just know they’re head over heels for Jesus and kids and doing what they’re called to do.”

TEXAS LATINO INITIATIVE: GETTING AHEAD OF THE CURVE The Texas Latino Initiative (TLI) started two years ago as a way to intentionally reach out to Hispanic teens by doing what Young Life does best: life-on-life ministry.

Through TLI, Annie Mays was able to bring Adrian Lopez and Daniel Torres on student staff to help carry out the mission’s goal of reaching one million Hispanic teens in Texas in 15 years.

Adam Leija, the director of Latino Ministry in San Antonio, said, “There is a growing number of Hispanics across the nation, especially in Texas. TLI is a concentrated effort to bring Latinos to an understanding of Christ.”

Gerald Garcia, TLI director, said statistics show the Hispanic

population will grow more than any other demographic in the country over the next five years. “We hope in Texas we are creating a pipeline for future staff and volunteer leaders who will go north to the rest of the country and south to Mexico. This is our way of showing you can reach those kids. This is a way to take a chance.”

Mays has been doing ministry with Hispanic teens for seven years and believes TLI is meeting a need and getting ahead of the curve.

“We can’t afford to ignore the fact that in five years, 60 percent of the teenage population in Texas will be Hispanic,” she said. “We have to be intentional about it now. Kids are kids;

they have some deep soul needs and want to be known and pursued. On the other hand, every high school has its own culture and we have to be mindful of that.”

Leija agrees that while the culture is different and needs a distinct ministry style, staff don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to connecting with these teens.

“The love Jesus shows us is no different from what those kids want.

Know that the culture is different, but don’t shy away from going after Hispanic kids because you’re afraid club has to be different. Love them, lead them, and you’ll have those kids in your club.”

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Twice Adopted

By Bethany Bradsher

One girl’s journey from Russia to America to Rockbridge to Jesus.

FAR LEFT: Carroll County WyldLife girls after completing the Challenge Course at Rockbridge.

MIDDLE: Valerie (in red) with work crew and summer staff friends after the new believers’ meeting. LEFT: Valerie (in yellow) supports a new friend she met at camp.

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alerie Collins has spent much of her life trying to adapt to new places and people. During her first 10 years, she had to navigate foster care in Russia, and then adjust to a foreign culture when she was adopted by an American family.

But when Valerie arrived at Rockbridge (Young Life’s camp in Virginia) last summer with her WyldLife group from Carroll County, Md., it didn’t take long before she felt like she was at home.

She loved the Blob, couldn’t get enough of club and slowly started engaging with her leaders each night during cabin time. Those leaders, Danni Williar, Alyssa Fadden and Donna Felkner, knew Valerie from WyldLife club, where she was an energetic, friendly presence. Their prayers for her were answered when Valerie’s parents paid her way to summer camp as a birthday present.

“She loved it,” Williar said. “She just loved everything about it, all the people she got to meet. There were times we would say, ‘Where’s Valerie?’ and she would be hanging around with summer staff, or work crew, or some random campers.”

It seemed like Valerie was made for camp, but she was more reticent when it came to talking about spiritual things. She fell asleep during cabin time on the first night, Williar said, and she tended to give short answers when conversations became too personal. But when the leaders broke away with the kids during the last two days for oneon-one talks, Felkner felt clearly that the Holy Spirit allowed a breakthrough with Valerie.

“She had some head knowledge, but it became a heart connection for her at camp,” said Felkner, who has led WyldLife in Carroll County for 14 years and is known to the kids as “Mama D.” “She just didn’t realize that she could be loved.”

Valerie prayed to receive Christ that day, and with her

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permission the leaders shared it with her whole cabin that night. Her friends in the cabin celebrated, as did the work crew and summer staff friends who lined up and cheered when she came to the new believers’ meeting on the last day of camp. Once she embraced Christ’s love and sacrifice, her leaders gave her another gift to help her understand the foundational truths of her new faith.

“Valerie is a living reminder to her leaders that cultural and language barriers are no match for the love of Christ.”

“I learned a lot of things, and at the end of the summer Mama D, Alyssa and Danni, they got me a Bible, and they wrote little notes on it, and they said, ‘I hope you follow God for your whole life,’” Valerie said.

Growing up in Russia, Valerie said she heard very little about Jesus. She knew he was born on Christmas, but never had much education beyond that. Once she arrived in the States, she learned a little bit more and her parents, who attended Young Life when they were younger, jumped at the chance to plug her into WyldLife when she reached middle school.

With one year of WyldLife left, Valerie is already looking forward to Young Life. Meanwhile, her younger sister (her biological sister from Russia who was adopted with her), and her two brothers, adopted from other parts of Russia, can’t wait until they get the chance to be part of WyldLife. Now Valerie understands that she was adopted twice — once by the Collins family and once into the family of God. She is a living reminder to her leaders that cultural and language barriers are no match for the love of Christ.

Said Felkner: “To be with her, when she crossed that threshold, it was just a real, real privilege.”

MAKING A SPLASH Washington Family Ranch Creekside On May 14, 2011, middle school students from the Portland area were the first campers to launch down the waterslides at Young Life’s new water-park-themed camp at Washington Family Ranch.

Built specifically to serve Young Life’s WyldLife ministry, the new camp accommodates more than 350 guests, increasing Washington Family Ranch’s capacity to more than 1,000 guests per week. In addition to the water park, the new camp, called Creekside, has an indoor ropes course, climbing area, basketball court and miniature golf.

On hand to witness the first campers experience Creekside were the Dennis and Phyllis Washington family, Young Life President Denny Rydberg, and more than 100 camp staff and faithful friends of Washington Family Ranch. The high point of the dedication ceremony was the moment when assembled guests witnessed the arrival of five buses loaded with campers and leaders eager to make this new camp their own.

Within minutes all the waterslides were full of screaming kids and leaders.

The mission is so very grateful for the Lord’s provision and the generosity of the Washingtons. We have a profound sense of anticipation that, beginning with five busloads of campers from Portland, many, many kids will experience and hear of the love of Christ at this new camp made especially for them.

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By Jeff Chesemore

Younger leaders from around the mission share their surprises, insights and vision.

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

— 1 Timothy 4:12, NIV In the last issue of Relationships we focused on leaders who have served for decades in Young Life and the wisdom they’ve received from their years of ministry. In the conclusion of our two-part look at leaders in the mission, we focus on the younger contingent and the powerful insights they bring.

Just as the apostle Paul saw the integrity and leadership in Timothy’s life and how it could influence those around him, we’re blessed with thousands of younger staff and leaders who, through their exemplary witness, inspire kids, other leaders and the supporters in their communities every day.

Unfortunately, due to space constraints, we could only share some of their responses. For a look at their complete interviews, go to www.younglife.org/ voices and click on “Interviews with Young Life Leaders.”

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ALDO FELIX, SANTIAGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Training Director, Young Life and Developing Global Leaders program

Describe the world of kids you work with.

The world of kids I work with is relatively small. They have very few choices and many don’t attend school because they have to work to help bring in money to support the family.

The majority of kids live with their mother or grandmother; many have never met their father and don’t want to know about him. Many sell and consume drugs, but are still very concerned about what they’ll eat the next day. They worry about their safety, and some worry about going to jail or being killed. They need love, support, education, understanding and solutions. They respond when they’re not judged for their situation, and they’re just looking for someone to truly listen to them. They’re hurting deeply on the inside, but respond when you show interest in what they do.

What joys have you experienced in your first few years with Young Life?

Having the opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a BIG reason to rejoice. I enjoy the sense of family I’ve found at Young Life meetings. I really love Young Life camp; it’s there I’ve experienced the most profound joy. I love listening and observing the kids when they arrive at camp so I can compare it to what they say at the Say-So on the last day. I can’t hold back the tears when I hear what Jesus has done in

Aldo Felix

their life. The most recent experience was at training camp this past April. I was listening to my 14-year-old brother saying that he loved God and wanted to share the good news with his friends.

What’s your greatest desire for the ministry?

My greatest desire for the ministry is that every kid in the Dominican Republic have the opportunity to hear about Jesus and make a decision to follow Him, and eventually through that, impact the Caribbean, the continent, the world.

TAMEKA RICHARDSON, LARGO, FLA. Area Director, Urban Young Life and WyldLife

Describe the world of kids you work with.

A majority of the kids I work with are African-American, unchurched kids. These kids struggle with identifying their worth, purpose and their own identity in life. The kids I work with deal with self-esteem issues, lack of positive male role models, abandonment, abuse, poverty, lack of discipline … and the list can go on and on. They have become so encapsulated with the media and technology that they’ve been able to mask these issues behind materialism and social networking to develop their identity.

What is your most difficult challenge at this point?

Being single in ministry, it can become so easy to dominate my time with doing Young Life stuff. Therefore, it can be a challenge, and I have to be very intentional to develop a healthy balance between Young Life and non-Young Liferelated activities.

What joys have you experienced in your first few years with Young Life?

It’s been an incredible experience to see kids today whom I began building relationships with and ministering to when they were in the sixth-grade. At first, they had no aspirations or hope for reaching their God-given potential. Since then,

Tameka Richardson they’ve not only grown in their love and relationship with Christ over the years, but also developed skills, assets and goals that will influence their future as they graduate from high school.

Within my first few years with Young Life, I have also had the great opportunity to work in a region that truly uplifts women through encouragement, mentorship and leadership opportunities. It’s especially enriching for a woman in ministry to feel valued and be offered roles within the ministry where women typically are not seen. Being afforded a variety of opportunities within the region has allowed me to grow as a woman of Christ, which has given me so much joy and continues to fuel my passion for doing ministry.

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JUSTIN RYDER, CHESAPEAKE, VA Young Life, WyldLife, YoungLives and Capernaum

What is your greatest desire for the ministry?

To see students become fishers of people and thoroughly enjoy, rely on, go to and trust Jesus for everything they need to succeed in that mission. My greatest desire is that they’d approach club ministry in their school with a heart to teach others to fish for people and this attitude would become the “norm” for a disciple of Christ in Chesapeake.

Describe the world of kids you work with.

I’ve heard multiple times this year that “kids these days have it easy.” It may seem like the world is handed to them, but I disagree. I think growing up today is a battle of being pulled in 1,000 directions at once, and that can be very dangerous for one’s soul. Many students I work with are that way. Their days are completely full with school, clubs, assignments and practices; there are pressures from every side to give of their time and energy. More than ever, I see students spread thin. It seems many times they don’t have time to stop and consider the most important things in life, or the important things become just another thing that fills up their schedule.

Any other thoughts?

I’m dedicated to sacrificing and pressing on in this mission more than ever. My heart cries out on a daily basis: PRESS ON. God has done a lot in [my wife] Libby and me this year,

Justin Ryder and we’re more focused than ever before, because we long to help students. I love the opportunity to encourage our mission to keep helping people! As many as possible! This past year, when Libby was sick with cancer, hospital bills piling up and distractions galore, the thought crossed my mind: What if we have to quit? What if we spend the next six months at a treatment center? What if we’re taken out of this? Because that was not His will, every opportunity up at the school feels like a gift, every meeting with a student a God-breathed chance to love Jesus and help people. It taught us to rejoice in this great gift we’ve been given: The chance to do Young Life ministry. We’re praying for everyone — Press on!

BEKAH SANCHEZ, FORT HOOD, TEXAS

Staff Associate, Young Life Military - Club Beyond

What surprised you in working with kids?

The thing that surprised me the most is how unbelievably strong they are. We have students who throughout this last year have been experiencing the fifth year of their life where one of their parents is deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.

During these times, they not only work to hold their families together, but to support their friends going through the same thing. They are kids whose whole life centers on humbly sacrificing their will for the good of our nation and the good of others.

Describe the world of kids you work with.

Our kids spend their time doing normal things like attending school and being with their friends. The only difference is that while engaging in these activities, many have the awareness that their father or mother is in the middle of a war. They work hard to be kids while at the same time working to hold their families together. They have their friends for support, but on average are called to leave those friends to go to a new duty station every one to three years.

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Bekah Sanchez In this world of the military, the only constant is change.

Throughout our community, death and suffering are never far from our minds. At any given time, half of our families are in the middle of a deployment and though for many people throughout our nation it seems as if the war is over or has died down, for our students the war has never let up.

There are people still being injured and dying and our kids are well aware of that. What do they need? Jesus! They need to know there’s a loving God who’ll never leave them. That even though all their friends leave over and over and their parent leaves time and time again, God will never leave! And that no matter how close they get to Him and how vulnerable they are with Him, they will not have to say goodbye like they do with everyone else they love. There’s a constant firm foundation in military life and that foundation is Jesus!

RICH YOUNGMAN, HODDESDON, UK

Rich Youngman

Area Director, Young Life

Describe the world of kids you work with.

Their lives center around school and the relationships built there; friendship circles are very important to them.

They tend to be very busy with lots of different activities, clubs and sports. They have a huge range of choices and opportunities available to them, accentuated by being very close to London.

We work with a very diverse socioeconomic range.

Many kids we work with have plenty of money, while others have very little. Equally, family life can be very stable or very fractured. Very few have any experience or knowledge of Christianity, though many would say they’re Christian because they’re English, or their parents went to church when they were small. As a result, I think life can be quite confusing and changeable, so they have a great need for, and respond well to, a welcoming, accepting and stable environment where they can be themselves and loved for who they are.

What joys have you experienced in your first few years with Young Life?

Although it would seem obvious, without a doubt it’s been building relationships with some truly amazing young people and adults in the area. I’ve loved watching young people start

to walk with God and then learn more about Him from what they’re experiencing. In addition, watching God’s amazing, gracious and always perfectly timed provision of all we’ve needed has been incredibly humbling; from His provision of money and practical gifts, to exactly the right people we have needed at just the right time.

What’s your most difficult challenge at this point?

It’s developing strategies for church integration of the young people who come to faith through Young Life. Many churches we work with have no teenagers at all and the majority of the young people we work with have no experience of church.

This means we’re trying to bridge the cultural gaps in both directions to ensure the young people have the support and communities needed to become lifelong disciples of Christ.

TRACEE COBB, LEE’S SUMMIT, MO Area Director, Young Life and WyldLife

What’s surprised you in working with kids?

I read a statistic that adolescents need five adults in their life to help shape their character and make it through these tough years. I got a text from a Young Life kid who has heard me quote that statistic: “You have been such an impact on my life and I wouldn’t know how close I would be with Jesus without you. I love you and am so thankful for you. You have no idea. I need you to be one of my five.”

I’m surprised:

Tracee Cobb

Any other thoughts?

I’m honored to be considered a friend by Young Life kids, to be an influence in their lives and to hear the details of their day — their highs and lows. I’m honored to know them, to • that students need five adults but many have maybe one be in their story, to be accepted by them and to love them • that I get to be one of the five and what an honor it is as they are. I’m honored to sit beside them at basketball games, see them every day at school, give rides and have • by how open kids can be long driveway conversations at the end of the night. I’m • by how often I stand on holy ground when a kid opens his honored to love Jesus alongside them, to be called and texted, to write recommendation letters. I’m honored to or her heart to share be one who listens, to be known as one they can go to for • that they desire to be heard and loved more than anything anything, to hear about their relationships. I’m honored to know their families, to have earned the right to be heard, to • that I get to call this my job read the Bible with them, pray over them, cry with them.

12 / FALL 2011

FROM THE GRAPEVINE A fruitful selection of stories from the field

180 Degrees

By Emily Johnston When Elena first walked into Darlene Dueck’s seventh-grade social studies and language arts classroom at Castillero Middle School two years ago, little did she know how radically Christ would change her life.

Estranged from her family, Elena had no structure at home and lived in four different places in a year and a half.

She attended WyldLife events after being invited by a friend, but remained distant most of the year. In addition to teaching at Castillero, Dueck is a volunteer WyldLife leader in the Silicon Valley. Elena was anything but pleased when she found out that her “strict teacher” went to WyldLife too.

Reluctantly, she attended Oakbridge (Young Life’s camp in California) last summer with Dueck and another leader, Erin Wood.

“She was distant but we just kept loving on her,” Dueck said.

At camp, Christ grabbed hold of Elena and completely turned her world around. Dueck helped bridge the teacher-student relationship by inviting

Last year, Elena hated the structure in Dueck’s classroom.

Now, she runs there when she needs help, support or even just some food for breakfast.

Elena to call her “Darlene.” The two also bonded through the shared activities at camp. Not only did they tackle the high ropes course together, but they also participated in a game where Elena doused Dueck with soda. Elena even gave Dueck a shaving cream hairdo at the carnival — another perfect leadercamper moment.

FALL 2011 / 13

Darlene Dueck and Elena enjoying WyldLife club.

Even though Dueck connected with Elena at camp, it’s been a team effort to care for her and build her up this past year. While Dueck helps support Elena at school, Elena’s other leaders play an active role in her life as well. Wood helps Elena study and finish math projects while Ileen Urban, another leader, often packs Elena a lunch for school and regularly has her spend the night.

Last year, Elena hated the structure in Dueck’s classroom. Now, she runs there when she needs help, support or even just some food for breakfast.

Elena also had low self-esteem. Now, she does her hair in the morning and has 40 other eighthgrade girlfriends. They attend Campaigners and have sleepovers together.

At Campaigners, Elena is eager and excited to learn. “It’s so awesome to see those brand new, fresh eyes,” Wood said.

Not only was Elena in charge of the last club of the year (which is led by the eighth-graders), but she also signed up for WyldLife camp again and invited new sixth-graders to join her.

“Elena has turned around 180 degrees,” Dueck said.

The Great Carryover

By Laura Spence

The YoungLives program in Rochester, N.H., has been thriving lately, thanks to a group of mentors and volunteers who have invested personally in the lives of teen moms in the area. “These women are committed to loving Jesus with their whole hearts,” said Bjorn Anderson, the area director for Greater Seacoast, N.H. “They spend hours and hours with these girls, so it is perfectly natural for them to not only invite them to club, but also to church and to spend time with their families.”

Anderson has seen firsthand what the program can really do when it touches an entire family. In 2010 the YoungLives team met Tara, who, after discovering she was pregnant, connected with the growing program. The leaders worked together alongside a local church to throw her a baby shower, which was attended by Tara’s whole family: her twin brother, older sister and her mother.

The YoungLives relationships developed during Tara’s pregnancy carried over into her home as Tara’s mother fell suddenly ill and passed away unexpectedly over the Thanksgiving week.

“It was certainly a tragic situation,” Anderson remembered. “The YoungLives team pitched in with groceries and meals, and the same church that helped throw Tara a baby shower was now helping put together a funeral.”

Over the months that followed, while Tara and her siblings struggled to manage without their mother, the

At church on Easter morning, Ashley (far left) and Tara (second from left), celebrate with their leader, Dawn Devanna (center in glasses) and other YoungLives girls.

YoungLives mentors stayed close beside them. Tara continued to attend club and sought support from her personal mentor, Amanda York.

At the same time, Tara’s older sister, Ashley, was meeting regularly with Dawn Devanna, a YoungLives team leader. Together they spent time discussing the family’s future and issues arising out of Ashley’s new role as the family leader. As their relationship developed, Devanna had the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ. In time, Ashley responded to an invitation to faith at her local church. Two weeks later at the church, Tara and her twin brother both gave their lives to Christ as well, and were baptized.

“To watch this family come to Christ completely renewed my own faith in God’s almighty power,” said York, Tara’s friend and mentor. “Remembering where they came from and seeing where they are now is a true miracle.”

Going By Amanda Kolman When the tornadoes hit Alabama in April 2011, Susie Ankenbrandt texted her Campaigner girls, all freshmen at Homewood High School in Birmingham. “Who wants to go help with tornado relief?” She heard from them almost immediately, “How soon can we go?”

Just three days after tornadoes devastated towns across central and northeast Alabama, Ankenbrandt and her husband, Don, along with Young Life volunteer Sandy Whitten, set out with seven girls to help in any way they could.

For one of them, Jennifer Roberts, the tornado’s destruction was personal. Her Susie Ankenbrandt (back center) with her girls aunt’s home in Pleasant Grove was destroyed and the girls decided to spend serving in tornado-ravaged Pleasant Grove, Ala. most of their time helping her recover anything they could. “The best part,” said Jennifer, “was seeing the way Aunt Pat’s face lit up when she saw us coming to help.” The girls picked through rubble finding jewelry, old pictures and anything else they thought might have sentimental value.

For these freshman girls, sharing the love of Christ through serving others is not a new concept. They spent their spring break this year on a Young Life Expeditions trip to the Dominican Republic where they helped build houses for locals who work at Pico Escondido, the Young Life camp there. “[In the DR] we had the chance to serve with some of our best friends,” said Sloan Chaney. The girls all agreed their trip had given them a whole new perspective on struggling. So, when the tornado hit, Ankenbrandt never even questioned whether they would want to go and help.

Since assuming a position of leadership three years ago when their WyldLife group needed an additional female leader for camp, Ankenbrandt has formed a strong bond with this group of girls, who were sixth-graders when she met them. They began to share life together regularly after camp, and when they graduated out of WyldLife and went to high school, they just kept meeting. “I love these girls,” she said, “and it has been amazing to watch them grow in their faith and develop into true servants.”

So it wasn’t surprising that the day they returned from Pleasant Grove, she received another text. “When are we going back?”

14 / FALL 2011

Created to Dream A group of Capernaum friends learns they can dream big and impact others.

By Erika Jay

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Artists and friends help make Katie Harbison’s CD a reality: (from left) Stephan Sharp, Drew Holcomb, Paul Eckberg, Stephanie Anderson, Katie, Christopher Williams, Ellie Holcomb, Suzanne Williams and Andrew Osenga; Sara Ellet, Katie Hamilton and Lacey Douthit delivering toys to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital; Katie Hamilton with all of the toys she collected; Katie Harbison signing copies of her CD for her Young Life leaders.

FALL 2011 / 15

“G

od gives us dreams for three reasons,” Suzanne Williams shared with 12 of her young friends. “Godgiven dreams bring Him glory, lead us to serve others and help us grow.” The students leaned in, soaking up her words.

“What are three of your life dreams?” she asked the kids. A slew of answers followed, but not the answers we might expect.

This group of teens is different; not because they have disabilities or special needs, not because some of them require assistance to do simple things we take for granted, but because their hearts make them some of the most amazing kids in Nashville.

Over the course of a year, Williams, coordinator for Young Life Capernaum in Nashville, Tenn., and a team of leaders walked alongside a dozen students with disabilities to help them each identify and achieve a God-given life dream. The dreams had to meet all three criteria of glorifying God, serving others and helping students grow in their own lives.

The dreams kids brought forth were amazing, powerful and overwhelming. Capernaum leader Lacey Douthit shared, “What is your dream in life? Most of us would respond with grandiose ideas of world peace or great wealth, but not these kids. In that room,

“It was incredible to see the confidence [Katie Hamilton] gained realizing that God had given her leadership abilities to live out something He had given her to do, and because of that, seeing Him bring people around her to help make it happen.”

— Suzanne Williams we heard things like, ‘I want to make a worship CD to sell in order to raise money for taking my friends to summer camp,’ and ‘I want to collect toys for the sick children at the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.’”

Students grabbed hold of the truth that they could make a difference — that God had gifted them and could equip them to affect their community. “Watching each of our friends realize that God has gifted them to do things on His behalf, seeing them understand that He desires for them to be a significant part of the community was awesome,” recalled Williams.

Leading the charge Katie Hamilton shared her dream of collecting toys for sick kids at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital — longing to make their time in the hospital more enjoyable.

With the help of Douthit, her mom and others, Katie made a plan. She began by gathering women from her church to share the idea, along with a list of toys the hospital needed. Katie then hosted a party where the caveat of entering was bringing a toy as a donation. Her guests did not bring just one, but several, and Katie ended up with three large baskets filled with dolls, stickers, construction paper and many other gifts for the children.

“It was incredible to see the confidence [Katie] gained realizing that God had given her leadership abilities to live out something He had given her to do and, because of that, seeing Him bring people around her to help make it happen,” said Williams.

Singing for Him Katie Harbison loves to sing. She passionately shared her dream of recording a worship CD — giving others the opportunity to worship

God through music, then selling the CD to raise money for her friends to attend Young Life camp.

Making a record would also grow Katie in the areas of patience and perseverance as Williams and many others in Nashville’s rich music community came around her. Ellie Holcomb had known Katie from Capernaum club and jumped at the chance to mentor her. She walked with Katie through every detail — from recording to the CD release party. She reminded Katie that being on stage is not about Katie, but about God and the audience knowing Him. Paul Eckberg, who has worked with artists such as Caedmon’s Call and Jeremy Redmon from Big Daddy Weave, produced the CD. “Paul showed Katie excellence,” shared Williams, “He said, ‘God’s given her this dream and passion, she deserves excellence like anyone else who walks into this studio.’”

Many musicians gathered to play on the tracks and longtime Young Life friend Stephan Sharp came to help Katie with her favorite song, “Made to Worship” (recorded by Chris Tomlin and written by Sharp). Katie was ecstatic to meet Sharp, and thrilled to have him play on the CD. By the time the CD release party rolled around, Katie had not missed a beat. She participated in the entire recording process, including a photo shoot, and was ready to sign CDs for all her friends who helped her dream become a reality.

Jimmy Clark, another Capernaum student and Katie’s boyfriend, remarked after the CD release party, “I thought it was very powerful, what she said about wanting to raise money for Young Life, for kids to go to camp ... Katie has a big heart. I could see God in her heart from the way she was expressing herself ...

I think that’s what God wants us to do, go out there and express our testimonies ... Katie did that. And her music is amazing and powerful ... I thought, ‘This really is a woman who cares about people,’ because she talks about the way she wants all kids to go to camp and I think that is the way the Lord is using her.”

“Katie [Harbison] has a big heart. I could see God in her heart from the way she was expressing herself ...

I think that’s what God wants us to do, go out there and express our testimonies ... Katie did that. And her music is amazing and powerful.”

— Jimmy Clark

Listening well As Williams said, God-given dreams bring Him glory, lead us to serve others and help us grow into more of who He has created us to be. Williams and her team listened to their friends’ hearts and helped them walk out these dreams. “It was just another thing we got to be a part of where we were each reminded that God has gifted our friends and when given the platform to live out their passions, they succeed. We took time to listen and to help them plan. Others in the community also came alongside — speaking truth to their dreams and helping them flourish in their giftings. In the end, we are just doing Young Life,” Williams reflected.

The Made Right CD features many artists from Nashville, several of whom helped Katie with her own CD. The Made Right CD can be purchased at younglifestore.com and all proceeds will go toward helping kids with disabilities around the world attend Young Life camp, fulfilling Katie’s dream not only in Nashville, but everywhere.

16 / FALL 2011

Sculpting the Next Generation Young Life College at the University of Arkansas.

By Chris Lassiter

Editor’s Note: What follows is the first in a five-part series looking at the ministry of Young Life College at campuses across the United States and abroad.

T

here was something wonderfully different about Megan VonStrohe’s new college roommate.

Even though the University of Arkansas was more than 150 miles from her hometown of Springfield, Mo., Megan was excited about following in her big sister’s footsteps and spending her college years in Fayetteville.

And, with a natural ability to acclimate quickly, she was equally excited about pursuing the college social scene. “I had the traditional party experience that first year,” Megan said.

She assumed her freshman experience would typify the rest of her college years. Unbeknownst to her, a change of dormitories would also lead to a change of heart. As a sophomore, she moved into Gregson Hall with Julie Nelson, a Young Life College leader.

That relationship would change the trajectory of Megan’s life.

Even though she had grown up in church, some of her experiences with organized religion had left a sour taste in her mouth. She stepped on campus with some skepticism toward Christians.

After living with Julie, some of Megan’s views began to change slowly.

“I think that God softened my heart through her,” she said.

She started by trying out ice cream socials, and other fun events hosted by Young Life College. Before long, she found herself in room 510 of Arkansas Union for club.

“It was definitely contagious — a group of people having

Megan VonStrohe (in orange) piling on with friends at their Young Life College fall weekend.

FALL 2011 / 17

so much fun,” Megan said. “They weren’t afraid to make fun of themselves. I just wanted to be part of that. The community is what kept me coming back.”

Initially, Megan was very skeptical of Young Life College Director Robyn Stutts’s club talks on Jesus and the Christian faith. Over time, however, her doubts decreased as her understanding increased. Eventually, she came to the point where she embraced the message and, by the time her senior year arrived, Megan became a Young Life College leader.

“I think for me it was a gradual change,” she said.

“There was never like ‘one moment.’ Over the course of my sophomore year, Jesus opened me to some things. I came from being pretty far out — definitely not receptive to it at all — to a club kid to a leader.”

Transitions

Stutts loves Megan’s testimony and others like it, because she loves college students.

“I could literally spend all day with college kids,” said Stutts, whose home near campus is always open to University of Arkansas students. “I am so energized by them. You literally see them go from being a teenager to a young man or young woman. Being part of that transition is exciting to me.”

In the mid-1980s, Stutts met the Lord through a college ministry at Southeastern Louisiana University, then she met her husband at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. The couple eventually moved to Little Rock, Ark., and, in 2005, Stutts heard someone present the ministry of Young Life at church.

Megan and Young Life College Director Robyn Stutts hanging out at the University of Arkansas.

WASHBURN KANSAS ST

UNC - CHAPEL HILL APPALACHIAN ST. ELON UNC - GREENSBORO

OKLAHOMA STATE ARKANSAS STATE

ARKANSAS OKLAHOMA CENTRAL ARKANSAS

NC STATE EAST CAROLINA HIGH POINT

TENNESSEE —CHATTANOOGA ARKANSAS — CONWAY ARKANSAS— LITTLE ROCK

MISSISSIPPI

MISSISSIPPI STATE ALABAMA

TEXAS TECH TEXAS EL PASO

GEORGIA SOUTHERN

TEXAS CHRISTIAN LOUISIANA TECH SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI BAYLOR

TEXAS A&M

TEXAS

FLORIDA STATE

LSU LOUISIANA

NEW ORLEANS TULANE/LOYOLA

SAM HOUSTON STATE

TEXAS — SAN ANTONIO/TRINITY

CENTRAL FLORIDA

SOUTHERN DIVISION

SOUTH FLORIDA TEXAS STATE

ACTIVE MINISTRY START UP MINISTRY — 2011-12 STARTUP

TEXAS — PAN AMERICA

“That was my first real contact with Young Life,” Stutts said. “I had never seen it done before.

I got connected with Young Life and started learning more about the ministry and the philosophy of incarnational witness. That really resonated with me. I kinda felt like, ‘Hey, this is how we’re living anyway.’”

Initially, she went on staff part time in Little Rock, which led to a full-time position. In 2008, the Stutts family moved from Little Rock to Fayetteville, where she pioneered Young Life College.

She found her calling on the campus.

“College students are so open. Some of them crave adults who care about them,” Stutts said. “For me, it’s like putting the final sculpting piece on a generation.”

Same philosophy, tailored approach

With some variation, Young Life College looks similar to its high school counterpart. At Arkansas, contact work usually consists of the Young Life College leaders hosting a social gathering. For example, one night, about 80 students dropped in when the ministry hosted a cereal bar. Other events have included “Nacho Bedtime” with nacho chips and salsa served at 11:00 p.m. and the “Bowling Ball” where students wear semi-formal attire while bowling — they gave the proceeds

WHAT IS YOUNG LIFE COLLEGE? “Young Life has long been committed to coming alongside and equipping the thousands of college students who serve as Young Life leaders every year, and leader training continues to thrive on campuses missionwide. Young Life College broadens the scope of this commitment by extending Young Life’s outreach philosophy to a new group of students — those missed in high school and middle school — as well as reconnecting with the 75,000 freshmen who arrive on college campuses each year with Young Life experience.”

—Mike Gaffney, vice president, Young Life College

TARGET SCHOOL

to charity.

At club, the humor is often more intellectual than physical. The club talks are longer and more in-depth. Small groups serve as the college equivalent to Campaigners.

The results, however, are the same. Students like Megan are meeting Christ.

“We’re Young Life,” Stutts said, “just a little more grown up.”

Another campus ministry?

When Stutts began Young Life College in the fall of 2008, there was a question as to whether the University of Arkansas — which already has nearly twice the normal average of students involved in campus ministry — needed another ministry.

Stutts, who has worked with a number of ministries, believes the answer is twofold. First, a campus can’t have too much good ministry. Second, Young Life’s approach is distinct.

“We’re meeting people where they are, being in their world,” Stutts said. “That’s our approach. There are thousands and thousands of students who don’t care about spiritual things, and maybe there are people here that Young Life can touch and reach.”

Young Life College continues Young Life’s mission to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith.

We do so through: • A dedicated team of leaders (Young Life staff, adults in the community, college students) • A focus on a particular college/university • A Big 3 Strategy to: • Reach: Pursue college students in their environment and welcome them into a community where they can know Jesus.

• Build: Prepare students for a life of faith in college and beyond through large and small community groups, mentorship, biblical study, prayer and service opportunities.

• Launch: Send thousands of disciples out as leaders to serve in Young Life, the work place, family life, churches and God’s mission in the world.

18 / FALL 2011

A Legacy Thing How Young Life shaped a family.

By Ned Erickson The Davis clan and their Young Life T-shirt collection.

“It seems like all of our family vacations revolved around Young Life.”

— Eric Davis Moreover, Young Life has helped Davis professionally.

“I’m in business development. Young Life taught me how to do this. Opportunities develop through building relationships; we [Young Life] do that really well.”

The church where Davis serves on the board has also adopted the relational approach. The pastor, Mel Cure, associate pastor Ross Bebee, youth pastor Garrick Bailey, and fellow board member Richard Black, are all former Young Life staffers. “We have a weird sense of humor because of that!” Davis said.

From declaring his newfound relationship with Christ at the Say-So at Windy Gap in 1974, Davis has seen his own relationship with God grow, and he’s also seen it change his wife, children, and so many others. “Wow,” said Davis, thinking back on it, “Young Life’s been part of my life for a long time.” It doesn’t look like it’ll be leaving any time soon.

Eric Davis is an alumni and friend of Young Life. Visit the Alumni and Friends website at alumniandfriends.younglife.org to join, update your information and reconnect with your Young Life friends.

2010

1995 FALL 2011 / 19

was the best month of my life.”

“It seems like all of our family vacations revolved around Young Life.” However, one only has to look in Davis’s closet to see Young Life’s impact goes further than vacation.

“We don’t know how many [Young Life] T-shirts we own; 50 ... 75 ... and that doesn’t count the ones we’ve thrown away. Plus the hats and the mug I had my coffee in this morning — Young Life has good brand loyalty, I think.”

2008

T

he Young Life Alumni and Friends newsletter recently posted the question, “What was the short- and longterm impact of your Young Life camp experience?”

Among the many great responses was one from Eric Davis.

Davis was a sophomore at L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas, when two leaders, Rick Hinze and W.W. Broyles, approached him and his friends during lunch and invited them to play handball. “I didn’t know the first thing about handball, but I learned quickly it’s an incredibly painful sport,” said Davis. “I don’t know if it was the best way to attract guys to Young Life, but I guess it worked.”

Several of the kids went to Windy Gap in 1974, the summer before Davis’s senior year. “I was attracted to the funny guys. I thought they were brilliant. I can still remember skit night and cabin times,” said Davis. “I had been raised loosely in the church, but I didn’t have the full understanding of the relationship piece. That’s what became clear.”

Davis came home, got involved in Campaigners and headed to Trail West the day after graduation to serve on work crew. Broyles brought him back the next year to be an assistant work crew boss. Broyles even married Davis and his fiancée, Theresa, in 1979.

While in college, Davis strengthened his connection to Young Life, helping to start club in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Since then, he and Theresa have volunteered in Richardson, Hurst, Lubbock, Tyler, Sherman, and now McKinney, Texas.

Theresa has also served as an administrator in Tyler, an area director in Sherman and currently volunteers with Capernaum. Their four children (Jordan, Rachel, Katlyn and Sarah) have all volunteered with Young Life during college and beyond.

In July 2010 Sarah spent a month wrangling at Trail West, and became the fifth member of the family to serve at the camp. “We have a legacy thing there since 1975,” laughed Davis. In 1995, Davis took a month off work to serve on assignment as part of the program team. One of his characters was “Sheriff Rusty Hinges.” Davis said, “It

By Karen Grace Yasi

A Filipino artist paints a picture of Christ through a life of love.

TOP REEL: The artist working on a prop for an Indiana Jones-themed Young Life camp. MIDDLE REEL: Trasporte (front row with megaphone) with Young Life Philippines campers. BOTTOM REEL: Eddie and Elsa Trasporte.

A

t 46, Edgardo “Eddie” Trasporte laughs at his receding hairline. His face reveals a life filled with smiles and hearty laughter. His life, more importantly, proves how an extraordinary artist can let go of his paint brush so he can pick up his cross.

Trasporte discovered his abilities at a very young age. Until he could actually read and write, scribbling figures on walls in an attempt to form sentences became a hobby for the young artist.

Teachers praised Trasporte’s amazing talent. From participating in regional art contests to having his high school projects hung on the walls of his alma mater, Trasporte showed a promising future with his hands.

Trasporte’s big break came when he joined a Japanese animation company where he was eventually promoted to animation supervisor. His ingenious works were well compensated by his salary and achievements.

Trasporte said, “In my five years in the animation industry, I did a lot of Japanese cartoons which [had] difficult titles I mostly couldn’t remember.

Some cartoon flicks that reached the Philippine tubes were: Megaman, Street Fighter, Slam Dunk, Gundam, Batman, The Little Mermaid, The Goof Troop, some Warner Brothers and Walt Disney titles, to name a few. It was a great experience.”

If there was one word to highlight what Trasporte’s life is all about, one would immediately think “color,” “fame” or “talent.” But, anyone who knows Trasporte’s experiences would say “surrender.”

In 1999, Trasporte left his animation career and with his supportive wife, Elsa, started Young Life in Iloilo City, a 13-hour move from Cebu where they had settled. Young Life is the same ministry that led the artist into God’s saving arms back in 1982 and the one ministry the couple has been passionately involved in for years. Trasporte and his wife gave it a go.

“God’s calling has been with me for many years,” Trasporte said, “but I just kept on ignoring it because of reasons I thought were more important. I had needs and big dreams and plans and I thought serving Him would mean giving them up altogether. But God, in His own mysterious way, slowly and patiently made me realize I don’t have to worry about them for He is taking care of all my needs, and all I have to do is trust the One who I claim to be my Shepherd.”

“The fear of facing the uncertainties was never absent,” Trasporte said.

“But He promised in Isaiah 58:11, ‘I will guide you and satisfy you with good things. I will keep you strong and well. You will be like a garden that has plenty of water that never runs dry.’”

Trasporte now works with Young Life Iloilo as a full-time volunteer under the area director (his wife, Elsa). A week in his life today means holding club meetings, leading Bible studies, and giving free guitar and art lessons to interested kids.

Every year, Trasporte shares with kids his life-changing experience during that 1982 Young Life camp. He serves on the program staff in at least three weeklong camps with Young Life Philippines. He uses his creativity to decorate the camp, set the mood of the environment and paint huge canvases of realistic scenery as backdrops to match the camp themes.

While these canvases are worth thousands of pesos, Trasporte creates them for free. In Trasporte’s life, his works of art will never measure up to the eternal worth of his works of heart.

Trasporte said, “But there’s more beyond all these [works of art] that makes everything worthwhile — it is watching firsthand God’s miracle unfold as teens are slowly changed before your eyes. What did I sacrifice? I could hardly remember if I did.”

Karen Grace Yasi and her family have served faithfully in the Philippines for many years. “I was practically born a Young Lifer!” Yasi said. Her father, Wilbert, has served on staff for 26 years and is the executive director of Young Life Philippines, while her mother, Becky, on staff for 12 years, is an area director. Yasi, her sister and two brothers are all leaders in the Philippines.

20 / FALL 2011

IPS RELATIONSH HAS MAGAZINE A L! GONE DIGIT

Each issue of this magazine is recreated in a digital format, complete with all the powerful stories of what’s going on in the mission (including the great design and photography).

If you would like to receive the digital format directly to your inbox rather than as a hard copy, please contact the Young Life Mission Assistance Team at (877) 438-9592 or mat@sc.younglife.org.

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FALL 2011 / 21

The digital format is also posted on younglife.org.

Select “Relationships Magazine” in the “Take me to” drop-down menu and click on the “flip through this issue” graphic.

PARTING SHOTS A collection of photos from the field

1. Phoenix Capernaum at Lost Canyon (in Arizona) for work week.

2. Dad and kids enjoy the swing at SharpTop Cove’s family camp (in Georgia).

3. A Young Life “Bed Race” at Sandia High School, in Albuquerque, N.M. in the late 1970s. This year, 2011, marks Albuquerque Young Life’s 40-year anniversary!

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FEATURE PHOTO

Kids and leaders gather for a group picture at Nepal’s Young Life camp. Young Life international camping has never been stronger, as this year more than 30,000 kids have gathered at local camps to hear the good news about Jesus. From Scotland to Ethiopia, leaders use their creativity to put together camp experiences that combine adventure, humor, relationships and the Gospel.

22 / FALL 2011

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

At Trail West, we help your family grow stronger and healthier, both spiritually and relationally. We provide programming and activities that include every member of the family, and that honor God in the process. At Trail West’s Family Camp, each member of your family will strengthen their relationship with Christ, as well as with each other ... and experience the “best week of their lives” in the process.

15%

discount for reserv atio made bef ns ore

Dec. 31, 2

011!

Drawing Families Closer.

Closer Together. Closer to God. Call us at (719) 395-2477 to reserve your week.