Wowzers

Just a few students enjoying Yl Club.

Wowzers...

Every once in a while we have a YL Club that blows me away.  A club that is so epic that kids stick around after and won't leave, where I go home and can't sleep, where Twitter blows up, and the next day I have what I call a Yl Club hangover.  That happened this week.  Words won't do it justice but I will try my best to give you a snapshot of what happened.

This week club was "open mic" night.  Where we invite students to share what God has been doing in their life this past semester.  Over 150 students showed up to hear about their peers lives.  More than ever we are hearing the theme of brokenness.  Students were very bold in their openness and sharing how life is hard, how broken their lives are with depression, addiction, divorce, and struggle and how God and the YL family has stepped in and given them hope and assured them they are not alone.  That He is real and they can make it.

YL is not the answer...Jesus is.  We cannot rescue...He can.  Students need us to be beside them and point them to His feet. The world is broken and Jesus came for the sick and for the broken. What a gift it is to know that we don't have to fix people, that there is a God that loves unconditionally, and promises to never forsake us.  What a joy to know there is a source that never runs out and to share that with students.

Hear from those that were there:

From an adult who attended Club:
"Wow...again...wow.  I called my husband on the way home and told him this is real life.  That this is real and we all need a Savior.  Walked out with a crazy different perspective.  You are a difference maker!"

From an adult who attended Club:
"Kids shared the deep problems they’ve had -- and have.  (They experience so much pain – loneliness, depression, suicide, loss of loved ones, physical injury and disorders, etc, etc, etc.)  They shared how YL has helped them.  They have come to know and accept Jesus, are learning how to get up after a knock down and live life with Him, and (in effect) experience what life in the Body of Christ is like.  They were telling other kids “others helped me, I’d like to help you.”   Wow, what a ministry this is."

From a leader:
"Last night was awesome!  Such a powerful reminder of the junk going on in the lives of kids.  I hope it was a call to all of our leaders that kids are crying out, so desperately, to be known and loved and guided to Jesus!  Some tough stuff, but I think there is a lot of space for God to work through us and this ministry."

From students on Twitter:
"So glad I went tonight.  Thanks YL for letting me open up and listening and caring.  Means a lot."

"No one can explain the love you feel when you walk into a room full of YL kids, but let me tell you it's amazing."

"You never truly know what to think of anything until you experience it... let's just say you're truly missing out if you don't go to YL."

"We all have a story and we all need some Jesus.  YL Club was epic."

"My heart is SO full. God is on the move in LS #YL"

"I love YL so much we are a forever family."

"So much love and passion in one room tonight.  YL has been an absolute blessing to me.  Huge thank you to everyone who shared."  #openmic






AMEN.

Links:

http://lsylcamp2014.weebly.com/

http://lsyl.weebly.com/

Follow Me

Another great YL Club last night.  Kids flooded the room and we had a party on a school night.  The best part for me is the way they listen, the way a room over 100 high school students put their phones away to tune it to truth.  Last night we heard from a leader about her story about her journey to truly follow Jesus.  Jesus invites us over and over again to follow Him.  He promises He is worth it, that He will never leave or abandon us, and that He loves us.

Students listening to volunteer leader Jessica Burton

I wanted to give a "shout out" to some pillars behind the scenes of LS YL.  We call them the grandparents of YL, Jim and Margie McCoy.  They had a vision and heard Jesus say, "Follow Me."  They helped start LS YL over 14 years ago.  They often show up at YL Club and soak in the beauty of kids hearing the Gospel.  They serve on the LEAD team, pray for leaders, raise support to sustain LS YL, have adopted me as a family, and love, love, love Jesus.  They are a blessing and a part of this ministry that is changing lives.

Jim and Margie McCoy

I invite you- adults- to join us next week for LS YL Club.  Come meet the McCoy's and sit with them in the back of the club room and see the ministry in action.  Next week is one of my favorite nights- Open Mic Club.  Come hear what God has been doing in the hearts of kids.  Your hesitation maybe- you will be in the way or a distraction to students.  You won't, come sit in the back- arrive at 8:08pm and see what it's all about.

LS YL Calendar

Support LS YL

YL Camp 2014 Details

Growth

Just one year...

The top half of the picture above is our YL 10th/11th grade girls from LSN small group one year ago and the second half is that group now.  Growth.  I would say that group of girls who attend YL Club and their small group Campaigners has more than doubled.

We announced where we are headed to camp this summer last week at Late Night.  We are headed to Lost Canyon- July 26-Aug 3rd.  I have 80 spots.  I am not taking sign ups yet... however 35 of the girls from above have already texted their YL leader saying they want on that bus!

How are we growing?  How is that group so huge and so receptive to what YL offers?  I believe all students want truth.  Truth from the adults around them, truth from peers, and about purpose.  This group of girls share that truth and continue to invite their friends to experience that in YL.  One of the reasons why it continues to grow is because their volunteer leader continues to share life with them.  I asked their volunteer leader, Audrey Lanier, a few questions.

Audrey in the middle with two of her YL girls. 

Audrey went to LSN and was one of my YL kids when she was in high school.  She attends UCM now as a junior and this is her 3rd year of leading.  She has been with this group of girls since they were freshman.

How have you seen favor of God in YL?
In a million different ways.  I love seeing girls interact and love on one another.  I know God gives me the energy to give to the girls too.  I'm super busy with work, rugby, 18 hrs at UCM and He continues to fill me.  He gives me love and truth to give them.  And just recently He answered my prayers about needing help to lead this growing group by calling my best friend Kelsi to be a YL leader as well. 

Why are you serving with YL?
I'm not going to lie it's hard.  There have been times when it gets hard like I don't have gas money, and times when i feel empty, but I feel the Lord calling on my heart to keep going to keep serving  I know these girls need loved on and Jesus wants me to lead and give up my time.  He continues to bless me with friends and favor.  I feel inspired often by the girls I lead. 

What do you hope for the girls you lead?  
My hope for my girls is for them to own their faith.  To continue to go deep in a personal relationship with Jesus.  I want them to have identity not in YL or a church alone, but in Jesus.  I know they will go off to college and go on their way and I want them to have identity in Jesus, so no matter where they go they have that as their source.  
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YL is growing.  It is exciting.  I am so thankful for leaders like Audrey and the rest of our team who give up their free time to do life with kids and share truth.

Thank you:  Paul Moore, Brian Keller, Connor Hartnett, Josh Fuller, Allison Hunt, Jessica Burton, Audrey Lanier, Kelsi Worihaye, and our junior leaders:  Clair Mulvihill, Megan Garica, Katie Davila, Savanah Thorne, Taylor Downey. 

YL Events Calendar

Give to LS YL

Late Night

Hayrides

Hanging Out with a Hot Dog

A few LSW students

A big hit was the mechanical bull

Late night is tradition with LS YL.  Last night, over 150 students attended our annual event.  This year we were blessed to have the event at Faulkner's Ranch.  Our night kicked off with YL Club, then to hayrides, bonfires/gourmet s'mores, and of course a mechanical bull.  We had a blast!  It is such a joy to share truth to so many students and provide a fun event where they can be kids.  Thank you to Faulkner's Ranch for an excellent event! 

One of the highest points of the night and highest decibels reached was in announcing where we are headed for camp this year.  Drum roll please.... Lost Canyon in Arizona!  We are headed west to have the best week of our lives!  Our camp dates will be:  July 26-August 3.  More info on how to save your spot and sign up coming soon!  For now, check out the Lost Canyon website and watch the camp video:
http://lostcanyon.younglife.org/Pages/default.aspx
 
Lost Canyon Video

We will be back at LSCC coffee shop for YL Club on Tuesday @ 7:47pm.  See the weebly for more details: http://lsyl.weebly.com/

Giving to Young Life!

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There is more...

We had YL Club #3 last night.  Another incredible night.  Even with a huge soccer game going on over 120 students showed up for club.  We heard from one of our leaders about our need for more, our need for Jesus, our need for community.  The verse that continues to ring true in the ears of students was spoken:  John 10:10- Jesus says, "I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full."

YL is not just about Club.  There is more... We are about relationships.  A YL leader meets students where they are and earns the right to be heard.  We do life with students.  We offer small groups, hang outs, show up at their games, show up in their life because we care about them and want to offer them the hope and freedom Christ offers all of us.  Some are ready and eager, some say not yet, some say never... and we love each kid regardless.  I love that about YL.

For example, these crazy senior LSN girls and more not pictured are coming to my house Sunday.  Many are coming with me to church before, then my house for Sunday Funday.  They are invited into my world to be a part of my life as well.  We will have lunch, do some crafting/cooking, share truth and life.  There is more... in YL besides Club.

Senior Girls at Club last night

I wanted to share a text one of my former YL kids that now attends University of Arkansas sent me last night at about 2am.   :)  I think she said it well.  There is more...

Hi ya! So this text is about to be very long, but my roommates life is being changed by a young life bible study here. It's so cool to hear her talk and hear for the first time that Jesus gives you life even though she grew up in church. And that our lives are so freaking messy and that's ok, but God stays the same. It's SOO cool. 

So it made me want to read through my old prayer journals from high school and from when god radically changed my life through young life. I've come to realize lately its sometimes hard living in the Bible Belt. Or being surrounded by so many believers. It's easy to get caught up in knowledge for knowledge sake and just doing doing doing and tidying up to make everything clean. I labor so hard but I forget who Jesus is and what he's done for me. How sweet he is. How simple my love for him was about a year and a half ago. I miss it. I didn't know crap about the bible, couldn't quote any verse or tell you who Paul or Abraham or anyone was, literally not a thing, but I loved him with all my heart. And I knew it was in him that my hope and comfort and rescuer was found. I called and he answered every single time. I see the truth in my old prayer journal. A child like faith. And knowing that's all that matters. I hope I never lose that NEED for Jesus. That desire to just be with him. I'm not sure how I understood grace so well then, understood my depravity and helplessness but knew and trusted that god was good and that he was for me and with me. 

It's just really cool and I have you and God alone to thank for it. Your life, your job, your constant sacrifice towards your self, your love for me, your love for Jesus mostly, it turned my life upside down and back again. I'm not who I was. Thank you Tracee.  I could literally never say thank you enough. You mean the world to me and so does young life. 

Next week- NO club Tuesday.  Instead YL Late Night- Oct. 17th.  See calendar for more info. 
http://lsyl.weebly.com/

No party like a YL party!

120 Students at LS YL Club #1

Wow!!!!  We are off to a great start!  Last year we topped the year with 115 students at club.  This year our first club had 120 and our second club 126.  We are not all about numbers, we are about students- their hearts, their desire to be known, pursued, and loved.  However, 126 students showing up and coming back, wanting truth, screaming, dancing, listening, and being kids is worth talking about.  It is a gift.  We as YL leaders and staff do not take this lightly.  To have their attention, to have their time, to have their honesty it is a gift and we love it.  What happens at club.... stays at club.  Just kidding- here is a sneak peek for all you curious parents of what happens.

-Welcome- screaming, running, dancing, screaming!
-Songs- we sing appropriate yet relevant and popular songs.
-Skit/mixer- often we have "characters" who do a skit-using humor to break down walls, and then a mixer- which is game involving all the students.
-Raffle- we have a raffle where students win something odd or weird, we are just looking for excuses to celebrate students.
-Game- a game that involves 4-6 students.
-Content song- a song that is a bit slower and speaks to who Jesus is.
-Talk- a YL leaders shares a message about their life and Jesus.
-Meet your leader- after club is over students check-in or meet their YL leader to see what else maybe happening this week and gets an invite to campaigners- our small groups.
-Then there is dancing and more screaming and way more that happens but that is Club in a nutshell.

 Club #2- short 2 second video of who showed up!!!

Stay tuned to all of our YL EVENTS by using this link:
http://lsyl.weebly.com/

Late Night is coming!  Find out when and where with the link! 

7 Days

I wanted to take some time to update you on some changes behind the scenes of Lee's Summit Young Life.  I am glad to announce that I am staying on YL staff in LS, but moving to a part time position.  I will be working 15-20 hours a week running LS YL.  We also have the privilege of adding Joe Chenoweth to our team.  Joe is a YL Area Developer and will be working with LS YL about 32 hours each month specifically with engaging adults and LIFE/LEAD teams and fundraising development.  We believe this is what is best to sustain and grow LS YL.  Our goal is to have a ministry that continues to reach high school kids in LS through contact work, club, campaigners, camp, and relationships.

Our L.I.F.E. teams and the L.E.A.D. team are being built and up and running.  We are pleased by the support of the adults in the LS community that want to serve alongside us in this ministry.  If you want to be a part of a L.I.F.E. team or the executive L.E.A.D. team it isn't too late to join in.   Check out this link and fill out the contact form.  http://supportlsyl.weebly.com/

We were blessed to have a donor give a matching gift up to $3,000.  We are so close to meeting our goal!  We only have $700 left to raise to meet this match.  We have until the end of September.  7 days to raise $700 to support and sustain LS YL!  Would you be willing to give to this ministry?

Giving to Young Life! Thank You for Supporting the Ministry of Young Life Lee's Summit! Give a One-Time or Monthly Recurring Gift Online

Our 1st YL Club is tonight and we are so excited.  We are expecting so many students.  God is good and we are honored to earn the right to be heard, listen, speak truth, and love students.  Thank you for taking time to see how what is happening behind the scenes of LS YL.  If you have any questions about YL events, how to serve, our budget, or would like to meet with Joe or myself (Tracee) do not hesitate to contact me at traceecobb@gmail.com. 

YL Update- Muckfest

Last night we had our annual Muckfest.  It is our epic food and muck war.  Let me tell you it was incredible.  We had our biggest turn out yet, over 200 students.  Do you know what the best part about Muckfest is?  That LS YL's goal with Muckfest is:  For students to have fun and get to be kids.  How often do we want high school students to act as an adult, be responsible, have manners, work, get a certain test score, GPA, or award?  Last night, we threw all that out the window and threw oatmeal, food, and slime at one another.  It was a beautiful sight watching kids be kids and experience freedom. 

Over 200 students at MUCKFEST 2013

Kids being kids.

Our Fall YL Calendar is full of opportunities for high school students to know freedom and be a part of the YL family.  Please see and share our link http://lsyl.weebly.com/ to stay up to date on Club and special events.  In addition to that we offer small groups- called campaigners.  Each group is lead by a volunteer YL leader and organized by grade and school.  If you would like more info on that please email me at:  traceecobb@gmail.com.

YL CALENDAR:

We are inviting YOU to join us on Tuesday nights @ 7:47pm this semester! We will be having Young Life Club @ Lee's Summit Community Church Coffee Shop (LSCC). 1440 SW Jefferson Street Lee's Summit, MO.   

9/24- 1st YL CLUB 7:47pm @ LSCC
10/1-  YL CLUB 7:47pm @ LSCC
10/8- YL CLUB 7:47pm @ LSCC Freshmen Night!
10/17 LATE NIGHT
10/22- YL CLUB 7:47pm @ LSCC
10/29- YL CLUB 7:47pm @ LSCC
11/5- NO CLUB
11/12- YL CLUB 7:47PM @ LSCC
11/19- YL CLUB 7:47PM @ LSCC
11/26- TURKEY BOWL
12/3- MR CHRISTMAS TREE!  7:47PM @ LSCC

Camp Continues...

YL Campaigners

Camp continues.  Tonight over 40 high school students came together to go deep, to get real, and to learn more of how to follow Jesus.  One of the many things I love about YL, is we continue to share life with students.  Camp is not just a one time event we tuck away and move forward from.  We build upon those relationships, that family/community, and students wanting more and saying YES to following Jesus.  YL leaders walk beside students from where they are to where they want to be.  Tonight we had YL Campaigners- our more in depth Bible Study- and it was incredible.  We talked about where we have seen God since being home, how God is in all things- especially music, unpacked Matthew 7:13-14, and asked real and hard questions about following Jesus.

 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
  
I highlight of my night was choosing 3 songs to listen to and seeing how in the midst of it you can hear God.  That if we stop and listen we can often find more in what we are listening too.  For example, we listened to Phillip Phillips- Gone, Gone, Gone:

When enemies are at your door
I'll carry you away from war
If you need help, if you need help.
Your hope dangling by a string
I'll share in your suffering
To make you well, to make you well.
 
Give me reasons to believe
That you would do the same for me.
And I would do it for you, for you.
Baby, I'm not moving on
I love you long after you're gone.
For you, for you.
You would never sleep alone.
I love you long after you're gone
And long after you're gone, gone, gone.

God is in those lyrics.  Phillip Phillips maybe singing about a girl but I hear God in those lyrics and His promises to never leave us, to rescue us, to heal, to give us life in the midst of hard times.  I encouraged students to listen to music differently and see if they could hear more from their country songs, to hipster tunes, to K-Love.  I believe a lot of it is telling a bigger story.  So my phone is now blowing up with texts from students telling me a song they connect with and now hear something more.  One student texted this one and said this song is how she feels now after saying yes to real life following Jesus and it really got me...

Listen for more... and know (especially the beginning) is how many students feel now after choosing the small and narrow gate that few ever find. 

First Day of My Life- Click to Listen

Amen.

For more on YL Events and Activities:
YL EVENTS CALENDAR 

YL Camp Diaries: Day 7

Today each camper had a one on one conversation with their leader

We are coming home! 

Day 7
We departed camp with many emotions.  Today each camper met with their leader for a one on one conversation where they got to be real and share from their heart.  It was a very special time for all of us.  LS YL is coming home!  We are coming home after having a week full of adventure, fun, deeper friendships, and many with deeper and new relationships with Jesus.  What a wonderful week!!! 

YL Camp Diaries: Day 6

Day 6.  We only have 24 hours left to enjoy the best week of our lives.  Tonight kids will spend 15 minutes in being still in the mountains and some of us talking to God for the first time.  We are having adventure, fun, getting real and growing our friendships!

YL Camp Diaries: Day 5

Today was a mountain top kind of day.  Today we hiked a mountain as a camp.  We all made it, but not all pictured.  An incredible experience and view to remind us of how beautiful life really is.  The day is still going...

Celebrating together!

(Most) of us at the top of the mountain.

YL Camp Diaries: Day 4

Some of our guys at our western night dinner!

You know what I love... watching kids be kids.  How often to we allow and set up kids to play, to have adventure, to dress up, to dance?   Today, well yesterday, we played and we played hard.  We had a day and night full of the fun.  We ended the night with many surprises... I will only reveal a couple- with a western dinner, square dance, rave and dance party, and so much more!  Best week of your life is happening right now. 

YL Camp Diaries: Day 3

Some of our girls after completing the ropes course.

Today I turned 36. I'm here at Crooked Creek Ranch with 575 high school students I celebrated another year of life.  Today was a gift.  From the biscuits and gravy at breakfast to the cabin time full or real heart to heart stories.  I am blessed.  I will admit my job is weird and crazy, but it is an honor.  My volunteer leaders and I are so blessed to be given the privilege to journey with kids and be let in their life.  Today was full of beautiful mountain views, zip lining (no I didn't do it), water gun fights, octaball, an outdoor bbq dinner, watching my cabin of girls conquer their fears of heights in the ropes course, an amazing club where hearts were opened to our need for Jesus, and being beside kids conquer their fears of letting down their walls and really share their story.  Things are happening and it is beautiful. 

YL Camp Diaries: Day 2

After wrapping our night up with our first "cabin time" students finally rested and were up and at em' today.  We kicked off the day with an incredible breakfast and then a camp wide volleyball tourney.  Each cabin created some team costumes for the event.  Check out some of our pics. 

The Male- Nurses- "MURSES"

The Frat Boys (girls)

Some our our Minions

More Minions

I promise each camper is having the best week of their life.  They are enjoying some free time now at the pool, hot tub, or playing octaball, wiffle ball, mountain bike riding, ridge runners, and zip-lining.  Oh and I would say within 5 hours of being at camp they have spent all their money at the camp store buying YL swag :)

Tonight we will have our 2nd club and cabin time with some other entertaining surprises!

YL Camp Diaries- Day 1

YL Camp Diaries- Day 1

We sent a charter bus with only 1 empty seat to embark on the best week of their life at Crooked Creek Ranch.  The 14 hour bus ride is only an energy boost to the campers!  They will arrive at Crooked Creek at 3pm today for one of the best arrivals.  Students from all over the country who volunteer, work crew, will greet them with dancing and cheering, unload our bus and hand carry each of our suitcases to our cabins.  Then camp is in action!  We will have some free time to do the blob, giant swing, shop at the store, go to the pool or giant hot tub.  Then later today we will have our first YL Club and cabin time and compete in huge obstacle course that will end in a pool party!  BOOM it's happening.  Follow the blog to keep posted!

A bus full and ready to go!

YL Pool Party and Community Gathering

Lee's Summit Young Life took over 70 to camp this summer!  It really was the best week of their life!  Come find out why.  Hear from students and volunteer leaders what YL and YL camp is all about. 

What:  Camper/Parent Pool Party and Celebration

When:  August 15th- 7pm-9pm

Where:  The Carlson's Home:
9712 Windsor Dr
LS MO 64086

Click on website for all the info!  

http://lsylcelebration.weebly.com/

Tee Time!!!

Heckler Open Golf Tournament- benefiting Young Life

 

Friday, April 19, 2013

Prairie Highlands Golf Course

1pm Shotgun start, lunch served at noon

We are seeking golfers who want to experience Kansas City’s most interesting, fun and challenging golf event ever! In Young Life, we believe in fun, and we are translating that to the golf course. We are launching our inaugural Heckler Open. It’s a scramble style tournament where our Young Life kids will be waiting for golfers around every corner, politely heckling them as they play. We believe it will be a memorable and unique event, testing the mental fortitude of the golfers.

Come out and see how good you really are...if you are brave enough!

Individual Player: $125 Foursome: $500 *Corporate sponsorships also available, email traceecobb@gmail.com for details.

Register online now!  This event will sell out fast! www.heckleropen.com

Part of your fees will be a tax-deductible donation, supporting Young Life directly. You’ll be making a difference in the lives of teenagers, while having a blast on the course! Also covers green fees and a delicious lunch.

 What is Young Life?

Young Life is caring adults, coming alongside adolescents in their most formative years to offer friendship, support, and the hope that can be found in Jesus. It’s an incredible privilege to be involved in the lives of teenagers and see them grow and their lives become changed. We are raising money to extend our reach and change the lives of even more kids, hope you can join us! Find out more at lsmo.younglife.org.

Sneak Peek! Article on LS YL

 Sneak Peek:

 Check out the online version Lee's Summit Lifestyle Magazine's article featuring LS YL.  

Make sure your grab a copy of the March edition next week! 

 Lee's Summit Lifestyle Magazine Article

Tracee Cobb

LS Young Life Area Director

816 728 2024

Thank You for Supporting the Ministry of Young Life Lee's Summit!
Give a One-Time or
Monthly Recurring Gift Online

Best Night of the Week- YL Club

Over 100 students showed up at YL Tuesday to have fun, feel welcomed, and hear truth. 

   

My favorite part of YL Club is the message.  Where we share the truth about who God is and our own lives.  I had the privilege of speaking last night.  This semester we are focusing on our story.  How each of us have a story and God is in the midst of it showing us who He is and how He loves.  I shared one significant part of my story.  Back in 2004 a group of friends and I went to Thailand and survived the Tsunami.  It's a bizarre feeling to have something impact you in your life and later be seen in a movie.  The recently released movie The Impossible shares one families journey as they survived the disaster as well.  Check out the movie trailer for The Impossible.

THE IMPOSSIBLE TRAILER- CLICK HERE

To me the title says it all- The Impossible.  You see I believe God is in the business of making things good.  That what others intend for evil He can use for good.  In Luke 18:27 God says all things are possible in Him.  He uses the hard, the hurt, our story for good.  I do know that God can do the impossible.  The Tsunami doesn't make sense but it is a part of my story and in it I find God showing me more of who He is and how He loves.  The "impossible" happened.  

What's the impossible in your own story?  

 #believetheimpossible

Giving to Young Life!

Thank You for Supporting the Ministry of Young Life Lee's Summit!
Give a One-Time or
Monthly Recurring Gift Online

Spread the word...

Click for all the Deets! 
Young Life Club is Back!!!!