Earning the right to be heard....: April 2014

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Class of 2014

YL Seniors- Class of 2014

Last night we wrapped up another semester of YL Club. We honored and celebrated the soon to be graduating seniors. We handed the reins of club over to them. The best part was for our talk we had open mic and invited seniors to share what God has been doing in their life. I was overwhelmed. If I'm honest I've been in "go" mode since having our son. But, this night got me. God got me. It took my breath away. It brought tears to my eyes, a quiver in my voice, and I celebrated the Lord his goodness and his presence. Over and over again seniors came to the mic and shared that before YL they knew of God and know they know Him. So many of our students met Jesus in YL and it has given them life. John 10:10 life. They took time to encourage the underclassmen to leave a legacy, to be a part of the YL family, to start or grow that relationship with God. Some shared of their struggles through high school and how YL was there for them, ultimately pointing them to Jesus. Others shared of the depth of friendship YL gave them. I presented the seniors with a link. Just a metal chain link and challenge them to stay connected to Jesus and that they would always connected and a part of the YL family. I had the honor of praying slash crying over them as they go out to the big crazy world. I love this ministry and that God is at work. I'm so grateful for a semester that God has exceeded our expectations with the number of students (and parents) involved in YL and exceeded our expectations in what He can do in hearts of his children.

Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1

YL doesn't stop this summer. Leaders will continue to do life with kids and point them to Jesus.
We will be posting events to the website. http://lsyl.weebly.com/

FInd out more of how to support LS YL

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

3 weeks

Let me update you on the last 3 weeks of LS YL.

3 weeks ago we let LSCC know that we were growing and couldn't fit in the coffee shop and the hooked us up in the small auditorium in the basement. And it may look as if we have outgrown that as well. :) 170 students showed up to club and I had the honor of sharing the greatest love story ever told. John Harris a local artist painted as I spoke and the art had an incredible impact on students. The night was epic.

2 weeks ago we had a fun event: Instagram Scavenger Hunt. It was hilarious and a blast. Students went out in teams to complete different challenges and documented them on Instagram. Like kissing the Starbucks barista, sitting in a dumpster, making the YL sign with their bodies. Great night of fun, new friendships, feeling included, and being kids.

1 week ago we were back for YL Club and we had Wacky Tacky Prom. One of our volunteer leaders, Allison Hunt, spoke about what it looks like to say YES to more, to truth, and to a relationship with God.

And tonight. We just had our 1st ever and probably now annual Old Life meets Young Life Club. I'm going to be honest... this was not my idea. Part of my job in YL is to raise funds to sustain and support our local YL and raise community support. It's often hard to get parents in the door and people to show up to hear about what God is doing in YL. So I was a bit reluctant when a student asked me to have Old Life Club. I thought sure, but I doubt it will work. Well I was wrong. Kids invited and WANTED their parents there. They wanted to share with them what YL is about, how it has been a huge impact in their lives, they wanted them to be there and to experience it. They wanted them taking pictures, and see why every Tuesday the MUST go to club. The wanted their family to experience the YL family. Students wanted their parent to hear truth, to feel loved, to be a part of a bigger story. It was incredible. 98 parents came. So I love that God continues to exceed my ideas and expectations and uses this ministry to change lives of many young and old.

"God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." Ephesians 3:20-21 (The Message)

Calendar of events:

http://lsyl.weebly.com/

Upcoming Golf Tourney
http://lsylgolf.weebly.com/

Give to LS YL:
https://giving.younglife.org/Views/dp/donate/controller.cfm?ministry=area&fundcodearea=MO55&isrecurring=0&appealcode=&fundcodeareadesc=Young%20Life%20Lees%20Summit

5 C's of Young Life

Club: Club is our once a weekly event that lets kids be kids. We give kids the opportunity to be kids again by singing, dancing, and playing crazy games. Students hear a message from the Bible in terms they can understand. YL club is for everyone, no matter where they stand in their faith.

Contact Work: Where there are high school kids there are YL leaders. We believe in earning the right to be heard by building friendships with kids. We come to their turf, whether that's sporting events standing in the stands beside them or coming up to after school and grabbing a Sonic.

Campaigners: Campaigners are small groups made up of students and a leader committed to sharing their lives, struggles, and joys with one another. Student grow deeper in their faith as they explore the Bible and God's love in a life-changing way.

Camp: Young Life states...."Camp is the best week of your life." That is a proven fact. Kids get the chance to have adventure camping at resort quality facilities and share an unforgettable experience. Kids get to leave their normal routine while they hear about and process the need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Church: Young Life is not the church. We desire our students to be a part of local a congregation. If our students are ready to go deeper we strongly encourage them to attend a local church.