We Love You Seniors

We Love You Seniors!!!

Wow.  Another school year of YL Club came to an end last night.  It has been an honor to lead these students over the past 4 years.  It has been an honor to watch lives change, hearts heal, and students ultimately finding life in Christ.  Last night we had our annual Senior Night Club where Seniors from all 3 high schools take over Club.  They lead the games, raffle, announcements, choose the music, and so on.  But the highlight for our volunteer leader team and myself is always open mic.  Seniors share truth.  They share how they have found God over the course of their 4 years, how YL has impacted them, and any advice they have for underclassmen.  I cry every year.  I cry because it is such a gift to see inside the hearts of these students, to hear what has been happening on the inside and see how this ministry has somehow become their second family and pointed them to Jesus.

Brady sharing at open mic.

Brady shared,  "Just because this is the last Young Life, that doesn't mean it ends.  We've made these relationships with our leaders, other YL kids, and most importantly we've made a relationship with Jesus." 

I love that students get it.  That they have found relationships with their peers that is real, deep, and supportive.  That they have found their relationship with their YL leader as a friend and mentor.  And that many have found the ultimate relationship with our source of life, Jesus Christ.

We believe in the class of 2016.  We believe they will leave a legacy.  We believe that God has started a good work in them and will carry it out to completion.  We see who they have the potential of becoming.  We see their beautiful hearts.  We see they are not perfect but trying to chase a perfect God.  We love you Seniors!  Thanks for letting us YL leaders into your beautiful lives.  Once a YL kid you will always be a YL kid.  You are family and we love you!

YL Seniors

Announcements:
We believe that YL camp is a place where a kid can be a kid and experience the best week of their life.  Many LS kids need help paying for camp.  If you would like to donate and help a LS kid go to camp contact:  Kim Carslon @ kimbocarlson@comcast.net or give online here:

Camp Scholarship- LSYL

YL is a nonprofit ministry.  We have to raise around $45k a year to keep YL in LS.  Our biggest fundraiser is our LS YL Golf Tourney.  If you would like to join us, be a sponsor, or invite other to do so please do so and share with others!

http://lsylgolf.weebly.com/

Follow us on instagram @lsyounglife to stay connected this summer of any special events.

THANK YOU!!!!

Life Lyrics

We have kicked off our semester having had 3 YL clubs and 2 WL events already.  Our small group ministry, campaigners, is also up and running.  Our camp trip this summer to Frontier Ranch is already sold out with students on the wait list!  God is moving.

This semester I challenged my YL leaders who are slotted to speak this semester to title their talk the same as a current billboard hit.  It has been a challenge.  I believe God is in all things, even current pop songs scream out for more.  My hope is that students would hear that song throughout the week and connect it to truth about the life Jesus offers.  I spoke week 1 with my song and title being, "One Call Away" by Charlie Puth.  I shared the story of Peter walking on water from Matthew 14:22-32.  Focusing on a few main points:  Jesus wants us to get out of the boat and experience life with him.  Jesus is only one call away- He pulls us up when we sink.  He does not leave us.

Peter’s afraid.  He could sink and die.  But he goes.  Peter steps out of the boat and walks on water. 

Then what happens?  He messes up?  Maybe he’s thinks he’s doing it on his own, maybe he gets anxious and worry takes over and He turns away from Jesus.  He is scared and calls out… Jesus, save me!  Prob the quickest prayer of his life.  His one call away. 

Maybe Jesus is singing –

I'm only one call away
I'll be there to save the day
Superman got nothing on me

(Have a listen and see if you hear truth in this song).

And what does Jesus do when Peter messes up?  Does he let him sink?  Does he turn away?  Does he get disappointed, or yell, or leave?  No, He hears Peter’s honest cry of his heart. 

Jesus IMMEDIATELY reached out, grabbed Peter’s hand, pulled him up, and I think smiled and said- You lost your faith didn’t you?  Why did you doubt me?  He was saying- I will always be there- I will always keep coming to the middle- I’ll be there to save you.  No matter where you go know you’re not alone. 

We want our students to know that life with a relationship with Jesus is an adventure that life can happen and happen to the full there.  We are called to get out of the boat of our life and hear the call from Him to walk on water.  Of course we are like Peter and we sink, we screw up, we fall down.  But the great news is how Jesus responds to us in that time.  I think of my son Otto learning to walk.  He took his first steps and we were so pumped!  We instagrammed it, high-fived each other, celebrated our son's steps.  After only a few steps of pure delight he fell down.  Our response as parents was not to yell or punish him for falling down, we simply helped him back up.  We know he was designed to walk and later run and want to help him do so.  Just like our heavenly father his desire for us to walk and run.  He celebrates our steps.  He knows we will fall and He will be there to help us up.  As YL leaders we celebrate our students as they say YES to life with Christ and getting out of the boat.  We desire for them to keep getting up when they fall.  We want to offer them support and encouragement as they do.  What a great role and honor.  

lsyl.weebly.com
For our calendar of events.

What a Year!

Our Mr. Christmas Tree Contestants:  Seth, Patrick, Brady

We wrapped up 2015 with our epic Mr. Christmas Tree Club.  What a night!  I was reminded how great our students are, how willing they are to welcome others, have fun, be crazy, and seek truth.  Three of our senior guys put themselves on stage competing from Mr. Christmas Tree.  Each performing a "talent," formal wear, and then decking themselves as Christmas tree.  We laughed until we cried.  I love how humor breaks down walls and barriers allows us to be who we really are and be open to truth.  Landon then shared a message of truth of Emanuel, God is with us, and what that truly means.  That he is with us all year not just now and how incredible that is.

This semester I have seen kids fall in love with Jesus.  I have seen leaders give hours upon hours meeting with kids, sharing truth, and earning the right to be heard.  I have seen students who have never attended church walk through church doors and sit with their YL leader and YL friends week after week.  I have seen students who are on the outside of life feel on the inside with YL.  I have heard kid story after kid story of how they found Christ and real life through this ministry.  I have seen churches welcome us, support us, and encourage us.  I have seen kids want prayer and ask for help.  I have seen God at work and He is good.

I have seen community members, churches, and parents give time, prayer, and financial support to this ministry.  Thank you for making 2015 one for the books!  We invite you to join us as we move into another great year!

Giving to LS YL

Stop the Chatter

Last night was one of those YL Clubs we dream about.  A club where kids felt welcome, had fun, and heard truth.  A club that got me charged up and excited, passionate, and pulled.  A club that wouldn't let me sleep because I love my job and this ministry so much and the energy wouldn't stop pumping through my veins.  Jon Torgeson, one of our volunteer leaders, spoke such a relevant message to our students.  His main point was the voice we listen to determines the future you have.  That we have so much chatter around us.  People not believing in us, nay sayers, put downs, and our own voice we often hear saying, "I'm not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough..."  We stop the chatter by putting on the headphones.  Listening to the one who speaks truth   We listen to God through his word.  

We hear:  "I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."  Psalm 139:14

We hear Jesus saying:  "You did not choose me, but I chose you."  John 15:16

I can't think of anyone who needs to hear truth more than our students.  To put on headphones and hear the God of the universe say they are wonderfully made, they are chosen, they are known and loved.  It gets me chocked up just writing this.  My heart and my team's heart is to share this with students, to be there in the midst of their highs and lows, and point them to the source of life- Jesus Christ.  

 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life,and have it to the full." John 10:10

Be a Tree

What a start we have had in LS YL.  Our first club we had around 180 students show up to have a party with a purpose.  I had the privilege of speaking.  I spoke from Luke 19:1-10 the story of Zacchaeus.  If you get a second read that passage YL is about this passage.  The story is of Zacchaeus an outcast, unloveable, and full of regret wanting to catch a glimpse of Jesus.  Jesus the one he has heard changes life and gives real life.  He gets shut out from the crowd and decides to climb a tree to see Jesus.  

I’m here to say we have YL so you can have fun, feel welcomed, and hear truth.  We are for everyone.  We wanna be a tree… a tree kids can climb to see Jesus.   We are not here only for good kids.  WE are here for everyone.  Those that party or those that don’t, those with secrets, those with pasts, those that are following Jesus, those that are curious and hiding in a tree.  Those who feel unloveable.  Those who lost who they are. 

Can I challenge you to be a tree with us?  Help others who feel unloveable catch a glimpse of the one who gives real life.  Not to judge and think they don’t deserve to be here or time or attn w God.  

First Club

We are also excited to announce that we are starting LS WyldLife.  For more info http://lswl.weebly.com/

Letting Kids Be Kids

Muckfest 2015

We had a blast at our annual kick-off event for LS Young Life- Muckfest.  Muckfest is really just an excuse to have a giant food fight.  This year we also donated canned goods to LS Social Services to help families in need.  Around 100 students came armed with whipped cream and their messy clothes to have a chance to be a kid again.  Over and over I find joy in providing a safe environment loaded with fun to allow kids to act their age.  Students are stressed and often forced to grow up too quickly.  I loved watching them run free, throw whipped cream, ramen, flour, and dance.  What a night!

Our team of leaders and myself are so excited for this school year.  We can't wait for students to come to club (a party with a purpose) and be a kid and hear truth.  Hear and begin to process that they are known and loved by the creator of the universe!

If you know any high school kids in LS area please invite them to join us.  And also look for our leaders in the midst of student sections going to where kids are.

YOU ARE INVITED TO YOUNG LIFE CLUB!  

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

If you have been to every Young Life or this will be your first time, we still want to see YOU on Tuesdays 7:47pm! So pack your cars with all your high school friends because it is guaranteed to be the best night of your week. Guaranteed. 

FALL 2015:  

Tuesday, Sept. 15th- FIRST YL CLUB OF THE YEAR!!
Tuesday, Sept. 22- CLUB
Tuesday, Sept. 29- DISNEY CLUB
Tuesday, Oct. 6- CLUB 
Tuesday, Oct. 13- CLUB 
WED, OCT. 21- YL LATE NIGHT @ FAULKNER'S RANCH-HALLOWEEN COSTUME CLUB
Tuesday, Oct. 27- YL HANG OUT @ Custard's Last Stand 7:47pm
Tuesday, Nov. 3- CLUB @
Tuesday, Nov. 10- BREAKFAST CLUB (wear your pjs)
Tuesday, Nov. 17- CLUB 
Tuesday, Nov. 24- TURKEY BOWL @ SUMMIT LANES- Entrance is $5 or to bring a Toy to donate to Toys for Tots
Tuesday, Dec. 1- Mr. Christmas Tree Club @ LSCC 7:47pm- UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER

HOME

Wow. We are home. What a great trip! It was full of life, adventure, truth, and relationships. The last club of the week students had a say so. A time to stand up and say if they began a relationship with Jesus. Hundreds of campers made a commitment to follow Jesus. 22 LS YL students were welcomed in to the family of Christ. It blew me away. I love how God moves, and stirs hearts, calls us by name, promises to never leave, and offers us real life. I love that I can see He is real by looking at the lives of these students. It was a bittersweet moment, a beautiful collision. At the exact moment students were announcing their new life, my 98 year old grandpa passed from this life. I was overwhelmed with peace. He is now with his maker for eternity. From beginning the trip finding out new life was growing inside me to ending the trip with my grandpa's life ending colliding with 22 new lives beginning...what a full week. God is good and He is faithful.


 YL doesn't just take kids to camp and send them home. We come home with them and do life with them. We walk beside them and point them to Jesus they best way we know how. We had 21 meals together around a table at camp as a family. We want to continue to remind students they are not alone. That Christ is with them and so are we.


 See our calendar for all high school students to stay a part of the YL Family. Parents, campers, students- please join us to hear more about LS YL and camp at our annual pool party Aug. 11th. See link for more info.
http://lsyl.weebly.com/

  See the pictures below of life, adventure, truth, and relationships. And a special treat a few students took the say so to social media... because the good news is too hard to keep in. God is good!

Karleena's social media- say so

Pool party in the mountains

The climb

Melissa's social media- say so.