Of Cabbages and Kings
Students in West Plains Young Life take part in many activities. In one photo a group hams it up for the camera during the Fall Fiasco, Young Life’s fall weekend camp
The other shows a group from “Beyond Malibu,” a backpacking trip in the mountains of British Columbia. Both photos were taken several years ago.
We people are interesting creatures. You turn around once and somebody has thought of another idea. Welcome to Young Life. Young Life began with a few simple ideas about sharing the truth of God’s love with adolescents.
Young Life helpers say, “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” They call getting together and having fun “a party with a purpose. Before the party ends, we share a simple message about God’s love for them. After all, that’s what the celebration is all about.”
The kids say the best week of their lives is camp. The helpers describe it as “mind-boggling fun.” Nobody could say camp is boring. Like to ski? How about swimming, racing, music, prizes or a dozen other things?
There are events for middle school kids, high school students, teen moms and university students. In fact, EWU already has an active Young Life ministry. Surprised?
Years ago Jim Rayburn of Gainesville, Texas thought of the idea of Young Life. Twelve kids showed up for his first “club.” Now, helpers say, “Young Life has evolved into a thriving, global ministry. Did we mention there are clubs as close as Medical Lake, Gonzaga University, Gonzaga Prep and Central Valley. Hey, we’ve got one at Cheney High School. Like to join it?”
Now, who holds it all together? Local adults serving on an area committee are the foundation for successful ministry in Young Life Communities. These are people who share the vision and want to make a difference in the lives of young people in their community. Here’s a partial list of projects that might interest you: assisting staff and volunteers, promoting Young Life in the community, raising funds, working with the regional director. There are other avenues as well. You might inquire about being a part of a ministry support team, which supports the committee and staff by accomplishing and owning specific tasks in the area. You might say there’s a place for everyone, no matter your talents or time. Here are the phone numbers of the two people I visited with: Suzanne Greenhall 244-8378 and Tyler Stitt 868-8663. If you like to meet enthusiastic people with a happy purpose you’ll be glad to shake their hands.
Young Life tells it all. “Young Life is making a difference in the lives of kids around the world because we are supported by adults who care about kids in their community. For every talented Young Life staff person there is a team of dedicated volunteer leaders who work directly with kids. Young Life alumni and civic leaders provide a foundation of financial, administrative and moral support for the local Young Life team.”
Luella Dow is a Cheney-area author. She can be reached at lotsaplots1@aol.com.
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