Young Life

Want to learn more about The RELATE Project, the findings, and how it all came about? This video is for you!? ?https://lnkd.in/drp8_FEd

Growing up I didn’t know what a relationship with God was or how to have one. I discovered the real meaning of this on my trip to Malibu with Young Life Catalonia. At camp, it was very easy to learn about these things because the young people were open to finding out more about God. There, we had plenty of time to talk about Him. Our cabin times were very special. This was when I started my relationship with Jesus. I am thankful to my leaders who helped me understand what it means to follow Jesus. At camp they told us that back in Spain, it would be more difficult to continue this relationship with Him. In my case, I tried to do things to strengthen my relationship with Him. I started going to Campaigners with my Young Life leaders and helping me in my walk with God. I also began looking for a church. In my life before, there was only me. Now, God is here with me and I know I will have Him forever, and that I can talk and be honest with Him all the time. My life is more beautiful with Jesus. – Claudia, Spain

Did you know? Wild Ridge is a Young Life camp in West Virginia that’s being developed in phases. In October, the camp will host an open house and groundbreaking event to commemorate the next construction project: a multi-purpose building, which will consist of a dining hall, club room, recreation center, camp store, and meeting space. “I am delighted to see the progress being made at Wild Ridge and am encouraged by the support we have seen thus far from community members and friends of Young Life.” said Derek Ritchie, Campaign Director for the Eastern Division of Young Life. “Each and every donation helps us take another step toward our ultimate goal, and aids in the development of this Young Life facility, which will certainly make an impact in the lives of kids, teens, and young adults for years to come.” Read more about Wild Ridge and its development in this press release: https://lnkd.in/d75kMu7h

Emma Faye Rudkin lost her hearing at age 3, and she questioned throughout her childhood if God could understand and love her. At 16, she went to Young Life camp with an understanding of Jesus, but no knowledge of Young Life. On the bus, Morgan, her leader whom she’d just met that week, looked at her and said, “You’re going to start Deaf Young Life here. I just know that about you.” Morgan planted a seed in Emma’s mind. A couple years later, Emma felt God’s leading to start this ministry in San Antonio, and the ministry continues to grow to this day. 98% of deaf people do not have a relationship with Jesus. However, since 2019, Young Life has poured time and resources into hiring interpreters and deaf staff members to help reach these people with hearing disabilities. We hope and pray this is just the beginning of God tearing down the language barriers through Young Life leaders, demonstrating the love of Jesus to these dear kids.

With kids heading back to school, now is the time to help get them plugged into a local Young Life Club! Offering loads of fun, new friendships, and an introduction to who Jesus is, all kids are invited to see for themselves what it’s all about. Find your local Club here: https://lnkd.in/eunrM-2V

Every summer, Young Life areas around the world invite young people into the magic, beauty, fun, and life-changing experience that camp has to offer. Kids around the globe are having the best week of their lives! This video shares all about it. Check it out! https://lnkd.in/eTCM9kSy

Derest attended Young Life camp, where she had the opportunity to hear the life-giving message about the resurrection of Jesus. With a newfound hope that she could live above her fears, she gave her life to Jesus there. She was inspired at camp when she saw a young girl her age speaking up front. The newborn Christian soon began attending a Bible-believing church. In 2020 she became a Young Life volunteer leader and served as a housekeeping boss at camp. She also served as a cabin leader at one of the Campaigners camps. Presently, Derest is a team leader directing the WyldLife club, and also the head of an advocacy group in her school. Here, she uses her voice to speak on behalf of students, both girls and boys, who also want their voices to be heard. It's neat to see the many ways in which Young Life has had an impact in peoples' lives. We'd love to hear your impact story, too!

The RELATE Project is now published in full, with the fourth and final chapter now available! Check out the study for yourself at the link below ???? https://lnkd.in/e8cGu_hB

Did you know? Young Life officially began international ministry in 1953 when we sent our first overseas missionaries to France. Over the next 65 years, we witnessed our international work slowly grow, with various victories and setbacks along the way. Momentum gathered at the turn of the century and since 2018 we’ve been ministering to more kids outside the U.S. than inside!

The RELATE Project is all about practically equipping people to care for the next generation. Read below for some insights on flourishing and the factors that play into that. “Our data shows that self-concept, belonging, and close relationships are strongly connected. When one increases, the other two will likewise increase. Or if one is negatively impacted, the others also decrease. An increase in belonging and close relationships can increase self-concept. And, ultimately, the stronger one’s self-concept, the stronger the sense of flourishing.” https://lnkd.in/eiSBhisg