Young Life devoted to building meaningful relationships
The organization Young Life continues to provide a safe haven for teens to connect with fellow teens and develop relationships with caring adults, giving teens a place to share their feelings and concerns about their daily lives.
What does Young Life do?
During a video presentation, YL leaders spoke about the role Young Life plays in kids’ lives today.
According to the video, “Kids desperately need caring adults willing to come alongside them and get right in the middle of wherever they are, people who love them, no matter what. It doesn’t matter about their skin color, their economic status. Young Life is caring adults who love kids and love Jesus and enter into a kids’ world. It’s about going to where kids are. We come to them and love and accept them where they are without judgment. I’m doing life with them, and they get to see how I respond with Jesus in every circumstance.”
That amalgamation of phrases shapes what a Young Life adult does and the impact they can have in the lives of teens today.
Young Life is a commitment to meeting kids on their terms, in their comfort zone, providing faith-based guidance that encourages kids, gives them hope and inspires them to be the best version of themselves.
For YL Tuscarawas & Holmes Counties area leader Heidi Troyer, the objective is simple: get kids to learn to love themselves, love others and grow in their faith.
However, in order to accomplish that, it takes commitment from adults, whether that is becoming an area leader at Garaway or West Holmes High School, serving on one of the YL subcommittees or supporting the organization financially.
The recent Young Life celebration banquet and fundraiser at Carlisle Inn in Walnut Creek on Tuesday, March 19 presented a golden opportunity for those interested to hear from leaders and youth who have been impacted by the Young Life experience.
It also allowed the organization to spell out its needs and how adults can provide help.
After introducing the team members who are currently serving Young Life, Troyer talked about the importance of stepping into the void to become a Young Life contributor.
“We get to be at the center of the ministry of going to where kids are, building relationships and sharing the Gospel,” Troyer said. “Kids in our area long for depth in relationships. They live in a world where nothing is certain, people don’t stay and things can change at any time, but being a Young Life leader can show them a glimpse of what God’s faithfulness is like.”
She shared hope from Colossians 1:27, which speaks about Christ living in believers and sharing with others.
Keynote speaker Erik Hofmann, Ohio/Israel developer at Young Life, talked about how Jesus completely changed the life of a grieving mother by giving her son back to him after he died.
He said in a certain sense, Young Life’s mission is giving mothers back their children.
As Young Live leaders, he said it can be a challenging yet fulfilling world unlike anything experienced before.
“We live where two worlds collide as these lost kids are trying to see where they fit in,” Hofmann said. “But we have an opportunity to tell kids that there is life in Jesus Christ. We get to interrupt that trajectory they are in, that downward spiral, and make a positive impact in their lives that can change them for the better forever.”
In 32 years with Young Life, having worked with youth in both Ohio and in Israel, he said kids today are experiencing the same challenges, the same struggles and the same decisions around the globe.
For young people who are trying to fit in and find their way in so many different ways, being pulled in such a variety of directions, he said offering them hope through salvation is special.
Hofmann went on to talk about Troyer and their leadership in the local YL effort. He said as far as area directors go, Troyer is one of the very best he’s seen in finding ways to make meaningful connections with kids.
Whether it is on the front lines or through financial support, the evening culminated in a request. For Hofmann, the thought of working with young people and changing lives through faith boils down to one simple question.
“Are you motivated to engage in the battle for kids’ lives?” Hofmann said. “Is this something you want to be a part of? If it is, then how can you get involved? We need bigger teams, people who want to love on kids. Maybe it’s time to talk to Heidi. I hope God is daring you to do it, and I hope you say yes.”
Those at the banquet filled out a quick questionnaire card, but opportunities exist for those who were unable to attend. For those who are feeling nudged in that direction, call or email Troyer at 330-204-4455 or younglifeth@frontier.com.
You can learn more about the organization at www.younglife.com or visit the local Tuscarawas-Holmes chapter on Facebook.