Young Life's new tagline is "You were
made for this." In this issue, we hear from alumni who show us how true that statement is. From an alumnus who finds new meaning as a committee
person to hundreds of people reconnecting at an alumni jubilee, the message is the same. Once you've experienced Young Life, you want to stay
engaged for years to come.
We'd love to hear from those of you who've been touched by Young Life. Drop us a line and let us know who you are, where you are and how Young Life played a role in your life. If we share your story in a
future issue we'll send you a Starbucks gift card as a thank
you!
In This Issue
Finding Young Life Again ... On Committee
Jenny Fultz (pictured at center below as a camper at Castaway), the committee chair for
West Treasure Valley, Idaho, shares her journey from Young Life kid to committee chair and how it's impacted her life. 
My junior year, I was a “new kid” in school in Evansville, Ind. I
felt remote, isolated and incredibly lonely. When a new friend invited me to Young Life, I decided to give it a try. I was amazed to find a raucous,
laughing, loud group of kids and leaders who loved God passionately and were hilarious all at the same time.
Over the next two years, I developed a deep friendship with the local staff
couple, Mike and Eva Ashburn. Eva took me shopping, gave me perms and even sewed my prom dress. They became my second family, introducing me to
what the family of God is about. I often heard my area director talk about his committee — in particular, Newt and Ann Crenshaw — with
deep affection.
When I graduated, I was encouraged to become a leader. For 12 years I
volunteered in Anderson and Muncie, Ind., taking kids to camp, serving on summer staff and helping lead several clubs over the years. The friendships
built with fellow leaders and staff were some of the deepest of my life. I truly experienced the “family of God.”
The last year I was a leader, I met my husband, who was a widower with two
small children. I knew God was leading me to a new season in life — one where I would invest in the “young lives” under my own
roof. I stepped down from leadership and began the daunting task of learning to be an instant mom.
Another job transition caused us to leave our home, our church, and our
families behind and move several thousand miles west to Nampa, Idaho. I tried to get involved in several ministries at my church, but none felt
fulfilling. For four years, I wondered why God led me to this particular “desert.”
It was at a Fourth of July celebration in tiny Melba, Idaho, that
I saw a Young Life booth. My heart leapt! I introduced myself to the area director, who chatted excitedly about what was happening in the local
ministry. While I was overjoyed, I was hesitant to jump in totally as I wanted to make sure this was really where God was leading me.
As I prayed about joining the area’s committee, I asked God to be
very clear about what He wanted me to do. His answer came quickly. In the first Committee Link (a publication for committee members), there was a
story written by some familiar friends — Newt and Ann Crenshaw. The topic? Recruiting committee. The clincher? When they expressed their great
joy at watching former Young Life kids become committee members.
I am so thankful to be reunited with the Young Life family. I now serve
— humbly and gratefully — as the committee chair of West Treasure Valley Young Life. And as I prepare to take some local
friends to Malibu Club as adult guests, I warn them: once you’ve seen Young Life, you’re in for life.
Young Life
Charlotte 50th Jubilee!
Young Life in Charlotte,
N.C., recently hosted a 50-Year Jubilee Celebration. It was a wonderful evening of celebrating the work that God has done
through the years. More than 600 alumni, former staff, parents and kids (some pictured at right) participated in an
evening of fun and reflection.
Regional Director Steve Gardner and
Regional Administrator Amy Patwa worked closely with a planning committee to do the challenging detective work of contacting 50 years worth of
Charlotte alums. The effort was worth it as Mike Ashburn, Allen Levi and Ty Saltzgiver all joined in to honor Charlotte's
pioneer leaders, like Mal and Wanda McSwain.
This was not just a time to
reminisce. It was an invitation to join in the work that Young Life is doing and to be encouraged by the changes taking place
in the hearts of kids each day. Read what one former area director had to say about the event and the
mission:
On long-term
involvement:
God has been working
for a long time in this ministry. It is just wild to see some of my former club kids on committees. How
cool!
On Young Life's
impact:
Young Life means so
much. My personal philosophy and calling in ministry was formed in Young Life. The power of a life on a life; of
building a bridge of friendship over which to walk with the Gospel; the place of fun in the Christian life; and most of all, the simplicity and the
power of the basic Gospel message.
On Young Life alumni events:
Attending this event made me want to have others. I kept thinking of people I wish I
would have invited. It would be neat if each era had a little alumni team for events like this.
Be watching for resources and best
practices to help you put on your own alumni event.
Alumni: Your
Stories
A former Young Life kid looks back at her experience, thanking the leader who has become a lifelong
mentor.
I attended a local high school football game in our
hometown last night. I haven't been to a high school function since I was in high school more than 10 years ago. As I sat at the game I
realized the world is different now. I looked around seeing many troubled kids, cursing, smoking and some just looking lost. That is when Young Life
came to mind.
I used to be one of those lost kids, but I was fortunate
enough to meet the best person in the world — my Young Life leader, Dyan Larmey. She gave me hope, reason to believe in myself and the promise
of a future. Just then I understood why Young Life was and is so important. Dyan changed my life forever. We are great friends to this day.
I had to describe a mentor in my life not long ago. The person who comes to mind every time is Dyan. Ten years ago she was there for me any
time I needed her, and 10 years later she is still there for me. Thank you, Young Life. Thank you, Dyan.
Sincerely, Tracey H. |
