Young Life

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

Young Life believes that anyone can have an impact for God in their community. Check out the video below to hear about the story of Zach, a member of YL Capernaum, who is sponsoring a teen mom and her son, Damien. Zach says, “[Being a YoungLives sponsor] is worth it, God changed my life too. Jesus loves me, and I like how Jesus loves Damien.” https://lnkd.in/ey_jE-6J.

Throughout the summer, campers will spend time in God’s word, continuing to learn and grow in their faith. These kids' lives are being changed at this very moment, and we're eager to see all that God will do in the summer of 2024!

A big part of Chapter Three of The RELATE Project is all about what younger generations want to be known for. One of the things we found is that, unlike previous generations, teens want to be recognized for their talents and interests. Here are a few of the key findings from this chapter: * Most of all, Gen Zers want to be known for their talents, interests and hobbies – more than their education, occupation, or their birthplace. * This finding contrasts with the ambitions of generations before them, who have typically identified strongly with their jobs or their alma mater. * Seeing and following so many social media influencers is a constant reminder of what adolescents feel they could or should be accomplishing. You can check out the first three chapters of The RELATE Project at https://lnkd.in/eiSBhisg!