Sam's YL Story

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Sam, in the middle getting a shaving cream hairdo, with his WyldLife, middle school guys. Sam was their leader at camp this past summer and continues to be a mentor and role model for them.

1. Why do you go to Young Life?

I love Young Life because throughout the crazy ride that high school is, it has really been the only constant for me. Whenever I'm lost or in a rut, I know I can turn to my Young Life family to give me strength again. I keep coming back because I know that no matter if I have been to YL every week or if I haven't gone for a month, my friends at YL will show me the same love day in and day out.

2. What impact has Young Life made on your life? 

Young Life has shown me that there is way more to a relationship with Jesus than I ever knew. It has really brought me to him and given me the opportunities to explore that relationship through unforgettable experiences. Christ has shown me that no matter what happens to me in life, there is always someone I can turn to that wants a real relationship with me and will show me unconditional love.

3. Who is your Young Life leader and what have you learned from them?

I have had many, but my YL leaders now are Chris Hansen, Landon Erwin, Tony Dunham, and Kye Valentine. These guys are so supportive of me and I know I can always turn to them in a time of need, and that they are always willing to help me. These guys have taught me to keep my head up all the time. Even though things may be looking down right now, God has great plans in store for me in the future.

4. If you had to describe YL in one word, what would it be? 

ACCEPTING

5. Describe your life before you got involved with Young Life and what impact it’s had on your life since.

Before I got involved with Young Life, my life was simple.

    Since I've gotten involved with Young Life, my life is adventuresome.

6. How has your experience with Young Life changed the way you think about your future? 

Young Life has changed me in so many incredible ways. From my experience over the last four years, I have come to realize that Jesus can touch people's lives in different ways all over the world. I want to be someone who people can look to and say, "Hey, look how Jesus touched him. I want to be in on that." Showing people Christ's love, like I have done as a middle school leader, is something truly rewarding. I want to be able to do that for others for as long as possible in as many different places as possible.

Veronica's YL Story

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1. Why do you go to Young Life?

I love going to Young Life because I can get away from all the stress and just have fun with my friends. I go to Young Life to get a better understanding about God and my relationship with Him.

2. What impact has Young Life made on your life?

Young Life has made a great impact on my life. I don't have to try and be something I'm not when I'm at any events involving Young Life. I have made some great friends through camps, I have people to talk to about anything and everything and they won't judge me at all.

Christ has made a huge impact on my life. I learned that even if it seems like all is going downhill, He always has a way to make it seem okay and that everything is going to be okay in the end. I can turn to Him for anything I need and He will always be there to listen to my problems and help in every way He possible can.

3. Who is your Young Life leader and what have you learned from them?

My young life leader is Katie Evans. She has become one of my best friends. I look up to her cause she is just always so happy and seems bright all the time. She has been there for me at the hardest times when I call her crying, or text her about getting something so awesome that I just had to tell her. Katie is a true inspiration to everybody. She gives the best advice and knows just what to say at the right time, and no matter what she is doing she will find time to talk. She will send random texts just to check up and see how things are. Katie has taught me that we don't need to try to live life the way other people want us to, we just need to learn the way that God wants us to live it and be happy with ourselves.

4. If you had to describe YL in one word, what would it be?

If I could describe YL in one word it would be incredible.

5. Describe your life before you got involved with Young Life and what impact it’s had on your life since.

Before I got involved in YL my life was okay. I for sure wasn't as strong in my faith as I am now. I didn't have as much courage as I do now, and I honestly didn't have that many friends or that many people that I could turn to and talk to. I felt like I had to try and fit in and change myself for people to like me. But since I've gotten involved in YL, my life has changed amazingly. I am so much stronger in my faith, for a 17 year old. I now have, not only my family, but also some awesome friends that I can go to for anything, even if it's just to meet up and eat ice cream at 3 in the afternoon. I have a lot more courage now and I'm not afraid to be myself. I'm not afraid of not fitting in with people because everyone has an equal place in YL.

6. How has your experience with Young Life changed the way you think about your future?

My experience with YL has changed the way I think about my future plans involving the way I live my life by knowing that I want to live through God. I want to share everything I know about Him with the ones close to me and even the ones that I have just met.

Myanna's YL Story

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Myanna, in the green sunglasses, in Colorado on the Wilderness week-long, backpacking trip with her friends and YL leaders this past summer.

1. Why do you go to Young Life?

I love Young Life because it brings together kids from all different types of backgrounds who all share one common thing: we all love Jesus. I keep going back because the atmosphere is so loving and the bond I share with everyone is so strong.

2. What impact has Young Life made on your life?

The impact Young Life has made on my life is huge. Going into High School I felt like I strayed away from my relationship with Christ however, Young Life helped me to build my relationship back up with him. They reminded me that God's love for me is unconditional and that he will be there for me no matter what.

3. Who is your Young Life leader and what have you learned from them?

My Young Life leader for the past four years has been Mallory. She is without a doubt one of the most influential people in my life, her heart is so big and loving. I met Mallory my freshman year in high school and we created a really strong bond. I look up to Mallory because she puts others before herself and she has taught me so much about Christ. Mallory has lead me through so of the lowest and highest points of my life and I will always be grateful for her unconditional support.

4. If you had to describe YL in one word, what would it be?

If I had to describe Young Life in one word it would be LOVING.

5. Describe your life before you got involved with Young Life and what impact it’s had on your life since.

Before I got involved with Young Life my relationship with Christ was rocky, I was unaware of how much God really loved me. Young Life has helped show me that God loves me with all of my flaws and he does not expect me to be perfect. I am not alone in my walk with Christ because of the environment I am surrounded by thanks to Young Life.

6. How has your experience with Young Life changed the way you think about your future?

Young Life has brought out my passion for serving others. My sophomore year of High School I traveled to Memphis, TN where I spent a week serving others. It was this trip that helped me realize I wanted a career that would allow me to serve others. Next year I plan on studying dentistry in college with the hopes that one day I can travel to developing countries to provide dental care for those who do not have access to it.

 Myanna, serving on the mission trip to Memphis, TN over fall break.