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.