with great graditude

I don't post a lot about Young Life on the old personal blog. In reality, it's not only both of our jobs, but our ministry and our passion. It's what we've invested over 20 years of our life into. It's what we believe we have been called to do and it's where we will stay until the Lord calls us somewhere else. Below is the year end e-newsletter we sent out today. I thought I would put it on here. If you're a friend or family or an alumni of our years leading YL and would love to give a year end gift (or a gift anytime really), we would be honored and blessed by your support. Thanks for helping us keep going, keep reaching more kids, keep impacting and leading the next generation. 

Laura

With Great Gratitude

At the end of the year, we look back with incredible gratitude. We never want to forget to stop, reflect where we have seen the Lord at work and spend time be thankful.

Young Life's mission statement is introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith. WE CANNOT DO THIS WITHOUT YOU. WIthout the support of committee, prayer partners, donors and churches, we don't have the ability, manpower or resources to go where kids are, walk alongside them in life, share the love of Jesus Christ, and help them grow in their faith. It simply doesn't happen. THANK YOU! Thank you for another great year of ministry - of making a lasting impact on the Kingdom and helping kids walk in a better story that God has for them here and now.

Just a few of the things we are thankful for:

• Heath coming on as YL College Director
  
• a healthy 2016/2107 fiscal year
• our first annual 5K being a huge success!
  
• our biggest Fall Weekend trip ever - 185 kids & leaders
  
• taking over 325 different middle school, high school and college students to summer and weekend camps
• kids deciding to follow Christ
  
• families that have been impacted 
• starting our 8th high school ministry at Trinity Christian School
• countless times parents share appreciation for a YL or WyldLife leader being part of their child's life
  
• 25 high school and college students from Mountaineer Area who served a month at Young Life camp over the summer
• those who have opened their homes, garages and businesses to host club and campaigners
• God's safety and provision with thousands of miles being driven each week by leaders
  
• free office and meeting space at Wesley United Methodist Church
• school administrators who help with sports passes and support leaders

This is a small peak at all that God has done this year.

Thank you for another incredible year for Mountaineer Area Young Life in Mon, Marion & Taylor Counties.

If you would like to make a year-end gift to help continue the impact, please click the button below. Gifts given online via credit card can be processed for 2017 if given by December 31st at midnight EST.

With Deep Gratitude,

Ben Tuel & Heath Sizick

PS - Below are some of the other things we are very thankful for. We recently shared these on social media. Follow us if you don't already!

MAKE AN IMPACT HERE

YL, WYLDLIFE & YL COLLEGE LEADERS: The investment they make in the lives of kids is immeasurable. The majority of our leaders are college students. They have jobs and school and are are figuring out life. At the same time, they are taking the time to invest in, mentor and care for kids in a very important stage of life. We are grateful for the time, gifts and the love they show. 

DONORS AND BUSINESS SPONSORS: Did you know that Young Life, YL College & WyldLIfe are 100% supported by local people, businesses and churches? We have over 350 donors who give to Young Life. Ministry and all we do with kids really doesn't happen without your investment. Our business sponsors cover things like our Banquet and 5K expenses so the money we raise can go straight to ministry.

LOCAL CHURCHES help kids grow in their faith. Churches are vital places of community and growth for kids and leaders to continue in their faith. Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel and reaching more kids! 

YL COMMITTEE: Adults in the community who support Young Life are the local committee. They help raise money, care for leaders, pray for the ministry and volunteer for things like serving pizza at WyldLife and letting us invade their homes for club and campaigners. Ministry doesn't happen without adults in the community who care about kids. 

 PRAYER PARTNERS: Prayer is vital to what happens in the area on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis. If you would like to pray specifically, download the prayer card HERE.

 

KIDS: We have had the opportunity to walk alongside thousands of kids as we step into their worlds to simply love them right where they are, share Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith.