I spoke about Younglife today at MOPS!

What I said (these were my notes):

Read paragraph off of Younglife.org (on the What is YoungLife? tab).

My experience with YL in HS.

YL is a non-denominational, Christian organization that reaches out to youth. All youth.

Allen youth who are Christians, secular, lost, confused, kids that will tell you to your face they don’t believe in God, or they’ve given up. Kids that have just recently lost parents, siblings, been subject to abuse, are currently going through the foster system, fighting, crying out in desperation, only occasionally audibly out loud. And they are asked by a friend to visit Allen YL Club.

YL Offers:
Monday night Club – crazy “shock and awe” fun, music, message.
Campaigners- deeper study for teens who want to question, or want to share their faith. This is also where high school leaders for Christ are developed.
Camp - Camp is talked about all school year as the “best week of your life – guaranteed.” Some kids go because they want to deepen their relationship with Christ, some kids go because they want to know what being a Christian is all about, some kids go with hardened hearts, but still go because they feel like it will be fun. No matter what, they all get the opportunity to see Christ, through the leaders, summer staff, the fun, music and message. Each child will get a chance to step away from their trials, struggles, pain, fear, doubt or just over-booked lives and have a safe, fun environment to meet new friends and learn about God’s love.

YL started in Allen 4 years ago. There were 9 kids the first summer at camp. This summer, we have upwards of 90 signed up to go.

It is the goal of Allen YL to help kids that feel led to come to camp, that have financial need, have their needs met through scholarships, called ‘camperships’.

I used to think that mission trips where just somewhere far away like Africa. But I’ve seen recently that it’s here too, in our community, in our neighborhoods, on our streets, maybe even in our households. As much as I don’t want to admit it, it may not be me or my husband my children turn to as they get older, or if they or those they know have to deal with issues like these teens I’ve met recently are dealing with. But because of organizations like this, I know there are people out there filling the gaps. I know because of them, there’s hope that my kids can be reached if needed.

I wanted to share with you some excerpts of emails sent to the Allen YL director from Allen Seniors recently.

• YL has made an eternal impact on my life.
• It always puts a smile on my face .. NO MATTER WHAT. It's not here to judge anyone, just safe, crazy, fun environment for us students to unwind in our busy lives!!
• YL has truly shown me that living with god is not a drag but a full-filling experience and since I have accepted Jesus Christ as my savior at YL camp last summer I have had a better quality of life and would never trade my YL experience for anything.
• YL has changed my life in more ways than one. It's taught me that you don’t have to be a perfect person to be a Christian and to have a healthy relationship with God, but rather that God loves you in spite of those imperfections. YL has taught me to live life to the fullest and be 100% you no matter what.
• God has become my foundation, and YL was the miraculous tool that built-up the intimate relationship I share with Christ today. A true experience that I've been given and that I will also continue to give!

YL is locally funded and volunteer based. As with any outreach, it has needs that begin with prayer. Surround the youth with prayer. Please also pray for its leadership. With upwards of 100 kids for some club nights, and only 7-8 active leaders, there is a great need. Also, please pray for financial support.

The cost of Camp is $650 for the week for the students. My goal is to help raise the cost of camp for one child with financial need. If you would like to be part of this goal:

‘Give change to Bring Change’ Jar, can bring to next meeting. Get the whole family involved for Allen teens. Several months ago, my kids and I went on a hunt and found $70 in change in bedroom closets, under beds, in the couch and in the car.

If you need to eat on Monday, May 19^th, you are invited to join us at Tin Star in Allen! Just eat and put my name, Brittany Carpenter, or a specific camper if you know one, on the receipt/sign in sheet. $3 from every guest receipt goes toward campers with financial need.

If you feel like you may be led to make a donation, in any amount, it’s tax deductible. Checks can be made to Allen Young Life, or you can give online at http://sites.younglife.org/sites/Allenarea/Donors.aspx. Just make sure you specify ‘campership’ online on the Allen Club Page with my name (Brittany Carpenter), or specific camper’s name, or write it in the memo of your check. The deadline for camperships is June 8^th.

If you would like more info about YL or how you might help, you can find me, email me at brittcarp@yahoo.com or go to their website at younglife.org, and search for the Allen Club page.