Keeping Up With Young Life
Young Life has been a non-school affiliated club at Talawanda for years, but not many students are not aware of the religion-based group.
According to Young Life’s official website, “Young Life’s mission is to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith.” There is an estimated 685,436 kids in high school that Young Life minister to all over the United States.
“Young Life is a place where high school students can come and explore what part God can play in their life.” said the Great Miami Valley Young Life leader, Brad Hobitzell. “Young Life was how I discovered what God could be in my life, and I want to give other people that opportunity.”
Jim Rayburn was a young Presbyterian youth leader and seminary student when, in 1938, a local minister challenged Rayburn to start a club for the neighborhood high school students who had no interest in church.
After he graduated from seminary, Rayburn and four seminarians collaborated on an idea of weekly meetings to celebrate God. Young Life was officially made on October 16, 1941. It spread with the message that having faith in God can be fun and life changing.
“I look forward to Mondays and Thursdays because I love going to Young Life. I love getting to know people through God.” said Sophomore, Young Life member Megan McCracken. “You can be completely open there. No one judges you.”
Young Life has two different days that they meet. Both of which are held at Talawanda students’ homes.
On Mondays, Talawanda’s Young Life meets at Ana and Sarah Beth Richter’s house for core. Which is considered “the time to question, learn and grow” with God.
“Core is a more fun version of a bible study.” said junior, Austin Gordon. “You hang out with friends and talk about how you can apply God into your daily life.”
On Thursdays, they meet at Dana and Amber Stumph’s house for Club. Club is “a party with a purpose.” Anyone is welcome to come to either event.
Junior Dana Stumph said, “It’s a hang out where we get together and hear a little about the word of God.”
Also, in the Summer the members of Young Life go to camp. This year the Talawanda Young Life students are invading Lake Champion in New York. This camp has multiple interesting attractions. Like a water blob, a zip-line, and parasailing. According to the Young Life website, Camp is a way for students to connect with God for an entire week through fun and exciting activities.
From 1941 until now, according to the Young Life website Young Life possesses the same message; you can worship God through a fun and positive environment.
