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Young Life aims for relationship with God through fun activities
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By Christina Knott
cknott@newstribune.com
The teenage crowd at Young Life curled their faces into grimaced smiles as the final character in a skit swallowed a shaving cream water and toothpaste rinse concoction.
Perhaps the message was to be careful what you put in your body.
Or maybe, not to assume something is safe when it isn't.
Either way, the leaders didn't patronize the teenagers with a detailed explaination lesson before moving on. The non-denominational Christian organization is designed to excite students toward a relationship with God - not beat them over the head with it.
“We try to reach them and try to get them excited about going to church ... about living their life for Christ,” said Dave Kemna, one of the college-age leaders of Young Life.
Wednesday was the first weekly Young Life club meeting for Helias students. Young Life also hosts separate club meetings for students at Jefferson City and Blair Oaks high schools. The national program got its start in the local community 15 years ago and has continued to impact students since.
Kemna, a Helias graduate, started out in Young Life as a high school student. He continued involvement as a leader because of the difference the program made in his life.
“I kind of found what a relationship with Jesus was like and I want other kids to see that,” Kemna said.
Mentoring is an essential aspect of the program. The college-age leaders are young enough to identify with the kids and old enough to offer direction.
“A lot of adults tell us what to do,” said Hannah Silvey, a senior who started Young Life as a freshman. “The leaders in college aren't adults. ... We relate better.”
Between humorous skits and high-octane activities, the worship portion traded traditional praise songs for music that seemed to captivate the heart of teens in the room.
Arms upraised or draped across a friend's shoulder, students sang along with uplifting lyrics to popular music, like that from the All-American Rejects, “... even when your hope gone, move along, move along, just to make it through.”
At the end of the meeting, one of the leaders offered a short dialogue on what his faith meant to him. The teenage students cocked their heads in curious attention.
“I like the welcome atmosphere and how people come together,” said junior Caleb Boeckmann, explaining what keeps him coming back. “Everybody's open. We come here and have fun.”
The Jefferson City Young Life will host its annual fundraising banquet 6:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. People can attend to find out more about the program during an evening of dinner and entertainment.
There is no admission to the event, but donations and pledges will be requested during the evening. People interested in reserving a seat should call Gwen Pelzer at (573) 635-5262.
Perhaps the message was to be careful what you put in your body.
Or maybe, not to assume something is safe when it isn't.
Either way, the leaders didn't patronize the teenagers with a detailed explaination lesson before moving on. The non-denominational Christian organization is designed to excite students toward a relationship with God - not beat them over the head with it.
“We try to reach them and try to get them excited about going to church ... about living their life for Christ,” said Dave Kemna, one of the college-age leaders of Young Life.
Wednesday was the first weekly Young Life club meeting for Helias students. Young Life also hosts separate club meetings for students at Jefferson City and Blair Oaks high schools. The national program got its start in the local community 15 years ago and has continued to impact students since.
Kemna, a Helias graduate, started out in Young Life as a high school student. He continued involvement as a leader because of the difference the program made in his life.
“I kind of found what a relationship with Jesus was like and I want other kids to see that,” Kemna said.
Mentoring is an essential aspect of the program. The college-age leaders are young enough to identify with the kids and old enough to offer direction.
“A lot of adults tell us what to do,” said Hannah Silvey, a senior who started Young Life as a freshman. “The leaders in college aren't adults. ... We relate better.”
Between humorous skits and high-octane activities, the worship portion traded traditional praise songs for music that seemed to captivate the heart of teens in the room.
Arms upraised or draped across a friend's shoulder, students sang along with uplifting lyrics to popular music, like that from the All-American Rejects, “... even when your hope gone, move along, move along, just to make it through.”
At the end of the meeting, one of the leaders offered a short dialogue on what his faith meant to him. The teenage students cocked their heads in curious attention.
“I like the welcome atmosphere and how people come together,” said junior Caleb Boeckmann, explaining what keeps him coming back. “Everybody's open. We come here and have fun.”
The Jefferson City Young Life will host its annual fundraising banquet 6:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. People can attend to find out more about the program during an evening of dinner and entertainment.
There is no admission to the event, but donations and pledges will be requested during the evening. People interested in reserving a seat should call Gwen Pelzer at (573) 635-5262.
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