Greater St. Joseph Young Life Events

Summer Staff Adventures

10/5/2016

Greater St. Joseph Young Life has had the privilege of bringing on some amazing college students as leaders over the last few years. This summer, several of our college leaders had the opportunity to serve middle school and high school students at Young Life camps all across the country! When we asked what some of their favorite parts of their Summer Staff experiences were, this is what they said:

Claire Palmer (Greater St. Joseph Wyld Life leader) - “I served as the office assistant for Castaway Club on summer staff and it was a life changing experience. God challenged me in ways I never thought possible. I learned how to be the hands and feet of Jesus to thousands of kids and spread the gospel in an energetic, fun-loving way. I also gained a wonderful new community of lifelong friends in Christ. Jesus was so evident at camp and I couldn’t wait to get back home and serve my community to love people like Jesus does.”

Scott Keegan (Savannah High School leader) - “One cool thing that happened to me while I was on summer staff at Washington Family Ranch, was just finding unreal community. Being able to share anything and not feel judged but knowing that everyone would love me no matter what was going on. It was an awesome glimpse of what heaven will be like with such a tight community. As well as we were able to celebrate together the good things that were happening at camp. Everyone was on the same page and there for one purpose to serve God and to serve kids.”

Allison Pinet (Maryville High School leader) - “I served on third session summer staff at Windy Gap! While I was at Windy gap, I was surrounded by beautiful people inside and out. I learned what it meant to have good fellowship with people my age. I learned how important it is to be intentional with others, and to share Jesus with others! I feel like I’d never had this before. During my three weeks I also had a lot of time to reflect on how the Lord has worked miracles in my life. Looking back at how all of my prayers have been answered, looking at and sharing the kind of person I used to be and loving who I am now in Christ. I fell even more in love with Him and am craving His love everyday. At Windy Gap the Lord showed me that not only do i get to live with Him now and forever, but that I get to share His love with others for as long as I live. I’m so grateful to have served this summer and now that I’m thinking about it I just want to go back!”

Jill Oswald (Central High School leader) - “I served on third session summer staff at Washington Family Ranch in Oregon and I worked in the snack bar! While at Washington Family Ranch I learned so much about who I am and my walk with Jesus. Before leaving for summer staff I was really doubting my identity in Christ, but Jesus crushed all of my fears and anxieties. He gave me an amazing, loving, and understanding community who believes in and supports me. I remember the weekend before we left to go back home, our interns took all of the summer staff to an old meat locker that was decorated in christmas lights and carpet pallets. We sang Holy Spirit under a star-packed sky, literally, and sat in this place for an hour, giving encouraging words to each other. While at camp, the Lord showed me that I am enough, I am wanted, and I am accepted in Him. He also showed me how to serve with humility, enthusiasm, and patience. I’m just beyond blessed that Jesus placed me at WaFaRa and I would give anything to go back!"

Jenna Oswald (Greater St. Joseph Wyld Life leader) - “I served as an A.M. Cook at TimberWolf Lake in Michigan. At the beginning of my camp experience I had a lot of negative feelings towards my job. I knew I had to get up at 5 in the morning everyday, I was the only girl summer staffer in the kitchen until the P.M. cooks came in, and I was also going to be the dietary needs specialist for every breakfast and lunch meal; I took care of all of the gluten free, dairy free, soy free, egg free, vegan, vegetarian and allergy specific diets. I was really intimidated by my job at first, but by the end of week one, everyone in the kitchen became a family. I learned from my job just how far Young Life goes to make every kid feel special and loved and give them everything their heart desires, right down to having extra chocolate chips with their pancakes. The purpose behind the extent Young Life goes to make their meals so amazing is to show these kids the Father’s love in every way they can see while at camp. Being a cook was extremely humbling, and made me feel so used by the Lord, in such an awesome way. I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything, and can’t wait to serve again next summer!”

As you can see, God’s been working through our leader’s this summer, and we CAN’T WAIT to see what’s in store for the rest of this year!!

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Meet Your Leaders!

4/15/2016

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Name: Allison Pinet
Position: Maryville High School Young Life Leader

What would be the title of your autobiography?
Earthly Small, Heavenly Eternal
There's something so powerful about thinking about how small we are on this Earth. We mean nothing to 99% of the world, and everything to our God! And thinking about how the grace of God can make us so BIG spiritually. We mean so much to Him, and our love for Him is almost always failing, but His love for us is so overwhelmingly powerful, and unending. It's so hard for us to wrap our heads around!

If you could eat with anyone (past or present) who would you eat with and where would you go?
I would want to eat with Beyonce for sure!! Beyonce is my idol because she is such a strong woman, who stands for what she believes in. She is so humble, and lives a unique life. I'd love to sit and eat junk food with her!

What has been the best thing about being involved with YL?
The best thing about being involved with Young Life is all of the opportunities God has shown me. I've been challenged in so many ways, and I've learned so much about myself since I've been involved with YL. YL is the reason I"m in my relationship with God, so there is so many glorious things about it.

If you could have any superpower, what would you have?
Of course, I would be able to fly. I feel like it would be faster than walking, there would be less traffic, and you wouldn't need to park! Plus you could admire beautiful nature everywhere you go!

Lake, River, or Ocean?
Ocean of course!!!
The beach is my favorite place on earth. If I could pick my family up and move there, I would! I love the saltwater and I love the sun. The ocean brings me so much happiness.

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Meet Your Leaders!

4/14/2016

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Name: Jensen Masoner
Position: Savannah Middle School Wyld Life Leader

What would be the title of your autobiography and why?

Love Is Patient.
This would be the title of my autobiography because throughout my life I've been faced with being patient when it comes to being loved and loving someone. I'm a very compassionate person about others and their hearts. Many times in my life I have not been patient and not been loving; but I always forgive and remember that love is patient. Like Bob Goff says, "Love others and do stuff." I strive to be this person every day God blesses me with.

If you could be two animals, what would you be?
I would be a puppy because I like to be loved all the time. I also like to eat and take naps whenever I want. I would also be a lion because I love to take care of others and be loving. i want to make sure my family has everything they need to survive.

What has been the best part of being a YL leader?
Making relationships with kids and other leaders! Showing others who God is and how he works through our every day lives. I came to know who Jesus is through YL and I want to be the person that can do the same for another kid or many kids.

In your opinion, what is the best ice cream flavor?
Mint chocolate chip!!! But if you give me any kind of ice cream I'd be happy because it's ice cream.

Lake, River, or Ocean?
Lake because I love tubing!!

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A Night at Wyld Life club!

3/29/2016

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Meet Your Leaders!

3/23/2016

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Name: Matt Robertson
Position: Lafayette High School Young Life Leader

What would be the title of your autobiography?
BROKEN MASTERPIECE.
The origin of the word involves how an aspiring craftsman or artist would enter into an apprenticeship with a master craftsman. The master would provide room, board, materials and knowledge of the craft. Essentially the student would become part of the master’s family. At the end of the apprenticeship, the student would create a final project with all the skills they have acquired along the way. If the work met the approval of the master, the master himself would sign the work and it would become the property of the master.
My autobiography would be a reminder that our lives, though broken and ugly, have be carefully make into a beauty work of art by the hands of God. It this work of God’s masterful hand that shows us that our lives do not belong to us. The Master has adopted me into his family, given me the love, forgiveness, knowledge and tools needed to build a life pleasing to him. In the end, my hope is that God’s signature will find its place on my life.

In your opinion, what is the best ice cream flavor?
There is one best ice cream flavor, and one best ice cream flavor only; Bunny Tracks.
Great combination of chocolate and caramel, as well as, a smooth and crunchy texture. Best served cold.

If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
The ability to manipulate and control the elements; fire, water, air, earth. Just like The Last Airbender, but better. Throw in lightning for good measure.

What has been the best thing about YL?
The purpose driven community that Young Life provides has been something in my life that has yet to be matched. There is just something about being around a group of likeminded individuals who love the Lord and are on the same mission to share the love of Christ to high school and middle school. My best friends are fellow Young Life leaders.

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Meet Your Leaders!

3/23/2016

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Name: Brittney Robertson
Position: Lafayette High School Young Life Leader

What would be the title of your autobiography?
Fearfully Made, Wonderfully Loved

There’s something so beautiful about being Gods most perfect creation. He says we are more captivating than the mountains, oceans, sunsets, and stars. Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe that someone as small as me is so significant to such a mighty God. At times it’s hard to view myself through the lens of God and know just how treasured and wonderfully made I am. I’ve always struggled with feeling like I am enough BUT God tells me that I am more than enough and that I am adored by him. What a powerful thing it is to be adored. God spent time knitting me together, knowing me intimately before I existed, and creating me for a purpose. When I step back and remember whose I am and what I was created to do I can’t help but to rejoice and praise Him.

In your opinion, what is the best ice cream flavor?
Chocolate Peanut butter with almonds from Baskin Robbins!!

If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
I think I would really enjoy having the ability to talk to cats! I feel like that could be really fun, and my cat Potter and I would be able to talk about Matthew without him knowing!

What has been the best thing about YL?
Oh man this is a hard question to answer and I’m not sure I’m able to sum it up in just one best thing, but I’ll try! God has worked through my life in some powerful ways and has really used the ministry of Young Life to do so. I have been granted the opportunity to play a part in eternity for high school kids. I think for me that’s been the most amazing part. God has chosen to use a person like me to help do his work. He definitely doesn’t need me, and I know I often mess things up when it comes to “leading” high school students but he allows me to be apart of it anyway. Through that process I come to know more about him and his heart for the lost and it encourages me to continue to do his work through Young Life.
Secondly I love the community. Serving alongside beautifully broken people with a common mission is humbling and powerful. I love the relationships that the ministry of Young Life has provided Matthew and I.

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Meet Your Leaders!

3/8/2016

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Name: Charis Flowers
Position: Central High School Young Life Capernaum Leader

What would be the title of your autobiography?
Everything Happens for a Reason.
The reason this would be my title is I truly believe this statement and have seen this happen many time in my life!

The good, the bad and the ugly things, but things usually always turned out the way God had planned. going through a diagnoses of having Rheumatoid Arthritis and having a very difficult pregnancy because of my RA, but so many good things came from both these things. Getting a divorce also proved to me that good can come from the bad. I feel very blessed with my life and life is great because "Everything Happens for a Reason"!

In your opinion, what is the best ice cream flavor?
To me growing up my favorite ice cream flavor was mint chocolate chip, but as an adult I tend to lean more towards the chocolate, cookie dough, peanut butter flavors!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
If I could travel anywhere in the world it would 100%, hands down be Ireland!!! I've been to Europe but never made it to Ireland!

What has been the best thing about Young Life Capernaum?
The best thing about YL Capernaum has been everything! I love connecting with the high school students and going to fun events! I love watching them get excited about Jesus and answering questions during the talk. I love how excited they get when they see their friends at club or one of us leaders! I also love serving with a life long friend, who I've known since kindergarten, Renee Zweerink, and the other amazing leaders that are on our team - Steve and Kendra, Chanelle and Will!! My heart is so full from this great ministry!

Who has influenced you the most?
My parents and sister are the people who have influenced me the most. Each has inspired me in their own way. My dad has always been a hard worker and did anything and everything he could to help support our family. He has always been my biggest cheerleader in life and he and I have a special bond. My mother also is a very hard worker and as kids growing up my mother was there for myself and my sister for everything...Awards assembly, waving as we got on the bus, and was always there when we got off the bus, being a shoulder to cry on, and our biggest cheerleader in life! My sister has influenced me by being a great younger sister. We have shared a lot of great times and she has always been there for me in my bad times! We have always been super close and know we always will be! So my family would have to be who has influenced me the most.

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Meet Your Leaders!

3/8/2016

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Chanelle Hall on the left.

Name: Chanelle Hall
Position: Central High School Capernaum Young Life team Leader/student staff

What would be the title of your autobiography?
I Finally Found Me.

If you were stuck on an Island what three things or people would you bring with you?
1. A journal to document all of my activity because eventually someone would find it.
2. A camera to capture it all.
3. My boyfriend Lois, so I could have a companion.

What has been the best thing about Young Life Capernaum?
The best thing about YL Capernaum would be the smiles. Every time I walk into Central's cafeteria I am greeted with a love filled smile of friendship that I wouldn't trade for the world!

Who has influenced you the most?
Lyn Ten Brick has influenced me the most. I remember watching my YL Capernaum training videos saying to myself, " I want to lead just like her. I want to love kids the way she loves kids." And when I met her I could hardly contain myself and when I heard her speak on inviting and reaching every kid, whether they have a disability or not, it gave me a visual of how Jesus is and how he extends His hands of love to every one. And how we need to not limit our extension of love to kids by how comfortable we are or not with doing it.

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Motivation Monday!

3/7/2016

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Brought to you by the classic 90's movie, A Walk To Remember. Here's some motivation for your Monday!

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5 Reasons You Should Do Work Crew

2/29/2016

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This past summer I volunteered for a month at Timber Wolf Lake Young Life Camp in Lake City, Michigan. I never really had any idea that I would ever be involved in something as amazing as work crew. It never crossed my mind until last winter when my dad mentioned it to me. My first thought was why not? It seemed like a cool experience and a great way to serve Christ through Young Life, which I have been involved in my whole life since my dad was an area director. Although, it did come with a great amount of responsibility. Readying yourself for something like this does include some spiritual and mental training. At one point I had been on the waiting list for so long I wasn’t sure I was going to get a spot. That’s when I started having doubts, like maybe this isn’t what God has planned for me to do. But, I ended up getting a spot at the perfect place and all in God’s timing. I then embarked on my greatest adventure just two weeks after getting the news. I could go on and on about all the reasons you should do work crew, but I’m going to narrow it down to just 5.

Making some great friends.

One of the coolest things about work crew is that you get to experience it with so many other people your own age who are all brought together for the same reason: Jesus. That’s the most incredible bond you could ever have with someone. At first I was nervous that I might not meet anyone I really connected with, but just a day after I arrived I had felt so close to the people there. It’s a lot different from some of the surface level friendships you might have with people back home. You literally eat, breath, sleep, and work with these people for a whole month. It’s so encouraging to know that a lot of them are going through some of the same struggles as you. You get to hear all of their life stories, which are different, but yet you all ended up at this same place in life together. The connection you feel with these 40 other people is unlike anything I’ve had in my life. You understand each other and are able to create a community of people who encourage one another and are united in Christ. It is a very rare occurrence to meet so many great people at one time. That being said, it was extremely difficult to leave them all. I mean you just spent the best month of your life with them and are already best friends. You can’t imagine your life without them. Not having that community when you come back home can be hard, but you will know that no matter what those people will always be there for you. You can reach out to them at anytime and they will have your back. Work your hardest to never lose touch with them, because those friendships that are brought together by Christ will be the ones that last a lifetime.

2. Challenging Yourself.
Yes, work crew is the most amazing thing you’ll ever do, but it is a lot of work. I mean, it’s in the title. It will probably be one of the most mentally and physically exhausting things you’ll do in your life. You’re day consists of work, eat, work, eat, work, eat, then hang out with friends at night, sleep, and the cycle continues. I know it was especially hard for me, because I get tired and grouchy and complain when I have to do a lot of work. I knew it would be a challenge. Some days you don’t want to get out of bed. You’re exhausted and just not feeling it. But, then you remember the reason you’re here. To glorify Christ through serving these campers. It is essential to remind yourself of your purpose everyday. Also, remembering that it’s not about you. This is the most humbling experience. You work so hard, and don’t get much recognition or any “rewards”. But isn’t that how Jesus went about his work? He never asked for anything in return for what he did. You soon realize that you can’t make it through the month on your own. You must rely on God for strength. That is a lesson that I will use for the rest of my life. Sometimes situations are going to be too hard to handle on your own. But this allows you to fully trust God, and build your character in the meantime. I learned what it was like to work hard for the Lord, and that is one of the most rewarding things ever.

3. Learning to work with others.
Imagine being with the same people for every moment of everyday for a month. It’s a challenge for sure. You might not get along with everyone all the time, but you learn how to resolve conflicts and work together. You all have one common goal that you’re working towards and that is what makes them different. You have to adapt to this type of environment of constantly working side by side with people. The jobs you’ll be asked to accomplish will not be possible on your own. Everyone who is on work crew is a valuable part of the team. That being said, you must treat each other with the utmost respect. They might make you want to pull your hair out, because maybe someone will do something wrong or mess up your work. But, you remember that you love these people, therefore you learn to respond to situations with patience and grace. It really is a team atmosphere, you have to encourage each other. They’re all experiencing the same struggles as you are and need extra support. This is a skill that will help you in all aspects of life.

4. Growing Spiritually
This month will be filled with nonstop excitement. Aside from working, you will get to do some amazing things with all of your new friends. It will be easy to get distracted from the reason why you’re there. You will need to learn to direct your thoughts to Christ continually. You not only get to help some of the campers experience God through your stories that you share, or the way you serve them, but you get to grow in your faith as well. I never felt more close to God than when I was at Timber Wolf. I learned so much about myself that month. When you’re away from everything you’re comfortable with, it’s easy to just block out God and try to create your own comfort. But embrace it! Yes, you will feel out of your comfort zone, but those are the biggest areas for growth. No one ever made a change in their life by going through the same motions every day. Take advantage of all the quiet time, worship sessions, club talks, and meaningful conversations. Don’t just brush those things off. Really examine yourself, and observe what you can do to make a change and become a better follower of Christ.

5. Taking A Break From The Real World
I know what you’re all thinking, how can I possibly make it a whole month without my beloved phone? I can tell you, it’s really easy. You’re going to have so many amazing things going on, you won’t even miss it. In fact, when you get home, you’re probably not going to want it back. You realize how much time you waste on pointless things. This is because everything you will do on work crew will be for a greater purpose. You get to remove yourself from whatever is going on in your life and the brokenness of the world. Whether you’re struggling with a relationship, your family is going through a rough time,, you’re overwhelmed by life, or you feel like you just can’t seem to get anything right. You get to leave all your worries behind. All of the Young Life camps are truly like a piece of heaven on earth. Every morning you get to walk outside to the beautiful scenery that God created for you to enjoy. Don’t take that for advantage. If you truly embrace it, you will feel so close to God. Renew your mind and learn to be still.

Slow down, and notice the small things that God is doing in your life. Don’t get caught up in wanting to know what’s going on back home, focus on now. You are in this incredible place with some pretty incredible people. God put you here for a reason. Embrace every single second, because you’ll get home and realize you would do anything to go back for just one day.

Work crew was the most fulfilling experiences of my life. If you’re thinking that this may be the next step in your faith, pray about it and talk to someone who can help you get involved. You won’t regret it.