He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40: 29-31 NIV)
Girls streamed into the clubroom at Southwind, a Young Life camp. As the music began, they sang and danced. Skits made them laugh.
Then the speaker took the stage and looked over the audience. He prayed. Groups of teen moms and their Young Lives’ leaders sat on the floor and listened to his message.
“No matter what you have done or what has happened to you, God loves you,” he said.
Those words apply to everyone but were especially poignant for the girls in front of him. Every teen had a child or had one on the way. The weekend camp was for them to be served and loved.
I watched from the back of the room. My heart ached as I saw girls who should have been experiencing normal teen lives but were responsible for one or two children. What would they go home to? What were the circumstances of their pregnancies? How would they manage?
At the end of his talk, the leader instructed the girls to do what Young Life does at their camps. Find a spot alone. No talking or leaving. Spend time with God. Think about the message. The evening rain kept everyone inside but each girl and leader found her own space.
Even with over one hundred people in the room, silence filled the room. Lights dimmed. A sense of calm surrounded us.
Some sat upright. A few leaned against the walls. Several spread out on the floor. Heads bowed. Eyes closed.
Tears trickled as I prayed. I thought of the pain and uncertainty in their young lives. Girls who need Jesus. Babies who need strong mothers. Moms who need stable homes for themselves and their children. Leaders who meet with the girls regularly to offer love and support.
A noise broke the stillness. A sniffle. Then sobs. I prayed for the anguished teen. I couldn’t see who it was but God knew. I prayed that her leader would be able to comfort the crying mama. Her tears flowed not only for herself but for each girl in the room.
Heavenly Father, be a loving father to the young moms and their children. Give strength and patience to those who are supporting them. Amen
Young Life doesn't start with a program. It starts with adults who are concerned enough about kids to go to them, on their turf and in their culture, building bridges of authentic friendship. These relationships don't happen overnight — they take time, patience, trust and consistency.
Our Mission Introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith.
