Young Life is a Christian ministry that reaches out to middle school, high school, and college students in the United States and in countries around the world. Locally, Young Life ministers to students at Union County High School, Claiborne High School, and on campus at LMU.
Katies Collins is the Area Director serving Union and Claiborne County.
“The primary mission of Young Life is to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith,” said Collins. “Even though things have looked a little different this past year and a half because of Covid, Young Life leaders have still been involved in the lives of kids, making a difference; living life with them and sharing Jesus.”
Collins says the primary way Young Life goes about their mission is by building relationships with kids in order to build a friendship that allows trust and helps earn leaders the right to be heard in order to share the Gospel.
“Young Life leaders find a way to be where the kids are,” said Collins. “We attend sports practices and games and hang out with our high school friends in small groups and outdoor settings.”
Collins says the Young Life ministry has always been about finding a way to be in the lives of kids. She says the need is great for partners in this ministry. Volunteer leaders, donors who will partner with Young Life financially to keep the ministry going, and adults who may be interested in serving on the Young Life board are ways others can participate in the lives of Union and Claiborne County youth.
Young Life is a non-profit organization, locally run and locally funded.
“We are in need of people in our community who are willing to partner with us financially to keep Young Life ministry going in Union and Claiborne County, “said Collins. “Others can partner with us in this way by becoming a monthly donor or giving a one-time gift. We are always looking for adults who want to serve on our Young Life board.”
Collins is the only paid staff person for Union and Claiborne Young Life. All other leaders are volunteers. She says the ministry is always looking for more volunteer leaders.
“The only requirements are to love the Lord and love teenagers. We can train you to do the rest. Most of our volunteer leaders are college students at LMU, however leaders can be ages eighteen to ninety-nine. We desperately need more volunteer leaders at Union County High School who are willing to walk into the world of kids for the sake of the Gospel.
Collins spoke about the influence the ministry has had in her life.
“I met the Lord at a Young Life camp when I was in high school and learned what it meant to be in relationship with Him through my relationship with my Young Life leader. That is my hope for ministry in Union & Claiborne County. That through a relationship with a Young Life leader, our high school friends would come to know and walk with Jesus in a real way. I have gotten to see the Lord change the lives of so many high school and college students over the past ten years and I feel called to continue this mission in our communities.
For more information or to give financially, contact Katie Collins at katiecollins@uc.younglife.org