It has been 5 years since my wife said yes to the call of serving teen moms in the area of North Orange County. It has been 5 years of extending our family beyond what we would have ever imagined we would or could. It has been five years of serving the kingdom of the greatest of greats and that is our GOD.

This past January 27^th to the 29^th we went to Young Life camp at Oakbridge down in Ramona, CA. Every year we try to take teen moms and dads with their babies to this camp, since it is close by over a weeken. It is an opportunity for the teen dads to go to camp too. Usually we have a few kids wanting to go to this camp, or we seek them out up until the last day and beg them to go. But this year it was different. You see, a year ago God opened the door into Santa Ana. We started club there and this year, when the kids heard about this camp, wow, they had their forms all completed months ahead of camp and they were committed to going on the trip. We had 3 couples with their babies, and 1 teen mom with her baby.

You might read this and say amen that is great, and honestly, yes to that amen. Nevertheless, the day before we were headed out to camp on a Thursday my 1-year-old son, fell on the playground while he was playing and broke his right hand. At that moment, all I was thinking about was my son’s pain and suffering and how are we going to deal with his broken arm going into such a weekend. I remember considering staying at home with him over the weekend and letting my wife take the kids to camp. Friday early morning, we managed to get him into a cast after seeing a specialist and decided we would rather all of us go to camp as a family.

While we were at camp, all I could think about was how we are sacrificing the health of our son to be here. The enemy attacked me in my thoughts and he started using my new weak point, which is the health of my son. He kept attacking my heart and mind with lies, saying; your son is in pain, your son needs rest, your son needs to recover, your son is getting worse and so on… I remember being angry at myself in a way and really doubting being a great father.

On the last day of camp, we do something called “Say So!” it is a time where the kids at camp have the opportunity to stand up if they chose to give their lives to Jesus! It happens right before we leave camp to haed back home. At that time, I remember us inviting the childcare volunteers to come and attend this amazing time of Say So. I remember my son being in the room and me carrying him beside his mom. Then all our kids that we took to camp stood up declaring that they had committed their lives to JESUS. At that moment I looked at my 1-year-old son and saw his eyes, I saw him witness kids proclaiming JESUS as their Savior. I hugged him close and GOD reminded me at that moment, IT IS ALL WORTH IT, FOR MY SON TO WITNESS TEENAGERS SAYING YES TO THE LORD. That one day my own son himself will stand up against this entire world and say the only important yes of his life, YES TO THE LORD!

God reminded me of Abraham and Isaac, Where Abraham faithfully with no questioning took his son up to sacrifice him to the Lord, but God saw his heart deep down regardless of the pain and the fight of his human desire. God did not allow harm to Isaac, and God will not ever allow harm to us intentionally.

Yousef Bittar – a lucky husband of an awesome wife and a humbled father to an amazing boy!

Tuesday night we had our second club of the year! It was an amazing night, we had the biggest turn out we’ve had yet!! About 15 girls and 7 guys! God is so good!! We started the night out with some meatloaf and mac & cheese (the kids were loving that) then we played a giant game of Valentine themed charades.

After the game one of our volunteers Tammy shared with us on the topic of sin which is always a tough one but she explained it in such a easy and applicable way so that everyone could understand it. She taught on the woman caught in adultery found in John 8, she started out by asking the question “can you think of a time where you were really embarrassed?” for me I can think of about 500 because it’s a daily thing for me. Anyway, She continued to share on how the Pharisees stood this woman in front of the group saying

“Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women.”

How do you think this woman felt at that moment with everyone staring and talking about her? Probably afraid, ashamed, lonely, nervous and i’d guess a lot more than just that. What Jesus says is so amazing to me.

” Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

 Those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 

 “No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

How amazing is that picture of people just like us wanting to point out the sin in someone else’s life and Jesus says “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” One by one they began to leave realizing they were all sinners. Jesus died for every one of us dirty nasty sinners and He loves us despite our sins. How crazy is that?! 

It was an amazing word from Tammy and I am so thankful for her position in volunteering with YoungLives in Santa Ana, she is such a strong vessel for the Lord and is always willing to jump in where someone is needed.

After the message we did a really cute and easy craft, we made little tic-tac toe set that you can stick in your purse or keep in your car for anytime you get bored and want to play a game. I thought that was so cute! 

It was so sweet to see so many girls, babies, dads and volunteers there. Some forming new relationships, some catching up and some reuniting since being at camp 2 weeks ago. I love watching the girls and guys start to open up and really be able to get real with their mentors. Overall it was such a sweet night, God is so faithful in bringing more and more teen moms and dads. He is doing big things in Santa Ana and what a privilege it is to have a front row seat in watching that.

• Kylie Bradley

I am still flying high after our “mountain experience” this last weekend at Young Life’s Oakbridge Camp in Ramona, CA and would love to share God’s work with you (warning, there was a lot of work done).

On Friday the 26^th, a group from Santa Ana YoungLives filled up 4 automobiles with 4 club moms, 3 club dads, 4 babies (all under the age of 14 months), 2 male leaders, 3 female leaders, 3 childcare workers, and lots and lots of baby stuff.  We loaded up and got on the freeway heading south, right at the height of rush hour traffic only to see God shower us with His grace by allowing the traffic to be constantly flowing and for everyone to get up the windy mountain roads safely.

We were greeted by joyous lumberjacks (yes, loud manly men with flannels, beanies, axes and full beards) who would serve as our hosts for the weekend.  We unloaded with the help of amazing volunteers, who later ended up serving us during meals and helping as needed.  We got settled in our cabins with no time to spare, as the weekends first club kicked right off.  Our lumberjacks riled up the crowd of nearly 200 Young Life teens and leaders with music, jokes, and candy.  They then introduced us to Robb who would be used by God throughout the weekend to speak His message.

That first night lights went out directly at midnight as babies, teens and volunteers were all beyond exhausted.  Robb had applauded us all on coming, teased us in his talk giving promises for the coming days, challenged us with questions regarding our image of God and had asked us to get together for “cabin time” directly after each club.  The teens all participated in cabin time, but you could tell that bed was calling and surprisingly everyone (including babies) slept quite soundly.

Saturday kicked off with breakfast and we found out quickly that we would be in for some amazing meals. Many of the teens labeled the food and table service as being a major highlight of the entire weekend, as we were waited on hand and foot.  The music then drew us all back into the club and our teens somewhat apprehensively filled up a back row.  I watched as a few of them sang along, while others looked around not knowing what to expect.  I watched them loosen as Robb told a truly comedic story about his childhood and listen as he introduced the parable of the Prodigal Son and begin to reflect as he battered at and tore a box apart, giving an anecdote for our own lives.

After that, we had another cabin time, some free time, and then ate again.  I saw one growing teen boy eat three triple patty cheeseburgers, as he took advantage of their invitation to eat until you were full.  But, even more amazing then his individual appetite was watching as these parents tackled the challenges of eating themselves, all while feeding and holding their own children.  It honestly shocked me how well they managed.  There was no food throwing and honestly little crying, just great food and stories being shared around the table.  This fellowship, which can only be created with the breaking of bread, was to be repeated at all of the meals and everyone (including our amazing childcare workers) took part.  I got to learn about family dynamics and activities, such as wrestling, dance, and school clubs, in which our teens participate.  They spoke of classes, some in which they excelled and others which they might need help in.  We talked about writing resumes and job searching all the way to silly stuff like who could eat the most churros.  The meal times were for sure special!!!

However, the food was nothing compared to the memory that was to be made on Saturday afternoon called… “Messy Games”.  We participated in games (Santa Ana boys against girls) with everyone else that could only be summed up in one word… chaos.  All I can say if that flour, baby oil, hoses and shaving cream were all involved.  This allowed for so much laughter that if there were any nerves left before they were surly gone, for once you have smashed shaving cream on someone, you can’t help but feel close.  This experience was also highlighted as a favorite by many of our teens.

After we washed off and enjoyed God’s beautiful nature during some much needed free time, we again were called into club and listened as Robb introduced us all to the true physical pain that Jesus had endured and the emotional pain that God had endured during the crucifixion. There had been another club between too, and all of the talks leading up were insightful and deep, but this one moved everyone in that room and brought home the sacrifice made for us all.  I truly believe that our teens had the insight, that only a parent could have, to understand what God’s sacrifice would feel like.

That night’s cabin time was something that I will never forget, for the Holy Spirit was literally palpable.  I watched as our 4 girls took ownership of their faith and welcomed Jesus into their hearts (all while loving on babies).  It gave me a hint of what the early church must have been like, with small groups huddled together talking about Jesus and accepting Him while children climbed on them and the evening called. I later found out that our boys had a similarly moving experience, in which all three of them had a true man’s talk, and also accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

The late evening was much more light as we watched raw eggs be smashed, learned that leaders could dance, and just had fun.  Lights again were out at midnight (although we girls talked until much later) and the next morning we got up, only to realize that our weekend was quickly coming to an end.  We ate again (there was a lot of food) and packed and then went in for a final club.

At that final club we took part in singing at the top of our lungs and listening as a “mountain top experience” was explained and those that accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior were encouraged to stand proudly and encouraged to follow up with certain steps.  Steps like delving into their Bibles, getting plugged into a church, and surrounding themselves with Christian friends.

While I have always considered myself a woman of faith, I am blown away that God brought me to this program (and this weekend) right when He knew that I needed it and I am so beyond grateful to Him.  I am also grateful to Myrna, who has been such a wonderful example of a YoungLives leader and the other volunteers.  The biggest shout-out though needs to be given to the 3 childcare volunteers who made this specific weekend possible and to the 7 brave and open hearted teens who traveled up mountain with us.  This will be a weekend which I will never forget and which I have used to reaffirm my faith and mission.  I learned so much about love and acceptance and surrender from these 7 teens and I will never forget a single second that I spent with them.  I encourage each and every one of you to attend one of these camps, as it will be an experience with God unlike any other.

-Theresa Stack, YoungLives Mentor

“Taking her by the hand he said to her, ‘Talitha cumi’, which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise. ‘”

Don’t you just love Mark 5:41? Aren’t there countless times in our lives where we have felt dead (just as we are told in previous verses that Jairus’s daughter was indeed dead)? And what a Word that Jesus spoke to her just as He speaks to us, “Arise.”

Kelsey Mendez’s  teaching from Mark 5:21-43 was so perfect for the first Club of 2017, for the new  year, for a fresh reminder to ALL of us to continue to believe in and stand firm in knowing that regardless of our circumstances, the Lord is standing before us with His Word, with His encouragement, with His grace, mercy and love telling us to A R I S E.

I’m so excited remembering the teaching from January Club that I need to take a quick minute to back up and recap the whole sweet evening – that was the assignment you know?!

Club night starts way before the actual Club takes place – prayer coverage over the night , reminders to the teens, childcare scheduling, driver scheduling, mentors connecting with their girls/guys, décor, skits/games, musicians booked, craft planned, set up & tear down volunteers scheduled, dinner, drinks, & dessert. And of course ALL the details that go along with each of those mentioned. So much prep. So much love. So much shining Jesus before the night even happens!

For the night of January 19^th, everyone was greeted with super cute Valentine décor – tulips, hydrangeas, XOXO table runners, conversation hearts and Hersheys Kisses.  I mean it – really, really cute stuff happening EVERY single month with the décor!

Then, let’s talk about the crazy good little sandwiches that were served up – turkey and provolone on Hawaiian sweet rolls that were baked with a sugar & butter topping that was sheer deliciousness (good-bye to everyone’s 2017 diet resolutions!) The food prepared by one of the Life Groups (okay…it is my Life Group – haha!) this year has been tasty. But more than just the taste, these meals are prayed over during preparation and truly put together by some amazing servants.

Moving on to the childcare…how amazing is it that we have this crew of beautiful souls that walk in every month to rock babies and play with toddlers? Who does this aside from Jesus shiners????

Okay, let’s talk about Abby Clark and her crew (these folks are just plain crazy in all the BEST ways!) that can get a roomful of people into competing  groups that each had about 8 minutes to make up a song, practice it and then perform their artistic song/dance masterpiece before a panel of judges. But wait – these songs must include the following words: Lollipop, friend, heart, fly, river – WHAT???? It was hilarious but quite honestly it made me sweat in panic…and humility. Let’s just say that everyone gave it their best but I think all would agree that Jude Sumner killed it for his team with his break dancing skills!

This Club year has had the privilege of having Cooper & Kaia to share music – pretty cool since they themselves are high schoolers. High schoolers that are playing music for their own peer group, but living day to day life in different circumstances. This is God. (Okay, they are stinkin adorable too!!!) There was something really special about their leading of “Your Presence Lord” – He was present.

At this point in the evening is where Kelsey shared from Mark 5:21-43. Along with the message of God calling us to arise she reminded us that He will love us up. He will cover our mistakes. She even gave each of us a band-aid as a visual reminder that He covers over our boo-boos. Sweet, right? He is a good, good Father.

The night progressed to the craft room where if one didn’t know better, it looked as if potions were being made. But alas, it was our sweet Tracy teaching the girls how to make wonderful, smell-good essential oil blends. Her soft spoken words, coolest crafts ever and approachability provide such an atmosphere of peace and calmness for the girls/mentors. Really good conversations are held in this room.

All this on a Thursday night in January. And you know what? Because of flu season, job schedules, and tough circumstances for some of the teens, there were only a handful of girls and their babies there this particular night. And you know what? God knew EXACTLY who needed to be there and it was a sweet night. And God was there with us.

Written with His loving kindness, Colleen

It’s the truth.  I have been labeled the woman who prays.  And I do, pray that is.  A lot.  But I didn’t realize others noticed much and found it interesting that this became my “label” because in my past, I had other not so great labels attached to me.  I didn’t grow up having a relationship with God and I didn’t even make that decision until I was 34 yrs old.  I never went to Bible school, I used to laugh at Christians – I thought they were just weird people who were always smiling and going to church, I used to get myself in all sorts of trouble, I was in a failing marriage.  I was in a failing marriage with a man I still deeply loved.  So, one day out of desperation, I got on my knees (literally) and I started talking to God.  I did believe He existed somewhere out there.  And I told Him how much I loved my husband and how I wanted Him to fix my marriage.  I guess I prayed.  I prayed and God answered and I haven’t stopped praying since.  About 6 months after that first prayer, I became a Christian.  Kind of ironic, since I used to laugh at them.  But, I realized God does listen and hear us.  I bought books on prayer and one was by a woman named, Stormie Omartian.  In The Power of a Praying Woman she writes “We’ve all had times when we felt completely powerless in the face of our circumstances.  We’ve proven to ourselves over and over that we don’t have what it takes to attain any kind of permanent transformation in our lives.  We know without a doubt that our best efforts to change ourselves or our circumstances in ways that are significant or lasting never work.  We recognize our need for a power outside of and far greater than ourselves.  But there is only one power in the world great enough to help us rise above ourselves and the difficult things we face.  That is the power of God.”  I read her words and I was hooked.  There was sooooo much about myself that needed to change. And like Stormie said, we can’t change ourselves.  I learned that truth the hard way.  And so I prayed.

Do all of my prayers get answered?  No.  And I actually have a few that I am thankful God didn’t answer the way I wanted Him to years ago.  But prayer has brought me closer to God because I’m talking with Him and waiting and listening for Him.  It’s like with anyone in life – when we spend time with people, when we share our heart with them, when we listen and hear their heart on matters, when we cry with them and when we laugh with them, bonds are formed and we become close friends.  God has become my Friend.  And I have become a praying woman, a label I’m happy to have.

-Lisa Bryan YoungLives Prayer Coordinator

Hey everyone my name is Amber and i’m 21 years old. I’m engaged to Lalo 23, I have two boys Jesse 4 and Rafa 3, and I have been with YoungLives since December 20th 2012. My little family and I have come along way since then. From when I was the teen mom I can remember getting greeted with love, and given diapers and clothes, to now being the one giving back and being able to feel what it’s like on the other side. To volunteer and be able to give love to the new teen mom’s and their families every club.

Younglives is a big part of my life. I think it’s a big part of alot of our lives. I wouldn’t miss a club for the world. I try my best to make every event possible.
I’ve been given love, advice,  happiness and good kinda sadness.

But in this blog I want to talk about the journey I have came from to where I am today. My life wasn’t all that easy. High school wasn’t that great. I didn’t really have my mother or father I had myself. I met Lalo, I got pregnant, I met myrna and went to club. I lived with a full family house with so much negativity. It hasn’t been easy it never really is but when I need the comfort, I have it from all the mentors in YoungLives. I’ve been baptized, I’ve gone to church but church wasn’t for me. No matter how hard I tried. I had to find my own way to get close to God. When I need Him He’s there for me. But through YoungLives I have gotten to know God better and become closer to him. Through YoungLives I have been able to grow closer to God and grow up as well. Now 2017 is here and this year is already pretty good we are getting our 1st apartment in February. I got a job I love, I work with Mary Kay.

I’m so happy to say that YoungLives has made a group for the alumni teen mom’s. The group is call going deeper. It’s just a great group alot of us teen mom alumni come and it’s just where we can learn different ways to get closer to God and hear stories from mentors on how they got closer to God. We bring our kids with us and they get to play with all the alumni kids and it’s just amazing to see all our families grow and get to know one another on a deeper level. I’m so glad I got to be apart of going deeper in the new year  and become a volunteer has been awesome. Through all the years I’ve been with YoungLives,  every year gets better and has had a big impact on my life. I am so excited for this year to come, to be more involved with YoungLives and all the mommies and their babies. I hope more years to come.

To end the blog I just want to say for those who aren’t volunteering yet, I just want you to know once you do start you’ll never wanna stop. For the teen mom’s don’t ever think there is no one there for you, there is always someone there for you through YoungLives. We are just one message or call away. We love you ladies with all our heart. All we want to do is help you and love you as much as we can.

Love, Alumni Amber

I first found out about YoungLives through an amazing, loving and encouraging person named Myrna. Myrna visited my school once a week. She would help me and all the other moms with school work.  Myrna always encouraged me to go to YoungLives, but I always had work or some other thing going on. Finally after Zoey turning one, I contacted Myrna and started attending YoungLives. I really wish now I would have started attending much sooner.

I love being apart of YoungLives and really appreciate the amazing people who donate their time for us. I don’t know where I would be without the helpful things you ladies do for us. When ever I have a bad day or just need someone to talk to I’ll just text Myrna or Abby. These women are so inspirational to me.

Zoey is the love of my life, I’m so blessed to have such an amazing, smart, and outgoing little girl. It was hard at first being such a young mom, but I love my life so much I couldn’t imagine not having Zoey. She’s my best friend and I’m so happy God chose me to be her mommy. My mom has taught me so much about being a great mother and i couldn’t thank her enough. In addition to my family YoungLives has shown Zoey and I how much God loves us. I am eternally grateful for my relationship to God and how much we have gotten closer since I joined YoungLives.

I feel other moms should attend YoungLives as it is a very supportive environment. YoungLives offers us an opportunity to make new friends, over come challenges, support one another and become closer to God. YoungLives is a place I feel so safe and welcomed, it is truly a blessing to be apart of

YoungLives always puts on amazing Thursday nights, but wow our christmas party was just incredible. They had a wonderful dinner for us and our families, we played games, sang, talked as a group. The babies could take super cute photos and then played together. All the girls, children and families got to visit and enjoy each other’s company. They gave us all gifts and clothes for us and our little ones, which is just amazing they would do that for all of us. But by far my favorite thing was the children’s Bible myrna gave to all of us from YoungLives. Zoey and I read the book every night before bed, Zoey just absolutely loves it.

I just wanna say that you to everyone who puts on YoungLives. I would recommend this to all moms. They make such a positive impact and help you grow as a person and mother.

Thank you Myrna for never giving up on me to come to YoungLives. So blessed to have all of you in our lives. 

-Natalie T.

As a young mom, it’s very hard to find people who you can identify with. Other moms are older, and your old friends aren’t really your friends once you have a baby. They just don’t understand your level of responsibility for another human beings life. YoungLives has been such an incredible resource to make new friends in similar situations.

I was reflecting on this yesterday at the beach with my good friend Nikki and our daughters. Nikki’s daughter is almost nine months old. Her name is Lilly and she’s such a cute baby! She loves my daughter, Maria (six months), so much that she kept trying to give her kisses! Nikki and I are able to give each other advice, vent to each other, and enjoy each other’s presence in our lives. It warms my heart so much to have a friend who is my age, who has a daughter just like I do. It makes me feel much less alone in this world.

-Jayanna Hendley