This Fall Season my involvement with YoungLives had to be more limited than other seasons due to my head coaching position at Fountain Valley High School.  Upon returning to the activities I enjoy being a part of I have noticed that the young ladies I spend so much time with last year were so welcoming and receptive to my return.

I enjoy going to YoungLives Club, and some of the young lady’s class on Thursday morning at Valley Vista High School.  We work on homework assignments and talk through planning how to finish school.  Casual conversations about their daily lives and some of the struggles they endure come up in between homework packets.  These are the moments I enjoy the most.  It seems that the girls have very uncertain lives outside of school and really need to talk to someone about what to do in certain situations, especially when planning to have a baby or parent a young child while they are still in their youth. I enjoy these conversations because the girls really seem to listen and care about our investment in their lives.  Often times we talk about how to diffuse situations at home or with their boyfriends, or how to apologize, or how to see things from their parent’s perspective etc. It is difficult to discuss the complexities of relationships, but isnt that what Jesus calls us to as he exemplified that example his whole life here on earth…

I think about the Gospel, and what kind of person Jesus is, I remember how He always seemed to do “the hard stuff” with people.  He was always right there in the midst of those difficult conversations with people. I recall as Jesus sits and shares a meal with the tax collectors and “sinners” at Matthew’s house in Matthew 9:10-14.  Jesus approaches Matthew at his tax collecting table and says “Follow Me.” and immediately Matthew does.  Now, I am no Bible scholar, but Matthew followed Jesus because he knew Jesus.  This wasn’t the first time they had ever met.  They have spoken on numerous times before because Jesus was intentional with His time in that area.  I’m sure Matthew did not document every conversation him and Jesus had, but this on was the life changing one and it was what lead to the point Jesus made at that dinner table.  As both Jesus and Matthew dine at Matthew’s house more tax collectors and “sinners” join them.  This particular meal created talk among the Pharisees.  In verse 13 it says, “When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, ‘Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ On hearing this Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’

This makes me think. What am I doing with my time?  Who am I spending my time with?  Without diving into a deep cultural understanding of Jesus’ day and how it compares to our modern culture, I think it is very clear that we, as believing Christ followers, we are to see the opportunities to eat with those that do not know salvation and who Jesus is.  We have neighbors, coworkers and in this case for me young ladies that live so close to me, that need to be encouraged in how Jesus wants to take over their life and teach them about how much He wants to be in their heart and help them make decisions in life. That is what I enjoy the most about participating in YoungLives events.  These conversations that lead to meals at club, that leads to coffee dates and tutoring sessions.  These are the moments that allow for us both to be encouraged by the Truth of Jesus and how much He wants to lead our lives, be the “doctor” because we are sick from dealing with sin, and call us to repentance, turning from our old ways and walking in His way.  This is why I continually attend club even though I have club practice and coaches meetings.  I see that Jesus works through these conversations and has made dramatic changes in the lives of some young ladies that have shared with me.  I see change as well.  I see how God works in their hearts, softening their hearts to deal with their home life in different ways.  I think it helps that they feel like they have a support system in YoungLives cheering them on and encouraging them to do the “hard stuff” by apologizing, or discontinue hanging out with a certain group of friends that might not be good influences on their lives and their baby’s life.

I know that I will continue to attend club and class and as many other events as I can, because it is worth it.  The girls are worth it.  I also benefit from the reminders of how to live like Jesus the more I interact with these lovely ladies and continue to have those difficult conversations about life and troubles and how God desires to come into our lives and change us where we need to be changed.  Thank God for His mercy and grace to accept us as we are and lovingly change us to be more like Him, living in His ways.  He is a good God that desires good gifts for His children in addition to the good gift of salvation in Jesus.  Thank You Jesus for dying for our sins, so we can be saved and live in Your ways and Your peace.

• Becca Turtose

The other day I was walking out of Little Cesar’s with 4 boxes of pizza to take to the teen parenting class I teach at Santa Ana High School. A couple young guys, that had clearly been homeless asked if I had any money to spare for food. I got in my car and was about to buckle my seatbelt when I caught a glimpse of my son Elijah’s carseat in my rearview mirror and thought, “man, they are someone’s sons out there.” I went back in and bought a $5 pizza (the price of my grande iced coconut milk decaf mocha at Starbucks that day) and handed it to them. They jumped up and thanked me and moved into the shade to devour the pizza. As I walked away they said “we should save some for Ricardo..”

• Children’s Bibles for 45 families (on sale HERE for $5 each now through 12/5)— already purchased

• $30 Target gift cards

• 50 blue Ikea bags for families to “shop” our boutique (purchase in-store or ONLINE)

• 4 sets of Ornament Kits for children to make ornaments (order HERE)

• New items for raffle prizes (ex. children’s toy, makeup, men’s axe hygiene kit)

• Gently used clothing and items for teen moms, teen dads, and children aged (0-5)

• New clothing for teen moms, teen dads, and children (especially if you have a connection to a retailer that would want to donate)

• Volunteer in set-up, tear-down, or childcare at our Christmas Boutique on Friday, December 16^th

Thank you for joining me in lavishly pouring out Christ’s love on these young families in real and tangible ways.

Sincerely,

Myrna Bittar

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Another amazing YoungLives Club Night. As we took a moment to sit back and enjoy the company of our family and  friends and give ourselves to those we met for the first time- the teen moms , teen dads and their beautiful children and new volunteers . It was such a joy to sit around the dinner tables to share a great Thanksgiving meal of the traditional turkey, mashed potatoes , cranberry sauce, salad , dinner rolls with melted butter (yum) and the wonderful assortment of holiday pies for dessert.

The tables were so beautiful with the harvest flowers , pumpkins and candy treats. While sharing in great conversation with the teen moms and dads, catching up on their lives. I could see so many smiles and laughter across the room on everyone’s faces. I couldn’t have had a better time! What a blessing to be apart of YoungLives. Hanging out with Yessie and meeting David , Gracie’s dad for the first time was such a pleasure. Amber looked so beautiful with her long braided hair. Yessie, Cheridan and Aylin put a smile on my face to hear they were working so hard at their jobs for their babies.

As Cooper played guitar, my heart soared! With everyone singing along and swaying to his voice of the song “Lean On Me”, reminded me that we need to lean on Gods promise when we get down and are going through hard times. Cause our Lord and Savior will always be there for US ALL and we can always call on Him because HE IS always around. Now that’s an awesome thought! As for the oreo cookie game? Not quite sure what to think , but Britney did a great job of making those cookies stick to her body! Who knew licking the inside of an Oreo cookie and sticking it to your body would work? Too funny absolutely too funny. What fun it was cheering on the two teams

Oreo game!

After a fun game, “Chick” shared a great message about hurt and forgiveness . “We can always choose to forgive others , pray everyday for them and encourageeach other. After “Chicks” message , Cooper finished up with more beautiful songs “Grace Wins” and “My Savior My God”. Next the moms would move over to arts and crafts where they would create beautiful Christmas wreaths with gold rings, yarn , colorful beads and greenery, Tracy always comes up with a great theme for the night! The teen dads would spend quality time with the men . What another amazing Club Night! So much to be thankful for. Blessings to everyone!

Sandra I. Calvillo- Hendren

This morning I got to stand outside a local continuation school with my hands in one of our beautiful mentors’ hands and pray for each of the girls that sat on the other side of the school walls by name. We prayed for them and many that sat in those seats before them. We prayed that they would feel the Lord’s undeniable presence in their lives, that God would speak to them and give them wisdom as they make decisions for themselves and their children. We prayed that they would be surrounded by people that love and support them in their day-to day lives.

One thing that has been on my heart for a few years now was to do more with those graduated moms. After many years of being a part of YoungLives, being mentored, invested in, etc I have always felt like it didn’t make sense for that to end simply because the number of days they’ve been on this earth no longer ends with “-teen.” Many of them have stayed connected and even volunteer at club but I wanted to go deeper- to see them continue to be poured into and discipled. Hence the name for our new group YoungLives Going Deeper that was started at the beginning of the school year.

I have been involved with YoungLives since the inception, a little over four years ago when Myrna and Yousef started this awesome ministry.  I have had the pleasure to watch and see the incredible fruit that God has done to minister to these young moms, their kids, and some of the dads. 

I want to give a shout out to not only the young moms who have had to make such difficult decisions to raise their children under very difficult circumstances, but also a big shout out to the dads who have hung in there and are being there for their kids and their girlfriends.  I have had the pleasure to watch some of these YoungLives dads grow into becoming a better father and boyfriend.  When I attend Club in Huntington Beach and Santa Ana and see the dads show up, it brings a big smile to my face.  It makes me realize these young men are eager to not only get their lives right with God, but also to learn how to become the best father and boyfriend they can be.

It is also encouraging to see some of these dads, who have been hardened by their upbringing in crazy family situations and gang involvement, do a 180 degree turn, turn their life over to God, and begin to try to follow His path, no matter how bumpy and crazy it may be.  By talking to some of these dads, they really don’t want to repeat the same crazy upbringing they had with their father.  Many of these young men had poor relationships with their fathers, or no relationship because their father was never around.  And that is a big step for these men to realize they want to be a different kind of dad, one who is more loving and compassionate and giving and able to provide as best as they can for their child. 

I want to encourage all YoungLives moms to invite their baby’s father to club in either Santa Ana or Huntington beach, even if they are not in relationship with them.  We have a group of men who wants to love and support these young dads by just hanging out, eating, and sharing about our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and watch Him do His work. There are many men involved in the program who are excellent role models and fathers for this young dads.  We have time to kick the soccer ball around and share and pray for these young men as they face some incredible trials of trying to be the best Dad and maybe the best boyfriend they can be for their girlfriend.

So my invitation is for all the YoungLives dads who may have heard about Club, but never thought it might be a good fit for them, I would like you to come and check it out.  We have some great men who help volunteer and love to just hang out with you guys.

And for anyone who may read this blog and may be interested in checking out YoungLives as a volunteer or financial support, come lend a hand at our Annual Christmas Boutique for the teens on Friday, December 16 (email northocyounglives@gmail.com to sign up).  We are always looking for new faces to be involved as little or as much as you want to pour out God’s word and his blessing to these incredible YoungLives moms and dads and their babies.  And when you show up or financially support this ministry, you will not only be blessing these young parents, but you will be incredibly blessed by God.  I know I have been so blessed being a part of this Ministry.

Fred Cianciolo

We just had our second club of the year last night. We started the night out with a delicious BBQ sandwich, we went on to play a super fun interactive game where one person was blind folded and the other person had to lead them around doing different funny things. We then moved on to music and Yousef gave a great message on the prodical son and how he returned home with his dad waiting with wide open arms after he’d left and spent all his money. We learned that our father in heaven is always waiting for us with wide open arms!

After the message we did a really cute craft of decorating pumpkins with gummy face parts, raffled off some fun things and then headed off to the donations table to grab some awesome stuff! 

We had a lot of new girls, babies, and volunteers join us tonight. I am always so blessed to watch everyone work together so beautifully and see the body of Christ come together to serve these teen moms and their families. 

Ms. Mcdaniel is a school administrator for a local school, she is so supportive of YoungLives and is always encouraging her teen parent students to get involved.

She has a class especially for teen parents and is kind enough to allow us to come to her class weekly to help with tutoring, crafts, and just talking about life with the teen moms. We are so thankful for her and the impact she has in these young moms lives, and that we are able to partner with her to reach teen parents in Orange County.

You can watch her story below

  Hi my name is Shay and I started coming to YoungLives a year ago through Kylie and Becca coming to my school, it has helped me so much!

Teen moms have a lot going on, we have school, some have work, some have both, and YoungLives has really helped me do all of those things. People ridicule teen mothers but at YoungLives I feel accepted. They come to my school and help me with school work. As a teen mom I rarely go out, and now I get to go to club with my daughter and we have a great time together.

They give out donations like diapers and clothes, most of the clothes are brand new!! When I can’t afford anything for my child they help me. When I need someone emotionally they are there for me, and they help me strengthen my relationship with Jesus.

Everyone at YoungLives is so helpful. They will hold your baby at club while you eat and watch your child when you do craft,The crafts we do there are really cool and at the end of the year they take all the pictures and make a scrapbook of the whole year.

We are more than just a club we are a family, We have a special  bond. Whether it’s God or a strong bond we are all very connected. We try to help everyone!

• Shay Carpenter.