Hello my name is Bianca,  I am Maria Randall’s daughter. I have helped the YoungLives Santa Ana Club with decorations and setting up.  Last Christmas  I also had the privilege on  helping out with shopping for Toys for the Santa Ana Christmas party.

The reason why I choose to do a fundraiser for a young moms ministry  is because I  have seen the ministry change a mom’s heart.  I am a young mom and have a 3 year old daughter named Bethany.  I have also attended a ministry for Young Moms and I know how important it is to have a mentor and have a woman in my life that gives me good advise.  Mentors pour their time and hearts into the ministry. I have a wonderful group of  friends that pray for me and have stood  by  my side.

My desire to make jewelry started  when I was young. Recently I started making and designing my own bracelets.  I want to make sure that my jewelry reflects the beauty that God sees in us.

There is one bracelet in particular that  I designed with a young  mom in mind.  While my mom and I were shopping for beads and crystals, we kept remembering and thinking about a particular mom.  She is a Teen mom that was involved in a tragic accident. I wanted to make sure that I designed a bracelet that reflected her. She is such a great example of making other young girls feel and look beautiful. While I was beading the bracelets I kept remembering how one day this mom came to my house and did my Hair and make  up, my mom and I  were going to a wedding that day and she made us look so beautiful. To me that is beauty when you can help other people not just look but also feel the beauty inside.

The bracelet has pink stones and  I used Swarovski  Crystals.  Myrna has named this bracelet after the mom. Recently we had the privilege to deliver one of these bracelets to her mother. She was very thankful and loved the bracelet.

Some of the bracelets I  designed have the word Faith, Hope, Trust or Beauty.

I chose “ faith “ because every young lady should have faith in God.  We are to lay all our cares on God and have Faith that He will answer our prayers. I chose “Trust” because we  need to have trust in God that He will always be there for us, and trust that God will never leave us and He will help us get through difficult times.

I chose “Beauty” because every woman is just Beautiful inside and out.  God has given us that inner Beauty. It also says in the Bible that God will make Beauty out of Ashes. Some of my bracelets have a Crown charm.  This charm also reminds me of the verse “ He will give a Crown of Beauty for Ashes”  Isaiah 61:3.

On the weekend of September 24 I had my first  Bracelet Fundraiser.  A  friend of mine, named Jennifer, came to my house early in the morning to do my hair.  I felt so beautiful and appreciated that she gave up her time to do my hair.   My mom, Maria,  served coffee,  lemonade,  and other yummy cookies and treats.  My mom has a passion for Coffee and Tea and she used her Talents for this fundraiser event.  I have learned a lot from my parents especially my mom.  My mom hosted the first Santa Ana club  in our home and has invited  teen moms to our home on various occasions. I have grown watching my mom serve in the community and she is always volunteering in some kind of church event or helping someone in need. My mom has taught me to not be selfish and always serve others.  That is the reason I  decided to give 100% of my proceeds to this YoungLives ministry. 

We had neighbors, friends and family come to my event. I was very happy to see my Grandma and aunties drive all the way from L.A. county in order to support my event. My aunts have always been my cheerleaders and they have helped me and my daughter overcome so many obstacles.

 

Some people couldn’t make it but they still ordered a bracelet or two.The event was  such a blessing because I sold half of the bracelets  I had made. I do have bracelets left over and I am continuing to sell at school and work.    If you are interested in purchasing a bracelet, please email me at lulirandall@gmail.com.  100% of the proceeds will go to Younglives ministry. Thank you for reading about my  Successful Fundraiser  Event.

Faith , Trust & Beauty, Bianca Camacho

Hi everyone!
It’s so encouraging to be back and to be serving with you all alongside my family and friends. It was fun to jump right back into the swing of things knowing God is already weaving things into place.
Seeing the new babies arrive, already getting to know one another, running around and playing, hiding from parents, teachers and giggling away without a care in the world…and even sneaking away with a craft supply or two😉

New faces and families reminds me of our humble beginnings, showing us how far we have come, while keeping our focus on people, as we get to know, and build in love. The youth leading worship was amazing and the skits and games are already helping build connections.

Myrna shared a great message that laid a foundation for where our focus is. We had a back to school theme going on this month with a backpack giveaway and our craft was on personalizing notebooks.
It’s a blessing to be invited into these young families lives as our relationships are being built. Truly blessed to be part of this ministry! Looking forward to October club already.

Love and blessings,
Tracy Sumner

We have been doing passion projects and for those of you that don’t know what that is, you can find out more about them here. Terice stepped up to raise funds for YoungLives and plan her very own passion project with something she is very gifted in and loves to do, Holy Yoga. All of the funds from this will be matched by a donor so all proceeds will be doubled!! Below you can read about Holy Yoga from instructor Terice Ziemann.

It is so important for me that people know the definition of the word yoga: union, yoked, discipline etc.  Therefore, yoga postures were discovered 5,000 years ago on the walls of caves. The movement was to help with their breath and healing of people to name a few benefits.  Then, Hinduism inserted it and other religions 2,500 years ago.

The western culture has used this intentional movement and breath in a variety of ways such as to treat PTSD, Trauma etc, but just did not use the word yoga!  Since 2001, Brooke Boon (Founder of Holy Yoga) a Christian took the discipline, posture and intentional breath of yoga but made the Holy Spirit the centered focus. Whereas in traditional yoga we are the center not God!  

The Holy Yoga Mission statement is:   Holy yoga is experiential worship specifically created to deepen your connection to Christ. Our sole purpose is to combine world class yoga with Christ honoring experience that offers an opportunity to believers and non believers a like to authentically connect with God.  We do this by integrating His Word, prayer,worship and the physical practice of yoga to contemporary and Christian worship music. We would love for you to join us on Friday, Oct. 21st at 6:30p, (the warehouse, 3095 RedHill Ave,Costa Mesa 93636). You can sign up here for this night!

If you would like to know more about Holy Yoga you can check out their website here.

Back to School Club!

As summertime is coming to an end, I became so excited for the Santa Ana YoungLives Club to start back up again. This will be my second year volunteering with the Santa Ana club, and I am confident that God is doing a very good work in this place. All of the volunteers have been praying over this new year, and we can’t wait to see the way God speaks and moves. When I walked into club, I had so much fun seeing familiar faces, and I loved meeting new girls, guys, and babies! I couldn’t believe how much the kids have grown over the past few months. The second I got there you could feel a deep sense of joy and expectancy for the new season of YoungLives.

After catching up with the girls, their boyfriends, and their babies, we started off with an absolutely delicious home-cooked meal and the girls were able to pick out a lot of clothes for their babies and for themselves! I loved seeing how excited they were to receive these items. I am always so blown away by the love and support that gets poured into this ministry. God continues to bring in volunteers with unique gifts and talents that are used to bless the socks off all who are part of this amazing ministry.

After dinner we got into small groups and competed in a series of “minute-to-win-it” style games. I think my cheeks were hurting for a solid half hour after the games ended because I was laughing so hard. This game was the perfect kick-off to an amazing night.

 

When the game ended we had the honor of hearing our YoungLives area director, Myrna, speak. She shared about her recent pregnancy journey and the excitement and anticipation that came as her pregnancy progressed. She shared that at each ultrasound she and her husband, Yousef, were able to see more and more what their precious babe looked like and could picture more of what life would be like with their new addition to the family. She connected this exciting journey to the journey we experience as followers of Christ. In verse John 10:10, Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”. This is a promise that Jesus makes to us, His beloved children! He desires that we live a life compelled by His love. The more we get to know Him, the more clearly we can see and understand the life He has for us. We can understand that even though we are going through difficult times in life, whether it has to do with relationships, work, finances, etc., God is still sovereign, God is still good, and God still has a plan to work all things for His glory. This was such an incredible reminder in this busy season of my life. I was encouraged to give all my worries to the Lord, and let me tell you, it’s a huge relief to do that!

At the end of the night, the girls made the CUTEST Pinterest-worthy hanging flower pots! 

while we were doing the craft the guys played soccer and prayed together. We were also able to raffle off backpacks and school supplies to all the girls. What an incredible blessing! This was such a sweet time to end the night, and I am already so excited for club next month. I can’t even begin to imagine the wonderful things God has in store for this ministry. Thank you so much for reading, and I hope to see and/or meet you at club next month 🙂

 

-Ellen Bosch

I had it penciled in, or should I say “penned in” because I was just so excited for it and I was not planning on missing out! It was the Young Lives Fall Kick Off event!! This was not just a training day all about Young Lives, it was a wonderful, refreshing day of fellowship and drawing closer to the Lord; which every volunteer knows is the source of our strength.

We were blessed with many volunteers who showed up to see what the ministry of Young Lives entailed, and also those who vowed to serve again this coming year.

Volunteers were greeted with a smile and welcomed with delicious pastries and hot coffee (who doesn’t love that)! Myrna, the director of the Young Lives North OC Chapter, introduced the ministry and gave some details and statistics. Did you know that in the Santa Ana School District alone there are 250 pregnant girls, with 70 of them being in Junior High? I think this statistic alone speaks volumes for why the ministry of Young Lives is vital for these girls, their babies and the fathers, too.

Sherri Bennett was our wonderful guest speaker who spoke words of encouragement to all the volunteers, giving us three simple reminders of ministry! Those three reminders were; to rest in Christ, to take times of refreshment and to have fun while serving.
It was such a great reminder to focus on Jesus above everything else because only He can give us true rest, refreshment and allow us to find fun and memorable times in ministry.
I love what Sherri said “In ministry we must not get so caught up that we forget the main ingredient…JESUS!”

In the following session, I attended, Myrna gave the details of what a mentor in the young Lives program does. We were also given an opportunity to meet other volunteers, by praying together, and exchanging phone numbers. I really enjoyed this short time because it allowed me to get to know other volunteers without having to wait until club or later on in the year. We also saw a sweet video clip of a teen dad who shared how Young Lives has impacted him, many of the volunteers were in tears afterwards because the ministry truly changed his life, saving him from many life altering decisions.

Young Lives had a taco lunch waiting for us and it was delicious as always…I mean you can’t go wrong with tacos and chocolate chip cookies!

Then in the last session, I attended Myrna really went into details of the accountability and the special requirements a mentor needs to uphold in order to be an example of Christ and a proper witness of the gospel to those around them and their mentee, as well.

I attended the mentor sessions so I’m not too sure of what goes on behind the scenes to make the club event each month so amazing. I know that they are so selfless from the cooks, to the childcare volunteers, to the musicians, the craft coordinators, and everyone in between. It really is a group effort and I am just thankful to be apart of what God is doing with Young Lives North OC!

“On your feet now-applaud God!
Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into His presence.”
Psalm 100:1-2 (MSG)

• Kelsey Mendez

Want to get involved in YoungLives this year but not sure what area to serve in? Below is a list of various ways you can be a part of loving on teen moms and dads. It is not too late to join us for training this Saturday, August 27th from 8:30a-1:30p at the RH Office (3095 Redhill Ave., Costa Mesa). Register for training here

Mentors
Walk with a teen mom or dad for one school year.  This often looks like doing things together such as going to the park, sharing your story with them or helping them register for college classes. Your mentor relationship depends on you and your mentee’s needs and can often look different from person to person.

 

Music

Using appropriate secular and Christian music that the teens recognize and enjoy helps them to let their guard down and shows them that you value them where they are. It also pulls the group together and sets the mood and pace of club. Enthusiasm from all of the leaders in the room is the key to good club music!

 

Mixers/Games

A mixer is an activity that the group does together or in team competition. It creates unity as a group and breaks down walls. The non-verbal message of a mixer is “we are all in this together. A game is a silly competition that just a couple of kids participate in while everyone else cheers them on. YoungLives clubs use the same games that Young Life clubs use, because teen moms and dads love to laugh and have fun just like any other teenager.

 

Club Talk

Young Life’s founder, Jim Rayburn, said, “It’s a sin to bore a kid with the gospel.” The purpose of the club talk is to reach the farthest-out teen mom or dad by presenting the Gospel in a compelling and understandable way. Everything else we do during club breaks down the barriers so that teens are ready to hear the club talk. The club talk is THE most important part of club.

 

Childcare

YoungLives clubs always provide childcare. Everyone eats dinner together first, and then the moms and dads drop their children off before club starts.

 

Dinner

Because YoungLives serves teen moms, dads and their children, we serve dinner at club. Some clubs set up a rotation of church small groups to bring in a home-cooked dinner, some have a volunteer or group of volunteers who make dinner for every club, and others have food donated by local restaurants.

 

Transportation

We have found that most of the teen moms and dads we serve don’t have reliable transportation. This means that mentors and committee members pick up one or two girls for club and take them home afterward. Some areas hold their club near the high school, on a bus line, by a metro/train station, or within walking distance of the neighborhoods where the majority of their teen moms live. Anyone who provides transportation needs to complete the Young Life Driver Questionnaire on the Staff Resources Site.

 

Crafts

Girls love to make things with their hands, and it creates a relaxed environment for getting to know each other and the mentors. YoungLives uses crafts (making baby items, holiday decorations, photo frames, scrapbook pages) at the end of club as a time for mentors and girls to discuss the club message.

 

Guy Time

While girls love making things with their hands, guys love physical activity. During “Guy Time”, mentors and teen dads play soccer, basketball or some other physical activity that allows them to be active and connect with other guys.  YoungLives uses guy time at the end of club as a time for mentors and guys to discuss the club message in a relaxed, non-threatening environment.

Other Involvement Opportunities (contact northocyounglives@gmail.com for details)

-Donations Coordinator

-Skits

-Washing table cloths for monthly club

-Christmas Planning Team

-Prom Planning Team

-Craft Fair Vendor for annual fundraiser

-Committee

My name is Brittany Pacheco, I am a wife and a mother of two little ones, Judah who is 3 1/2 and Ava is 15 months. My season of being a new mom had and still does have its challenges. Little ones need your constant supervision, love and attention. My husband and I were married for 7 years before our first one was born and we did SO much together! We went on several mission trips and served at our church regularly. But once we had a baby, my husband continued to serve and I stayed back to watch the baby. By the time Ava came along we were living in Huntington Beach close to our family and on occasions my in laws could watch the kids so I can do ministry with my husband at a local rehab or join in with our Life Group. I loved and appreciated those moments where I was serving others and felt like I was actually doing something other than staying back with the kids. (which don’t get me wrong, I love! And parenting is a ministry in itself!) This momma needed something more!

One day at Rock Harbor H.B, they did an announcement about getting involved with Young Lives, which I have never heard of.  When they mentioned it was a ministry to love on teen moms and their babies, my inner most being jumped for joy! I thought, this is perfect! I can mentor a teen mom and have play dates with our kids at the same time!! Sign me up! This ministry is for this momma for sure!

My best friend Kelsey who is in the same boat as me signed up as well. New mommas who felt like we found a place to serve in the body of Christ and bring our babies along in hand.This past year, was my and my families very first year serving with Young Lives. We enjoyed meeting all the young families and making friendships that will last a life time. My boy, Judah loved going to Young Lives club and would get so excited to play with all the other kids.  The school year was coming to an end and I made a real connection with a young mom, Jayanna, who was pregnant when we met. Camp was coming up and I decided I should go, my husband so graciously with joy, said “I got the kids for a week, you go ahead!”

As a young life leader I had to do an online orientation that helped me prepare for what to expect at camp. One of the questions was, who are you specifically praying for to go to camp?  I wrote down Jayanna’s name but figured she wouldn’t be able to go because she has a newborn.  But, I still prayed for her any way!  A few weeks went by and I messaged Jayanna and told her how excited I am about camp and that I wished she was going. To my surprise, she told me that Maria and her could go because Maria was right at the 7 week mark and was able to go! I was in shock!! Answered prayer right in front of me! Also, Maria was a couple weeks early, it was all meant to be and God knew!

 

 

 

Camp was seriously Amazing!! Everything about it was just incredible! We got to have fun, be silly, get real, cry together, have meaningful conversations about our faith, dance, eat amazing meals together, make friends and enjoy this beautiful place for a whole week! As a mentor, I would definitely go back! I am forever changed by this experience and came home with an even greater love for Jesus and an excitement to get into the word like I had when I first came to know Him! I’m so thankful for everyone who made camp possible!! True treasures in heaven being stored up!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

 
With Gratitude,

Brittany Pacheco

Hi, My name is Fatima Avila.

I have a 2 year old daughter named Leah that I love so much!! Being a young mom is amazing and I love everything about it, but it’s also very hard. To this day I still get judged for being a mom so young. I always tell my self that no matter what people think, say, or do never let those bad things get to you. God blesses us every day and sometimes we don’t realize it.

I remember Myrna insisting on me going to YoungLives camp, I was scared because it was kinda far and I never been away from home, also because I was having stomach problems. I had already said no. Myrna had some awesome people pray for me and for my pain to go away and it did a week before camp, which I’m so great full and happy it did. I signed the papers and started packing for camp. The day came and Jessi picked Leah and I up. We got to the bus that was taking us, I was nervous and excited at the same time! I honestly can’t thank everyone enough for giving me and my baby this opportunity to go and get away from our problems,  have fun, and get some time away for ourselves.

Once we got there it felt like home. It was so beautiful and everyone was so kind. I knew God is real and I know he’s here with me but I didn’t quite let Him in my life like I did that week. I never felt close to Him, but this week I found him thanks to our amazing leaders that came with us. I can now say I found God and I let Him in my life for the first time . It feels amazing to know I’m loved by someone and that I’m not alone and no matter what the situation is God will be holding my hand and helping me get through anything and everything.

I’m so happy that I joined YoungLives and it’s such a blessing to have all these amazing people in my life who show me and my daughter nothing but love, I’m so grateful for everyone who has helped me. Camp is something that I will never forget it’s the place were I decided to let God in my life and that’s a big deal for me and He will always remain in my heart.

Thanks to my amazing leaders who were there in cabin time supporting us! Thank you Kylie, Brittney,  Massa, and Myrna ! I’m so blessed to have you all in my life. For all the girls that have never been to camp you should go! You are missing out on the most wonderful week of your life and you will not regret going. From my experience I recommend all you girls to give it a try and you will feel so loved and appreciated . It’s worth it . God has a plan for every single one of us. Follow him and you will never feel alone. His love Is pure and true. It’s the best love story ever. Between you and Him.

 

We have been doing passion projects and for those of you that don’t know what that is, you can find out more about them here. Mike stepped up to raise funds for YoungLives and plan his own really big passion project all of the funds from this were matched by a donor so Mike’s efforts were doubled. We are so grateful for his time and efforts and it was so amazing to see it all come together. Below you can read about the 1st Annual Golf Tournament from Mike’s perspective.

I love the scripture in Luke 17:5 where the Apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith. Remember what The Lord said to them? If you have the faith as a Mustard seed, you can say to this tree, “Be pulled up by the roots and cast into the ocean” and it will obey.

When I first felt The Lord nudging me into planning a charity golf tournament for Young Lives, I thought I was a man of fairly strong faith.

I remember thinking how tiny a Mustard seed actually is. So our faith tank, never really needs to be full. Jesus just wants willing people that he can use to display His power and Glory!

I understand that. I preach that. However, the planning of the golf tournament would turn out to be my first get out of the boat into the stormy sea moment. I have been walking with Jesus for nearly 30 years. I have two wonderful adult children. They both at different times and for different reasons, spent a week or more in ICU as children.

This may sound crazy and I understand how you may feel that way, but each of my children’s episodes in the ICU, paled in comparison as a test of my faith when compared to putting together the golf tournament. When my kids were sick, my wife and myself knew to pray, seek the Elders of the church and reach out to The Lord.

I guess because this was mostly immediate family and about our prayer life, I just had a complete peace that God would heal my kids. He did of course heal both my kids. That I thought, would always be a solid basis for my faith. I saw God work in the diagnosis. I saw Gods healing touch. I saw God bring in the right doctors both times.

The planning of the golf tournament would be a complete test of my faith. The reason I believe is there were so many moving parts. Assembling a team to help (they were fantastic), was the easiest part. Securing a golf course, web page issues, banquet issues, securing donors and all the people I had to rely on were overwhelming at times.

The Lord kept saying to me “I got this.”

Even when time came to start paying the bills for the golf course, banquet facility and car insurance for a Hole in One prize and we did not have any money.

God said “I got this.”

 

We began in February for a July tournament. In a lesson of trust and humility, I learned that God puts his desires into those hearts that yield to Him. I found out this was not about my planning expertise or my faith. This was about a group of people obedient to the work God wants to do in and through YoungLives.

On tournament day we had a couple of blips that God had under control, but all in all went well. I though believed the day was a disaster. Not what I thought or saw coming. During the days following, I had many,many Emails and text messages telling me that the day was fun, a blessing, and a huge success. One individual told me that the tournament was the best one he ever attended.

OK God I get this now. You just want me to say I do and you will pour out your faithfulness in such abundance, that I will be completely aware that your sovereign hand more than makes up for my lack of faith and trust.

We have plans for next year already, July 20th 2017, will be the Second Annual YoungLives Golf Tournament. We lived, we learned, we are stronger in faith and most of all, loved by a God who wants to bless us beyond or wildest imagination.

-Mike Nelson

Everyone wants a fairytale. I was positive that I would end up happily ever after with a guy that I was dating for a few years. After he proposed to me, we discovered that I was pregnant! We were so excited for our future and our little family.. Unfortunately, he didn’t last. He left half-way through the pregnancy, and I was on my own from there. I worked hard to pay my rent, bills, buy food, etc. I couldn’t stand to allow myself to depend on anyone for anything. I grew to be very independent throughout my pregnancy. I had three major complications consisting of Hyperemesis, Preeclampsia, and Hellp Syndrome. The raw heartbreak of completely losing someone that I loved so much tore me apart. It turned into physical pain, and to this day I can feel the ache if I concentrate on it. I became very cold-hearted and un-trusting. I began recording my feelings in the form of poetry, which I hope to transform into a collection and publish.

A co-worker invited me to a YoungLives club in March 2016. I was skeptical, but I decided to try it at least once. A pastor spoke to the group with an up-lifting message about Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We made decorated crosses, and I was even randomly selected to receive one of the floral centerpieces at the end of the night. This was the most fun I had since August 2015. I finally had something to look forward to. At club I heard the stories of YoungLives leaders and volunteers. I felt surrounded by love and support for the very first time in my life. I was encouraged, and it gave me the confidence to be a great mom for my baby.

Myrna Bittar and Brittany Pacheco took me under their wings and showed me just how much God really loves me. I have been extremely fortunate to experience His love for me and I can’t wait to share this with amazing, pure, and profound love with my baby.

I was induced on May 23^rd and my gorgeous daughter, Maria Jude, arrived on May 25^th at 6:55 AM.

Myrna invited Maria and I to YoungLives Camp at Lost Canyon in Arizona. Camps generally make me nervous so my first response is to decline, but for some-reason I felt like I needed to go. I thank God that I went to Lost Canyon because I made new friends, strengthened my relationship with God, had a lot of fun, and I was even able to forgive Maria’s father for leaving us which is allowing me to move-on with my life.

Maria is currently 2 months old. She’s healthy, strong, beautiful, and she has a huge personality. I never thought that I could ever love anyone more than her father, but she’s here and she is the only reason I’m still breathing. Maria and I are very fortunate to have our health. We are so loved and supported by the community around us and I am incredibly thankful. I pray for peace, happiness, health, and love and God never fails to answer my prayers. I won’t lie, I still have some very rough days, but my daughter makes everything worthwhile. Without the sour, the sweet wouldn’t taste

I was crushed that my fairytale had slipped through my fingers, and I was angry at myself because I felt that it was my fault. Little did I know, my fairytale was growing in my tummy. Maria is my best friend and I am so thankful for her.

YoungLives brought out the best in me, and I am looking forward to hopefully becoming a YoungLives leader myself. I want to be a part of the life changing event in the lives of young parents and I truly want to pay it forward. Without the help and support from YoungLives and volunteers like Myrna, Brittany, Kylie, Laurie, Colleen, Massa, Lisa, and everyone else, I wouldn’t be a strong as I am today. My relationship with God would be very un-sturdy and I wouldn’t have this genuine happiness that I feel in my bones.

In conclusion, I want to say thank you: To everyone who makes YoungLives possible. Your hard work is making a huge difference for all of us.

-Jayanna Hendley