YoungLives: Generational Impact — M I T C H B A K K E R

I became familiar with YoungLives through my wife, Chris. Chris has been involved with this ministry for a number of years - initially as a volunteer, but now as the area coordinator for the greater Holland area.

Many people are familiar with YoungLife - a ministry that was founded in 1941 and focuses on youth, both high school and college. YoungLives is a newer ministry that spawned from YoungLife in 1991. It was originally called Mentor Moms and focuses exclusively on teen moms.

YoungLives’ mission is to come alongside and support pregnant and parenting teens through mentorship, community, and a life with Christ. It’s inspiring to watch their work as they assist these young girls in a time that is so often marked by stress, heartache, and confusion. Who better to bring stability to a young mother’s life, than a mature woman who has walked the path of motherhood herself. These women encourage them and show them that they have value, even when their lives take an unexpected turn, even if their boyfriends, friends, or family aren’t supportive, even when they have to shift their plans.

I’ll never forget my first time visiting a YoungLife camp in Lake City, Michigan. The camp itself was breathtakingly beautiful. The grounds were meticulously cared for, rolling hills of grass cut like a PGA fairway and gigantic hanging flower baskets that would cause Martha Stewart to look twice. I remember considering how much money and time must have been given by donors and volunteers to create this oasis for kids to get away and forget their troubles for a week. This was especially true for the week dedicated to the teen mothers who, in many respects, have had to sacrifice their carefree teenage years and grow up too fast. For them, this place is an unexpected surprise and delight. It is a place that allows them to drop off their children in childcare, and drop their guard as they shed the responsibilities of their lives at home and just have fun.

I thought it would be fun to ask Chris a few questions to provide you an informal peek behind the curtain of YoungLives through the lens of a YoungLives staff member:

What was the path that brought you to YoungLives?

My first exposure to YoungLives was at a YoungLife fundraiser. I was intrigued by what I saw and thought, “Hmmm that ministry is really cool.” I dismissed entertaining thoughts of personal involvement, after all, we have five children, three were under our roof and two were off at college. Mitch and I continued to attend the annual YoungLife fundraiser and I was repeatedly drawn to the segment where YoungLives was presented. There was just something about these girls that was pulling at my heart. Perhaps it was the soft spot I had developed for young teen moms from my days as an OB nurse. Three years after my first exposure to YoungLives I was doing a bible lesson in our living room and this question came up: ”What might God be calling you to do that you are not listening to or obeying?” While I was pausing to reflect, I went to get the mail and a YoungLife quarterly magazine sat in front of me with the YoungLives ministry featured on the front cover. Seeing those numerous young mothers and their babies moments after my prayer made me realize that I had received my answer... I knew in my heart God was calling me to this work.

Now that you have been in YoungLives for nearly a decade, can you think back to your early impressions and what keeps you in this ministry?

I started as a volunteer mentor. I was so nervous, but was compelled by the other volunteer mentors and the young teen moms. The mentors’ selfless love and willingness to pour their lives into these girls felt like I was witnessing Christ in action. Mentors focus on all aspects of their mentees’ lives - physical, social and spiritual. This holistic support is key to empowering these teen moms to become mature and secure adults equipped with the tools and knowledge to raise their children. And for me, I just love these teen moms and their precious little ones, being able to love on them is the reward of this ministry.

Can you explain the structure of how YoungLives works?

We describe the framework of our approach as “The Four C’s”: Contact work, Club, Camp, and Campaigners

Contact work is the “feet on the street” aspect of our work. Going to where the girls are is key. Whether this is in the high school or other settings, we engage them with treats, a smile, and a listening ear. While initially this can be awkward, they come to love it. This is where we earn their trust and the right to be heard. There is something about consistently showing up and being available as a resource to encourage, laugh, and love on these girls.

Club (sometimes referred to as a party with a purpose): This is a once-a-month gathering in a safe environment that allows teen moms to be around other teen moms with their kiddos tucked away in our awesome childcare. It’s important for them to see that they are not alone in their circumstances. We share a meal, play games and enjoy fun activities. We always end with a short club talk where the girls hear a redemptive biblical story that brings Jesus into view. Many are hearing about Christ for the first time at Club.

Camp is an annual summer opportunity for a week-long getaway in a beautiful setting. The girls look forward to camp all year, similar to how we look forward to our vacations. So much behind the scenes work is done by an army of volunteers to make camp the experience of a lifetime. All of the fun and games of camp lead to helping them see the true giver behind the gift. A nightly speaker opens the word of God and gently introduces Jesus. Hundreds of young moms have pointed to their camp experience as the starting point of their faith in God.

Campaigners (often called small groups) is a twice-a-month gathering open to whoever wants to go deeper in their faith journey. With childcare provided they are able to spend undistracted time digging into the Bible and considering the applications for their lives and the lives of their children. Camp is often the turning point, but small groups are where they sustain and grow in their faith.

As I reflect on what drew Chris into this ministry, I’m struck by the power of that simple prayer: God, what are you calling me to do that I am not listening to or obeying? Oftentimes we are in such close proximity to a need that we can fill, but we may be resistant, distracted, or scared. But you never know when one “yes” can turn into years of impact, dozens of lives changed, and a ministry that could bear the fruit of your years.