Area youth attend a Young Life event. (Contributed)

By Annabelle Chipps, New Castle News

A Christian organization is providing Lawrence County youth with teen-friendly activities.

The local branch of Young Life has focused on introducing students to Christianity and growing their faith since 2017. Volunteer leaders are on a first-name basis with more than 400 area youths.

“Our vision is to bridge the gap between lost and disinterested kids and Jesus Christ,” staff member Jackson Miller, 22, said.

For Young Life, this means bonfires, songs, attending high school sporting events and more. This is inspired by biblical stories where God approached people, rather than waiting for them to come to him.

“We want to be visible and available in a student environment,” Miller said.

Each week, Young Life hosts two events for students at Mohawk, Laurel and Neshannock high schools. They also work with students at Neshannock’s middle school with a younger branch called Wyldlife.

One event, “campaigners,” involves students gathering in an intimate or community space to read scripture and ask questions about their lives. The other event is called “club,” described as “a party with a purpose” where students can hear music, perform skits, play games and socialize before hearing a message from the gospel.

“Club is for the kids who have never stepped in a church before. It’s meant for the kids who aren’t interested in the gospel,” Miller said.

He claimed Young Life emphasizes building relationships, community and trust.

“Remembering a kid’s name matters,” he said. “We want to show we care about them beyond Young Life.”

Miller was first introduced to the organization as a freshman at Mohawk Area High School. Young Life has chapters in 112 countries and has been around since the 1940s, he reported.

“It had a really big impact on my life,” he said. He now holds a full-time, paid position as area director of Lawrence County.

The Lawrence County chapter is working to increase its budget and hire another paid staff member. They are entirely locally funded, with an operating budget of $83,000 for this fiscal year.

Each year, two main fundraisers help support the organization.

On Oct. 13, Cobblehaus Brewing Co. will host the annual Young Life Date Night.

“It’s just a way for adults to socialize, enjoy good food and music, and support the ministry,” Miller said.

The other fundraiser is an annual banquet that will take place in March. Proceeds will go toward staff compensation, support services for the community and general operating expenses.

A majority of the Lawrence County Young Life leadership are volunteers. Many are college students from Westminster College, Geneva College and Slippery Rock University whose main job is to engage in outreach and “meet kids on their turf.”

Those looking to get involved with Young Life can contact Miller at (724) 651-8031 or visit lawrencecounty.younglife.org for more information.

Annabelle Chipps is a recent graduate of Slippery Rock University and one of 10 Pittsburgh Media Partnership summer interns.