<![CDATA[Insight]]> <![CDATA[Insight]]> /Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_fdsa4k55mbzd0x55gesj3lqk_b8025da3-920b-4442-9a74-a81c9ea63d87_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:43 GMT 15 <![CDATA[YoungLives Helps Teen Moms Find Their Way]]> By Ashley Lopez, Westside High School

COURTESY
BOTH CAN BENEFIT: Valeria Christensen and her daughter Tatiana enjoy the club meetings at YoungLives.

There is something about a room full of teenage mothers singing “Baby” by Justin Bieber on a typically boring Thursday night that lets you know they have a story to tell. Their story is Young Lives . A branch of the motivational Young Life (YL) program, YoungLives started 10 years ago in California. Many of the high school girls began to bring their kids to club (the weekly YL get together), causing a distraction to the other students. This led to the creation of YoungLives, a place where teenage mothers can make mentor relationships, meet other teen moms and grow in their faith. “I like YoungLives because it will help my daughter and I develop a relationship with Christ,” said mother and student Valeria Christensen. The young moms are able to share the experience of YoungLives with their children because of the childcare that the program offers. While the girls participate in club, their kids are in the care of Young Life volunteers. It is difficult to describe the concept of Young Life club to those who have never experienced it. The girls walk in to a room that has music playing and the leaders welcome them as they walk in. They then proceed to singing popular songs performed by the YL band. Following the singing, there is usually a game/mixer that allows the girls to get out of their comfort zones and meet new people. At the very end of club is when the message is given. The main YL leader tells a story about God and how He can change lives. Young Life director of the Katy area, Derek Bonesteel explained how YL’s was designed to provide teenage mothers with a positive and safe environment while also teaching them the gospel. “Our hope is that (the girls) would get a fresh clear look at who Jesus is so that they can make an informed decision about whether or not to follow Jesus themselves,” Bonesteel shared. Because YL’s is non-denominational organization, their motive is not to try and enforce a Christian way of life. Instead, the leaders and mentors share their stories and let the students get a glimpse of how Christianity can alter their lifestyle. Mother of eight-month-old Priscilla, Jennifer Rodriguez, 16, shared her thoughts on YL’s. “I had never heard of YL and I don’t have a relationship with Christ,” Rodriguez said. “But I know I want to raise Priscilla so that she can know God and always know to do the right thing.” After a great night of activities and getting to know one another, the girls reflected on their first YL’s experience. “It relieves my stress and makes me happy,” Christensen said. “I love how everyone is so friendly without even really knowing me. I would definitely encourage people to come.” Rodriguez agreed with her peers’ remark. “YL’s is really fun and will help me communicate with other moms and become a better mother to Priscilla.” The leaders and mentors were so eager after their first YL’s experience as well and they felt privileged to be able to share their lives with the girls. “We hope they would feel like they had the best Thursday of their lives and that they would be curious to look into who Christ is,” Bonesteel added. Their main goal is to give the girls a place where the can feel comfortable and learn through others. They can go to the mentors whenever they feel they need help with something or just need someone to talk to. “The people who do this are amazing,” Christensen said. “There is nothing to describe them. That make me feel so good about myself. I barely even know them but they are in my heart.” ]]> Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:40:42 GMT