COVID-19 has changed so much in our world today.
For a ministry that is all about building relationships with students and young adults, this new reality of closed schools, canceled in-person events, stay at home orders, and physical distancing has been a game-changer.
Never before in our lifetime have we lived through a time such as this.
So what has all this meant for Young Life?
Our best-laid club plans had to be set aside for a time. Our busy spring to-do lists and social calendars were cleared. Students and leaders alike have felt the grief that comes from the loss of these good things.
Steve Larmey from Young Life Africa/Middle East put it well: “God is clearing the deck so that we can focus on the right things in the right way.”
The good news is that Young Life leaders are not feeling defeated by this new reality. Instead, they are rising to the occasion and seizing this moment.
Even though in-person clubs, campaigners and spring events may be temporarily canceled, take heart—our ministry to students goes on because relationships are not canceled.
So what does a Young Life leader do without club on Monday nights, contact work in the school lunchroom on Tuesdays, early morning Campaigners on Wednesday mornings, impromptu after school coffee with students on Thursdays, or the plethora of weekend sporting events and springtime hangouts with students?
Ministry looks a bit different right now, but here are 5 things we are still doing:
- Even though in-person clubs and events are canceled, our ministry to kids goes on.
Meetings of any kind that can be done virtually have still been taking place. Our staff and volunteers are getting creative and finding innovative ways to connect with one another and with kids during this time, being an encouraging presence to students and young adults.
- We are leaning into this current reality and keeping the main thing, the main thing.
We are 100% committed to reaching out to kids in this current reality, making sure they don’t feel lost, disconnected and alone. Our greatest desire remains that kids would come to know Christ, grow deeper in their faith, and that God would be glorified above all.
- Kids need the hope and promise of Jesus Christ now more than ever.
Right now kids are feeling overwhelmed and anxious. They are bored and lonely at home. They are grieving and desperate to know that they’re not alone, that this is not going to last forever, and that there can be hope and joy in the midst of this mess. Physical distancing and quarantines can’t stop Young Life leaders from meeting kids right where they’re at (virtually) and sharing with them the hope of Jesus.
- We’re grateful for how technology is keeping us connected.
Our leaders are connecting more often with kids via text and social media to offer encouragement and prayer in this uncertain time. Others have taken to social media to hold virtual clubs, Zoom call Bible studies, social media contests, and more. One YoungLives club delivered “club in a box” to their teen moms. Northeast Grand Rapids Capernaum held a virtual dance party during a recent virtual club.
- We are praying for an end to the coronavirus pandemic.
The global Young Life community has committed to praying Psalm 91 together as a way of staying centered and grounded in God’s Word during this uncertain time. We are praying Psalm 91 daily to proclaim that “God alone is our refuge, our place of safety, he is our God, and we can trust him (Ps 91:1).” Consider joining us! Follow along with the hashtag #91for91.
For more information about how Young Life National is responding to COVID-19 please click here. And be sure to watch this powerful video from Young Life International.
