Today we are welcoming five new Young Life team members to the Western Great Lakes Region. These five individuals are deeply committed Jesus-followers who are passionate about pouring into the lives of students and young adults in their communities, with the goal of introducing them to Jesus Christ and walking with them as they grow in faith. Take a moment to get to know each of them below. We are so thankful to have them in the Western Great Lakes Region!
Meet Michael Fravel, Staff Associate for Grand Rapids City Young Life, serving in a partnership with Tabernacle Community Church where he co-leads Student Ministries.
About Michael: Michael is a Louisiana transplant who moved to Grand Rapids in 2011 to serve at a “punk rock” church that once was in the Heartside Neighborhood. He enjoys playing in local bands, connecting with friends, the city, and serving in youth ministry.
His Young Life Story: “I had the honor of serving alongside some really wonderful Young Life leaders and volunteers that were passionate about elevating youth who may not have the same starting points as others. I was really drawn to the work they were doing. I felt the Spirit of the Lord urge me to further the reach into campus ministry. So I said, ‘Yes!’” Michael will be leading at Alger Middle and Ottawa Hills High. He has also been accepted into our division’s multiethnic leadership development program, MOSAIC.
What he loves about this job: “Young Life does a good job at making long-lasting, positive, godly relationships with young people. I believe wherever they go, they can always look back and know they were loved and had legit support through those developmental years.”
Fun Fact: Cooking Gumbo is a form of love and therapy for Michael. He also loves going to punk shows and serving people with his fiancée.
Meet Morgan Horling, College Intern with Eastern Ottawa Young Life
About Morgan: Morgan grew up in Grand Rapids and then attended Western Michigan University to study education and human development. Following graduation in 2019 she moved back to Grand Rapids.
Her Young Life Story: Morgan led WyldLife during her first two years while at WMU and then moved on to lead college ministry. Last year Morgan attended the YL College Summit in Indy with Eastern Ottawa Area Director Ryan Elders who said: “Morgan has a heart and a desire to see students at GVSU get connected to Young Life and Christ. I’m impressed by her commitment and dedication.”
Favorite thing about her job: She enjoys getting close with the leaders at Grand Valley and getting to help with some of the bigger area projects.
Fun Fact: She has 54 cousins and loves spending time with them, especially around the holidays!
Currently Reading: Dream Big by Bob Goff. “This book has definitely challenged me to dream way bigger than before and use those dreams as motivation!”
Meet Josiah Huisman, Director of Middle School Ministries at 1st Reformed Church in Zeeland & YL Church Partner in the Greater Holland Area.
About Josiah: Josiah is a Michigan State University grad who studied community sustainability and also worked as an EMT.
His Young Life Story: His first involvement with Young Life was as a Capernaum leader. He fell in love with the ministry and became a leader at Mason High School. He’s been blessed by the leaders, students, and community as a whole.
Favorite thing about his job: “I love working with students and walking through tough parts of life and finding the gospel in those moments.”
Fun Fact: He’s been to all lower 48 states.
Currently Reading: The Reappearing Church by Mark Sayers
Meet Tanner Huizenga, Director of Student Ministry at Beechwood Church in Holland & YL Church Partner in the Greater Holland Area.
About Tanner: Tanner grew up in Hudsonville and went to Calvin University. (Go Knights!)
His Young Life Story: Tanner is new to Young Life and is super excited to work alongside so many great people in ministry.
Favorite thing about his job: “My favorite part of ministry is growing in faith with the students. It’s a part of my job to teach and guide them, but their energy towards life and faith are some of my favorite things to learn from them. I’m so excited to be able to grow alongside the students of Holland Young Life!”
Meet Aidan Hunt, Student Ministries Director at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids & YL Church Partner in the Northeast Grand Rapids Area.
About Aidan: Aidan is from La Grange, Illinois. He graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in journalism.
His YL Story: Aidan started attending Young Life when he was a freshman in high school. After serving on work crew the summer before his freshman year of college, he knew he wanted to be a leader and help students grow in their faith. After leading for four years at MSU, he knew he wanted to continue working in student ministry and loves that he gets to do that in Grand Rapids.
Favorite Part of Job: “I love having the opportunity to go where students are. Being welcomed into communities and into the lives of the people there is such a blessing.”
Fun Fact: Aidan’s friends claim his banana bread is the BEST!
Currently Reading: The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
