Semester Recap & What’s Ahead
May 2026

“Look, I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” - John 4:35b

If you’ve prayed, given, led, driven students, hosted an event, or simply cared about what God might be doing in the lives of students in the Greater Kalamazoo Area — THANK YOU!

Young Life has always been simple: we earn the right to be heard, and we point kids to Jesus. This semester, that mission has taken deeper root across our schools and campus.

Semester Snapshot

Across the greater Kalamazoo area, this semester included:

● Weekly Club gatherings filled with laughter, games, and the Gospel clearly being shared.

● Campaigners groups digging into Scripture, identity, and real life.

● Leaders consistently showing up in schools, sporting events, and everyday life.

● First-time students stepping into Young Life — and coming back again.

● Spiritual conversations moving from surface level to meaningful and honest discussion.

● A growing sense that God is building trust and community over time.

This semester has not been about quick results, rather it’s been about faithful presence and growing depth.

Ministry in Our Schools

Kalamazoo Christian High School

This semester we moved from monthly to weekly Club nights and launched weekly Campaigners as well. We’re already seeing increased engagement and consistency. We’re grateful to Second Reformed Church for generously providing us with a space to meet. Our biggest focus has been contact work — leaders showing up in everyday spaces like games, plays, door greeters, and late-night Culver’s runs. Trust is growing through simple, consistent presence. 

“Young Life means so much to me because of the community it surrounds me with. I get to meet new people, whether leaders or students from other schools. I am blessed to get to know them on a personal level and talk to them nearly every day. Leaders show up and are present beyond just Monday nights. They truly care for me and my walk with Christ and are willing to step in and walk with me along the way.” - Reagan (Kalamazoo Christian High School Junior)

Otsego High School

Otsego has transitioned to weekly Club gatherings, and increased consistency which is producing visible relational fruit. Girls’ Campaigners has provided meaningful spaces for connection through gatherings such as Jesus and Jammies and bagel nights. Plans are underway to launch boys’ Campaigners and pickup basketball nights. We are also celebrating 10+ students attending summer camp this year!

"When I first heard of Young Life I was at a basketball game with my friends. At first, I wasn’t sure if I should go because I had been distant from church and God. However, I decided to go and enjoyed it so much. Now every time there has been a Young Life event - I have been there. My friends and I have had countless fun memories. Young Life has helped me recreate a strong connection with God and that is why Young Life is so important to me.” - Alex (Otsego High School Junior)

Plainwell High School

Plainwell Young Life continues to grow through weekly Thursday morning Campaigners and pancake breakfasts. We also launched our first Club gathering of the year, featuring recreational activities, shared meals, and intentional conversation. Additionally, we are sending students to summer camp for the first time in several years and are actively developing and expanding our leadership team.

"I've been going to Young Life all 4 years of high school. We get together, we eat breakfast and we have a really good time. We learn about Jesus and what He has done for us. Jesus didn’t have to go to the Cross, but He did because He loves us. Christ is our Savior. I love Young Life because the people are so accepting and loving. I love learning about Jesus." - Riley (Plainwell High School Senior)

Young Life College @ Western Michigan University

Young Life College renewed a weekly on-campus presence for the first time in several years, including Club gatherings and consistent outreach efforts such as coffee meetups, residence hall visits, and even handing out hot dogs in the parking lot! These consistent rhythms create new opportunities for relational depth and spiritual conversation among college students. 

“Young Life College is a great community that I am privileged to be a part of. Being around people of Christ helps you to hold yourself accountable for staying in the Word and praying consistently. Being a part of a Christian community of people also helps with support - you can ask for help when you are struggling. Young Life also helps you meet people who share a common goal and it is an encouraging community for those who might not even know Jesus.” - Sam (WMU Freshman)

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead, we are prayerfully discerning God’s timing for expanding our reach in Greater Kalamazoo Area Young Life including the potential launch or development of WyldLife (middle school ministry), YoungLives (teen mom ministry), and Capernaum (ministry for friends with special needs) in our area. 

We are committed to moving with faithfulness and clarity, building strong foundations, and following God’s lead as He opens doors, provides leaders, and makes a way forward. 

On behalf of the Greater Kalamazoo Young Life staff & volunteers, I am so grateful for your continued investment & support. We couldn't do it without you!

Sincerely,

Taylor Idema
Area Director, Greater Kalamazoo Young Life
taylorkzooyl@gmail.com I (989) 430-3811‬