As we look into the new year, let us not lose sight of why we exist by Jakayla's story and the way that God has redeemed her mistakes into blessings. See her beautiful testimony below:

I know... you are asking yourself, "Why do I care about the fiscal year beginning?"

GREAT QUESTION! Look with me through the eyes of a person doing this ministry.

Meet Susan, An Area YoungLives Coordinator:

In the world of YoungLives, the fiscal year runs from October 1st- September 30th which is a fresh start and a new beginning even for budgets. This time of year, Susan, an area YoungLives Coordinator, is feeling the burden of fundraising $36,000 in order for her ministry to stay open.  She has committed 20 hours a week to make sure teen parents experience Jesus. She spends her time recruiting and training at least 4 mentors so they can disciple about 2 teen mothers each.  The impact of her ministry is far reaching and generational because among the 10 teen mothers, are their 12 children ages 3 months to 3 years old. Susan is spending about half her time organizing Club (party with a purpose) and Campaigners (bible study) for the teen parents and their children. Each Club and Campaigners has a meal and childcare so Susan is meeting with adults and business owners about donating meals, baby supplies and space for those meetings. She is coordinating about 12 childcare volunteers who she has personally trained and run through the background check process. Somewhere in her week, she will find generous adults who want to also donate towards her area budget. Yes, Susan, is doing a lot in her part time role to make sure teen parents hear the gospel and feel the incarnational love of Jesus. Susan needs our prayers and support because she represents YoungLives Coordinators everywhere.

Susan is the reason I do what I do as Director of YoungLives Global Development. My hope and prayer is that she would be the reason that you GENEROUSLY GIVE. Let's continue to spur on Susan and all the future Susans who love teen parents but may be overwhelmed by the thought of fundraising. Supporting Susan will only help ministry grow this fiscal year!

International YoungLives Virtual 5K This Thanksgiving

Walk | Run | Hop | Skip | Jump from anywhere in the world!

This year, YoungLives Global has partnered with YoungLives in Cincinnati, Ohio to raise funds for the work being done with teen parents internationally and you can help!

• Share this with all of your running friends and help us reach 100 participants. Maybe even create a group to participate together in your town!

• REGISTER yourself and your family for the Virtual 5K to walk or run anywhere, anytime between Nov 22-30.

• Deadline to receive your SWAG box is November 7th but you can register until the day of the race.

3 Ways To Support YoungLives This Year

1. Pray for New & Existing Ministry

YoungLives is in 241 communities in the United States and working with teen parents in 364 international areas. We meet each month to pray about how God is moving in those areas and where to go next. Join Us on the Next Global Prayer call on Tuesday, November 7th. Email Me for More Info

2. Give A Financial Gift

It costs on average $2500 for one teen parent to be involved in YoungLives. In every ministry, there is a staff person who recruits and trains volunteers to be mentors for teen parents as well as childcare for the babies of those parents. We hope to expand the number of teen parents involved by 100 by the end of 2023. That's $250,000 by December 31st! Can you help us get to that goal? Click here to give now!

3. Donate a Camp Childcare Scholarship

Every year, we need at least 500 childcare volunteers and some volunteers while willing, cannot afford to take a week off of work and serve.  That's where you come in! You can send a volunteer to camp for $700. Click this link to give now