What a treat for our area to participate in two days of celebration last month. First, our Louisiana staff gathered together at False River. You better believe we had crawfish! In addition to crawfish, our generous hosts offered boat rides down the river. We spent some time in the word together and had a little training. But the best part of the day was the celebrations! We looked at pictures and heard stories of favorite ministry moments throughout the year. From placing new leaders, welcoming kids from a variety of faith journeys, starting new ministries, conducting interest meetings in new towns, to hearing of leader after leader showing up in the lives of their adolescent friends.
A few days later, we gathered with our local committee, volunteers, friends-of-Young Life, and high school helpers for our year-end celebration. We celebrated that our leaders know 1,255 kids by name across New Orleans! We also celebrated that there are 186 students on average coming to Club and an average of 116 students participating in Campaigners (small group Bible study) each week. We were also reminded that we gained seven new leaders this year and that 9 high school and college students will be spending a month of their summer serving at a Young Life camp so students across the country can have an incredible camping experience. Both days were sweet, full of encouragement, and reminders of the faithfulness of God.