Hello and welcome to 2026!

The Christmas season brought much joy to our clubs and we are thankful for all of the churches and community organizations we were able to partner with to bless our moms with gifts, coats and fun! I took a mom to see lights at the zoo with my family and another leader and she shared how she is Muslim and has never been to church. She also opened up about some of the struggles she is having with her baby's father and her own family at this time. I often think to myself, why do these girls want to spend time with me? I'm a lady with a lot of kids and a very dingy minivan who is just showing up at their schools and inviting them to random things. But I am so encouraged that they do, and I pray that it is because of Christ in me that they are drawn to spend time with me and not just to get out of their houses in the dead of winter. What I love so much about YoungLife is that we go after the furthest kid and I was reminded of that during that trip to the zoo with her.
I continue to lead in Plainfield and continue to raise up a team of leaders there. Please be praying as we will be at Lake Champion at the end of the month for our Leader Committee Weekend and I hope to use that time to build deeper connections with the team. Our year end giving campaign did not do as well as anticipated, but I am encouraged that the Lord is providing for us through new monthly partners. If you do not currently give monthly, would you pray about doing so? Monthly gifts help us predict our income and give greater stability to our team, allowing our focus to shift from fundraising to exclusively developing staff, casting vision to new areas and working with teen parents.

Another area of need is committee- I am seeking a handful of individuals who would be willing to help with behind the scenes tasks to continue our work. I am looking for the following roles with a two year commitment:
- Fundraising Chair
- Fundraising Team members
- Donor Care Coordinator
- Mentor/Leader Care Coordinator

If you feel you have a gifting in any of these areas and would be interested in learning more please let me know! You can email me at rebeccacarlson1@gmail.com

Even though we have some needs at this time, I am encouraged that the Lord continues to lead and guide our team to reach those furthest out moms and even some dads. I am grateful to continue to do this work and am thankful for the role each of you play in supporting it!

In His Service,

Becca Carlson

Paterson Highlight

This is a picture of a young woman from Paterson. She recently received a gift from Becca’s church and is deeply grateful for the love and generosity shown to her. Through her involvement in YoungLives, she has come to know the Lord, formed meaningful friendships, and grown in confidence. She is graduating high school this year, and next year she will become the first person in her family to attend college.

YoungLives Facebook Page

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Search for YoungLives North Central NJ or click the icon above.

Somerset Update

Want to stay in the loop with YoungLives in Somerset? Click the link below to check out their Instagram page.

Somerville's Instagram Page

New Brunsick
At YoungLives New Brunswick, Amy shared a message from John 8:7, emphasizing Jesus’ grace, forgiveness, and love for those facing judgment.

The girls were also able to enjoy a spa night, where they relaxed, connected, and shared meaningful conversations with their mentors.

Staff Update

At the end of November Clarissa Guzman transitioned off staff after serving 6 years as program coordinator in Newark. We are so thankful for the faithfulness of Clarissa as she led the team there, reaching many moms in Newark over the years. Thank you, Clarissa, moms in Newark know about Jesus because of you!

Here is a photo of Clarissa at camp this past year getting slimed.

Rebecca Carlson

(732) 773-1943 • rebeccacarlson1@gmail.com

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