It became apparent when we were talking with someone recently that bringing light to a dark world is not just a Ray of Sunshine Ministry thing. There are some amazing people and groups that are bright lights in their own way. Once a month we will shed some light on these fine folks and introduce them to you.
A couple weeks ago I heard a report about todays youth and suicide - the numbers were dismal. When the person being interviewed was asked what the biggest issue facing teens was, he replied - Hopelessness.
On June 19, 2013 CBC News reported that 30,000 Canadians are homeless every night - Single adult males between the ages of 25 and 55 account for almost half the homeless population (47.5 per cent).Youth between the ages of 16 and 24 account for 20 per cent of the homeless.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death globally among 15-29 year olds (2014 World Health Organization report on suicide prevention) ( 2013 The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC).
Enter on the scene - Young Life.
Young Life is a world-wide Christian organization that has a sole purpose of building mentoring relationships with teenagers. Young Life has been active in the Peace Country for 30 years. Their desire is to help teens learn about faith while developing into mature young adults who will deal effectively with the challenges of life. I asked Peace Country Director, Dylan Bressey how they do this and he replied "we spend time with them." Young Life is present in the schools, at the mall, they hang out in homes - wherever teens are - they are - And It Is Working. Approximately 150 kids weekly connect with Young Life here in Grande Prairie alone. Local Young Life chapters are active in Grande Prairie, Slave Lake and Dawson Creek. Globally, Young Life reaches over half a million teens on a weekly basis.
Young Life has local Board of Directors made up of local business people who help govern the local chapters. Volunteers are vital to Young Life. Financially they have monthly donors who help contribute to keep this amazing organization flowing and they also have 2 annual fundraisers.
February 20th, 2016 - Disc Golf Tournament (yes in the cold and snow,)
April 23, 2016 - Dessert Night and Silent Auction
To learn more about Young Life - check out their website: www.younglifegpca or you can connect with local director, Dylan Bressey at 780-402-4166 or email him at grandeprairie@younglife.ca
For areas outside of the Peace Country go to: www.younglife.ca