By: Ashley Source
When local lawyer David Johnson saw an overwhelming population of juvenile delinquency and teens serving court appointed programs for a variety of first offenses, he knew something needed to change.
Fully believing that these teens needed better foundation and a relationship with God, Johnson sought out help. When a college roommate put him in touch with Chris Dillbeck, the idea of Greater Owensboro Young Life was born.
For some teenagers, a series of bad decisions can lead them down a path they may never be able to change. For other teenagers, bridging the gap between their church life and their every day life can be difficult.
Young Life, a high school missionary organization, is attempting to help teens find better pathways and balance in their lives by speaking the teenage language and earning trust. It is this trust that will allow YL leaders into these teens’ lives to talk about God and their relationship with Him.
Chris Dillbeck, now the Area Director of Young Life of Greater Owensboro, stresses that YL is a part of the church—not just one church, but all local churches.
“Young Life is the feet on the ground to help empower churches,” Chris said.
According to Chris, “We all fight for significance.” He believes this is why some teens make bad choices. “But the only way to [find significance] is giving back to who created us.”
Through a mentor-based program, Young Life is present in Apollo High School, identifying juniors and seniors as leaders and helping them mentor freshman entering high school. Only established in Apollo, YL hopes to be in every area high school in the future.
Chris believes that Young Life leaders help find where their mentees are “looking for life” and find opportunities to help support or change that search in a nonjudgmental way.
“Every person desires real, authentic relationships,” Chris said. “We are wired to be connected to something greater than ourselves.”
But Young Life serves more than just high school aged students. Any child’s foundation and set of values begins at home. That’s why YL promotes Timber Wolf Lake Family Camp, a Labor Day weekend retreat in Michigan, aimed at bringing families closer together through adventure, fun and solidifying relationships with Christ.
At Family Camp, Mom and Dad are leaders of their family, but they are leading them in being fun. Chris says this is different than the typical family vacation, where dad plays a round of golf, mom reads a book, and a put-put night might be the only true family time with the kids. Family Camp promotes the entire family having adventure together.
Chris says it’s important to stress that this camp is not mosquitoes and bad food.
“Parents have been blown away after Family Camp,” Chris said. “The kids are always ready for the next year.”
Lori Brubaker took her two children, Xander, 7, and Raylee, 5, to Family Camp last year.
“The camp itself resides on hundreds of acres of land and the minute you turn into the drive you feel Gods presence around you,” Lori said.
“Children and families ate together, prayed together and enjoyed many activities together as well,” Lori said. “Each night we had club, which would begin with gathering songs, comedic skits, prayer and then break-out sessions where the children would get to do fun things just for them while the parents received good Christian leadership by various presenters and ministers.”
Lori plans to return to Family Camp this year with her children and husband, who was unable to go last year. Last year the Brubakers enjoyed zip lines, go carts, ropes courses, a giant swing, tubing, fishing, canoeing, family Olympic games, carnival night, hoedowns and much more. But for Lori, it was something else that she remembered most.
“God spoke to me at YL camp,” Lori said. “He showed me what is truly important in my life. He brought me closer to my children and closer to my friends and neighbors that share in my same values and beliefs.”
Last year, five local families made the trek to Michigan for Family Camp. This year Chris and Lori hope to have at least 12 families attend.
If you want more information, please feel free to contact Chris Dillbeck at Young Life directly. [email protected]
Want more information on Timber Wolf Lake?
Visit: timberwolf.younglife.org.
