To all our dear friends and supporters,

One important aspect of the ministry that is often overlooked is the team of men and women who work day and night to make sure the kids in their area have the opportunity to get an honest introduction to Jesus Christ.

The members of our team have been pivotal in ensuring our camps are unforgettable, our club gatherings exciting, and our campaigner programs enriching.

By the time 2023 rolled in, we had about 33 staff members, most of whom are working full-time in the ministry. Since then, we've welcomed four new full-time members to the team and are moving a few more from part-time to full-time.

As announced, we will introduce our team to you one by one with a little Q & A. This week, we are kicking things off with the new Cebu-Central Area Staff Kuya Jireh Adlawan.

“How did you get started with YL?”

• I got started with Young Life when I was in 3rd Year High School at Abellana National School. Kuya Jojo Ugsad invited me to join my first Young Life Summer Camp back in 2000. Since then I became more active in during my high school & college days.

“Why did you decide to join the YL Staff Team?”

• I decided to join Young Life staff because it has given me more opportunities to reach out to kids in the community, and in a much broader way. It’s my way of passing to the next generation the opportunity to have a relationship with Jesus in this season of their lives.

“How did your involvement with YL impact your relationship with Jesus?”

• My involvement in Young Life since high school has a huge impact on my relationship with Jesus Christ. From our weekly “Junior Partners” gathering (Campaigners) where we studied the bible every week to our prayer time together that helped me grow my faith in Jesus Christ. The yearly leadership trainings I went through had honed my leadership skills, allowing them to be fashioned after how Jesus led. The camps and the contact work I had been part of created an avenue for me to share Christ's love to kids who were looking for genuine love in all the wrong places. And to the Young Life leaders  I walk with continue to guide and remind me to walk everyday with Jesus.

“What are some dreams you have for your area? for YL?”

• What I envision for my area is that God (through me) would raise God-fearing leaders that would one day help share Christ’s love to more kids,  building up the next generation Christ-following leaders.

“What are you praying for right now?”

• I'm simply praying that the Lord would allow His vision for my community to materialize and for the leaders in my area to multiply, and eventually have a positive impact in the community as a whole.

Kuya Jireh’s new chapter as full-time staff is an exciting one, not just for him, but for the ministry as a whole. We hope that you join us in praying for him and for his work in Cebu-Central. We are most excited to see what’s in store for him and for the Filipino kids whose life he would be directly impacting in the coming days and months.

Mabuhay, kuya Jireh!

From all of us,

Your Young Life Philippines Family

A Light for God's Glory

by: Cindy Tan

Scripture:

Matthew 5:16

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven."

Devotional:

Whenever I hear this verse, I feel a big sense of responsibility. Light is meant to be seen by those in darkness. It has no value if it is covered up and hidden. And shining my light in a world filled with darkness is indeed a big responsibility.

I remember going to my contact’s house to ask for her parents’ permission so she can join our overnight retreat. Her mother and I spoke. She asked me about Young Life and told me she is glad that her daughter is joining YL activities that help grow her faith in Jesus. We also talked about Young Life's vision, mission, and how Jesus works in each of our lives.

And as I was saying my goodbye to my contact’s mother, she said something that I’ll never forget. She said, "Kabalo ka, langga? Ikaw ang ging gamit sang Ginoo subong nga maging suga sa mga kabataan di nga dulom pa ang kinabuhi kag wala pa ka kilala sa Ginoo." (You what, dear? God is using you to be a light to youth who are still living in the dark, who haven’t met God yet.)

That very moment reminded me why I am doing what I am doing… why I spend so much time and effort on these kids. It’s not because I need numbers or I need to meet my goal for every activity, but because this is our mission—to introduce Jesus to every kid. Not only is this my mission as a Young Life staff, I have made it my personal mission, too.

Matthew 5:16 reminded me that we live in a world that is filled with darkness. I was called to let the light in me shine so I can help lead kids back to the arms of Jesus, and let them know how Jesus loves them. Indeed, I am made for this.

The light in me is part of God’s purpose in my life. And it shines not because of me but because of what God has done for me and how He has been good to me all of my life. This light is not meant to be kept hidden. I’m called to let it shine, to give glory to my Father in Heaven, and to be an instrument in bringing kids to the Kingdom of God.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding me of what my real purpose is and why I am here. I pray for Your guidance in my life. Help me be a light in this dark world, Father. Keep me grounded. Thank You for Your unconditional love for me. Thank You for Your goodness and for all You have done in my life.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Michelle Sacristan | May 16 | Volunteer Staff, YL Lapu-Lapu

FROM: ROKSAN

Please pray for the Lord’s provision for my father’s medication and supplements, as well as career guidance for my sister.

FROM: LOREN

Please pray for Bigkis as we prepare Frontier Ranch Philippines and handle some necessary repairs within the campsite, prepare the volunteers and staff for upcoming camps, and for a good camper turnout for these camps.