I was introduced to YoungLives in 2018 and instantly felt that the Lord had guided me there; soon after, I became a mentor to a sweet mama named Rose. In 2020, my role expanded to coordinator, and today, as the Area Director, I look forward to expanding our reach outside of Camden. We help adolescent parents grow in their faith and develop and refine their life and leadership skills. Through mentorships, monthly clubs, Bible studies, and camp in the summer, YoungLives offers teen parents the opportunity for stability. The most rewarding part of working for this organization is seeing the fruit that God provides. I am privileged to watch the transformation of our teen parents, going from death to life. For me, witnessing God working in the heart of another is a priceless gift. As with all nonprofit organizations, the obstacles to success often feel insurmountable. Reflecting on the challenges we usually face at YoungLives, I am reminded of the Gospel of Matthew, 9:37-38, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Finding committed support personnel and enough volunteers to carry out our mission is a constant concern. However, God is good and always provides for us, which is humbling and comforting. Likewise, the parishioners of Christ the King are kind and generous in their support of our annual Baby Bottle campaign, and we gratefully acknowledge this year’s donation totaling $1,431.26.
For more information, visit younglives.younglife.org.
-Shelby Hamilton