Last year as a Kentwood Leadership team, we read the book, "One at a Time," which sparked an idea that transformed into an unforgettable Christmas bash for our Young Life Club. From a festive punch bowl to an inflatable Will Ferrell elf, it became our highlight event of the year. That night's success fueled our determination to make it an annual tradition, and this year, our goal was to elevate it to new heights.
The familiar delights of the punch bowl and cookie decorating returned, accompanied by a plethora of snacks, games, prizes, and elaborate decorations. It was an unforgettable night once again! We handed out cards inviting students at lunch for a few weeks and recruited some sophomores to help pass out 350 Krispy Kreme donuts at the freshmen campus the morning of the party to spread the word. Our efforts paid off with nearly 100 high school friends showing up! We even had 10 upperclassmen join us, our first upperclassmen ever at one of our clubs! We had great energy at our photo booth, witnessed some enthusiastic cookie decorating, and watched the suspense unfold as participants raced to unwrap Saran Wrap balls full of prizes before someone else rolled doubles with the die and they were forced to pass it along.
But beyond the joyful party, it was the aftermath that held the most profound moment. As most of you know, we travel about 60 miles total before and after clubs picking kids up and taking them home. As I dropped off the last kid in our 2002 Honda Odyssey van, the gears got stuck and I was unable to shift into reverse. Every once in awhile this happens with the van, and it normally is fixed by a manual push on the car from the back. I gave the car a few pushes, but I was still unable to get the car to shift. What made it even more embarrassing is that as the kid and other people in the house wondered why I hadn’t left yet, they came out of the house and got to watch the whole ordeal. My excitement over the turn out and success of the party was immediately replaced with stress, exhaustion, and frustration. I called Annika and asked her to come pick me up as she was also out dropping off a kid, and started to try to process how I was going to get the van taken care of as I didn’t want to block in the cars that would likely be needed the next morning and it was already 10pm... and I suddenly felt this strong impression that I needed to pray for the van. Not just a wishful prayer, but a bold prayer, out loud. I mustered up the courage to look foolish and I laid my hand on the van and said a simple prayer out loud in front of the Young Life kid. In that moment, I was handing over the responsibility to God – it was on Him to come through and show this kid His power. I got back in the van, turned it back on, and the van shifted into reverse on the first try. The kid started freaking out saying “No way! You literally just prayed for it!” Even the next day when I saw him, it was the first thing that he started talking about.
This story is a good reminder of a few things. For one, we put so much time and effort into throwing an awesome party (and we are glad we did), but the most meaningful and lasting moment of the night might be that one kid got to witness a tangibly answered prayer in a driveway at 10pm. The answered prayer didn’t just move a van, it moved two hearts, mine included. Yes, we love to go all out for our Young Life kids and create fun and memories and teach them that Jesus loves joy and celebration, but we have opportunities in every small and simple interaction to introduce them to Jesus.
Second, this story is a reminder that our role is to show up, God is the one who will show out. He is the one who ultimately brings change and transformation. It is not our burden to carry. Our role is to keep planting seeds, to love well and be faithful and obedient in prayer, and it is his job to answer prayers and bring seeds to fruition.
We hope you can see the ways God is moving through Kentwood Young Life. The harvest is plentiful, and we are committed to introducing kids to Jesus whether that be through epic celebrations and parties, or more often than not, through the drives around town and hosting kids at our house for hangouts and Bible Studies.
As you consider your year-end giving, we would be grateful if you would consider supporting this ministry. As always, we would love to chat more and find ways to get you involved – please reach out if you feel God may be nudging you to take this step!
Have a wonderful holiday with your family as we celebrate the greatest gift of all.
Blessings!
Check out these pictures from the party!
Games:
Photo booth:
Cookie decorating:
Selfies with Santa:
