"Everything that we do is about relationships," says North Tulsa Young Life Area Director, Ryan Jackson. For over 4 years Young Life leaders have developed relationships with teenagers in North Tulsa.  

North Tulsa Young Life Area Director Ryan Jackson says, "We believe that teenagers are searching for a fulfilling life. They're experimenting with drugs, alcohol, and sex which is simply an outpouring because of a deeper need. We believe that a fulfilling life can only really be obtained through a relationship with Jesus Christ.” They communicate the gospel in a weekly Young Life Club meeting, Campaigner Bible Studies, and outreach camps, and through leaders investing time in friendships with teenagers in North Tulsa. Jackson explains that teenagers in North Tulsa are exposed to many people who say that they care, but are only there for a short amount of time. Young Life leaders work to build consistent, lasting relationships. Young Life’s 4-C concept is Contact work, Club, Campaigner’s Bible studies, and Camp. For Contact work, caring adults show interest in individuals by eating lunch with students at school, attending athletic games, etc. Young Life Club meets on Monday nights at the Hutchinson YMCA. Jackson describes Club as “organized chaos.” At the end of each Club meeting is as speaker. Campaigner’s Bible studies meets at various times throughout the week. In this setting, teenagers are encouraged to talk about what's going on in their lives. Summer Camp is a focus of Young Life. Jackson says North Tulsa Young Life has taken kids to camp in North Carolina, Georgia, and Michigan where there is opportunities for outdoor activities and personal experiences with God. The first year 17 kids were taken to camp, participation doubled in the second year to 34, last year 41 went to camp, and this year 55 teens are expected to go to camp. North Tulsa Young Life is involved in Hale, Central, McClain, and Booker T. Washington High Schools. Their Club averages 75 kids every Monday night and there are 6 Campaigner Bible Studies throughout the week. Young Life is an international organization, founded over 70 years ago. Young Life is an international organization with Clubs in Africa, Europe, and Asia and 20 camp properties.

Jackson says that North Tulsa Young Life is always looking for volunteer leaders and adult helpers. They’re interested in people who have “a heart for Christ and a heart for kids.” Volunteer leaders go to Club, pursue relationships with teens outside of Club, and earn a right to speak into their lives. Adult helpers can support Young Life through activities like driving vehicles and providing homework help. Jackson explains that Young Life doesn’t only want to share the gospel of Christ but also help with practical needs.

Financial support and donations of food and coats are needed. Jackson says that every Monday they feed Club participants a meal, usually pizza, and that it would be very helpful if anyone would like to feed a large group pizza or another meal. Because there are some students who are without coats, donations of coats is also a great help. Financial donations can be given on their website northtulsa.younglife.org. Their website has information about their current leaders, their mission, and a place to give either a one-time gift or a recurring gift. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 33176 Tulsa, OK 74135.

northtulsa.younglife.org