Harrison County’s Young Life celebrated 20 years last fall and continues to provide a spiritual anchor for many teens throughout the area. By meeting teens exactly where they are, the program offers a judgement-free zone for those seeking to grow their faith and learn more about God’s love.  Aimed at adolescents, the organization is called Wyldlife at Bridgeport Middle School and Lincoln Middle School and Young Life at Bridgeport High School, Lincoln High School, and Robert C. Byrd High School.

 

Unlike many faith-based outreach programs, the leaders of Young Life are a part of student lives outside of just the official meetings.  Bridgeport High School leaders Nathaniel “Looch” and Gina Lutyens make it a point to cheer students on during sports, actively coach some students, and create events where they can get to know them better.  They celebrate students’ joys and comfort them in their challenges and setbacks, demonstrating the unconditional love of God.

 

When Michaela Perri first got involved with the Campaigners Bible Study through Young Life, she was just a freshman at BHS.  Over her high school career, she relied on those weekly meetings to provide a safe space for to her to ask questions, stretch her knowledge of the Bible, and interact with students who were also growing in their faith.  Because of her experience with Harrison County Young Life, Perri has been inspired to train to be a Young Life leader while attending Marshall University in the fall.

 

“I know college will be challenging and I really prayed about what I should do,” said Perri.  “I truly feel called to be trained as a Young Life leader in Huntington, where I will most likely work with a local high school to get to know the students and lead them in a weekly Bible Study.”

 

Having already met with the leaders at Marshall University, she will undergo a mentorship program during her first semester there before being placed in a local high school.  She will be able to use her own experience with Young Life and her own faith journey to help students to be a part of a larger network of guidance, support and resources.

 

In addition to participating in the local Bible Study, Perri also was an active member of Young Life Club, a weekly meeting that focused on having fun together and forging relationships while still having a spiritual lesson.  She will be attending Young Life Camp next month in Virginia and will be a mentor at Wyldlife Camp in Maryland, where she will help lead middle school students.

 

“Looch and Gina have been such an inspiration to me over the years,” said Perri.  “They go out of their way to support each of us and make sure we know their door is always open for encouragement or just a shoulder to lean on.  I can’t wait to pay that forward and help students in the next part of my journey.”

 

Editor's Note: Michaela Perri is on the left of photo.