Husband to Amy, Father, and a leader of leaders. Rich is a former Young Life Area Director in the Tri-Cities where he served for over 17 years. Rich and Amy have mentored so many no matter what role they have found them selves in. They are currently both serving as Co-Committee Chairs for Young Life in the Portland Area.

 

My Favorite takeaways from our time together…

 

“The secret sauce of Young Life is that you are Jesus with skin on.”

 

“There are kids in schools who do not understand Christianity. Young Life shows them that Jesus is the ultimate pursuer of our souls.”

 

“Young Life is not canceling. We are changing.”

 

“The best way to get people involved in Young Life is to show them Young Life.”

 

“It’s about the relationships. Relationships you will have for the rest of your life.”

 

“Come to Young Life. You don’t like it? Thats cool. But I guarantee if you come you will like it. I am going to put all my chips in the middle of the table.”

 

“Young Life does not save kids. Jesus does. Young Life is just the vehicle we use to get kids to Jesus.”

 

“Young Life has this special way of getting kids to come to know Jesus that some cannot.”

 

“We can have really great conversation and relationship with others without being decisive and defensive.”

 

“Nothing in my life is comfortable right now but it’s amazing!”

 

“Surround yourself with people who are not like you. Find people who are different than you. Different skin colors and backgrounds.”

 

“Do not be afraid of things or people that are different. Lean in!”

 

“Make sure to spend more quality time with your kids. Ministry can get in the way. Ministry is good. You first calling is Jesus, second calling family, and lastly your ministry.”

Husband, Father, HUGE Zags fan, and Local Pastor at Eastlake Tri-Cites. Brent has a heart of generosity. You see it with the #WearLove campaign at Eastlake. You hear it throughout this interview. We at TCYL Young Life are recipients as they are our biggest church donor in the area. We are so thankful for all Brent and the entire team at Eastlake do for not only #TCYLyounglife but the entire Tri-Cities Community.

 

My Favorite takeaways from out time together…

 

“Chaos is a strengthening moment. You get stronger as things happen.”

 

“What you will find at Eastlake is a safe community where you can explore Christianity.”

 

“Eastlake would not have taken off if it weren’t for Rich Ward and the Young Life backbone support.”

 

“We structured Eastlake’s youth ministry programing around Young Life.”

 

“What I love about Young Life is reaching that farthest kid out.”

 

“Young Life is committed to doing whatever it takes to introduce people to Jesus.”

 

“Eastlake chooses to give to Young Life because we believe in the mission of Young Life so much.”

 

“Kids should check out Young Life because of the Leaders. You become the person you surround yourself with.”

Meet Whitney Klos 

 

She is a wife to Brian Klos. Mom to 8 month old twin girls. Dog mom to #NigelTheDoodle

Meet Brian McDowell⁣⁣

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Husband to Jodi. Father to 4 amazing, energetic, and hilarious kiddos. Works at PNNL in a management position. Brian is on our Young Life Committee who helps with training and staff support. ⁣⁣

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Favorite Takeaways from Brian...⁣⁣

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"I came to know Jesus through Young Life."⁣⁣

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"I grew in my faith hugely by being a leader and by being a part of the Young Life Student Staff program."⁣⁣

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"So much of my faith background. How to read the bible. How to have a quiet time. How to get to know God. How to invest in others. I learned it all though my Young Life Student Staff mentor."⁣⁣

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"I love Young Life because it's about people pouring into other people and I believe that is what God intended us to do."⁣⁣

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"Young Life is based upon relationships."⁣⁣

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"God is about relationships."⁣⁣

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"The return on investment in youth is extremely high."⁣⁣

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"Investing in our youth is well worth it. That is one of the reasons why I choose to serve in Young Life." ⁣⁣

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"If you want to be a part of ministry where people are investing and truly living out what I believe is the gospel. Young Life is it."⁣⁣

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"Whatever you are investing in. Go all in." ⁣⁣

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"God really wants you to embrace life and live it to the full."⁣⁣

Meet Zenon and Amy Thorton. Husband and wife for 22 years and counting! Parents to three kids. They are the Area Directors for Benton/Franklin and Walla Walla County. They have a passion for Jesus and sharing the passion with others in creative ways. I am so excited for them to share how they Step Into Growth each day.

 

Here are some of my favorite takeaways from our time together.

 

“We always want to be prayerful first”

 

“Start with the basics…JESUS!”

 

“Be faithful. Be persistent.”

 

“Our heart is to help disciples making disciples.”

 

“We love to empower coaches/students who will go and empower other.”

 

“Depth matters that allows relationships to be built.”

 

“We want to make sure we place our volunteers where they are gifted.”

 

“Embrace the process. Allowing room for grace. Performance does not dictate our identity. God does.”

 

“Leaving room for ourselves to fail. Lead with Grace.”

 

“Being faithful in planting seeds and knowing God has the rest.”

 

“In order to see growth in your journey. Go for it! It’s not going to be perfect. It is okay to fail. It makes us stronger. Don’t be afraid. That’s faith.”

 

“Seek a personal relationship with the lord. Finding that authentically.”

 

“You’re not alone. Find your community. We are in this together.”

 

“Our identity is in Christ. Not in what we do.”

Meet Dominique Wright-Jackson. Wife to Leon Wright-Jackson. Mother to three smart, strong, and beautiful kiddos. Teacher at Pasco High School. Young Life and FCA Leader. She will continue leading at Pasco High School this upcoming Fall. ⁣

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Favorite takeaways from Dominique..⁣

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“Young Life is all inclusive. YL attracts kids from all walks of life.”⁣

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“I love YL because it’s centered on Jesus.”⁣

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“We meet kids exactly where they are. YL is a safe place where they can come.”⁣

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“YL helps give identity and purpose.”⁣

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“YL gives kids a reason and helps them find their reason.”⁣

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“YL leaders have a lot of love to give.”⁣

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“YL is fun! We need joy! We need fun! YL allows us to be who we are!”⁣

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“Lead with Love.”⁣

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“Act and do everything in love.”⁣

Meet Abby Lamb. Oldest of 4 siblings. Senior at Kamiakin High School. Young Life Student Leader. Went to camp at Malibu (Young Life Camp) her sophomore year. 

 

Favorite takeaways from Abby...

 

"It's a safe place for all kids to go."

 

"You get to learn about this guy named Jesus."

 

"Becoming a student leader has pushed me in my faith. It's helped me to be more consistent and dive deeper into the bible."

 

"We have amazing Young Life leaders at my school and throughout Young Life. Watching them. Looking up to them. Oh I want to be like them. Those are awesome people. That has help push me to grow in my faith this year."

 

"Young Life gives you a community where you can go and be yourself and have the opportunity to learn more about Jesus and get the chance to start a relationship with him."

 

"Really Trust in God's plan. Go for it!"