I want the students to know something different: they already are important. They already hold value. They do not have to perform, achieve, or compete for our attention. Their worth is not something to be earned, but something they already hold.
Everyday Faithfulness: The Ministry of Small Moments
Ministry is rarely built in one emotional, big moment.
More often, it is built through repeated acts of love that slowly reveal the heart of God: breakfasts shared together, conversations after basketball games, invitations into safe spaces, patient correction, encouragement after failure, imaginative play during recess, and adults who continue showing up day after day. Over time, those small moments begin restoring what the world has often tried to take away.
The Trauma I Witnessed in a Room Full of Middle Schoolers
I had the opportunity to volunteer at a local school on the South Side of Billings for Rachel's Challenge. It was a day of fun activities and lessons in kindness to ward off bullying, meant to inspire these 11-13 year olds to recognize their peers are going through...
Two Boys, One Summer, and the Power of Showing Up
You cannot lecture a kid out of a dysregulated nervous system. You meet it with presence, safety, and repetition until the brain slowly learns a new normal, which is what our Youth Works staff does.
One Summer Can Begin to Change a Story Through Youth Works
When a child is consistently surrounded by safe people, healthy community, meaningful experiences, and the love of Jesus, their story begins to bend in a different direction. Not instantly. But truly. One summer may not fix everything. But one summer can begin to change everything.
The Healing Impact of Relationships
Scripture tells us that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies are new every morning. What science is now confirming is something God has woven into creation from the beginning: consistent love reshapes us. We are formed, healed, and restored through relationship with others and with the Lord.
DIGNITY, JOY & EMPOWERMENT AT THE CHRISTMAS STORE
Youth Works Christmas Store Report It seems like every year during the Christmas store season, we go through a cycle of excitement and optimism that carries us right up to the Christmas store. That optimism then quickly shifts to trepidation and ever so slight panic a...
Celebrating the Impact of Camp
Youth Works Spotlight by Layne Peters Summer camps create space for life-changing encounters with Jesus. Two days have passed since getting home from helping with Junior High Summer Camp, and I just got off my third FaceTime call of the day with Seth*—one of...
Adventures Build Confidence & Relationships
Youth Works Spotlight: by Alex Streeter, CLDI Intern Youth Works spends a large portion of their time mentoring students in the school system on the South Side. We offer before-and after-school programs and work closely in the school system as coaches, substitute...
Reflection on Discipleship
Youth Works Spotlight: by Jackie Patten, Youth Works Director One of my favorite Youth Works icebreakers is “When did you feel most connected to God this week?” There are several defining moments of my walk with the Lord that set me on a trajectory of following Him,...