Full Steam Ahead

September-November is a busy time for Young Life staff. Not only is a time for training leaders, and planning fundraisers, but most importantly we are meeting kids, inviting them to clubs and campaigners, and doing the real work of Young Life. Telling kids about Jesus.

Here is a quick update on the ministries I serve...

Even though it has been almost 3 months since I left the development project in CleElum (aka Upper Kittitas County), it's worth mentioning the 30+ kids coming to clubs. Area Director Claire Faucher is doing a great job - and has the pile of shoes by the front door to prove it! Although I miss working with the committee and leaders in that area, they are in great hands. (and we still share a text every now and then.)

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Anaconda has moved forward with clubs in the area. Club locations are a bit limiting in the area. Most people who are centrally located don't have big home with big rooms to meet in. We did however find a hidden gem - a local bowling alley - see photos below! So grateful for leaders investing in kids in Anaconda, MT.

Ways to Pray:

• WyldLife team leaders will be moving in mid-December. We need 1-2 leaders to step into the role to keep the team moving forward.

• The team also needs 3+ WyldLife leaders and 5+ High School Leaders.

• We have camp spots for summer 2024, but the need for camp scholarships is great! This is mostly to cover the cost of transportation from Anaconda, MT to Washington Family Ranch in Oregon!

• Please pray for an area Christmas Club located at the big Washoe Theatre for 6-12th grade on December 10th.

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Deer Park saw its biggest WyldLife club on record since the big restart a year ago with over 35 kids! The leader team is made up of a school principal, PE teacher, a dad, and a former college leader. I got to join them recently for their Halloween Club at the Old Creamery, a local event space complete with a game room and open space - it's perfect! We are currently raising funds to have a club there for the remainder of the school year - $1,500.

Picture this: Envision your incredibly charismatic middle school principal, flipping open his Bible to share with you the wisdom of 'the parable of the sower.' As he delves into the narrative, he reveals the concept that Jesus desires his teachings to take root in the 'good soil' of our hearts and minds. Every kid is captivated by his words, especially many with farming backgrounds!

Ways to Pray:

• Deer Park is hoping to get some college leaders from Whitworth in January. Before we can do so, we need someone local to mentor, care for, and train these leaders.

• Three wonderful prayerful ladies are on committee and support many of the ministry needs. We would like to add 2-3 more to help. Specifically a prayer team and finances.

• We have MORE camp spots for summer 2024, which means the need for more camp scholarships.

• We have opportunities to reach the Riverside School Disrcit and start High School ministry, so please pray for people to step into these areas of ministry!

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Kalispell Montana was added to my list of projects in August. This is an area with rich Young Life history but is in a season of rebuilding after losing its staff last July. In September, we officially began a jumpstart of the area. We built a team of folks who would meet weekly via zoom to pray and gather a long list of names. November 7th - 9th I sat in this really cool Coffee Shop called Black Riffle Coffee, and met with donors, former committee, potential committee, and leaders. Needless to say, I was totally talked out. However, God showed up as He always faithfully does and we now have new committee members and leaders!

Ways to Pray:

• I head back to Kalispell on December 5-7thth to meet with some more people, hold our first committee meeting, and move forward to meet the needs of the area.

• Pray for Casey Wolleat - team leader for high school. Despite all of the changes, he has faithfully gathered kids every Monday night! (Last night was Friendsgiving)

• As we continue to recruit leaders, get kids signed up for camp, and plan a fundraiser for the spring, join me in praying and for kids!

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Honorable Mentions...

I continue to oversee Chelan Valley, but because of such a superstar team in charge, they make my life easy. I zoom in on their Friday morning committee meetings and meet with Clarissa, the area administrator regularly.

Please pray as we recruit new committee members, WyldLife leaders, high school leaders, and sign up kids for camp!

Shawn and I continue to host a monthly discipleship dinner at our house locally called "CREW" with Snoqualmie Valley YL. The new Area Director, Madison Murphy has helped me plan way ahead so that I can build my schedule around these dinners. It's become normal to have 25 kids at our house on a Sunday night, then leave early Monday morning for Montana! Grateful that God is still using Shawn and I in direct ministry as I continue to build teams across the region.

On December 3rd the 'crew kids' will be putting on a "Mr. Christmas Tree Pagent". The whole premise is for leaders to spend time with kids preparing to perform a skit (contact work) and tell a larger community of all ages 0-100 why we celebrate Christmas. It's always a fun but nutty night!

Note that I am hosting the night, and yes - you are very much invited, cuz who doesn't love people decorate in Christmas lights as we sign Christmas Carols!

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Giving Tuesday!

As you reflect on the numerous opportunities for giving this season, I invite you to support my efforts in these areas. The presence of Young Life in small towns is made possible through the dedicated involvement of developers. I have answered God's call to engage in this meaningful work, and I am deeply honored to be chosen.

At present, I am in the midst of a fundraising campaign aiming to raise $15,000, which will sustain me until my larger fundraiser in the upcoming Spring. I extend an invitation for you to join us in our mission to impact the lives of every student in these small town communities!

To contribute, kindly make your gifts online through the link provided below, designated for area# WA456, contributions made by December 31st at Midnight Mountain Time will be credited in the 2023 tax year.

Please let me know if you would like a phone call update, to be prayed for, or even better- let me buy you coffee. Blessings to you and to your familes this holiday season. We are so grateful for your love, support, and prayers!

Michelle Carnes

Area Developer - YL Mt West Region

425-449-9076