Volunteers
The backbone of YFC
Jason Beck leads our Juvenile Justice Ministry at the Saginaw Juvenile Detention Center. They meet the first three Tuesday nights of the month, and break into groups and help the teens read and talk about the Bible. They truly have fun talking and answering questions the teens have about the Bible, Jesus, and life in general. Along with Pastor Billy Strawter they also provide a Sunday morning chapel three Sundays each month. Their program is simple; preach right from God’s Word into surprisingly open hearts. Jason says, “I never ask why they are in this predicament. I care about those things and I wonder about them, but I don’t ask. We are just there to love them for Christ.”
Ben – Heritage
I decided to check out Campus Life when I was in high school and see if it was something I was interested in. It was! The first meeting with CL held maybe 7-10 students. But the message and focus of the group grabbed my attention immediately. They were all about sharing Jesus with teens. I knew how badly He was needed in my generation so I jumped on board full force and attended every meeting I could. Soon after becoming a part of CL, I would arrive with a van full of teens from my school. I've been a part of CL for 7 years and I don't think God is calling me elsewhere. I long to see students find a REAL relationship with Jesus and I will always be here to help Campus Life in anyway.
Bubbles (Jessica) – Swan Valley
To see me at Campus Life is to see me in my natural habitat. It's been that way since my freshmen year in high school. Campus Life has this great way of making you feel at home. The very love of God radiates around the place and it kept me coming back, it led me to the Lord. With the help of the personal time I got from the staff, Campus Life has helped me with every major decision of my life. I want the kids I work with to have those opportunities, the one on one time, and specialized attention. Every week a kid reminds me why I come back, why I love CL, and why I feel so at home.
Dane Baase
Stacey – Heritage
Executive Director Matt Coppess attended my church one Sunday. I asked him how I could get involved with CL. He told me to come check it out and see if I liked it. I went the next day and liked what I saw. I have been doing CL for 3 yrs now. I love to see the kids come to know the Lord & grow stronger in Him. I will continue to be a CL worker as long as they need me.
Devin – Swan Valley
As a freshman I fell in love with Campus Life. I knew I could go there and not be judged. It was an awesome place to have fun with my peers and the staff. It presented the Gospel and Biblical ways in a fun way that really hit home with me. I am still involved today because I love the opportunity to impact the others for Christ the way I was impacted and Campus Life still makes me feel like a kid!
Rachel – Heritage
I've always gone to church but I got really serious about my faith in high school. When I was accepted to SVSU I wanted to work with high school youth because I know how hard high school. I owe so much to the college leaders of my Young Life (sort of like Campus Life) group because they had such a great influence on me and are part of the reason I am who I am. I feel like I can make a difference for Christ in helping kids who were like me in high school.
Susan – Bullock Creek
I started volunteering for CL mostly because another volunteer suggested I should. Turns out it's rather addicting. What do I love about it? Um...well, the kids are insane and hilarious and a ton of fun to be around, for a start. I get to watch them partake in activities that make them look ridiculous (heh heh) AND I get to help them when they have issues and make them feel better, which I like.
George – Swan Valley
When we were invited to help start Youth for Christ in our area we realized this was an opportunity to reach teens for our Savior Jesus. We have learned that the "age gape" is not as significant as we tend to think as most teens are looking for someone to love them, regardless of the age difference. We are so thankful to God for allowing us to see their lives change as they come to know Him and follow Him.
Jake – Bullock Creek
My relationship with Christ grew phenomenally as I began going to Campus Life in High School. It was a place where I could be myself . I started volunteering last year and love meeting new teens, making great connections, and fostering awesome friendships with each of them.
Jen – Western
I started going to campus life in high school and fell in love with the group. I am now in college and love being a volunteer. I feel it’s an amazing thing for these kids to know that they can count on me for anything that they need. I love that I have been given the opportunity to help change kids lives for the better and to help them know that they have and will always have a place to go when they need help.
Nina – Heritage
A few years ago I was missing my grandkids. I approached Matt at a church picnic and asked if old ladies could volunteer. He said “Absolutely!” So I did, not without asking God first. I loved everything about CL but mostly I fell in love with the kids. It was awesome to see changes in their lives, especially their courage to stand up for Jesus in this crazy world we live in. I love every moment I am with them and the staff. Jesus meets with us every meeting.
Allie – Heritage
As a teenager, I never had a place where I 'fit in.' After I committed my life to Christ, I started regularly attending the church I am now a member of and started leading the youth group shortly after. Several of our students attend a ministry called Campus Life, and I got to know a few of the leaders through our church. I started training and attending club at the beginning of the school year, and have never had more fun with teenagers. I love Campus Life because of the wide range of students it draws and the opportunity it gives them to feel safe and included. I look forward to many more years with Campus Life!
DJ – Bullock Creek
Campus Life is by far one of the greatest facilitators for fun, freedom to be yourself, and strong moral values I have ever had the chance to be a part of. I had to check it out. My first time there snagged me in, and the overwhelming sense of love and empowerment Campus Life brings to the students has kept me in. You can feel the enjoyment and care for one another just radiate the entire time. I am so glad to be good friends with all these wonderful members, whether we're picking on each other, helping someone when they feel sad, or doing activities for others to laugh at our own expense. Campus life accepts you for you, and makes it awesome to be a good person.
Mike – Swan Valley
I believe that the youth are a mighty generation that need to be fostered and mentored in the direction of Jesus and that it starts with relationship building and that is my heart beat when it comes to volunteering with YFC.
Dan – Heritage
I went through a lot throughout my childhood and teen years. Moving around from school to school, bullies, etc. and I want to help other kids get through the same things I had to. That is why I want to be a leader at Campus Life.