The Blanco Buggy Barn was the setting for Blanco Young Life’s 2020 Banquet, and the rain and COVID-19 pandemic did not dampen the enthusiasm. A group of about 80 guests enjoyed a fun evening that included fellowship, a meal and engaging speakers who shared the purpose of Young Life.

Social distancing was observed in accordance with local COVID-19 guidelines, and the large, spacious area was the ideal venue. Tables were beautifully adorned with fall flower centerpieces which were donated and designed by Paige Murphree, and the venue was decorated with a western theme. BHS Young Life served the guests dutifully, and were on hand to bring individually packaged dinners, desserts and beverages to the tables.

Young Life was founded in 1941, and according to Young Life Area Director Rex Bailey, “We are a ministry of presence, and we believe in showing up in kids’ lives to further the advancement of the Gospel and to make lifelong friends.”

The program includes a committee of adults who volunteer through “prayer, spreading the word, funding” and other activities.

“The Young Life staff and volunteer leaders have spent 121 hours with our high school kids since kicking off the program this fall, in addition to regular Young Life events of weekly club and Campaigners Bible studies,” Rex said.

Other critical aspects of the program are contact workers, or volunteers who are present with the students at the schools, annual one-week camps and weekly club meetings. The students meet weekly at the Second Mile Rec Center. The meetings include games and other activities, along with campaigners, which are weekly Bible studies where students and leaders work together to answer tough questions.

Rex’s wife, Kati, is Regional Administrator of the Young Life South Texas Region. She works with Rex and other Young Life leaders. Blanco Young Life has adapted in the midst of the COVID pandemic, and continues to meet the challenges that COVID presents.

Guest Speaker Michael “Ash” Ashburn

Rev. Michael “Ash” Ashburn, Young Life senior missions specialist, was the guest speaker at the event. He is a gifted speaker who engaged the group with his jokes and stories.

“Our gift is loving kids, and your financial gifts help us to do what we do best, loving kids. Young Life is Christ, and kids. Kids, and Christ. That’s all we ever want to be,” he said. “Every teenager has the right to hear the amazing love of Jesus from friends so that they can respond to that love as they choose.”

Young Life began in Gainesville, Texas in 1941m at a tent meeting led by founder Jim Rayburn. At the end of each meeting, Rayburn opened up the Bible and made “Jesus come alive.”

“We haven’t changed that much in the last 79 years, and in the last few minutes of our meetings you can hear a pin drop as the leaders share their very lives,” Ashburn said. “Young Life is a mission work to a foreign culture, and that culture is the high school students who have their own culture, language and customs.”

The banquet brought together people to pray for and help BHS students, Ashburn said. He told the story of when the first group of kids he worked with in 1978 came to know Jesus at Frontier Ranch in Colorado, and added, “Because Jesus changes everything, and we are created to live forever in a relationship with Jesus.”

Anyone wishing to get involve or donate may contact Rex at 817-312-0042 or [email protected].