THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 8, 1996 TAG: 9608070162
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: 89 lines
UNLIKE THE Ozzie and Harriet days, when chewing gum and talking in the halls were considered serious discipline problems, studies reveal that weapons, drugs and teen pregnancies are among the major issues plaguing today's youth.
Jim Rayburn had a response, and the result may be felt in Suffolk.
Prompted by love of God and deep concern for America's young people, he founded the Young Life organization to proclaim a message of hope to a searching generation.
Scott Hamilton, Virginia Young Life director, said things are looking bright for establishment of Suffolk's first Young Life Club.
After Hamilton spoke briefly about Young Life at the Suffolk Leadership Prayer Breakfast in May, some organizational wheels began to turn. Keith Lowry, a former area Young Life director now serving as youth minister in a Chesapeake church, has led several informational sessions at Hunter Clement's home on North Main Street.
They have included community and business leaders, local pastors and church leaders and former Young Life members, volunteers and staffers.
``We just have a deep concern that high school folks learn about God,'' Lowry said. His wife Noel added: ``Young Life gives these kids a healthy choice.''
Before Gene and Jean Houchins moved to Suffolk 10 years ago, they served on the Young Life Committee for Virginia Beach. ``When we moved here, we were hopeful but disappointed that Young Life was not here,'' Jean said. ``Now we're very excited about how things are progressing. There's such a need for this ministry here.''
Suffolk residents Mike Phillips and wife Kelly, a Nansemond-Suffolk Academy graduate, are equally excited about Young Life. Mike attended Young Life Club while in high school and served as a volunteer leader at Western Branch and Churchland high schools. Now as young marrieds with small children, the Phillipses continue to have a concern for today's teens and a vision for how Young Life can make a difference.
Mike recently attended a Young Life Camp with Western Branch teens and was impressed. ``It was awesome to see the change in attitudes and behaviors of these 15 high schoolers in just a few days,'' Mike said.
When Hunter Clement moved to Suffolk two years ago, there was no local Young Life Club, so she volunteered at the Norfolk Young Life Committee and with helping with the youth group at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. She is elated that Young Life might be available in Suffolk.
``Young Life meets kids where they are,'' Clement said. ``I know how much it meant in my Christian walk. And it's such a blessing to work with these kids - I've seen Young Life change a lot of lives.''
Dr. Perry Pope, principal of Virginia Beach's Cox High School, said, ``We're absolutely delighted about the relationship of our students with Young Life. It's a wonderful opportunity for students.''
Pope also praised the camaraderie among teens, parents, teachers and community leaders working in Young Life and having a positive impact on the lives of young people. ``It's worked beautifully,'' he said.
Lowry said Young Life may begin in Suffolk as a club open to high school students from throughout the city. Dates, times and locations are still being discussed. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Jean and Gene Houchins are helping to organize a Young Life Club in
Suffolk. Dates, times and locations are still being discussed.
WHAT'S NEXT
Informational dessert-fellowship for interested adults, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 5, at 251 N. Main St. Call Keith Lowry at 399-3664, for more
information or to register for the meeting.
DETAILS
The Young Life organization:
Club meetings
Weekly, one-hour, with skits, music and a message about Christ.
Held in ``neutral'' locations - non-church, non-school.
Camp
Blend high adventure and spiritual lessons. Young Life sponsors
12 national camps in North America.
Campaigners
Weekly small-group Bible study led by a trained Young Life
leader.
Contact work
Young Life leaders go where kids go, offering love and support.
Committee
A group of adults who support Young Life locally through finances
and fund-raising, prayer, administration and public relations. by CNB