THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 31, 1996 TAG: 9610300164
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 67 lines
WHEN LUKE COTTURONE, a sophomore at Lakeland High School, went to Young Life Camp in the Catskill Mountains of New York in July, it was a life-changing experience.
The camp offered high adventure by day, with challenging activities such as sailing, dirt biking and white water rafting. By night, campers and counselors gathered for zany skits, upbeat singing and hard-hitting inspirational messages.
``The whole camp was unbelievable,'' Cotturone said. ``The speakers were so deep . . . It really opened things up for me and helped me see things in a new way.''
He said, ``I've grown up in the church, but this camp gave me a better understanding of Christianity.'' And compared to other camps Cotturone has attended, he rates Young Life's Lake Champion Resort ``a thousand times better. It was the greatest week of my summer.''
Young Life leaders are setting the groundwork locally to begin an areawide ministry in Suffolk so that more students, such as Cotturone, can experience the life-changing effects of this national youth program.
``Our main focus so far has been to get a committee in place, get the community informed and get a budget together,'' noted Keith Lowry, who plans to serve as local director for Young Life in Suffolk.
Lowry is thrilled about the 12-member committee organized to lead the Suffolk group. Committee members include veteran Young Life workers as well as parents and community leaders.
``This committee is our lifeline to the community,'' Lowry said. ``The role of these members is to offer prayer and financial support and a strong relationship with the community.''
A giant step toward reaching each of these goals will be Suffolk's first Young Life Banquet, scheduled Nov. 12.
According to Lowry, the banquet will be a fun-filled evening of entertainment, information and inspiration. Scott Hamilton, state director of Young Life, will be guest speaker. Other guests from around Hampton Roads will share the impact of the Young Life program on their lives.
In addition, a Young Life video, club songs and skits will give the banquet the atmosphere of a Young Life Club meeting.
``There will be lots of laughs and an opportunity to see and hear what Young Life is really all about,'' Lowry explained.
Projected dates for the kickoff of Young Life Club Meetings, Campaigner Bible Studies and Young Life camp options will be discussed at the banquet. Involvement opportunities for community support will also be explained.
``There are opportunities to pray, to serve on Young Life's local committee, to work with kids and to give support financially,'' Lowry explained.
Financially, Young Life receives 75 percent of its support from individual contributions. Churches, businesses and grants make up the remainder of the Young Life budget, Lowry explained. MEMO: To make reservations for Young Life's upcoming banquet or to
secure additional information about this ministry, contact any of the
following Young Life Committee Members: Hunter Clement, 539-2732; Toni
Cotturone, 934-7883; Barbara Flythe, 255-4950; Dr. William Heriford,
925-4870; Gene and Jean Houchins, 925-4611; Dr. Doug and Julie Kells,
934-0993; Keith and Noelle Lowry, 399-3664; Mike and Kelley Phillips,
539-8877. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Lakeland High sophomore Luke Cotturone, left, talks with Keith
Lowry, the director for Young Life in Suffolk. by CNB