Langley Youth Unlimited

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I drove.  I felt overwhelmed with grief over the news I’d received.  One of my former youth, who had beaten the odds, overcome their trauma, found Jesus and entered into ministry themselves, had suddenly done a major U-turn. They threw it all away in the pursuit of a newly developed passion. I questioned my purpose as one great success turned into a failure.  Pulling myself together, I came to our drop-in center to prepare for the 50-60 teenagers who would soon invade the space.  
As I walked in, one of my interns asked if I could help them with something.  Thinking it was a simple task, I agreed. It would help to get my mind off of things for a few minutes.  Instead, they pulled out a notebook and asked this question:
“What are some outcomes you’ve seen in youth you’ve shared the gospel with?”
I froze.  This intern wanted to hear victories. And there has been many ways in which Jesus has miraculously shown up - in dreams, transformations, softening h…

Did you know?
Langley Youth Unlimited serves a community of 5,000 youth with a staff of eight.
It only takes $92 per year per youth to enable us to continue providing ongoing consistent support to our community.

Do you know someone who is passionate about…
…providing vulnerable youth safe spaces and relationships?
Youth Unlimited is a resource that both schools and churches offer young people who might not feel safe in their community.
…offering stability in the midst of the storm of adolescence?
From a smile and a high five, to a crisis intervention and everything in between, our youth workers are walking the halls of our student’s schools every day.
…helping teens find a sense of belonging?
Hangar 17 is about creating a sense of home for youth. Home is more than food and shelter, it’s a community that claims you as their own. It’s a core human need and it’s at the very heart and story of God.
Would you be willing to make an introduction?
If you know someone who is passionate about the…

I don’t know what it’s like to have a child of my own, especially one who is facing struggles I have never personally dealt with. I imagine worry, stress, fear, confusion and potentially desperation are words to describe the emotions that come with it. Only those of you who have your own children may understand. I see the pain of youth, deep and dark. Some of those youth I see or speak to on a daily basis. I am with them in the mess of their lives.

Yes, I love each of the youth I work with but I still can’t understand the feeling of having responsibility for a child who can’t get out of bed; who wont eat; who cries themselves to sleep every night. The things that happen, the choices they make, it just doesn’t always make sense but haven’t we all been there. For some of us, we’re even in it right now.

You may be asking why I’m going on about this idea. It’s because I want you to see a side of youth work that is unexpected and profound. It’s when the parents just need someone to talk t…