Our leaders serve as role models for Asian American kids. Here's a story of how one of our leaders went on to make a difference in a kid's life:

Our volunteer leader Tony Lin was teaching Sunday school for a group of ESL ("English as a Second Language") high school students at Chinese Christian Church of New Jersey in Parsippany. One day one of the young people in his class, George, brought along a friend named Tom and introduced him to Tony. Tom was a high school senior who had recently immigrated to America from Taiwan. Since Tony had also immigrated from Taiwan a number of years earlier, the two immediately found something that they shared in common. Tom continued to attend Tony's ESL class and also began joining Tony and the other kids from the class in hanging out after church to do such things as play basketball, watch movies, and so forth. One thing that Tony and Tom especially liked to do together was to simply meet up for a meal and talk about life. As Tony and Tom continued to spend time with one another, their friendship deepened. One day in one of their Sunday school classes, the topic of discussion was on role models. The question that was asked of the students was "Whom do you respect?" When it was Tom's turn to answer, he said that the person he most respected in the world was his Asian Young Life leader Tony Lin.

Tom later went on to attend Young Life camp and — with the support of his leader Tony by his side — began a relationship with Jesus Christ. Although Tom has since graduated from high school, he and Tony still get together regularly, with Tony taking time to disciple Tom in how to live life as a Christian. Not surprisingly, Tom now wants to become a future Asian Young Life leader and have an impact on other kids' lives just as Tony has had on his. Oh, and one other thing... Tony and Tom still meet up to eat together and play basketball and do other things, just as you'd expect any two good friends to do.

During the 2003-04 school year, our Asian Young Life leaders established relationships with dozens of Asian American kids in Bergen, Middlesex, and Morris counties. In summer 2004 we took 42 of these kids to a Young Life camp in upstate New York. Here's what some of these kids had to say about their week at camp:

"I've been 'young lifed,' and I like it... Cereally, I've never had sooooo much fun in a week in my LIFE, and I've had fun weeks in my life.  Definitely the bestest week of my life." - Caleb, 9th grade, Bergen County

"I have to say this week definitely deserves the statement 'the best week of my life.' ... For the first time, I really experienced the life of Jesus Christ and how having a relationship with Him is very important... Without Him, I think my life will not be complete. I know that one day He and I can meet together and live under His name..." - Mark, 10th grade, Morris County

"This week at Young Life Saranac was completely unforgettable and was an amazing blessing. Not only was I able to reconnect myself to Christ, but I was also able to communicate God's love and vital relationship concept to one of my dearest friends. I cannot thank you enough for helping me experience this unforgettable week at Saranac." - Mary, 12th grade, Middlesex County

"I have to say that this has been one of the most amazing weeks of my life. I have done many things that I have never done before (and possibly will never do again)... I have been given the chance to grow closer to God and also the chance to share God with my friends... Next summer I have decided to be part of the Young Life Summer Staff!!" - Nancy, 12th grade, Middlesex County

"I have had an amazing time here, doing things I have never done before and more specifically, getting closer to God... The camp speaker, Rick Rogan, was very creative to present Christianity in a different way to interest me. I have always been distant from God, as if there was a gap between us. This camp has changed the direction of my life and renewed my faith in Jesus. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart." - Sam, 11th grade, Morris County

"Camp was a blast! Saranac Lake is such a beautiful place, it just reminds me of how great the Lord is and how much He loves me and wants me to have fun and live life to the fullest." - Yan, 9th grade, Bergen County

"Through your support, I've seen so many of my friends' hearts moved by God's power. It's more than I could have imagined." - Jennifer, 12th grade, Middlesex County

"The best parts of this camp were the people, the love, and the memories and friendships for many lifetimes. The camp speaker, Rick, really projected Christianity to a non-Christian such as myself as something relevant to everybody's lives. Even though I'm not Christian, Jesus Christ cannot not be real. Thank you." - Joey, 12th grade, Middlesex County

In fall 2005 our organization was featured in Relationships, a Young Life-published magazine that highlights the activities of Young Life ministries around the country and around the world. If you want to learn more about the impact that Asian Young Life is having on individuals and on families, please be sure to read our Relationships Article. Isn't it about time that you read some good news?

For More Information

If you would like to know more about Asian Young Life, please explore some of the other pages in our website. Be sure to check out our About Asian Young Life page and our Parents and Community page. You might also be interested in visiting our History of Asian Young Life and Our Leaders pages. If you desire any additional information, please contact us. We'd love to hear from you.