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By TJ Sigler and

Suzanne Mann

Davie County Young Life

Children in today’s world are facing a variety of obstacles.

Anxiety and depression in adolescents has more than doubled since 2010.

In his book, “The Anxious Generation,” one reason Jonathan Haidt attributes to this increase in mental illness is the decline of the play-based childhood which deprives children of the chance to build close relationships and erases any clear path from childhood to adulthood.

Since 2012, the ministry of Davie County Young Life has been serving teenagers through adult leaders who are concerned about kids and purposely step into their worlds in order to demonstrate God’s presence, love and faithfulness.

Young Life is an international organization whose mission is to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith.

Leaders show up in the lives of kids to meet them wherever they are. This is especially true in Davie County where Young Life leaders can be seen at the high school hanging out with kids during lunch, cheering on the War Eagles at sporting events, and simply being present in the lives of high schoolers.

Weekly club and campaingers meetings are held on alternating Mondays at 7:27 p.m. at the farm at 170 Whippoorwill Road, Mocksville. All high school kids are welcome.

As we celebrate 12 years of Young Life ministry in Davie County, we are overwhelmed with the gifts to this ministry and the opportunities ahead. The time and resources given by staff, leaders, committee members, sponsors, donors, and prayer warriors have impacted countless lives and paved the way to the exciting growth the ministry is experiencing today.

As we look toward the future, we want to invite you to step into this journey with us.

Join the group on Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. for the annual fundraising banquet at Rescue House Church in Mocksville. Come learn more about the Young Life ministry and how to partner to continue serving kids in Davie.

At the game-themed banquet, speaker Justin Hepler, the first area director of DCYL, will provide personal insight on how Young Life leaders are forming Christ-centered relationships with teenagers. After all, following Jesus changes the game.

There is no cost to attend, and dessert and coffee will be served.

To learn more about DCYL or to register for the banquet, visit yldavie.com or contact area director, TJ Sigler, at tjsigler7@gmail.com.

Many thanks to the following banquet sponsors: Kelley Foundation, NC Moulding, Advance Country Store, Fuller Welding, Miller Building, Bartelt Family Medicine, Carolina Center for Eye Care, Diamondback Industries, J. Gregory Matthews/ Attorney at Law, Seniors Wonderful World of Golf, Shore Fencing and The Virtual Instructor.