How Young Life is Reaching Military Kids around the World

Marty McCarty November 10, 2020

Marty McCarty, Young Life’s Vice President of Military – Club Beyond, shares about Jim Rayburn and the origins of Young Life’s ministry with teenagers on military bases. Watch the video and find out how you can get involved!



On this Wednesday, those of us in the U.S. will pause to commemorate Veterans Day and remember those who have served and stood guard for their country. I am reminded of Who is ultimately standing guard for us.

In Philippians 4:7 we are promised, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 121 tells us the God who watches over you “will not slumber or sleep.” It goes on to say, “The Lord watches over you — the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

As God watches over us day and night, He guards our hearts and minds so we can have peace and hope in the midst of whatever we are going through. We can face any circumstance without fear.

In John 16:33, Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Knowing we are always under His protection is a gift. We are also grateful for the gift of the military that stands guard and protects our safety.

Since 1959, Young Life has had the privilege of standing guard with our U.S. service members’ teenagers. Our ministry, known as Club Beyond, serves military teens of our U.S. active duty service members all over the world. We stand guard in prayer, with the commitment to bring the good news of Jesus to these teenagers, and what a privilege it is to be there for kids, even when their parents are deployed.

The military has asked us to reach another 10 bases in the near future. Our prayer is to fill these ministry openings with staff who are called to walk alongside military teens. Would you please join us in prayer?

If you are sensing God calling you or someone you know, please reach out and contact me directly.

This Veterans Day, as you thank the Lord for being the ultimate Protector, will you join me and take a moment to be thankful for our U.S. veterans and active-duty soldiers who have and continue to stand guard for our safety, and for those in your country who have fought or are fighting for others?

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