Young Life Bermuda doesn't start with a programme. It starts with adults concerned enough about kids to go to them, on their turf and in their culture, building bridges of authentic friendship. These relationships don't happen overnight they take time, commitment, patience, trust and consistency.

So Young Life leaders log many hours with kids in our island community of Bermuda where they are, as they are. Leaders can be faithfully found across the island, reaching out through a variety of activities, including being a consistent presence in our schools, or at the sides of pools coaching swimming, even assisting kids with technique at the local bowling alley to name a few. We listen to their stories and learn what's important to them because we genuinely care about their joys, triumphs, heartaches and setbacks.

We believe in the power of presence. Kids' lives are dramatically impacted when caring adults come alongside them, sharing God's love with them. Because their leader believes in them, they begin to see that their lives have great worth, meaning and purpose.

This is the first step of a lifelong journey; the choices they make today, based upon God's love for them, will impact their future decisions … careers chosen, marriages formed and families raised. All ripples from the time when a Young Life leader reached out and entered their world.

For it is when we have the chance to enter their world that we can introduce them to the One who entered our world for the sole purpose of giving us the true life that no other person, nor material goods or social standing could ever give. As we enjoy the festivities of this Christmas Season, may we all take time to ponder the one gift this season was birthed from…who entered our world.

“For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have Everlasting Life.”

John 3:16

Wishing Bermuda a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!