Rockport Young Life

Pirates and Pancakes

2008-10-27T00:27:00.000-07:00

Every year in October the Young Life committee hosts Pirates and Pancakes. Committee members set up griddles and make pancakes by the hundreds. All the kids have to do is come dressed as a pirate. After pancakes there are a few games and then everyone settles down for a 10 minute club talk. It's one of the favorite events of the year.

Promoting Pirates and Pancakes

2008-10-27T00:19:00.000-07:00

Our fearlessly ridiculous Area Director Shane Sampson "selling" our 2nd annual Pirates and Pancakes to the students of Rockport-Fulton High School. How? Well, by dressing up as a Pie-Rat of course.

Fishing Contest

2008-10-25T00:46:00.000-07:00

The Rockport Young Life annual fish fry fundraiser is Monday, November 10th at Paws and Taws. Join the youth of our community at 6:30 p.m. as we all celebrate 10 years of ministry in Rockport.

In preparation for the event a group of high school boys and girls participated in a fishing contest. At the end of the day the girls won the contest by bringing in the most fish.

What is Contact Work?

2008-09-19T23:24:00.000-07:00

The following except is from the Young Life brochure "Good Knews" and is available in the local Young Life Office.

Young Life is not a facility-based ministry - we don't ask kids to come to us. Leaders go to them, wherever they may be. It's a principle modeled by Christ and practiced for more than 60 years by Young Life leaders as they show up at football practice, games or local hangouts just to get to know kids. Contact work is about building relationships and earning the trust and friendship of teenagers.
Shane Sampson hamming it up with Shane Klemcke at Sonic after club.
Catherine Hanna laughing it up with the fellas at Sonic.

Shane in the RFHS cafeteria enjoying a cold beverage with his friends.

Shane being informative.

Betsy and Danielle giving a thumbs up.

That's our volunteer Addrian standing behind them.

On the Heels of a Hurricane

2008-09-15T23:44:00.000-07:00

Clubs are weekly meetings open to any high school kid who wants to attend. At club we sing, laugh, play games and hear a leader share great news about God's love in terms they can understand.

This year our first club was the Monday after Hurricane Ike hit Galveston. The week prior everyone in Rockport was preparing for the worst. Anticipating a direct hit, people were boarding up their houses and loading up on supplies. School was cancelled for three days and most people left town for safer locations.

Monday morning, however, everyone was back at school and Rockport Young Life had their first club scheduled for that evening. Since the Rockport Beach Park was closed we had to find a new location for club.....and fast.

We found a spot at the Rockport Elementary Auditorium and were open for business. Whew!

This Year at Camp - by Shane Sampson

2008-09-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

This year I got on the bus and headed to Jasper, Georgia with two groups of high school students. One group had been involved in YL all year, participating in club and our weekly bible study called Campaigners. These kids were familiar with the gospel and most had already made a profession of their faith. The other group wasn’t as familiar with the truths we promote; therefore, camp was their first introduction.

It took about 24 hours in a loving, Christ centered environment before these two groups became one. This group of campers enjoyed each others’ company, learned from each other during cabin time, and bonded in a special way. Imagine my joy at being awakened in the middle of the night by the sound of 12 high school boys singing the fun songs from club and then bursting out in laughter.

Our time at camp ended with 4 campers coming to know God in a personal way. All the students are excited about Young Life in Rockport and want to help get their friends involved. Seven seniors are signing on as senior leaders. One camper will go to college locally and help as a volunteer leader throughout the year.

With the price of gas rising so high, getting to camp this year had its challenges. I would like to thank all those donors who sponsored kids and committee members in the Bowl-a-Thon. The proceeds from that event helped pay the transportation costs. There are also many who gave scholarship money. I am so thankful. Your kindness and love for high school kids is apparent in your giving.

In addition to my thanks, please accept an early invitation to our Young Life celebration fish fry on November 10. Come see these kids for yourself as we celebrate them, you (our donors), and our 10th anniversary of YL in Rockport. The program will be totally focused on the kids that you so graciously have supported.

Bowling for Gasoline

2008-06-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

Cyndea and Shane Sampson, Bobbi Wagoner, Catherine Hanna and Ryan Mayo

This year the Young Life Committee decided to join our high school friends at their annual Bowl-A-Thon. Our goal as a committee was to raise enough money to pay all the transportation costs for every camper ($3,750.00). So while campers were bowling to raise money for camp, we as a committee were bowling to pay for the gas.

I am please to report that we were able to raise the entire amount. Reaching this goal helped us reduce each camper's total fee by $118.00. On behalf of the Young Life committee I want to thank everyone who supported our student and committee bowlers. Your gift will literally get these kids where they need to be to hear a life changing message.

Our camp departure date is July 26th and we return August 2nd; please continue to pray for us as we take these kids on the "best week of their lives".

Sincerely,
Shane Sampson

Patti Jahn, Catherine, and Leslie Knight

On Being a Volunteer Leader by Serina Covarrubias

2008-05-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

As a Young Life leader I have been given the privilege of earning the “right to be heard”. I get to spend quality time with students through contact work at the high school, Young Life Club and activities, or simply hanging out at Starbucks over coffee.

In December we all loaded up for our annual Polar Bear Weekend and I was asked to help lead a cabin of high school girls. It was an experience I will never forget. We laughed our heads off at the hysterical skits during club time. We got dirty beyond recognition during Muck Wars then cleaned off by jumping in the Frio River (did I mention it was December?).

Then every evening we had a great time of fellowship in our cabins discussing the speaker’s talk. During that time I was able to speak with students on a more personal level, by letting them know who I was before I came to know Jesus, and how He changed my life for the better. I was able to encourage many students and answer questions that needed to be addressed. As a Young Life leader I have learned what it is to truly love students right where they are and hopefully help them be all that God created them to be, even by example.

On Being a Student Leader - by Todd Farnsworth

2008-05-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

Shane approached several of us last year about being “student leaders”. I jumped at the chance as quick as I could. Initially I didn’t think it would require much effort on my part; however it turned out to be much more than I expected.

Within the first week I was helping plan clubs, meeting with all other leaders, discussing future plans, and most importantly digging into God’s word and seeing truths found there. After my first club as a leader I began to look forward to the next club. I desperately wanted to be there and be available to God. It wasn’t until half way through the year when it hit me; the way in which I approached Young Life was how I was supposed to approach my day to day life.

Young Life has helped me to see the true characteristics and plan of God. I am blessed with friends I will have forever. I now live for God day by day; serving Him to my very best.

Leaders: James Fry, Cyndea Sampson, Shane Klemcke, Serina Covarrubias, Kyler McNew and Shane Sampson

Pictured above: Todd Farnsworth and Serina.

Young Life Gets an Office!

2008-04-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

It’s always exciting here at Rockport Young Life. As we enter our tenth year of ministry we marvel at what God is doing with the students of this community. We are planning a year of celebration and want you to celebrate with us.

We start our 10th year by moving into our own space. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church has been so gracious by offering Young Life office space. Having a permanent space to conduct the daily administrative responsibilities of a ministry such as Young Life is a monumental answer to prayer. The committee and staff would like to extend a sincere thank you to Father Friedal and the members of St. Peter’s for their generous gift.

I wanted to again thank you for your diligence to our mission. We want you to know that we live by the motto:

Every Kid, Everywhere, for Eternity!

Community Table

2007-12-19T19:43:00.000-08:00

The Community Table is a place where people in Rockport can get a hot meal every Tuesday evening at the First Presbyterian Church. Local churches rotate each week by serving as hosts for the evening.

Young Life kids and the local YL committee join ranks one Tuesday to cook for and serve people at the Community Table. Right at 90 people were served.

Our menu included: lasagna, bread, salad, cupcakes and tea.

Clean up was a breeze!

2007-12-12T19:21:00.000-08:00

As a way of showing our appreciation, the Young Life committee delivered poinsettias to all the people who hosted tables at our Young Life fish fry.

People would light up like we were walking in with roses. Poinsettias are pretty and they have the power to make people happy; or more accurately it should be said that showing gratitude has the power to make people happy.

Thank you to our 2007 Fish Fry table hosts:

Mike and Diane Probst
Garry and Deidra Cate
Ron and Bobbi Wagoner
Herb and Patti Jahn
Al and Sue Karcher
Melodee and Robert Fields
John and Debbie Jackson
Nicole Soto
Bootsie and Lesa Larsen
Rick and Sandy Stanley
Wayne Johnson
Ted and Bonnie Williams
Fred and Marion Beeler
Dana and George Taggart
Cheryl and Bill Wilson
Sharon McKinney
Tom and Donna Pazera
De and Suzan McLallen
Julie Lynch/Cat
Van and Pat Johnson
Dina & Cody Hill

Fish Fry Fundraiser 2007

2007-11-12T18:42:00.000-08:00

For the second year in a row Rockport Young Life has opted for a Fish Fry fundraiser instead of the traditional dessert or banquet fundraiser. Local men and women begin fishing months in advance to fed as many as 175 guests. Committee members and friends of Young Life rally to fry fish for the hungry crowd.

Young Life students act as parking attendants, ushers, waiters and waitresses all in an effort to serve those community members who generously support this mission.

Waiting here for their assignments.

A Word From Shane About Camp

2007-08-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

Hey Folks,

As you know, June 1st Cyndea and I loaded up on a bus with 18 high school students and headed for “the best week of our lives” in the rolling hills and mountains of Northern Georgia. SharpTop Cove is one of Young Life’s premiere camps but after a LONG 22 hour bus ride some sleeping bags on a patch of grass would have been just fine. We were ready to get off that bus and have some fun.

The week started off immediately with fun days filled with swimming, blobbing, zip lines and warm sunny afternoons. Every night we attended “club” where all the kids come together to sing songs and watch skits. At the end of every club the Gospel was presented in small doses and before the week was over the kids heard about God’s love for them from Creation to Calvary.

The man assigned the task of telling the beautiful story of God’s love was an ex New York City police detective. “Uncle Bill” as he likes to be called drew on his fascinating life experiences to share the exciting news of Jesus in a way our kids could identify.

Our nights ended in cabin where we sat and talk about the Jesus they had heard about in club. The questions our students asked this year were great. It was so rewarding for me to have high schools students on this trip who already knew Jesus and were eager to help lead thier friends to the foot of the cross.

Of the 18 attending this summer, we had 5 appropriate what Christ had done for them on the cross and determine to live as a believer.
It was an amazing trip.

Thank you for all your support and prayer,
Shane Sampson
512-665-7450

YL Yard Sale Update

2007-04-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

Rockport Young Life donors and friends really stepped up to the plate when it came to donating items for our yard sale. The response was so overwhelming that there was no room to contain it all, and for that we are truly grateful.

Committee members, community volunteers and high school kids worked the Thursday and Friday night before the sale pricing and setting up.

Friday night presented a problem in that we had to set up for the next day and leave it out all night ready to go. To prevent pillaging, Shane and 4 Young Life kids "camped" out on mattress (donated to the sale) guarding the stuff all night.

Saturday morning came very early and barrage of buyers bought enough from our yard sale to earn us a remarkable $2,500.00. What a great day!

WORK STILL NEEDED

Rockport high school students are still working hard to earn their way to camp. If you, or a friend, need any assistance in your home or yard consider hiring out our motivated crew. Contact Shane Sampson to work out the details.

December Ministry Update 2006

2006-12-21T14:30:00.000-08:00

Wrapping up 2006 has been action packed for Rockport Young Life to say the least. We had our annual fundraising event on November 13th, I got married to Cyndea Peacock on December 2nd and less than 24 hours after returning from our honeymoon in Beaver Creek, Colorado, we loaded up on a bus with 48 high school kids for Polar Bear Weekend on the Frio River. All these events happened in just one month’s time.

The Honeymooners

This year’s fundraising event was a Fish Fry and we had approximately 175 people in attendance. It was so successful that we would like to make the “Fish Fry” an annual event. The night was filled with laughter, songs, and touching testimonies from high school students who have been impacted by Young Life in Rockport.

December 2nd was the day Cyndea and I got married in San Antonio. Over the past 2-½ years here in Rockport I have been blessed in forging relationships with some special kids. I was honored to ask three students, Kyler McNew, Justin Nesloney and Austin Nesloney, as well as Daniel Barnard (a RFHS graduate) to be in our wedding party. The evening was made even more special when over 20 Rockport students and parents drove up for the ceremony.

Polar Bear Weekend 2006

Like I said in the first of this update, less than 24 hours after Cyndea and I returned from our honeymoon we were loading up on a bus for our Polar Bear weekend retreat. It started off a little nerve racking when some bad weather threatened to close everything down. Polar Bear weekend is a time we join other Young Life areas at the H.E.B. Foundation Camp in Echo Valley for fun and a little more intense ministry. After every club there was a “club talk” where the Gospel was presented to all the kids. During cabin time the leaders get to dig in deeper by applying what was said in the club talk to the issues the students are dealing with everyday. Polar Bear weekend always culminates in a river jump. It is amazing to see 350 kids jump into the Frio River in December all at one time. And it’s comical to see how fast they get out.

Shane and Guys at Polar Bear

Cyndea and I are so blessed to be here in this community and we thank all of you for joining us in the noble cause of sharing Christ with kids in Rockport.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Shane and Cyndea Sampson

Young Life Ministry Update - September 2006

2006-10-04T18:44:00.000-07:00

With one month under our belt I am pleased to say we have gotten off to a great start with our high school friends. Because you have played such an important role in the success of this ministry I felt it important to share with you some exciting things that are taking place.

Our last three clubs have averaged 55 to 70 kids. The increased numbers can be directly attributed to the time we have spent with kids one on one, in their lives, living out Christ everyday. We have had so much fun, going to the high school at lunch, attending games and practices and just spending time with kids. What a blessing it is to share the Gospel.

All last year we didn't have a guitar player at club, so music left a little bit to be desired. This year I am happy to announce a new volunteer leader named James Frye. He is a college student at A & M Kingsville and drives to Rockport every Monday to help with the ministry. James is a great guitar player and adds so much to our weekly club. You can tell the kids enjoy singing and it adds so much to the energy level.

As always, thank you so much for your support and prayers.

Gratefully,

Shane Sampson