Dear Friends of Young Life,
Merry Christmas! I hope this letter finds you well during this season of thanksgiving, remembering the birth of our Lord Jesus and to the start of a new year!
It’s been a little over 2 years since I accepted the call to Young Life on the East Side and God has shown up in BIG ways. One is that HE has provided people like YOU, who are reading this letter. I am so thankful to know that you are praying for me and all the kids we are walking with. It’s because of your prayers and God’s answer to them that kids are entering HIS kingdom.
You may remember me talking about Angel. I met Angel the first month I started greeting kids on campus. He was in 8th grade at Santa Barbara Jr. High and he was one of the kids that would always meet me on Fridays to grab a slice of pizza. To the kids I was the “pizza guy” who randomly showed up at lunchtime to hang out with them. It wasn’t so random. I was there with a purpose. I was there because I cared about them and wanted Jesus Christ to be a part of their lives. Since then I have learned so much about Angel who is now a sophomore in high school. He has not seen his mother since she was deported to Mexico over two years ago. She was addicted to drugs and ended up being arrested and deported. His father was an alcoholic and also used drugs; as of today Angel has not heard from his father for several months since he was also arrested and deported. About one year ago Angel was involved in a nearly fatal gang related stabbing. Angel belongs to a gang and was chased down by a rival gang member and stabbed from behind. He had a collapsed lung and nearly died because of it.
His journey in life has not been easy and since that stabbing it has been even harder. He was put on probation, violated his probation, was then sent to Juvenile Hall, and now he is currently at Los Prietos Boys Academy for 6 months. I know God has a perfect plan for him. I feel that being away from his gang life will open up the doors for God to work on his heart. I will continue to visit, encourage, and love him.
The photo above is of Angel and me the first time I went to visit him at the beginning of
Nov. He has a great smile, one of a kind. During these visits I can bring him food and I asked him to give me a list of his top three favorites. His number one was my wife’s potatoes! My wife was blessed to hear that! Hopefully he will earn the privilege to be home on Christmas Day with his sisters. Please pray for Angel and that he will be able to choose Jesus and not the gang life.
Ruben is another kid who I’ve known for almost 3 years now. I have
seen him mature and grow in his walk with Christ so much. Last summer he spent one month with me at Malibu, a Young Life camp in Canada, washing dishes! That month changed his life. You might have heard his testimony at this year’s Young Life banquet. I am so proud of him and thankful that God took hold of his heart and life! I am excited to walk alongside him the rest of his high school career and beyond. God has big plans for Ruben!
It is a joy to be able to be in a relationship with these two young men. Each are on different journeys but both know that God loves them so much that He sent His only son to die for them. Every kid should have the opportunity to know that!
As you know our country has been hit hard with the condition of the economy. In light of this situation there have been many blessings that have come with the ministry and of course the privilege of talking to kids about Jesus. But now the reality is that the economy has affected my position on staff. It’s not easy to find the words to write this… Since May I have been on 75% salary and now I’m faced with the possibility that Young Life will not be able to support my staff position because of loss of income. I need to raise $20,000 by the end of the year in order to remain on Young Life staff. This is a job I have loved for the last two years, and I know if it is God’s will He will provide. I need to trust that HE has everything in HIS hands. Please consider a one-time gift or a monthly pledge. Thank you for those of you who already have made a gift or pledge, I am truly grateful. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
A best friend and mentor of mine reminded me of this verse: Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Blessings,
Felipe Contreras
HIGH LIGHTSTwo Clubs on the East Side.
55 kids from the east side at WyldLife club every week.
Latino Leadership Experience: 11 students from SBHS. These are kids who have leadership gifts and potential. It is a year long discipleship and leader training experience.
10 volunteer leaders who are investing in the lives of kids at SB High school and Jr. High.
A Strong Campaigner Group (Bible Study) for both guys and girls
GROWTH!
Denise in the blue and Jenny in the white.
