Merry Christmas

Thoughts at Christmas 2023

Growing up in poverty was not conducive to a joyful Christmas.

It often was a season of sadness and not much fun. Today, I love Christmas.

I am blessed to have the assets to help “young people” at this time of year.

I can still recall the humiliation of people coming to our home with “food baskets.”

Today, I have joy because our Lord has given me the ability to bring joy to others, especially young peoplewho are living in poverty or less-than-ideal family structures.

This year, we sponsored Portland Central Young Life’s four Christmas parties.

For many of these young people, it may be the only gift they receive.

More importantly, the dedicated team at Portland Central Young Life is introducing them to a relationship with our Lord and letting them know that someone cares about them.

I want to share with you what these young people are saying about the impact of Portland Central Young Life on them and how they are developing a relationship with the God of Their Understanding.

Yours in faith,

Mark O'Donnell

Young Life is a non-denominational Christian ministry that focuses on building trust and relationships with kids, and loving them where they’re at, no matter.

They believe every kid deserves the chance to be loved, to hear the gospel, and to make decision for themselves.

“Young life has changed my life and given me a new outlook on my faith.”

“Young Life has impacted my life by encouraging me to grow in my faith and have some fellowship and fun.”

“Young Life has impacted my life in a good way because of all the new experiences I got to do this ... and with other people that share the same ideas about God.”

“ Young Life has impacted my life by giving me an opportunity to stay connected with God and my peers while being in the stressful life of high school.”

“Young Life has provided a place for me to be myself and express my faith in a fun and adventurous way.”

“I enjoy the clubs we have and the opportunities I’ve been given while in Young Life.

I love to see other people get to experience the same things I have.”

Portland Central Serves Kids at

De La Salle and Roosevelt High Schools

By Demetreus Rhodes, Young Life Staff Associate

In Portland Central, we serve a very diverse population: kids of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and socio-economic and living situations.

Some kids might have loving parents, others might come from broken homes or may not even have a home at all.

Some kids battle with mental health or addiction; but regardless of their situation, it is our heart to serve and love kids well.

We aim to create a safe place where kids feel loved and have a strong sense of belonging. The kids we serve are truly amazing.

They are engaged and excited for Young Life. They even invite their friends to events. It is an honor for us to be a part of their high school journey.

Portland Central Young Life is currently in the midst of their end-of-the-year fundraiser for the advancement of this ministry.

We would love to partner with you in this ministry to help us reach more kids in the city.

Between now and December 31, 2023, our goal is to raise $50,000 for our year-end giving campaign. You can click the link below to donate.

https://portlandcentral.younglife.support/crowd/pcylwyldlife

Young Life’s 4Cs… Contact, Club, Camp, and Campaigners

Contact: This is showing up in the kid's world and earning the right to be heard, building relationships with kids where they are comfortable.

Club: At Young Life, threr is an open invitation to all high schoolers to gather at a specific location where Club kids will eat food, have fun, and learn about Jesus’ love for them.

Camp: A jam-packed week of fun activity, free time, and delicious food! It is an opportunity for kids to hear the gospel in an authentic way. It is the best week ever for a kid.

Campaigners: Young Life term for discipleship. This is where kids are walking out their faith and growing in their relationship through fellowship and Bible study.

Thoughts for 2024

As we all head off to the 2024 journey, let’s be grateful that we live in the United States of America. Despite the problems, I am grateful to live in this land of opportunity.

I share with you the following:

A pivotal point in our spiritual journey is when we come face-to-face with the emptiness in our hearts that can only be filled by God’s love. ~ St. Ignatius, Founder of the Jesuits

We are all going to see St. Peter. He’s going to ask what you did with the gifts that Our Lord gave to you – money, volunteer time, kindness, helping others, etc. ~ John Kasich, Congressman, Ohio Governor, and 2016 Republican Presidential Primary Candidate

A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives you roses. ~ Chinese proverb

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. ~ Sir Winston Churchill, British Statesman and Prime Minister

Wishing you a merry and blessed Christmas and

a healthy and peaceful 2024!

~ Mark O’Donnell