Young Life began in Texas in the 1930s. The mission is simple – to introduce teenagers to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith. For over 20 years, Young Life has served adolescentse and their families across the Rio Grande Valley. Young Life staff and leaders spend many hours in the world of kids in Harlingen, San Benito, Edinburg and Brownsville, going where they are and beginning with what matters to them – fun, adventure, friendship and a sense of significance.  In doing so, they earn the privilege of sharing with them what they believe matters most of all – the truth about God and His life-changing love for them in Christ. 

Young Life in the Valley reaches all kinds of kids – from pregnant and teen moms and dads to teens with disabilities to college students in Texas and across the border. The program of Young Life is simple: weekly activities that inspire and support positive friendships between kids and leaders, year-round small group Bible studies and retreats, and world-class summer camping that takes kids out of their daily environment and into the great adventure of God’s beautiful creation.  Thousands of kids in the Valley have had their lives changed by their friendship with Young Life leaders, and many have been developed into spiritual and community leaders themselves.