YOUNG LIFE TO HOLD 15-YEAR REUNION IN CAPE

For 15 years, Young Life members and leaders have been developing relationships with high school students in Cape Girardeau by incorporating Christian theology into everyday living.

About 300 people -- former members and volunteers -- are expected to attend the first ever Young Life reunion this weekend. Events begin at 5 p.m. Saturday at LaCroix United Methodist Church, 3102 Lexington.

The nondenominational Christian organization had such an impact on Bill Reazer's life during high school that he eventually joined the Young Life staff in Louisville, Ky, and Grant Bullinger didn't base his college selection solely on academic choices, but also on the Young Life activity in the community.

Until he attended a Young Life summer camp, Bullinger "knew what it was to be a Christian, but I wasn't living like one. Now, I can see what all the leaders did for me and I want to give something back."

He leads Young Life groups in Waco, Texas, where he attends college.

Reazer said his Young Life activity as a high school student, helped him in choosing the ministry as a career. "I have found that sharing Christ is the most rewarding part," he said.

"The reunion is almost like a high school reunion," Reazer said. "It will be great to look back and remember what we did as friends and all the crazy stuff."

After hanging out with Young Life as a volunteer, Shari Polk knew that she wanted to be involved in youth work at a church. She is youth director at LaCroix United Methodist Church.

"It was probably the best training because of their relational ministry aspects," she said. "It's really good for any ministry in a church to learn from."

Polk is excited about seeing old friends at the reunion. She said the idea for a reunion had never crossed her mind, "but whoever's it was, it was a great one," she said.

Shanna Ferguson-Brueckner has been both a Young Life volunteer and member and is excited about seeing all the students. "I had not really thought of Young Life being here for 15 years in Cape, but I was really excited to get the invitation and know it's still going strong."

Debbie Tracey has been involved in the reunion planning since early spring. "We knew it would be impossible to find everyone," she said, but many people have heard about it "through the grapevine."

Tracey, who was involved in Young Life as a volunteer, said the reunion is a chance "give thanks for the people who do this ministry and have a heart for kids."

For more information about the reunion, call Young Life at 335-8300.