Pictures from our Thursday Group

I love February days in the 60's! If you haven't been to Young America in a while, I think you'll see what I mean when I say... You're missing it! We had a great day with these crazy, precious kids.

Bittersweet Monday

I had a very emotional Monday, to say the least! After taking my 5 yr. old to the dentist I headed to the office for a few hours of study. At 2 o'clock I attended the funeral services for Tony Baughman, an amazing 18 year old who lived a fuller life in his few years on earth than many people who are three times his age! I was challenged as friends recounted his great attitude, faith, love for others, and vigor for life! The Baughman family showed kindness to Young America a few years back by opening their home to our teens who were attending a DNOW event. Our hearts and prayers go out to them in this difficult time.
I made it back to Young America right at 4, just in time for our Bible Club where we made the most of the beautiful weather by playing kickball. I shared the story of Tony with the children and challenged them to make their life count by trusting Jesus, loving others, and living each day as if it were their last.
I have many emotions spinning around inside my heart tonight, but the two themes that resound the loudest are hope and gratitude. I am thankful for another day with the ones I love and full of joy that there is hope beyond the grave for all who accept the free gift of God's love in Jesus.

Teen Winter Camp 2012

Thirty of us packed up and headed out to Winter Xtreme in Pigeon Forge, TN last Thursday and had an amazing time. The bands were great, the speakers were challenging, and the kids all behaved themselves. We were able to have some fun at the Dixie Stampede, Nascar Speedpark, and Ober Gatlinburg before coming home.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the trip possible with your financial gifts. A special thank you to Gracebridge, White Oak Baptist, Rising Fawn Baptist, and Westside Baptist for your generosity and to Bill Davenport for providing all of us with sharp fleece vests and beenies complete with the new Young America Logo.

Check out our pictures we posted on Facebook and thanks again for helping make this all possible.

For His Glory,

Nathan Cravatt
Director

New Pictures

I promised some pics of the new Community Center and here is the link... so amazing!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2075250&id=1144628134&l=edbc29f229

We are in the new Community Center!!!

Well, tonight was our first night in the new trailer. We have worked SO hard and so many of you have given to make this possible. WOW! What a great night. The kids were so excited. We had around 35 kids and there was still room for more! The place looks amazing. There will be pictures coming soon!!! I promise. God has brought us so far in the past 6 years... in spite of us, he continues to bless and kids are hearing the good news. We still have much work to do, but we now have more tools than ever to accomplish the task set before us.

We talked about PROGRESS tonight from Phil. 3:12-14. None of us are perfect... Especially me... even Paul said he wasn't there yet, but we have to press on! "We lose our way, we get back up again" as the song says. We PRESS (showing a struggle) toward the GOAL (to glorify God with our lives) for the PRIZE (it will be worth the effort)! The main point is that it is a daily fight. We work 12 years (some even more) to graduate and get our diploma. There are ups and downs, but in the end the prize is well worth the struggle. Some us us have quit pressing on... it's time to get back in the fight. (I'm talking to myself)

I'm so encouraged at where we are, where we have come from, and where we are going. God is good... so good... and we are so not!!! BUT, through him we can accomplish great things.

To the fight! Press on!

Nathan

Young America Block Party/Teen Night

Young America Community Center

Our new trailer is now set up on our property. We have been praying so long for this happen and each time we see the trailer we are reminded that God still answers prayers.


We are now beginning the remodeling process. We already have the plumber and electrician lined up and they should be getting started this week. We are taking this project one step at a time. We do not have all the money we need to complete the entire project, so we are going to do all that we can as long as the Lord provides... and He will provide... in his time. We must continue to be faithful with what he has given us and to trust his plan. He has been so good to us. The community center is going to open so many more doors for us to minister to the children of America.

Please continue to pray about how you can help us accomplish our goals. We need financial help, building materials, laborers, and most of all prayer. Thank you all for what you have done to help us reach this point.

I am including our most recent to-do list. If there is any area you would like to help with please call (423) 227-9604.

1. Get security bars built and installed for entire trailer
2. Gut all carpet
3. Clean up
4. Sheet Rock repair
5. Spray Ceilings
6. Paint
7. Replace Floors
8. Plumbing
9. Electrical
10. Porches
11. Fence
12. Asphalt


Thanks again for joining in with us as we share the love of Christ with America's Youth!

Nathan