Meet Janell and Mike, JAX Young Life Committee Members

Hi. My name is Janell, and I LOVE Young Life! I am married to Mike, and this year we celebrate our 26 anniversary. We have two awesome kids (Lauren and Michael), two sponsored kids (one in Peru - Antonella, and one in Albania – Brunilda), two cats, one dog, and a granddog. I was born in Pittsburgh, PA, and yes… I AM A PITTSBURGH STEELERS FAN!

I have an incredibly difficult time saying ‘no’. I am addicted to sugar, Young Life, God, Access Church, my middle school girls small group, my marriage, our kids, dogs, cats, horses, alpacas, our couples small group, friends, books, Andy Stanley, and BSF... certainly not in that order! I value humility, loyalty, friendship, and truth. In these uncertain times, one of my favorite scripture passages is:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

I wish I had known of Young Life when I was a teenager, but didn’t hear of this amazing ministry until our daughter was a freshman in high school. Since then, we have jumped on board and are rabid (or maybe the word is avid) supporters of Young Life. (I think both rabid and avid are applicable!) I have had the opportunity to serve as a campaigner leader, prayer and parent support partner, adult guest, and now as a committee member with a focus on leader care. Keep in mind, leaders… I have a difficult time saying, ‘no,’ so let me know how I can help make your job easier! Bring it on!

Hi. I’m Mike (Janell’s husband). As you may have guessed, we share the multiple children, but the pets are all hers (especially the “granddog”). The pets and I occupy the same living space and tolerate one another (easier for them, since I provide the food, shelter, and medical care), but have no real “relationship” that I can discern.

Janell and I “discovered” Young Life at the same time, back when Lauren indicated a desire to go to Windy Gap. Since then, both Lauren and Michael have gone to camp and been on Work Crew (Lauren also has been on Summer Staff), Janell and I have been Adult Guests at both Windy Gap and Crooked Creek), and Janell has served as a leader. We’ve continued to stay involved after our children graduated from high school, and now both serve on the Jacksonville Committee. We were honored to be asked, and look forward to helping out in any way(s) possible.

To any adults out there who haven’t been and/or are contemplating being adult guests: First, DO IT! You’ll come back encouraged about the next generation of teenagers, energized by the experience, and renewed in faith when you see the amazing Young Life volunteers and staff at work in teenagers’ lives. Second, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have about the adult guest experience; it’s the most affordable yet meaningful and memorable “vacation” you’ll ever have.

I can get a bit wordy when I’m armed with a keyboard, so I’ll stop now before I bore you (any further). Oh, and in closing: “How about those STEELERS!?!”