Northeast students have a new spiritual opportunity on campus. Young Life College is a nondenominational organization, “that meets the relationship needs of students, especially those who are seeking to know God,” says Terry Nelson, speech instructor and director of forensics on the Northeast campus. Regardless of a student’s religious background, Young Life College offers a fun, accepting community while exploring or deepening their faith.  Nelson says  Young Life members, are guided by adult mentors  who nurture, guide and encourage them to become young adults who are committed followers of Jesus Christ.

Northeast Community College started this chapter of Young Life College this semester with a game of volleyball on Tuesday, Aug. 19. Planning for this new organization started after numerous students came to Nelson looking for faith opportunities. They came to her because Campus Crusade, which Nelson used to sponsor, dissolved about a year after its president graduated. Nelson took it upon herself to start, “ an off campus bible study.” After a while, “it grew to about 20 to 25 students… Last year a few students came up to me and said you should do Young Life,” said Nelson. She liked this idea because Young Life has a broader reach, Nelson says “it throws out this faith idea to anyone interested in learning about God.” This chapter of Young Life is a little different, most chapters are an actual club, this one just holds bible studies and once a month does an outdoor activity. Nelson stated that her main reasons for really wanting to get Young Life on the Northeast campus is because she is very driven, has a strong feeling that she was meant to do this, and because, “ I love students.”

On Tuesday Sept. 16, 2014 this new Norfolk chapter of Young Life College met at TaHaZouka Park to engage in a good old game of flag football. All of the students seemed to enjoy each other’s company as well as a lighthearted game. Music played in the background of the game mixed with the comments of the unofficial referees.

On Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014 Young Life College will hold a barbecue, and welcome best-selling author Bob Goff. This event will take place at 12 p.m. in the Ag Complex on the Northeast Campus. Goff is the founder of Restore International, a nonprofit human rights organization operating in Uganda, India and Somalia, as well as author of Love Does.

Nelson says other events throughout the year will include a barn dance in Winside on October 21, a costume party and Bible study on October 28, Christmas caroling and a toy donation drive for the holidays.

Young Life meets weekly on Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. at 1100 Terrace Rd for informal Bible study and munchies.  Once a month, they have an activity on Tuesday night like the flag football game.  In the winter months they hope to do similar activities in a local school gymnasium. If you are interested in joining the Young Life College club on the Northeast campus, contact Terry Nelson at 402-844-7703.