At 7:27 every Monday night a group of teenagers take a break from everyday life to meet up and create new friendships with people all over Amarillo. YoungLife which is offered for 7th graders all the way to Seniors,  has become a weekly event that many look forward to. 

High schoolers lead the club, taking charge and inviting everyone they can. YoungLife is a Christian-based group, but they encourage everyone to attend and are welcome no matter their religion.

“On Monday nights we have club where we dance, sing, and hangout with a message at the end,” Patch Parr said. “Usually on Thursdays we have campaigns with a leader after school.”

The night immediately starts with singing, dancing, and games. These activities break the ice and get everyone settled in. After the initial fun, everyone comes together to sing worship songs and hear the lesson, and then the night ends with a big prayer.

“YoungLife is about spreading Jesus around schools in Amarillo to where they are at. We build relationships with everyone and just help them grow their faith without them having to go anywhere far,” Hannah Meresa said.

YoungLife functions as a global outreach organization that tries to spread the gospel to others. The group started in Gainesville, Texas in 1941 and has since moved throughout the United States and into other countries.

“Everyone is welcome no matter what. Even if they do not believe in God,” Hagen Hutto said.

YoungLife’s slogan, “Party with a purpose” means that everyone works to create a fun and safe space for people to have a good time but still gain wisdom from the experience. The night always provides an opportunity for fun but ultimately ends with a purpose and a message.

The YoungLife club constantly grows and gains more members. Students get advised to spread the word and tell their friends about the fun Monday nights. YoungLife’s message has spread around Amarillo for years on end and does not seem to be ending any time soon.