In late February, a group of Colorado Mesa University (CMU) students gathered around our dining room table for Christian fellowship and a meal my husband and I provided. What a joy it was to welcome these CMU Young Life leaders into our home. 

Across the Grand Valley, Christian seniors are finding joy and purpose in fellowship with younger generations and walking alongside them in faith. Through programs like Young Life, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and ministries at the Christ Center, these volunteers are building relationships, offering guidance and showing God’s love in ways that transform lives on both sides.

Karl Morgner and his wife, Sue, share that calling. Through Young Life, they invest in connecting with youth from middle school through college. Earlier this year, we joined the Morgners and 500 other Young Life supporters in the CMU ballroom for an inspirational evening called On Their Turf.

“It means not waiting for youth to come to us, but going where they are, establishing a connection, earning the right to be heard, then telling them that God loves them like crazy and wants a relationship with them,” said Karl, 74.

Sue, 73, has been involved in Young Life since 1967.

“It’s really about loving on kids, not preaching or filling them with dos and don’ts,” added Sue. “When they feel your love, you can let them know God loves them even more.”

Joe Broeker, 82, knows the impact of faith-based mentorship. He coached college football for 28 years and served as regional director for FCA for 15 years.

“Billy Graham said, ‘A coach can have more influence on young people in one season than many adults can have in a lifetime,’” said Broeker. “In high school, I wasn’t a person of faith, but in college, I had three coaches who were brothers in Christ and great role models.”

Even in retirement, he continues to volunteer with FCA, helping coaches be an asset in the lives of youth through their example and faith.

“I believe within every human is a God-given vacuum, and it can only be filled with Him,” he said. “Kids and adults chase after different ‘rabbits’ to fill that void, but when they discover someone can love them that much, it’s powerful.”

Broeker said some adults grow hardened toward youth, but he’s encouraged by the next generation, noting many are doing great things.

“Once a kid sees that they are loved, appreciated, heard and valued, they are never the same again,” he said.

The Christ Center, home to Four Winds Coffee & Tea at 1235 Bookcliff Ave., opened in 2009 to bring the gospel to CMU students by partnering with campus ministries and area churches. On any given day, the space is filled with seniors and college students engaged in conversation over coffee.

Director Will Kuhlman has seen many relationships blossom through Sunday night dinners and daily interactions. He hopes to expand that impact with an “adopt a college student” program that intentionally pairs students with seniors for friendship and encouragement alongside their Christian faith.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

Trusting God in crisis

When an audit threatened to bankrupt his company, Jack turned to faith, prayer and a mentor’s wisdom—and found a surprising answer. Read More »