WHO WE ARE

Young Life Philippines, Inc. is a non-denominational, non-sectarian Christian organization that aims to give every Filipino kid an honest introduction to Jesus Christ.

Since 1970, Young Life Philippines, Inc. has been at the forefront in the mission of bringing Filipino kids from all over the Visayas to opportunities where they can have honest introductions to Jesus Christ.

Christ is the strongest, grandest, most attractive personality ever to grace this earth, but a careless messenger with the wrong approach can reduce all this magnificence to a level of boredom.

Jim Rayburn, Founder of Young Life
Learn more
Image
Image

00+

Filipino kids reached

00

Areas

00+

Staff & volunteers

00+

Camps this year

FROM OUR STAFF

Check out what our staff members have to say.

Image

“Being a part of Young Life has given me the endless desire to serve God more through ministry. I have committed more of my time to listening to kids so I can deeply understand their feelings and emotions. Now, being a staff member, I can fully say that I have gained the courage to acknowledge that I can learn from them. Through YL, I have learned that I should put these kids’ needs before mine.”

Emma "Daisy" Saladaga

Image

“As a YL staff, dako kaayo og impact ang ministry sa akoa. Daghan og mga panghitabo sa akong life nga makaingon ko nga I’m so blessed because of Young Life. Young Life is my answered prayer. Ang YL maoy nakapasabot nako unsa kanindot og ka importante ang relasyon sa Ginoo. Ganahan sad ko nga unsa akong na experience sa ministry kay ipasa pud nako sa mga batan-on nga wa pa kaila ni Jesus. Karon nga naa na koy pamilya, ang akong ampo kay unta makita pud sa akong anak ang akong kalipay sa pag-alagad sa Ginoo pinaagi sa Young Life.”

Jeffrey "Jeff" Luague

Image

“It is in Young Life that I was able to deepen my personal relationship with Jesus. As a staff for almost 5 years now, I was able to find my place where I could enjoy knowing Jesus, and be part of a greater purpose and that is, to share the Gospel. I found a family that continually cares, encourages and guides me as I walk through life—A family that helps me understand that life is hard, but it's worth living. They (staff) always make me feel that I am not alone in this journey, that I have Jesus in me and that I have them as well. I can't wait for all the kids out there to have this kind of safe place where they could grow in their faith and enjoy the family that Jesus has given them.”

Dayanara Jai "Dayan" Alpuerto

Image

“As a Young Life staff and a leader, YL plays a vital role in my spiritual growth. It shaped me to who I am today and who I will become in the future. Even when I strayed back in 2013, YL gave me another chance to serve the Lord by continuing to welcome me and allowing me to serve as a volunteer staff in 2016. This ministry allowed me to be a channel of blessings to kids all over my area. And finally, I am so grateful to have been given the chance to get my kids and husband involved in the ministry.”

Mary Grace "Grace" Ybañez

Image

“YL has been God's instrument for me to take big and daring leaps in life. Being an Area Director made me realize that there is so much more to learn about myself, about this world, about the people in it, and about my true purpose and responsibility in this temporary place. It taught me to go beyond what I thought was my capacity and calling because I realized that I was not just called, but I am chosen—chosen to be in this amazing team. This is certainly a very magical place to be. The big and daring leaps are all worth it, and will always be worth it.”

Katrina Frances "Kaykay" Yasi

Image

“Being a YL staff helped me become a grateful person. Grateful for the opportunities to witness what God has been doing in our community especially among the youth. Grateful for every relationship I have with the other staff, adults, supporters, parents, volunteers and contact kids. Grateful for every blessing, miracle and even circumstance I get to encounter everyday for it all makes me a better and more dependent-on-Him person. Thank you, Lord!”

Melona "Milô" Yasi

Image

“I’ve been with Young Life since 2010 and have been a staff member for 5 years already. Young Life impacted my life in so many ways. First, I became a better person and have been blessed to be surrounded by people who encourage me to do better in life and make wise decisions. Second, being in Young Life helped me with balancing my responsibilities in both ministry and personal life. Lastly, being on staff helps me grow closer to God. It helps me know Him more and grow my personal relationship with Him.”

Kimberly "Kim" Codera

Image

“The people in Young Life have always been welcoming to me and to the other newbies even when I first set foot in a Young Life Center. It has become my second home and family. It was in Young Life that I found friends for life. It was in Young Life that I grew in my knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ. It was in Young Life that I experienced a "stirring" to serve God. As a staff member for more than thirty years now, this was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. When I gave up my dreams to serve Him through Young Life, I never guessed that in serving Him, I will fulfill all my dreams!”

Estela "Telay" Hernandez

Image

“Choosing to be part of the Young Life staff team was a life-changing moment for me. I had prayed for this and God answered my prayer. Now, I've been a Young Life staff member for almost 5 years and I can say that being on staff has been a big privilege. It has given me so many opportunities to do ministry in my own family and community. I am forever grateful because I'm doing ministry as a full-time job and I get to serve the Lord and enjoy His plan for my life. Indeed, God put me here for a great purpose. ”

Kizzy "Kiz" Ho

OUR STAFF MEMBERS

Image

John Paul Jeremiah Teves

Area Director NORSU YLU
View Profile
Image

Kizzy Ho

Area Director Mabinay and Bais
View Profile
Image

Mary Grace Ybañez

Volunteer Staff Lapu-Lapu
View Profile
Image

Ermas Elemia

Area Staff Dumaguete
View Profile

LATEST NEWS & UPDATES

Image

Monthly Devotion: He Fights For Me - August 2025

PASSAGE: Hebrews 7:24-25
"But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them."

REFLECTION:
In one of our Bible studies this month, we talked about The Parable of the Fig Tree, found in Luke 13:6-9. It tells the story of a vineyard owner (representing God) who finds a fig tree in his vineyard that has not produced fruit for three years. He orders it to be cut down, but the gardener (representing Jesus) pleads for more time, suggesting he will fertilize and cultivate it for another year, and if it still doesn't bear fruit, then it can be cut down.

The parable gives us a clear picture of how Jesus intercedes for us. As the gardener did in the parable, Jesus intercedes for us to grow, bear fruit, and do much more.

This word “intercede” has blown my mind lately. I’ve come across this word a lot of times before, but during our Bible study, was where I encountered it on a deeper level.

Let me share a few definitions of intercede:
• to intervene between parties with a view to reconciling differences; to mediate
• to use your influence to persuade someone in authority to forgive another person, or save this person from punishment

Hebrews 7:25 says, “Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.”

Jesus is always pleading our case before the Father, like a defense lawyer on our behalf. Living in this broken world means our brokenness will always be there. But knowing that Jesus is always interceding for us provides confidence and hope, assuring us of His care and commitment. It means when we sin and feel condemned, He goes to the Father and says, “I paid for that, my blood covered it.”

In times when we feel weak and don’t know how to pray, in times when we face temptations, feel forgotten, or are too ashamed because of our sin, Jesus is faithful. He is present, and He never stops interceding for us.

His work didn’t stop at the cross. Right now, He is alive and actively praying for us, standing before the Father on our behalf. His intercession is not a one-time event; it is a continuous act. This assurance reminds me of how great Jesus’ love is for me. It made me see Jesus in a deeper and different perspective. It made me say, “What a great defender we have in Jesus.”

As we reflect on this, know that no matter where you are in your walk with God, take heart: you are fully known, fully loved, and fully saved by a Savior who fights for us and never lets go.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for saving us completely and for always interceding for us. Help us to rest in Your finished work and ongoing love. Thank you for that. Because of You, we have this hope that never runs out. That we have someone who always fights for us, even when we stumble. Thank you, Jesus, because Your love never fails, and it never gives up. Amen.

Read more
Image

Monthly Devotion: Just as I have done, you should do likewise - July 2025

PASSAGE: Luke 10:25-37
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”

“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

REFLECTION:
During the height of the pandemic, our church pastor, Kuya Les, and I were given a rare opportunity to go out during the lockdown and deliver food packs to church members in need. On one of our delivery runs, we decided to stop by a McDonald’s drive-thru for lunch. As we were about to pay, Kuya Les noticed a police car behind us in line.

Without hesitation, he told the cashier he’d like to pay not only for our meal but also for whatever the police officers behind us had ordered. We drove forward to wait for our food, and a few minutes later, one of the policemen stepped out of their vehicle and approached our window. I thought for a moment we were about to get scolded or arrested for some reason.

But when the window rolled down, the officer simply said, “Thank you.” Kuya Les smiled and replied, “Just paying it forward.”

That simple phrase has stuck with me ever since.

Later, I learned that “pay it forward” was more than just a kind gesture; it was a whole movement inspired by Catherine Ryan Hyde’s 1999 novel (and later a film). The idea was simple: if someone does a kind act for you, don’t pay them back—pay it forward to three other people. A ripple of kindness.

And that’s what Jesus was talking about when He said, “Just as I have done, you should do likewise.” He was showing us what it means to love our neighbor.

But who is our neighbor?

It’s not just the person who lives next door. It’s the coworker who looks tired and unnoticed. The janitor who greets you every morning. The stranger you pass on the street. The tricycle driver. The teacher. The traffic enforcer. The classmate who eats lunch alone.

Every day, we’re surrounded by opportunities to be a neighbor, especially in someone’s time of need.

In Luke 10:25–37, Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan. A Jewish man was left beaten on the road. Two religious men—who you'd expect to help—passed him by. But a Samaritan, someone from a group that the Jews despised, stopped and cared for him.

From that story, I learned three simple but powerful ways we can love our neighbors:

1. Time
The priest, the Levite, and the Samaritan all had things to do, but only the Samaritan was willing to pause. Kindness takes time. And in a world where we’re all “too busy,” giving someone your time is one of the most valuable gifts you can offer.

2. Talent
The Samaritan didn’t just stop; he used what he knew and what he had learned to treat the man's wounds. God has given each of us skills. Maybe you’re a good cook, a great listener, or skilled in a profession. Have you ever considered using your talent to serve someone who could never repay you?

3. Treasure
The Samaritan paid for the man’s stay and promised to cover any extra expenses. He gave from his own resources to ensure the man could fully recover. We may think our resources are small, but even a little can mean everything to someone in need.

Whenever we show kindness—whether with our time, talent, or treasure—we reflect the love that God first showed us. Let’s not wait for grand moments. Let’s choose to be neighbors today.
Kindness is contagious. And love, when passed forward, always multiplies.

PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us what true love looks like. Help us to be like the good Samaritan—willing to give our time, use our talents, and share our treasures for the sake of others. Open our eyes to the needs around us, and give us hearts that are quick to respond with kindness. May every act of love we show point others back to You. Amen.

Read more
Image

Monthly Devotion: Sharing The Treasure Within - June 2025

PASSAGE: Mark 4:14
“The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.”

REFLRECTION:
Years ago, I made the most important decision of my life: I chose to make Jesus my Lord and Savior. That moment happened during my first camp, Young Life Summer Camp in 1986. It was there that my counselors walked alongside me and led me to Christ. I will always be grateful to them and to everyone who made that camp possible. It truly was a life-changing experience, and I thank the Lord for meeting me so clearly and powerfully there.

Since that summer, choosing to follow Jesus hasn’t been a one-time decision. It's a choice I’ve had to make again and again in everyday situations. But through every season, He has remained faithful, and I continue to walk with Him, growing in grace and trust each step of the way.

Mark 4:14 says, “The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.”

I am saved today because my counselors took the time to share the love of God with me. Their willingness to reach out changed my life, and from that moment, I’ve had a strong desire to share my camp experience with my family and friends.

But before I can truly share this gift with others, I know I must put the Word of God first in my life every day. That means allowing God's Word to shape my actions, guide my speech, and lead my decisions. I want to invest my time in Scripture, letting it take root in me so it can bear fruit in the lives of others.

I believe every follower of Christ carries a treasure—a hope that the world desperately needs. As the song by David Meece says:

"You can go now, you can go, You've got the treasure that the world needs to know, You can go now, you can go, You've got the power of God, let it flow."

We truly have a treasure within us that can change the world. Let’s not keep it to ourselves. Let's plant it wherever we go. We are His representatives—let’s live like it today.

PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for giving me this great privilege of serving You. Lord, show me how to be your representative in everything I do. Give me the courage and strength in every opportunity to tell them about You, one kid at a time. Please keep the fire burning in my heart in serving You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Read more

Copyright 2018-2025. Young Life Philippines