The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Young Life, a Christian ministry aimed at introducing adolescents to the faith while offering support, activities and fun times, is returning to Sisters under the leadership of Doug and Shannon Miller along with an enthusiastic group of community supporters.

Many locals may be familiar with the Washington Family Ranch, which is a Young Life camp near Antelope on the site of the former Big Muddy Ranch, home to Rajneeshpuram in the 1980s. The Millers worked there for the past two years before heeding the call to come and work in Sisters. The Washington Family Ranch hosts thousands of kids and families every year at what can only be described as a sprawling, magnificent facility.

Young Life has been active in Sisters in the past, but waned in recent years and the Millers are excited at the prospect of helping grow the ministry in the years to

come.

Following three informational meetings in recent weeks that included recruiting community supporters, it has been confirmed that Young Life will be starting up in the fall.

"Young Life brings a message of hope to teenagers," said Shannon Miller. "We find adults who genuinely care about kids and put them in a place where they can help them navigate the difficult waters of

adolescence."

Young Life groups exist in communities throughout America and beyond. The organization has been around for more than 70

years.

Miller explains that though Young Life is a faith-based program, the approach is not pushy.

"We love kids for who they are regardless of the faith path they may take," she said. "We really hope Young Life will be rekindled and flourish like it did in the past years."

The Millers are also excited to bring their four children, ranging from 5 to 14 years old, to Sisters in this new chapter of the family's life. "We found a house and will be moving to Sisters in July," said Shannon. "We love to be outside, to have adventures, and to have a kitchen full of

friends."

To learn more about Young Life, Shannon Miller can be contacted at

[email protected]