“The best thing about (KLIFE) to me is that it really does invite anyone and everyone,” freshman Lauren LeMaster said. “It doesn’t matter what your background is, we’re just there to be Christians and it’s as simple as that.”
LeMaster is one of many Harding students reaching out to the community to serve as a leader in Searcy KLIFE, an interdenominational youth ministry for elementary to high school aged students. At KLIFE, leaders and students participate in weekly and monthly events such as weekly “klub” activities and small group devotionals, monthly outings and mission trips.
LeMaster, a leader for high school sophomore girls, said she conducts the music at devotionals, attends her girls’ sports games and lets them know she’s there for them. Junior Nate Crowe, leader of high school junior and senior boys, said he is responsible for leading devotionals and building relationships with his guys.
According to www.searcy.klife.com, the main function is to build Godly relationships with the students who participate. LeMaster said that KLIFE benefits everyone who is involved because of the fellowship.
“For the kids who come, it helps them form a foundation (in God),” LeMaster said. “We provide a place where their relationship with God can be formed.”
KLIFE ministries are connected to the Kamp Kanakuk organization, which has multiple summer camps and ministries around the country. Crowe said that he got involved after attending a Kanakuk camp as a child and spending a summer there as counselor.
“It’s a way to be involved in God’s kingdom,” Crowe said. “You wouldn’t think it’d be hard here at Harding to get involved, but my first two years here I felt like I wasn’t involved in much outside of club stuff. It’s a good way for me to make sure I’m trying to have an effect on God’s kingdom.”
Although KLIFE is connected to the Kamp Kanakuk organization, it is not exclusive to leaders and students who have attended a camp. LeMaster, who has not attended camp, still wanted to be involved in the ministry.
“I got involved in KLIFE because I wanted to get connected with something,” LeMaster said. “I wanted to donate my time for something worthwhile, so I found KLIFE. I really liked the idea that it was interdenominational; it’s not just exclusive to one group of people. It’s all kinds of Christians being able to come together to celebrate Christ in whatever way they know how.”
Searcy KLIFE has plans to grow and continue its work in the community. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.searcy.klife.com.
