April Mission: The Importance of Educating the Future
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7, NIV)
Dear LifeQuest Family,
This month we will be focusing on the importance of education, the issues that create barriers toward the youth receiving an education, and how the Lord is leading LQ regarding this very important issue.
According to nmeducation.org, the youth in New Mexico face some of the toughest educational challenges in the nation. We currently rank 50th (again) in overall child well-being and education. During the 2023-2024 school year, 29.77% of students in New Mexico were chronically absent, 87% of eighth-grade students in New Mexico were not proficient in math, up from 79% in 2019, and approximately 24.6% of New Mexico’s school-aged children are living in poverty, compared to the national average of 17.3%. These issues are robbing many of Gods children of their potential, some well before they even reach high school.
But here at LifeQuest (LQ) we believe in a different story. A story where the hope of Christ shows up and changes everything. Through mentoring, tutoring, and character development we have found ways to step into the gaps where the system may fall short. It is through our programs like the 4:13 Journey, the 4:14 Continuing Journey, and our in-facility programs we offer more than just academic encouragement—but family, future and hope.
Thank you for walking with us. Together, we can ensure that every New Mexico youth has not just a chance to learn—but a reason to believe.
Join us in fueling the journey.
Donate at lifequestusa.org or
contact us at 505-341-9383.
Blessings,
Ryan C. Butts
President, LifeQuest USA
The Community Column
4:13 Journey / 4:14 Continuing Journey
What’s Up, Everyone?
Jim here!
Can you believe it’s already spring? Birds are chirping, flowers are starting to bud, and things are beginning to green up a bit! Here’s a cool thought: we get to serve the youth of New Mexico and introduce them to the Savior. Let that sink in… We Get To. What a privilege!
This Month’s Focus: Education!
In the 4:13 and 4:14 programs, it’s about more than just learning—it’s about transformation. I get to see young people from diverse backgrounds—rural and urban communities, different socioeconomic situations, and various family dynamics—come together in a Christ-centered environment that fosters faith, character, and purpose.
Our programs offer mentorship, discipleship, and leadership development tailored to each youth’s journey. Whether guiding a teen who has grown up in the church or reaching one who is hearing the Gospel for the first time, we strive to equip all young people with biblical values, practical life skills, and a strong sense of community. Through service projects, worship, hands-on learning, and adventures, we nurture both spiritual and personal growth, empowering the next generation to walk in faith and lead with integrity.
What’s Happening in the 4:13?
We just wrapped up our Glorieta trip 3 weeks ago. The youth had an incredible time, with some going on the zip line up to 9 times! They also conquered their fear of heights on the Via Ferrata. And, as always, the food was amazing! One of the highlights of the weekend was on Saturday night when I had the privilege of giving a Gospel invitation. We had 3 people receive Christ as their Savior, and 2 people rededicate their lives to Christ. Glorieta is a special place where relationships are strengthened—not just with each other, but with Jesus as well!
What’s Coming Up?
In the weeks ahead, we have Rock 101, a 4-hour music camp, several hikes, and rappelling at White Rock Canyon. Exciting things are on the horizon!
Thank you for your prayers, generosity, and commitment to LifeQuest. You make all of this possible.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Jim Bayne
Program Director
A Light in the Darkness Column
-Education Interrupted
Studies show 2/3 of youth who were incarcerated never return to school.
There are many challenges to providing valuable education, let alone education in secure facilities. These challenges include multiple grade levels in one classroom, lack of prior education or inconsistent attendance at public school, limited resources for teachers, limited time for educational instruction, and the threat to the personal safety of the teachers.
CYFD does have High Schools that operate in the facilities and provide standard education. Every year CYFD clients earn their diplomas, with the opportunity to participate in dual credit opportunities. There have been state champs that earned their title while locked up. That doesn’t change the fact that these youth are locked up and challenges multiply 10-fold. A class may be scheduled for an hour and it may be a math class, but by the time you get any group of teenagers to settle, and then have to mediate the beef they had during the previous class and intervene in new or ongoing beefs, and review previous class work you may end up with less than 10 minutes for instruction in new material. One of the teachers we have the pleasure of working with has said that, despite all of that, she doesn’t want to leave “her kids,” because who else will show them that they matter and can do hard things?
What’s the answer?
It’s not a simple, easy-to-accomplish path. It will take many things working together. We at LifeQuest are grateful for the educators who dedicate their careers to these youth. We seek to support our clients as a whole by supporting facility staff and teachers in any way we can which includes our volunteers providing one-on-one Tutoring, and our mentors continuously encouraging the youth as they travel the path to adulthood in the most trying of circumstances.
We are excited to have the opportunity to help provide these teachers with an end-of-year meal. Your support makes thanking these amazing educators possible.
Until Next Time -Esther Taylor