“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
Dear LifeQuest USA Family,
I pray this message finds you well. As we continue our mission at LifeQuest USA, I am filled with gratitude for the journey we have embarked upon together.
This month, we are focusing on employment. It is one of the greatest indicators of long-term success and stability. A job provides more than income. It gives purpose, structure, and a way out of generational poverty. But for many of the youth we serve, that path is blocked long before a job application is ever filled out.
In New Mexico, 66 percent of incarcerated youth do not return to school after release. Only 50 percent are employed within the first year, and most earn less than ten thousand dollars annually. While these numbers reflect the first year, the long-term effects are even more sobering. Formerly incarcerated youth are more likely to remain underemployed, earn less over their lifetime, struggle with housing and education, and face high rates of re-incarceration without consistent support.
But incarceration is not the only barrier. Youth from broken homes, addiction, poverty, and trauma face many of the same challenges. Even without a criminal record, they carry the weight of instability and pain that follows them into adulthood.
LifeQuest USA stands in the gap. By sharing our faith, building mentoring relationships, providing character development, and even offering lifelong guidance, we prepare young people to face the future with confidence and direction. The youth who chose to journey with us are not just surviving. They are finding the faith to believe and are beginning to thrive. To quote Nelson Mandela, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
You are the ones that make all of this possible, which is why we now are going refer to you, our partners, those who support LifeQuestUSA, as “The Change Makers”. Without you, none of this would be possible. It is your prayers, your time, and your generosity that help keep this mission alive. As we keep expanding in all the areas that God has called us to, we ask that you consider partnering with us in even greater ways. The need is great, but together, we are meeting it.
With gratitude,
Ryan C. Butts
President, LifeQuest USA
Getting to Know You
Young people in New Mexico are facing serious challenges when it comes to finding work. The unemployment rate for youth is more than double that of adults in the state. In some communities, nearly half of all teens and young adults are out of school and out of work. These numbers reflect not only a lack of opportunity but a need for guidance, support, and purpose during a critical season of life.
Employment alone does not define a young person’s value, but it can be a tool God uses to build character and open new doors. Jobs help teens develop discipline, confidence, and a sense of responsibility. When youth are supported in safe, meaningful work, they gain more than experience; they begin to see how their gifts can be used to serve others and shape a hopeful future.–Tiffany
The Community Column
4:13 Journey / 4:14 Continuing Journey
What’s up, Everyone?
Jim here!
I hope your summer has been full of growth, rest, and connection. At LifeQuest, we have the honor of walking alongside young people at some of the most defining moments in their lives. One of the most important conversations we can have right now is around employment and what it really takes to help youth in New Mexico step into meaningful work.
For many of the young people we serve, the path to employment isn’t just about landing a job, it’s about building confidence, learning responsibility, and discovering purpose. Whether they’ve grown up in the system, are coming out of detention, or simply haven’t had access to strong role models, so many youths are hungry for a chance to prove themselves and create a better future.
In our 4:13 and 4:14 programs, we’re working to prepare teens with the life skills, character development, and mentorship they need to succeed not just in a job, but in life. We are willing to do what it takes to equip the youth to be successful whether it’s from mock interviews to resume
building to understanding workplace expectations, we will do our best to bridge the gap between where our youth are now and where they hope to go.
But the reality is we can’t do it alone. We’re always seeking local businesses, tradespeople, and organizations who are willing to partner with us to offer job shadowing, apprenticeships, or even
entry-level opportunities for our young people. If you know someone who might be willing to give a youth a shot, let us know.
New Mexico youth are full of potential. Sometimes, all they need is someone to believe in them and give them that first step forward.
Let’s continue working together to equip and empower the next generation of workers, leaders, and change-makers.
What’s Happening in 4:13?
As I stated last month, we were busy planning and preparing for the upcoming fall semester, and I’m happy to announce we have everything planned and prepared for the 4:13 adventures to the Grand Canyon hike! This semester we will be having 2 groups, Hoffmantown and Bernalillo,
beginning the week of the 18th.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Jim Bayne
Program Director
A Light in the Darkness Column
So begins autumn opportunities. As LifeQuest continues its weekly groups and meetings in the facilities, we are presented with a need. People.
Our amazing team of dedicated individuals pour so much into our youth. But you are needed.
We have 3 groups of young men with nobody to meet with them.
We have new opportunities at a new facility to work with young men and women.
We have 4 groups of young men in Las Cruces who need an hour a week from someone who sees them as people.
Who will share hope with these?
Until next time, Esther
receive the newsletter in your inbox!