A Message From The President
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4, ESV)
“Let steadfastness have its full effect” is a reminder that real change takes time and that God often does His deepest work through perseverance, consistency, and faithfulness. Too often people pull back when things become difficult, when schedules become busy, or when more is asked of them, yet Scripture points us in the opposite direction. It reminds us not to quit halfway through the process and not to walk away before God finishes what He is doing.
As we recognize Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month and Foster Care Awareness Month, we are reminded that many of the youth we serve through LifeQuest USA are carrying trauma, instability, abandonment, hopelessness, and fear.
Healing does not happen overnight. Trust is not built quickly. Transformation takes time, patience, and people willing to remain present long enough for God’s work to take root. This is why mentors matter. This is why volunteers matter. This is why faithful donors matter. A conversation may seem small. A few hours of volunteering may not feel significant. A donation may feel limited compared to the need. Yet God uses faithful consistency to create lasting impact in the lives of young people who desperately need hope, truth, guidance, and encouragement.
Do not stop giving because more is being asked. Give more. Do not stop showing up because life becomes busy. Show up more. Do not stop helping because the need feels overwhelming. Help more. Some of the greatest things God accomplishes happen after the point where most people would have walked away.
Thank you to every mentor, volunteer, donor, and supporter who continues standing beside LifeQuest USA. Your faithfulness is helping create opportunities for healing, growth, resilience, discipleship, and lasting transformation. God is using your steadfastness to have an effect far greater than any of us can fully see today.
Blessings,
Ryan “Chance” Butts
President, LifeQuest USA
Harleigh’s Corner
This month we are going to talk about something different. This month we are going to talk about a saying. The saying is “Bloom Where You Are Planted.” This saying can mean many different things, but this month we are going to talk about how we can use it in our lives. First, let’s look at what it means. It means wherever God puts or plants you, you should bloom there. You can be a missionary, help preach one Sunday, encourage someone, or simply show kindness to others. It means making that place your Jerusalem (Your Holy Place) and trusting God to take care of the rest. Sometimes we may not like where we are or what we are going through, but God has a reason for placing us there. He can use us anywhere if we are willing to trust Him and follow Him. We should try to shine His light and be an example to the people around us no matter where we are.
Love, Harleigh
P.S. Please write me back because I love hearing from you. Here is the address:
Attention: Harleigh’s Corner
2705 Pan American Fwy NE #E
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107
Volunteer of the Month
This month, we would like to recognize Mark Rickert. While Mark serves as our newly elected Board Chair, he is also faithfully active as a volunteer within YDDC, serving in two cottages each week. Week after week, Mark consistently shows up to encourage the youth and support the LifeQuest team. His dedication, faithfulness, and heart for young people are deeply appreciated.
Thank you, Mark, for the impact you continue to make in the lives of the youth of New Mexico.
Community Column
| Happy May, Jim here, As we continue through this month, I want to take a moment to speak about something that is deeply important to the mission of LifeQuest: the mental health of the youth we serve and the life-changing impact of mentorship. Today’s young people are carrying heavy burdens. Many are struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, identity, broken relationships, and the pressure of trying to navigate life without consistent support. Some youth simply need someone who will listen to them, encourage them, and remind them that they matter. At LifeQuest, we believe no young person should have to walk through those struggles alone. As a Christ-centered ministry, we know that healing and hope are found in Jesus, but we also recognize the importance of caring adults who are willing to step into a young person’s life and reflect the love of Christ through mentorship. Sometimes the greatest ministry is simply being present. A mentor who consistently shows up can help a young person feel safe, valued, heard, and supported during some of the most difficult seasons of their life. Healthy mentorship plays a powerful role in mental health. When youth have trusted adults investing in them, it | builds confidence, emotional stability, resilience, and hope for the future. Mentors help young people process challenges, make healthier decisions, and understand that their lives have purpose. In a world where many youth feel overlooked or disconnected, mentorship creates meaningful relationships that remind them they are not alone. Throughout Scripture, we see the importance of walking alongside others with wisdom, encouragement, and compassion. Jesus modeled this perfectly through the way He invested in His disciples and cared deeply for people. At LifeQuest, we strive to follow that example by creating Christ-centered relationships that help youth grow spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. I want to personally thank every volunteer, mentor, and supporter who continues to pour into the next generation. Your time, presence, and willingness to care are making a real difference in the lives of young people every day. Please continue praying for the youth we serve and for more mentors who are willing to answer the call to walk beside them with grace, patience, and the love of Christ. In His Grip, Jim Bayne |
What’s Happening In LifeQuest Programs 4:13-4:14 And JJS:
4:14 – The program continues to thrive each week, with up to 25 youth consistently attending and engaging. Additionally, before our large group gathering at 6:30 PM, we host a Bible study that continues to grow as more youth choose to participate each week. It has been encouraging to see young people seeking deeper conversations, connection, and spiritual growth.
JJS – We are actively preparing for Ready 4 Life, which will begin in June. We are excited for the opportunity to continue equipping and encouraging youth as they prepare for their future.
Prayer Points
• JJS – Prayer for Ready 4 Life as preparations continue, and for new volunteers to join in our mission.
• 4:13 – Prayer for wisdom and guidance as we plan for our summer and fall programming.
• LifeQuest – Prayer for continued clarity, vision, and direction as we move forward in serving youth and families.
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