“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!”
Psalm 150:6
Every journey with LifeQuest USA begins with the moment a young person
realizes there’s more to life than survival. This is the beginning of praise.
Not always sung, but often whispered through tears, through embracing
change, and through a new understanding of grace. As these young men
and women grow, something powerful happens, they begin to realize the
gratitude they can have. Gratitude that they are still here. Gratitude that
someone now believes in them. Gratitude that God has never and will
never leave them. This heart of gratitude is what moves the youth from
pain to praise and allows them to find their purpose.
We know that true praise flows from a heart full of gratitude and that
having something or “Someone” to praise opens the door to purpose.
When a heart recognizes what it has been given— faith, mercy, opportunity,
forgiveness — it begins to believe, maybe for the first time, there is a
different way to live. That is when these young people begin to seek what
it is they are called to do, their purpose.
At LifeQuest USA, we see this every day. In detention centers, on dusty
trails, and in quiet conversations between mentors and youth, and it is in
these interactions and through building these positive mentoring
relationships that praise begins, and purpose can finally take root. Our
purpose at LifeQuest USA remains clear: to reach the youth, even those
often overlooked and to equip them with the truth that can guide
them toward a life that honors Christ. Every hike, every
conversation, and every moment of mentoring carries eternal
weight.
As we begin the final quarter of the year, we’re already
preparing for the next season of growth—expanding
opportunities for youth mentorship, building stronger
community partnerships, and strengthening our team of leaders
who walk the journey with courage and faith. We thank our
Change Makers and invite everyone to pray with us, partner
with us, and Praise God for the lives being transformed through
His power. Together, we are proving that no life is too far gone,
and no heart is too hardened for redemption.
With gratitude,
Ryan C. Butts
President, LifeQuest USA
We are excited to announce a new addition to our monthly newsletter. This will be a place for the youth to tell you their stories firsthand.
“Stories From The Youth”
In Glorieta, I saw a lot of people’s perspectives of the world change. I also saw a lot of kids gain new friends. We talked a lot about David and Goliath, and we talked and shared the giants in our lives, and a lot of people said that it helped them get closer to God. We had great food and great conversations, and a lot of laughs. A few people did not want to do some things, but after some encouragement from their new friends, they did it. For example, one of the kids named John did not want to do the zipline, but after some encouragement, he did it and then went three more times. I would like to thank LifeQuest and all of the people who made this possible. I would also like to thank Mrs. Franchesca and Mrs. Esther, and Uncle Jim for preparing and planning this whole trip. – Harleigh
Getting to Know You
Our 2025 hikers have been putting in the miles week after week in the Sandia Mountains to prepare themselves for their Grand Canyon adventure. They have endured early mornings, plenty of rain, sore legs, and even snakes along the way. In the face of difficulty, they choose to focus on their end goal and know their efforts will be rewarded. It’s a simple but powerful picture of what faith and purpose look like in real life. They’re showing up, step by step, even when it’s hard. These young people are walking forward in faith, discovering who God made them to be, and finding purpose. Just as our hikers are nearing their big journey, our unBanquet season is also coming to a close. Thank you again to everyone who has contributed already. If you haven’t yet, we ask that you prayerfully consider making a donation to the unBanquet as we dream bigger for our next steps.
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 am continually inspired by the resilience, courage, and potential I see in the young people we serve. Every day, we have the privilege of walking alongside youth at some of the most pivotal moments of their lives, moments that shape not just their future, but the legacy they will leave behind. This month’s focus is Faith and Purpose.
At LifeQuest, our mission is rooted in faith. We believe that each young person is fearfully and wonderfully made, created with a unique purpose and calling. Yet, too often, the challenges they face broken homes, cycles of poverty, or other obstacles can cloud their understanding of God’s plan for them. That’s where we in the 413 and 414 get to shine a light of hope, guide them toward their God-given purpose, and equip them with the tools to step confidently into the future He has prepared.
Faith is at the heart of everything we do. It reminds us that no matter the circumstances, God is working in the lives of these youth, and He invites us to be part of that transformation. The 413 and 414 are designed not only to meet immediate needs but to inspire a lifelong journey of faith, character, service and resilience.
Purpose is the compass that guides a young person’s choices and shapes the trajectory of their life. When we help youth connect with their God-given purpose, we witness a powerful transformation not just in them, but in their families and communities. Each small step toward understanding and embracing their purpose is a step toward breaking cycles of despair and planting seeds of hope.
This weekend of the 26th, we had an opportunity to see faith and purpose in action at our fall adventure at Glorieta. We have seen youth step out in faith from leaving the comforts of home the first time, to zip lining. They had a purpose in mind and that is to embody the Spirit of the 4:13 Journey to “Finish Strong”.
Thank you for believing in our mission, investing in these young lives, and walking with us on this journey of faith and purpose.
What’s Happening in 4:13 & 4:14?
The 4:14 group is doing great. We are leaving Friday, the 10th to hike the Grand Canyon with 28 people going with us! The 4:13 is at the back end of our semester, with only 3 adventures remaining. Both Groups are growing in incredible ways, one of the biggest ways is how much they have bonded! I’m seeing on a regular basis the youth praying with each
other for their upcoming week. I’m seeing friendships being forged, and they are hungry for God’s Word and community!
Soli Deo Gloria,
Jim Bayne
Program Director
A Light in the Darkness Column
What is my purpose? That’s a question we all struggle with at some point in our lives.
Our staff and volunteers consider it a great blessing to carry the message of hope in God’s purpose into the facilities each week.
Our programs are growing! The facilities are asking for more. We need you. The greatest gift you can give someone is time. These young men and women are crying out for connection to a purpose. Through our Faith in God, we have that connection.
Whether you are called to meet one-on-one and disciple, or you have the gift of teaching and want to give these youth knowledge and skills that will serve them as they walk out of the facility, we have a place for you!
Volunteer of the Month
Cassandra Jamieson
Cassandra volunteers at our 4:13 Hoffmantown group. She brings such a positive and biblical perspective to the youth and is always
ready for another
adventure. Thank
you, Cassandra,
for joining us on
the 4:13 Journey
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