Country Kids: Group offers fun with friends, plans with a purpose

By MINDY POEHL | Central Texas Edition

An area nondenominatinal youth ministry group has proved to be a great activity to be involved with ... and one that Brent Weems feels would benefit all. -- Staff photo by Mindy Poehl

August 11, 2005 - When people (no matter what age) are overly stressed, they often soothe themselves by getting involved in an extracurricular activity that they enjoy.

For Brent Weems, a 17-year-old from Waco, there’s a unique group activity that offers him comfort, and a chance to succeed. Brent definitely knows how to put himself at ease when the stresses of life get to him ... he turns to his friends at K-Life, a non-denominational youth ministry.

“K-Life is like a normal church youth group, but it’s different in a sense that there are times for hanging out, worshiping and then we have a speaker,” Brent explained. “The main focus is on small group Bible studies that we have.”

The group, made up of Waco-area kids from seventh through 12th grade, meets every Thursday night. On average, about 60 people come together every week to enjoy the companionship at K-Life.

K-Life has taught Brent many things which he puts to use in his everyday life.

“K-Life has helped me succeed at many things. One way is through various opportunities to speak in front of large groups. I used to be scared to do that, but I have learned to overcome that fear,” he said.

Every year, K-Life goes on different mission trips, and last March, Brent joined a group that went to Kansas City to work with inner-city, poverty-stricken kids.

“Being around a diverse age group and around people from all over has helped me step outside of my comfort zone,” said the 17-year-old said.

Brent has been a member of K-Life since his freshman year at high school. As he enters Baylor University in the fall, he plans on staying involved with K-Life by being a college volunteer with K-Life.

“I want to be a K-Life leader because it’s been such a huge blessing for me. I want to give back to it and be there for people the way the leaders were there for me,” he said. “I really enjoy the atmosphere there and the people are loving and caring. It’s a good thing to experience besides all of the high school stress. It lets me be refreshed and relaxed and it gets your mind off of temporary things.”

Brent spoke of a Bible verse that says “Whatever you do, do it for the Lord and not men.”

“That verse has given me the motivation to succeed at what I do,” he explained. “One day we will be in Heaven and the little things, like doing bad on a test, won’t matter.”

Brent has also grown to be a leader with the help of K-Life.

“I look at the K-Life leaders and know I want to be one. I have the desire and motives because I care about people. I want to be in charge and help mentor a small group. I will be committed to giving up my time to that and make that sacrifice because I will enjoy it.”

For more information on how to get involved in K-Life, call Rudy Littler, the director, at 254-644-9525.