Meet Chris Wimberly

Chris eating a doughnut in one bite after losing a challenge with a kid.

I met Chris a number of years ago when he started working in the same office as my wife. As I got to know him it was hard not to see how perfect he would be for working with middle school kids. He is funny, energetic, willing to make fun of himself, slightly crazy, incredibly caring, smart, responsible, and in love with Jesus. As soon as I started working with Young Life I wanted to ask him to be a part of the Ladera Ranch team, but he was working full time and finishing up his degree at Vanguard University. He graduated last year, and a few months ago, he asked me if he could, "check us out." I was thrilled!! He and his wife had supported us financially, and now he was going to become a leader! 

I hope you all get a chance to meet Chris. He and his wife are amazing.  I look forward to Chris becoming a bigger part of the Ladera team, and to getting to watch what God is going to do through him. So, meet Chris:

Chris jumped right in from the first time he came!

Born: Huntsville, AR

When and how did you meet Jesus: I met my wife in October of 2008. At that time I did not know Jesus. My wife (at the time girlfriend) was attending a Sunday evening service in Lake Forest. I began going with her and learning about Jesus. In 2009, I gave my life to the Lord. Best and most important decision I have ever made!

Who has had a big impact on your relationship with Jesus: Professor Bill Dogterom at Vanguard University. I recently graduated from Vanguard with a degree in Christian Ministry and Leadership. I had this professor for numerous classes. He was a solid dude who blew my mind with his depth of theological understanding. This guy knew Jesus in a real way - you could just tell.

Another avid surfer.

What is your favorite thing to do for fun: Please don't make me choose between surfing and playing guitar. Can't I pick both :)

What is the most interesting thing about you: My left ear and my right ear are shaped differently; I have caught alligators, possums, and snakes with my bear hands; and I can play a mean guitar solo behind my head.

Most embarrassing memory from middle school: I got my left ear pierced in 7th grade and it didn't go well so my dad had to remove a piece of the earring from my ear with a pair of needle-nosed pliers. When I saw the pliers in his hands, I fainted. Don't tell anyone. BTW - I know what you're thinking, but getting only one ear pierced is totally cool. At least it was in Amarillo, Texas at the time.

Christ and his wife Christie at his graduation from Vanguard University!

Why are you a WyldLife leader: Because I have a heart for the youth and I believe it is where Jesus has called me at this time.

Why do you think WyldLife is important: Because knowing Jesus is important! Also, having good role models is essential in today's world. There are so many bad examples out there influencing our youth. Wyldlife is an opportunity to be a good role model and prayerfully point kiddos to Jesus.

If you could tell kids any one thing, what would it be: First of all - never put anything metal in the microwave. Secondly, and most important - Truth exists, you just need to know where to find it. Don't look for truth in the wrong places. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Believe it and tell everyone you know.

If you were an ice cream flavor, what flavor would you be: Peanut butter with chunks of peanut butter drizzled with oozing peanut butter sauce because peanut butter is the best thing in the world. Oh, did I forget to mention that I like peanut butter? In case I forgot - I LOVE PEANUT BUTTER

They recently got to go to Israel.

Meet Riley Drew!

Riley (on the right) helping out at the  Mission Hills High School youth group

I met Riley Drew through Bryce. Bryce had asked me if one of his friends could come and check out WyldLife when we did the bigger or better event a few months ago. Little did I know I was about to meet such a rad person! Since Riley came that night, he has jumped right in. He came with us to winter camp only a week later, clearing his schedule so he could come, and has been at almost everything we have done since. Having him come be a part of the team has added so much. His heart for these kids, and hunger to grow closer to God is truly inspiring.

I am sad to say that Riley will be leaving us after the summer to attend the University of California at Santa Cruz, but we are so thankful for the time we have had with him. So, meet Riley: 

Riley is always down to surf

Meet Riley Drew:

Born: March 5, 1994 in San Clemente, CA.

How did you meet Jesus: I met Jesus about a year ago in Rock Harbor church. It was about a year and a half for how I was constantly going to church, and struggled with the idea of God. Growing up I never was able to get close with Jesus because my church shut down when I was young. I had all of these problems and questions and frustration in my head. I went into church this one night with all of these things in my head and that night somehow the pastor just checked off the list all of my questions and issues which freaked me out. He didn't necessarily answer them but he brought them up. That entire time I was going to church i was about 85% in with God, and this night I was fed up with everything I was dealing with and I went in 100% with God and told him everything I was feeling and brought up questions. I felt so much better letting everything out and the only thing I can remember was feeling this tingly feeling through my body and I knew it was him just like giving me a hug and holding me. It was an outer body experience and It was insane. I left church feeling so much better after that and I had this tingly feeling still even after like two hours after church.

Who is someone that has had a big impact on your relationship with Jesus: One really close person that has had a deep impact with my relationship with Jesus is my friend Billy Bohn. I constantly went to Rock Harbor with him and also did Bible Study here and there with him. He was right there with me when I gave myself up to Jesus and he was there when I met Jesus.

It was about 10ft and hollow that day… Riley wasn't scared!

Why are you a WyldLife leader: I am a Wyldlife Leader because I want to be a good role model for the kids we work with and I want to share Jesus's life with them.

Most embarrassing memory from middle school: Most embarrassing memory from middle school could have been the time when I wore a hoodie to school and older kids put trash in my hood during lunch. I felt so embarrassed because I had no idea they were doing that and when I dumped out all the trash I remember seeing everyone laughing at me. Pretty embarrassing but didn't really affect me.

Two amigos.

Why do you think WyldLife is important: Wyldlife is very important to me. I wish I could have had a youth group growing up to be around other kids and older leaders to look up to. My memories from middle school was hanging out with my one friend Dylan everyday, and I never had anyone older to really look up to. I kind of went through my school years all by myself and had some difficult experiences. I also wish I could have learned about Jesus earlier. I want to be there for the kids who were like me in middle school.

What is one thing you really want to share with kids: Be yourself, don't worry about what people with think of you because the ones who are important in your life will stay and your relationships will be that much better if you are yourself.

If you were an ice cream flavor, what flavor would you be: Probably like malt ball ice cream with chocolate and marshmallows in it. I may look basic like chocolate ice cream, but the deeper ya go with me the sweeter and more surprises you find.

Riley is a total rockstar and we are so happy to have him as a part of the team!

Meet Matthew Patrella

Matthew, in the middle on the left, is always down to hang out!

I first met Matthew when he came up to me at Starbucks and asked, "What's this Young Life stuff about?" I was reading my Bible and had a YL shirt on with a YL sticker on my computer. He noticed the Bible and figured, since he liked that, he might be into Young Life as well. After months of getting to know each other, he is now a good friend and one of the amazing leaders at Ladera Ranch WyldLife. For the past 7 years or so Matthew has been a fixture at the Ladera Starbucks as he worked on several degrees, including a MBA from Concordia University, and more recently studying to complete his licensing to become a CPA. He is now spending most of his time working with WyldLife, looking for a place to start his new career, and fishing.

A true fisherman

Meet Matthew Patrella:

Born: Oct. 4, 1986 Mission Viejo, CA

How, when, and where did you meet Jesus: I don't think there was ever a specific way, place, or time. My relationship with Jesus has been a progression with various ups and downs.

Who is the person that has had a deep impact on your relationship with Jesus and why: Fr. Ambrose from St. Michael's Abbey. I sought guidance from the Abbey and just happened to talk to him when my axiety reemerged in my early 20's. I have continued to seek theological counsel from him.

Most embarrassing memory from middle school: I missed almost all of 7th grade when my anxiety disorder emerged. I had to still go to school so that they got paid for me showing up and the result was me doing independent study in an empty office. I tried my very best to not let others know but I played baseball with kids that I was going to school with so others eventually found out.

Spot on Halloween costume for a up-and-coming CPA

Why are you a WyldLife leader: To show others Christ's Love and that Salvation is attained only though Him.

Why do you think WyldLife is important: It spreads Christ's message in a world that is full of secular clutter.

Favorite thing to do for fun: Currently it is anything with the ocean, whether it is fishing, swimming, tidepools, diving, etc.

A loyal Kings fan

Best memory from your time with WyldLife Ladera Ranch: That first time a kid came up to me to say hi and knew my name.

If you could share any one thing with one of the kids, what would it be: Christ is there, no matter what you do, where you go, and what happens, He is still there and His love is eternal.

If you were an ice cream flavor, what flavor would you be: Espresso Chip because I basically run on espresso.

Matthew's happy place

Meet Grant!

Its Grant... and the rest of the leaders

Grant Waggoner is one of our new leaders for this year, and it has been truly amazing to have him be part of the team! Grant has been involved in Young Life since high school, and has lead in Las Vegas, Malibu, and now down here. It shows when it comes to how he is able to relate with the kids and get down on their level. From the very first day he was able to find a way to relate to kids and start getting to know them... even kids that are normally quiet and withdrawn. He is currently getting a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Peperdine, and wants to work mainly with adolescents. He and his wife Leslie enjoy spending their evenings at Disneyland whenever they get a chance.

His frisbee skills are legendary

Meet Grant Waggoner:

Born: 6/19/1989 Columbus, OH

How, when, and where you met Jesus: My testimony does not include a specific time or place of a conversion to faith or a complete 180 degree turn from one way of living to another. Rather, through growing up in the Church, I have seen the impact and value that Christianity can have on my life. I made the personal commitment to follow Christ in my junior year of high school and have been deeply satisfied from that decision ever since. The relationship that I have with Christ is one that I tend to throughout most of my daily routines and with that being said, I continue to know more about God with every passing day.

Why are you a WyldLife leader: I am a Wyldife leader because I want kids to feel valued and validated. I want to be a positive influence and role model to students as they are going through ever-changing, awkward, fun, difficult, exploratory, phase of middle school. Central to this explanation is the person of Christ. If I can introduce kids to know who Jesus Christ is and how He is constantly working in their lives then I have done my job as a leader.

Why do you think WyldLife is important: I think that Wyldlife is important because it comes to kids where they are and shows them who Jesus is through interacting with leaders, looking at scripture, and having fun. Wyldlife points those who could be the furthest away from having a relationship with Christ to start making steps towards Him. 

Most embarrassing memory from middle school: Well, I went straight into eighth grade after being homeschooled for most of my life so my most embarrassing moments came from really coming to understand the sharp learning curve of social interactions with my peers as opposed to the interactions I had at home. For example, taking my shoes off and walking around class was not as normal as I thought it would be, nor was eating lined paper, or wearing my shirts inside out and backwards. Fortunately, I caught up with the acceptable trends by high school but man, most of eighth grade could probably be categorized as “embarrassing.” 

Facial hair is a prerequisite for being a guy leader

Who is the person that has had a deep impact on your relationship with Jesus and why: Both of my parents have had an incredible impact on my life across many domains but they have especially had a significant influence in my spiritual life. They have shown me what living a Christian life and running a Christian household looks like for the past 25 years. (They are also both Young Life leaders). 

Most interesting/unique/funny thing about you: I am currently learning to recite all of the states and capitals while doing a handstand. 

Favorite thing to do for fun: I love skating, surfing, climbing, playing the piano, and learning a few new parlor tricks here and there, but my favorite thing to do for fun is hang out with my wife. 

Grant and his wife Leslie 

If you could share any one thing with the kids what would it be: You were made on purpose for a purpose.

If you were an ice cream flavor, what flavor would you be? Why: I’d be sorbet – just to be difficult.

Please Allow Me to Introduce Myself

The Bright family... I am a LUCKY guy!

I am beyond blessed to get to be a part of what is happening in Ladera Ranch through WyldLife. That I get to call this my job seems like a dream. 

I grew up in Young Life. My parents started taking us to Trail West, a Young Life family camp in Colorado when I was in 7th grade, and then started a club at my high school my freshman year. Young Life changed my life. I am who I am, in a large part, because of Young Life.  It is such a privilege to get to do the same thing for other kids.

I am having the other leaders fill out a questionnaire and thought that I would do the same and share it with you, so...

At the finish line of my first 50K

Here is Luke:

Born: June 13, 1980 El Paso, TX

How, when, and where did you meet Jesus: I grew up knowing about Jesus, and I remember asking Jesus to come into my heart when I was around 7-8. I just remember feeling really lonely and the idea of Jesus always being with me was really appealing. Later, in the 8th grade, I specifically remember giving my life to Jesus, and I think that was different because it was me giving him my life instead of asking him to come into mine. But, as with most in life, I think there is a progression, because I would say that I experienced being "born again" in my late 20's while my parents were going through a nasty divorce that seemed to drag on, and I began to question everything I thought I knew. I experienced Jesus' love in a way I don't think I could have without that painful experience. There is a part of me that wishes that never happened, but I am more grateful for it than I would have ever thought possible.

Most embarrassing memory from middle school: I once got sent to the office for farting in class... people that were in that classroom still talk about it to this day.

Me and Harper

Why do you think WyldLife is important: It gives kids a safe place where they can be themselves and be loved. For me, church wasn't always a place where I felt like I could be myself, but Young Life was. I got to watch leaders I knew love Jesus and be real, for good and bad, and I got to watch forgiveness and restoration in action. 

Who is the person that has had the deepest impact on your relationship with Jesus and why: Growing up it was, beyond question, my mom and dad. I am who I am in a large part because of them. Later in life it was Joe Bahr, my Young Life leader. Mike Erre and one of my professors at Vanguard, Bill Doggterom have had a huge impact more recently. Also, Brennan Manning... I only met him once, but he has taught me more about the love of God than anyone.

My happy place

Favorite thing to do for fun: Hang with my wife and two daughters... then it would be running in the mountains, playing in the ocean, or snowboarding.

Most interesting/unique/funny thing about you: I hate chewing gum with a deep deep passion... not sure why, and I totally get that its weird, but I just can't seem to help it.

The mud pit at camp this summer

Best memory from your time with WyldLife Ladera Ranch: The last Cabin Time at camp this summer. Something incredibly special happened and I got to experience a few of the boys open up and share their lives.

Yeah... no explanation for this one

If you could share any one thing with kids, what would it be: Jesus knows them and loves them completely the way they are right now, not the way they think they should be.

Getting to do this with the whole family is a dream come true!

If you were an ice cream flavor, what flavor would you be? Why: Baskin Robbins Rocky Road, because it has a rich chocolate flavor but still has marshmallows and nuts to keep it from being too serious.

Meet Matthew Wright, AKA Ginger Beard

The boys had a little fun with Matt at camp!

Matthew Wright was one of the very first WyldLife leaders in Ladera Ranch, and he is awesome. It has been really great watching him connect with the kids, especially the 8th grade boys. He was one of the leaders that came with us to camp this year and he was incredible with the boys that came with us. From wrestling in the cabin, to leading the charge in field games, he brought a ton of energy. Matt is one of our local leaders in that he is one of the two that actually grew up in Ladera Ranch. He is currently a student at Saddleback and working at REI... and we currently are trying to raise the financial support needed to bring him on staff with WyldLife part-time.

He is a model in his spare time.

So, here is Matt:

Born: 08/08/1993 in Newport Beach.

Why are you a WyldLife Leader: I am a Wyldlife leader because I remember what it was like being a middle school student. Its rough. Your body is going through crazy changes and you are trying to fit in and be "cool". Providing a place where everyone is cool and loved is the best thing we can do for the middle schoolers.

Night hike with the Ladera team

Why is WyldLife important: Wyldlife is important because it helps shape a kids life for the rest of his or her life. Showing that Jesus loves you no matter what is a very powerful thing. 

Who had the biggest impact on you and your relationship with Jesus: My Dad. He raised me by giving me the opportunity to learn about Jesus. Shoving Jesus down someones throat won't do it. The person has to figure it out for themselves or else they will reject it or it won't be genuine. This is why my Dad and I are so excited for WyldLife. Wyldlife gives kids the opportunity to know and learn about Jesus. We love them no matter what their decision. 

A man of many faces.

Favorite things to do: Surf, body surf, frolic in the ocean. 

One thing you want to share with kids at WyldLife: Friendship

Best WyldLife memory: Camp. Its one long crazy week. But specifically when Luke and I pranked some of the boys back. It was so good.

Shredding.

What kind of ice cream flavor best describes you: Rocky Road. Its the best ice cream, duh.