The Gift of Youth
by Sally Becker
The gift of youth is often said to be wasted on the young. But, that is not always true. The gift of youth is not only about the excitement of learning and experiencing new things, but also about discovering what you love in life. In scripture it is clear that Jesus treasures children. In Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” And, what a gift it is to know or feel the love of God as a youth! A youth group leader gives the youth, this little person that is transitioning from childhood into adulthood, a glimpse of God’s “unhindered” love through their words, their actions, and through their invitation for all youth to experience Jesus.
Mike and Belinda Ballah have volunteered to serve Hood River Alliance Church as the Middle School and High School Youth Group Leaders. When asked why they are volunteering, Mike’s response was simply stated “I love God and I love kids.” They have been given a passion to mentor kids together in Hood River for over 30 years.
Mike became a Christian at the age of 21 and soon after, Belinda committed her life to Christ too. Their love for Jesus has been shared and celebrated in their marriage for 42 years. Together they have had a beautiful journey of happily serving youth when the Lord has asked. Mike’s ministry began about 10 years after accepting Christ when he was offered a Youth Outreach position at Hood River Alliance Church. The couple packed their bags, left Seattle, and moved to Mosier with their toddlers where they started their adventure in obedience to God’s call. Since then, Mike and Belinda have been called in and out of youth ministry both inside and outside of the church. They are excited to continuously follow God’s lead to keep their hearts and their home open to all who need them.
As time passed in between ministry positions, Mike worked as a truck driver for various companies and Belinda worked at Nordstroms as well as the Hood River School District. They lived between Hood River, Vancouver, Portland and Seattle during these years. It was during one of these pauses in ministry positions that Mike was approached by a stranger in the middle of the night at one of his delivery stops. The message that the stranger shared with Mike was that “God loves you and He is not done with you yet!” This confirmed what Mike already knew, which was that God would again call him to serve the youth. Little did he know that God would align a job in Hood River and draw him back to the place that Belinda and him refer to as “home”. Belinda continues to serve the community as Director of the Hood River County Prevention Department, speaking to kids in schools and coming alongside parents with information so that, as the county website states, the community can be “healthy, safe and drug-free.”
The thoughtfulness of God’s presence has never left the Ballahs. Even as they share about a life altering crash where Mike was hit by a drunk driver, they can’t help but mention God’s hand in it all. God protected Mike and his friend that day so that he can continue to live an evangelistic life, sharing his testimony with others. Mike clearly states the excitement he has for His Creator with these words, “God is awesome and I can’t imagine life without him!”
So what is it exactly that the Ballahs like about youth ministry? It’s pretty simple...they don’t like the youth, they LOVE the youth! They care for the kids both physically and spiritually - feeding them, listening to them, playing with them and praying for them. They have great joy in seeing kids excited to give their life to Jesus and so in love with the Lord after camps that they don’t want it to end!
Testimonies in the church tell us about the different ways that we experience God’s love. And a life well lived, serving God, will have an impact on many. It was easy to find past youth group students who were eager to let the congregation know their experience with Mike and Belinda as mentors. Their comments are the ultimate letter of recommendation for any youth or parent. Enjoy getting to know your youth group leaders - Mike and Belinda Ballah. Let’s pray for and encourage them as they work hard to let the life and love of Jesus shine in the Gorge. Their love is a gift for the youth!
“ One thing I have always respected so much about Mike is his ability to make anyone and everyone feel welcome, accepted, and loved. He is so gifted at putting people at ease and making them feel welcome and at home. His heart for inclusion makes the youth group and the church feel like such a safe and inclusive space. I bet Jesus was like that.” - Christina Papoulias (Saur)
"I have known Mike for the entire 36 years of my life. I've known him as a youth group leader, as a boss when I interned for him, as a peer when I served with him, as my best friend's dad, and as the friend who takes my kid fishing. Mike is never a passing ship in someone's life; once he has met you, he impacts you. His love for Jesus, his joy, his deep laugh, his amazingly bad jokes; every day in Mike Ballah's life is a chance to let people know they are loved." - Gretchen Goss
“Mike has been, and continues to be a man who routinely impacts my life with the love of Christ. From the time I was a young man exploring the boundaries of my teenage years, I have known Mike Ballah to be someone who loves and accepts all people whole heartedly. This kind of radical love and acceptance is what drew me in first as a teenager to want to be friends with him and it's this love that has sustained our friendship over the many years of life. God has given Mike a supernatural ability to see people as He sees them, and this is what I have witnessed minister so deeply to others. We live in a world of hurting people needing a tangible experience of God’s love. Mike provides this kind of unconditional love in his everyday life - and because of it, people are touched and naturally want to follow him. Through the years Mike has acquired the name “The Pied Piper”, (not sure if he is aware of that), but that name most accurately describes who and how God has blessed this man and his role in advancing the kingdom of God. We are so blessed to have him back!” - Neal Holste