Our History
12:11 Youth Ministries was conceived on Saturday, October 30th, 2009. God began giving Adam Clausen, the Youth Pastor, a clear perception and overwhelming confidence that the 80+ students in the youth group were “overcomers.” Immediately, he was reminded of Revelation 12:11 in the Bible that says, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death” (NKJV). As Adam prayed for each of his students in attendance at the state-wide Youth Convention, he felt an overwhelming gift of faith that each one of them was going to be and overcomer.
So many of our students are faced with the challenges that accompany broken homes, abusive relationships, teen pregnancy and parenthood, gang activity, drug use, insecurity, and so much more. The majority of our students have experienced absent (not at home), anonymous (at home but uninvolved), or abusive (physically or emotionally) parent figures which has inflicted some deep wounds that affect every area of the students’ lives. We believe, however, that no matter the tribulations we face, grace [empowerment, enablement] to overcome if we have faith in Jesus Christ and the sufficiency of what He accomplished on the Cross (John 16:33).
We also overcome by one another’s testimonies. We believe every person God has created is uniquely gifted and entrusted with a divine purpose that is to be discovered and fulfilled here on earth. This means everyone has a story and that everyone’s story is valuable. The Apostle Paul in Scripture reminds us that we are able to “comfort those who are in any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:4). Therefore, our story, enlightened and empowered by God, contains power for others to find hope and courage that they, too, can overcome their misfortunes and mistreatments and, one day, stand to testify of God’s goodness and power.
Lastly, we believe we are overcomers because of our complete surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ (Luke 9:23-24). This doesn’t mean we’re to become secluded monks in a monastery, nor does it mean we are to never have fun (see 1 Timothy 6:17, Psalm 16:11). Simplistically, we submit to God’s Word above any other authority and esteem His desires above any of our selfish, ungodly desires.
Living life is tough. And we, at 12:11 Youth Ministries, believe we can overcome everything in this world if we simply have Jesus and each other. Come join in a cultural revolution of overcomers!
