Gwen and Ed Plantage were able to find a way to do volunteer work and spend more time with their children.

The Plantages decided to volunteer with Youth for Christ to help their children and other kids develop a relationship with their church.

&uot;We want to walk with our kids while they walk with the Lord,&uot; Gwen said.

The Plantages believe that being Christian means that they have to answer a call to service. They knew when their oldest child became involved with The Rock that they wanted to be as well.

They help out with many of the group’s activities including teen nights, student-led bible studies and fundraising events. Ed and Gwen also have gone on the Colorado caravan three times, which takes kids out to camp and hike in Colorado.

Ed said that keeping up with the kids can be a challenge but it also gives them an opportunity to do things they enjoy.

&uot;We are kids at heart and like to do fun stuff too,&uot; he said.

The Plantages are also involved with Youth for Christ because they know how an active adult can change a child’s life.

&uot;When I grew up, when adults took an interest, it felt good,&uot; Gwen said.

Gwen also believes that the kids in Albert Lea need just as much help as the kids that are helped by mission trips in Haiti or Jamaica.

&uot;It could be next door,&uot; she said.

If you are interested in volunteering with Youth for Christ, call 373-1015 for more information.

(Contact Michael Martin at mike.martin@albertleatribune.com or 379-3435.)