Youth Rush: Young Lives on a Mission This Summer

Each summer, dozens of young people across the Central California Conference choose to spend ten weeks doing something bold, challenging, and life-changing. Instead of relaxing through the break, they step into neighborhoods, knock on doors, share literature, offer prayer, and bring hope. This is Youth Rush—a summer literature evangelism program where youth don’t just grow in faith; they live it.

With the deadline to apply quickly approaching on May 25, there’s still time to sign up. And for those wondering if it's worth it, here’s what you should know: Youth Rush is more than just canvassing—it's spiritual boot camp, leadership training, and real-world ministry all wrapped into one.

Faith in Action

The mission is simple: spread the gospel through books that point people to Christ and offer practical help—books on health, family, and personal growth. But the experience is anything but ordinary.

Each day begins with worship and training, followed by long hours in the sun, walking neighborhoods, meeting strangers, and trusting God for every conversation. Participants often enter the summer nervous and unsure, but they leave transformed—more confident in their faith, closer to God, and full of powerful testimonies.

Led by Purpose

At the heart of the program is Pastor John Miller, director of the Literature Ministries Department for the Central California Conference. With decades of experience and a heart for evangelism, Pastor Miller is both organizer and mentor. He doesn’t just send youth out—he trains, supports, and walks the journey with them.

“Youth Rush is one of the most effective ways for young people to learn what it means to be a disciple,” Pastor Miller says. “It builds character, strengthens faith, and creates a hunger for mission that lasts a lifetime.”

Under his leadership, Youth Rush teams are not only trained in canvassing but also taught how to grow spiritually, work in teams, manage their time, and lead by example. Many youth rush alumni have gone on to become pastors, teachers, and missionaries. Some even return as team leaders or coordinators to pour back into the program.

Real Ministry, Real Growth

The stories coming out of Youth Rush speak for themselves: People accepting Bible studies. Families reconnecting with God. Youth discovering their spiritual gifts and purpose.

Beyond the doors and books, what Youth Rush teaches is that God still works through willing hearts. And for many participants, that realization is what defines their summer—and their future.

Still Time to Apply

The good news? It’s not too late to be part of this powerful ministry. If your or a young person you know is between the ages of 16 and 25 and are looking for a way to grow spiritually, build friendships, earn scholarship money, and serve God in a meaningful way, Youth Rush is for you.

Applications are open until May 25, and the summer program runs for ten weeks—from June to mid-August. Participants receive training, housing, and a transportation, along with spiritual support and mentorship throughout the program.

Interested youth and parents can learn more and apply at www.youthrushcentral.com.

A Call to the Church

Whether you're a parent, pastor, teacher, or church member—consider how you can support Youth Rush this year. Pray for the teams. Encourage a young person to apply. Invite them to share their testimonies at your church when they return. Ministry doesn’t only happen behind pulpits or in mission fields overseas—it happens at front doors, in small towns and big cities, one book and one conversation at a time.

Youth Rush is more than a summer job. It’s a call to mission—and a chance for young people to discover just how powerful God can be when they step out in faith.”