Upon graduation, Will and Betty felt they could continue to serve God through Young Life as volunteers while supporting themselves. Since that time, the Wyatts have owned several businesses while serving as volunteer leaders, volunteer area directors, committee members, and were instrumental in the start of Young Life’s Wilderness Ranch in Colorado.

During their early involvement with Wilderness Ranch, Will and Betty developed a burden for the spiritual growth of young leaders. In their words, “We wanted a program where young people could have community, serious Biblical study, and a work experience where they could live out what they were learning.” The Wyatts shared this vision with Bob Mitchell, then Young Life president. Soon after this, Will was contacted by a group of Christian investors, who were about to close on a ski area property that also had summer recreation possibilities. It appeared that the Wyatts’ dream would soon be realized. However, the day before closing, the Lord shut the door as the money was not available. Though this came as a great disappointment, two years later another door opened when Jack Herschend, owner of Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, called Mitch to see if he could send some Young Life people to work at his theme park. This was a much better opportunity, as the Wyatts would be able to focus on the development of the program and not the building of facilities. Thus, “Discipleship Focus” (first known as “Young Life’s Discipleship Experience at Silver Dollar City”) was born. Since its humble beginnings in 1977, Discipleship Focus has impacted thousands of college-aged Christian men and women. Today, almost years later, Discipleship Focus provides a place where young people can share in community during the summer, grow in their faith through biblical study, and have employment at one of four theme parks in Missouri and Tennessee (Silver Dollar City, White Water, Dollywood, or Dollywood Splash Country) where they can live out what they are learning.

Now, let’s return to Will, sitting in a dentist chair, listening to his dentist share why he can’t wait to return to Branson, Missouri, for vacation. His experience is influenced by something that started decades ago, when two people — two alumni and friends of Young Life — pursued a God-given vision to disciple college-aged people, while offering them gainful employment during the summer. The ripple effect of this vision and this investment cannot be measured. From those involved in Discipleship Focus, to those who experience the love of Christ as they visit one of these theme parks, the impact is truly incredible and eternal.

Will and Betty, thank you for your many years of service and for your ongoing partnership as alumni and friends of the Young Life mission! Find out more about Discipleship Focus: www.dfocus.org.