DAYTON—Terry and Jan Nealey will host a farewell ice cream social on Aug. 1 for YoungLife Area Director Marne Henderson, who is making the move to Olympia where she has accepted a staff position with Greater Olympia YoungLife.

Henderson worked alongside Jan and Terry Nealey and others, when they started YoungLife in Dayton in 1999 and has remained active in the organization ever since. In 2018, Henderson took a leap of faith and retired from teaching after spending 15 years as a Waitsburg elementary and middle school teacher to become a YoungLife Area Director.

Henderson said she knew six years ago that she was called to full-time ministry and five years ago, that it would be with YoungLife. She is passionate about the ministry that focuses on building relationships and allows her to share her faith openly with kids.

“YoungLife is all about relationships. I love people, both adults and kids. I love spending time with kids and letting them ‘do life’ with me. There is no pressure other than to build a friendship. That’s what Christianity is – a friendship with Jesus, not religion,” Henderson told The Times in 2018.

Now, Henderson is taking an even bigger leap-of-faith as she heads to Olympia.

In a farewell video, Henderson admits that the path ahead is a scary and exciting one.

“I have never lived anywhere else,” she said.

The move also takes her away from her parents.

“I always just thought I would be here (for them). With this move comes more trusting and more knowing that He has us,” Henderson said.

“I know trusting God isn’t always an easy thing, but it feels right and I’m ready for the new adventure. I have loved being a part of Dayton and Waitsburg YoungLife for the last 20 years and am excited that God is calling me to Olympia. I’d love to see you on the first at Jan and Terry’s,” Henderson told The Times.