Kris Colston

A vibrant force in Young Life since her own involvement in high school, Kris is now in the presence of her beloved Savior. From club kid to volunteer leader to serving areas, regions, and camps, Kris constantly gave of herself to the mission she loved.

Kris grew up in Young Life with a father who was a high school principal. Her parents served on the local area committee and hosted club in their home. In 1986, while in college at George Mason University, Kris began leading at Oakton High School in Northern Virginia.

John was also a leader on the Oakton team and they eventually married in 1989. They raised two boys, Jack and Mitch, who serves on property staff at Carolina Point alongside his wife, Jess. Kris continued to lead until 2002, and for five years during this time she also served on Young Life staff as the area’s office administrator. Along with John she served on the Capital Region board and the Wild Ridge camp Executive Campaign Committee.

In 2022 the Colstons received Young Life’s Distinguished Alumni Award. The award is given to those individuals who are marked by “conspicuous excellence” in all facets of life, including family, friendships, business, and service to and through the Young Life mission.

This honor prompted long-time friend and Young Life divisional discipleship coordinator, Rick Beckwith to say at the time, “John and Kris have together, as a beautifully dedicated team, provided inspiration, leadership and the investment of resources to grow Young Life in the U.S. and around the world. They served as leaders on a high school team for a decade and continue to walk with scores of former club kids. They have served on camp development boards, regional boards, and provide wise counsel for many mission leaders in executive positions. They embody the Christ-centered relational DNA that marks this mission.”

In a touching tribute, John wrote this about his dear wife on the day of her passing:

“Kris fought this battle with grace and beauty. She was amazing and I will miss her greatly. We did EVERYTHING together. She loved people so well, and people loved her back so well. These last 10 months I have witnessed such an outpouring of love on her, it is just hard to believe. The kindest notes, acts of service, expressions of love, amazing meals – it just goes on and on. Truly overwhelming.

“Kris would want everyone to know that ‘it’ is real. That the God of the universe created each of us, loves us and wants a relationship with us through Jesus. Scripture says, ‘Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith and not by sight.’ ​ Kris no longer lives by faith, now she lives by sight. She lives in the presence of our holy God who loves her greatly and ran to greet her at 6:30 am.”

Kris is survived by John, Mitch and Jess Colston and their son Adler, and Jack and Rachel Colston, and their daughters, ​ Maya and Ava.