Dear Friend,
Yesterday afternoon was the highlight of many highlights this past week in the work of Youth For Christ.
I sat in a circle with 19 UA students who had gathered to learn how they could each serve on our ministry team. I shared how their investment of time could be life-changing not just for the teens we reach, but also for each of them as leaders. I proclaimed that their college careers could be filled with greater meaning and a true purpose by joining our team. I told them that if they were to join our team, the time they give would be the very best part of their week.
Bold claims.
I, or better said, we made these claims because this is what we had each experienced. With me yesterday were five of our current leaders. Kara has been on our team for four years. Kyle has served for three. Ashley, Faith and Avery sat exactly where each of our potential new friends were sitting just one year ago. And one by one, they shared how this ministry has changed their lives. They shared how they couldn’t imagine their college years without Youth for Christ/Campus Life.
“I came to the recruitment day here on campus. Walked up to the table, and they said ‘Fill out this survey’, so I did. I came to a meeting just like this. Honestly, I wasn’t sure. But I checked it out and I was hooked. I just have to do this” said Ashley. Kara said, “I’ve been here for four years. When I started, I wasn’t a morning person. But I have been getting up every week on Thursday morning to get to Echols Middle School at 7:15 am. I’m now a morning person. Maybe I’m just getting old.” When our presentation was complete, our new friends rushed our “veterans” with
questions. As I stood back and watched their enthusiasm, it struck me that many of these new faces will look back one year from now, five years from now and even twenty years from now and thank God that they just happened to bump into our table out of hundreds of tables on a hot summer night on the quad. Here is what we know. For each of these new leaders who join our team, an additional seven teenagers will find a friend who knows Jesus and can share the hope that only He gives. Seven kids will find a safe place to ask questions about faith and Christianity. Seven more kids will have a Christ-sharing relationship with an adult who cares. At Youth For Christ, we believe that when Christian adults build trusting relationships with teenagers, lives are changed. I know mine has been. On behalf of all our leaders, thank you! We are honored to partner with you. God has much in store for us this school year. We look forward to celebrating with you.
In Christ,
Mike Green
Executive Director
mike@tuscaloosayfc.com