Hello Friends and Partners,
Five years ago, a bright-eyed, college freshman from Meridian MS, walked through our doors. Her name was Kennedy, and she had shown up early one morning to volunteer stuffing a monthly mailing. I remember her asking that day if there was another role she could play with our organization.
Kennedy began volunteering on our team at Hillcrest Middle School. She immediately found her niche as she showed up consistently, built relationships with her fellow team members, and the kids at HMS. God used Kennedy in the lives of many kids. Her enthusiasm, sense of humor, and love for Jesus were evident to all those she came in contact with.
Then the unthinkable happened. In the Spring of 2023, Kennedy was out for a run on the UA campus. In the midst of her run, she collapsed. Her heart stopped. First responders quickly arrived and were able to keep Kennedy alive, barely. Over days and then weeks, her prognosis was grim. I, for one, had come to grips with the fact that I would never see Kennedy again. At least not the Kennedy I knew. Even if she survived, would she ever be the same girl we all knew and loved?
“Kennedy was at Campus Life club this morning.” That’s what I remember another leader saying almost casually. “What?!” I responded. How could this be? After weeks in the hospital, I thought that if, and when she was discharged, she would be back home, facing months of rehab.
Kennedy was at club that day, and then a few days later she walked through the doors of the Campus Life Clubhouse. She looked great. Healthy. She was the ol’ Kennedy. It was indeed a miracle.
When you face a reckoning in life, you come to the realization that this life should not be taken for granted. That was the case for Kennedy. So, Kennedy chose to get even more involved with the work of Youth For Christ. This mattered to her. This mission. Our kids.
So, in the fall of 2023, Kennedy joined our team as a part-time Team Leader at Hillcrest Middle. She was no longer just on the team; she led that team. The ministry at HMS thrived under her leadership. And her commitment to our mission grew.
In the Spring of 2025, Kennedy had another reckoning. Facing graduation at UA with a degree in social work, she began to realize that her time at YFC was soon coming to an end. “One day, as I wrestled with ending my time at YFC, I became jealous that you and Laura got to keep doing this, and I had to leave. Then I thought maybe I could do this?” is what she told me.
Still undecided on what her future held, Kennedy began a master’s degree in Social Work, to be completed in May 2026. Over that year, she wrestled with all her options but couldn’t escape the feeling that this was what she was made for.
I am happy to say that Kennedy made her decision, and in June, came aboard full-time as a Youth For Christ staff member. Now she has the ability to pour into kids and other leaders every day of the week “permanently.” Her five years of experience in our ministry make her an incredibly valuable asset as we expand our outreach to more kids than ever before.
With Kennedy’s addition and our growth plans this year, we need your continued and growing partnership. I want to invite you to consider your most generous gift. Kennedy believes in this mission. And I know you do as well. You have shown how much you care that young people who feel far from God experience the Good News, lived out through our leaders. You have given and given generously so more kids can be reached. Now as we prepare for a new ministry school year, we need your partnership again.
Today is the day to make an investment in the youth of Tuscaloosa. Today we have the opportunity to support an incredible team of young leaders, like Kennedy, who care deeply about the lives of our youth. Join me in providing them the best ministry tools available so every teenager they come in contact with has the best opportunity to hear and experience the love of Jesus. I look forward to hearing from you.
In Christ,
Mike
Mike Green