March 2026
About a year ago, we launched a morning Campus Life club at Westlawn Middle School. Many students at the school face financial challenges, but what we see each week is something more hopeful and powerful than their circumstances. Every week, around 80 students come to school early to school to hang out with leaders, play games and hear about Jesus. They consistently come in large numbers and continue to invite their friends to join them. Campus Life club has become the highlight of the week for many of our kids. One of those students is Kayden, an 8th grader with a big personality and even bigger potential. He’s already playing soccer for the local high school and is extremely motivated to continue to work hard for opportunities like these. But what stands out most about Kayden isn’t his athleticism or funny spirit, but his joy for our ministry. Kayden consistently shows up to morning club and our after-school Hangouts. We’ve had meaningful conversations with him about practical life decisions, school, and who Jesus is. He is starting to understand more about what it means to know Him. A few weeks ago, when a new student attended Hangout for the first time and asked Kayden what we do here, his response was simple and exactly what we love to hear: “We eat pizza, play games and learn about Jesus.”
That’s it! That’s the mission we are pursuing.
In April, we will be taking some of our middle school students on a three-day overnight retreat which offers a time away from distractions where students can build friendships, have fun and hear multiple lessons about Christ. When one of our leaders invited Kayden, he said he would love to go, but he couldn’t afford it. Money is tight at home, and a parent has made that clear to him. After speaking with the family and confirming the situation, we were able to offer him a full scholarship to be able to go. He’s beyond excited. Without your generosity, that moment would not have been possible. Students like Kayden, who are eager to grow and experience something life-changing would simply have had to stay home. Because of you, finances do not have the final say. Looking ahead, we are also entering our camp season as we begin to talk with students about attending a week-long summer camp in Florida. This is one of the most impactful weeks of the year. We have seen firsthand students’ lives changed during this week. Many students take
their first steps into faith, ask insightful questions, share hardships in their lives and experience mentorship on a new level. But for students like Kayden, who would love to attend but know their family cannot afford it, camp feels impossible. Unless someone steps in.
As we prepare for our retreat and begin raising support for summer camp, we are asking you to prayerfully consider a special gift designated for camp scholarships.
● $60 sends a student like Kayden to our retreat
● $400 sends a student like Kayden to camp
● A gift of any size allows our students who need help to attend.
To give today, you may send a check in the return envelope or use the qr code below. On your check write “camp scholarship” and with your online gift, choose the “camp scholarship” designation.
Thank you for believing in the mission of Youth For Christ and for faithfully partnering with us to reach students right here in Tuscaloosa.
Give Life To Your Story,
Mike
Mike Green
Executive Director