TM Non-Profit Org. Spring 2021 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 105 Greenville, OH 45331 Mission UUpdatepdate
937-548-2477
yfcmv.org 107 W. Main St. P.O. Box 266 Greenville, OH 45331
Jenna (cont.) What’s Will You Build New Life & Fore Kids! 6 2 It? Will You For Eaton Inside > Hangtime 3 4-5 Come? Campus Life ALIVE Music Festival 7 Jenna
If Jenna’s life was easy, she probably a blast going into the ESC school on wouldn’t have been in the room. After Fridays during the last period and con- all, students find themselves attending necting with students in the rec room. the “ESC” school (Educational Service Many of the teens are outgoing, so Center) in Eaton because they are con- we’ve been able to talk, laugh, and play, sidered “at risk” and aren’t progressing but I always noticed Jenna sitting alone. well in a traditional school environ- I didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable, ment. And yet, Jenna stood out to me, but after several weeks I decided to not because her actions were notice- see if I could at least give a fist-bump. able, but because they weren’t. As the “Whew!” Jenna returned my fist-bump, other teens were actively eating snacks but no words. The next week I got her and playing games like pool, ping pong, name and another fist-bump. “Yes! This foosball, and air hockey in the ESC’s is working!” The third week I saw Jen- new “Bulldog Lounge”, Jenna would sit na drawing and simply said, “I see you quietly alone. Incidentally, Jenna isn’t like to draw.” Jenna began to open up her real name, but to protect her priva- a bit about herself. The following week, For more information on how you can donate a gift of grain cy, that’s how I’ll let her be known. as I walked into the room, Jenna hand- ed me a signed drawing. Then, to my call 937-548-2477, e-mail [email protected], or Since the beginning of January, I’ve had surprise, she said, “Would you play visit our website yfcmv.org/gifts_of_grain/ continued on page 6 Hangtime July 15 - 19 With her new hot pink electric scooter still in the box, on homework just yet and I’d be surprised if any of the Atwood Lake Park | Mineral City, OH
Brianna was the first to arrive. With great excitement conversations have profoundly affected anyone’s life. (/) Getting away from the day to day, laughing, worshipping, tent camp she dumped the unassembled parts onto the floor, and But amidst the laughter and small talk, relationships ing, playing games, hanging out at the lake, making meals together, with just a little help from one of the ministry leaders, are being formed, trust is being built, and teenagers are hearing Christian artists and speakers that springboard into meaning prepared the scooter for its inaugural ride. Moments lat- finding a place where they feel like they belong. In fact, ful conversations at the end of the night... er Brianna zipped off for a quick lap inside the YFC Minis- even if nothing deeper than what’s been described ever try Center, which was followed by the instructions, “We takes place, the foundations being built will accomplish These are just some things involved on our summer trip to the Alive Festival!! From July 15-19, YFC will take a group of students and adults won’t be riding things indoors anymore.” Soon, there much more. For example, as one of the ministry leaders to Atwood Lake in Mineral City, OH. There will be four nights of amaz were a couple boys playing baseball on the Wii, ping provided a ride home for one of the girls after Hangtime ing Christian concerts and speakers, hearing the Gospel, and sharing pong balls flying just about everywhere except on the on Monday, the girl opened up and shared about an im- table, simultaneous sounds of victory and defeat at the portant issues that are taking place in her life and heart. foosball table, music playing in the background, and a There’s little doubt this vulnerability was much more If you have a teenager in high school that would be interested in this trip, please let us know! There is an Early Price of $175. Bring a depos serious game of Monopoly starting to form. These were likely because of the moments that had already been it of $35 by April 23rd with your registration to secure your spot and the sights and sounds as the new “Campus Life Hang- shared that day. get a FREE t-shirt! After April 23rd, the price goes up to $185, so make time” took place last Monday. sure you get it in early! Fundraisers are available! For any questions, For now, Hangtime is taking place on Monday- after please contact the YFC office at 937-548-2477. “Hangtime” is an opportunity for teenagers to drop by noons, after school until 5:00. However, if we just had the YFC Ministry a handful more adult ministry leaders we could consider Center after school, adding additional days or doing separate times for mid- play games, eat dle school and high school teens. More importantly, we snacks, interact with could make sure that every teenager that attends feels adult ministry lead- noticed, listened to, and loved. If you have some after- ers, and talk or work noons free, would you prayerfully consider stepping up on homework if they to help out with this need? Or maybe, a friend comes to want. Honestly, no mind that you think might be able to help. If so, please one has taken the email or give YFC a call. It’s a great opportunity to make opportunity to work a difference in a fun and very natural way!
2 Spring 2021 - Mission Update Spring 2021 - Mission Update continued from cover ping-pong with me? I was both stunned and honored; chapter. Or if not Jenna, you could be the caring adult honored that our tiny interactions meant enough that that makes a difference for someone else. There are she would make me a gift and stunned that she would dozens of teens at the ESC school that need someone venture far enough outside of her comfort zone to ask to show them how much they matter and help them me to join her in a game. find their way. In fact, there are hundreds, and per
This story doesn’t have an ending yet. We haven’t Counties that need help knowing they’re loved and even begun to work through what may be keeping finding relationship with Christ. Many teens are lost Will you build it? Will you come? Jenna from thriving or to talk about spiritual things. reach them. Please let us know if He puts it on your “If you build it, he will come.” Perhaps you remember this churches together, not only to enjoy a day of fellowship, because YOU could very well be part of Jenna’s next line from the classic movie, “Field of Dreams.” Well, no but also to enlist many of them to further the cause of one at Youth for Christ is claiming to have heard a voice in bringing teenagers to Jesus?” If so, your partnership is a cornfield, but we do have several things in common with needed in this work! that movie and it does have just a little bit to do with corn. Let me explain. Until final plans are approved by the city, nothing about the festival is official and there is still work to do before the plans A few months back, the Youth for Christ staff decided to- dis are ready to go. And so the “faith” element from the “Field continue YFC’s annual bowl-a-thon event, which for many of Dreams” movie still carries through. However, we’ve Benefiting area teenagers is the reason for YFC’s 31st an years had provided financial support for its mission and a been assured that what we have in mind can be worked out, nual Youth for Christ Golf Classic, but that doesn’t mean great time of fellowship for those involved. The event had so regarding planning, everything is moving ahead. Pending we can’t have a great time while doing it! Wednesday, begun to lose momentum and with pandemic concerns city approval, “YFC Summerfest” will take place from 4-7 pm June 9th is the date and White Springs Golf Club is the lo sure to linger through the spring, an outdoor summer event on Sunday, August 1st with live music, carnival games, and cation for this year’s scramble and the day will be marked seemed like a better choice. So we began to pray and askfestival-worthy food at the very least. At the same time, the by non-stop food service, an uplifting atmosphere, and God to inspire a new idea. “Toss for Teens” cornhole tournament will take place as a plenty of prizes and camaraderie as well. Another high pledge event to raise money to support the cause of helping light will be hearing from a student that has been helped As we brainstormed, it was as if all of us were being led by lost and struggling teens. We believe it will be a great after- the same voice. First, plans for a cornhole tournament be- noon of fun that furthers a worthy cause. through Youth for Christ as a result of what people have gan to take shape. “It would be great if we could hold it in the parking lot right behind the ministry center,” someone As mentioned already, your partnership is needed and there can either raise pledges to benefit said. From there, the dream grew larger. “What if we held are numerous ways you can make a difference by helping a community festival and the cornhole tournament was create this event. First, leaders and workers are needed of $100 for individual or $350 per only part of it? If we can get permission, we could block to finish planning the festival and to serve on one of- sev off the city lot behind us, use the small rotary park,and en event teams being organized to build the event. These option where golfers can receive maybe even block off the parking area just off the circle in teams include cornhole, games and activities, food, music, more gifts and amenities while the section next to us.” And so with these thoughts firmly maintenance-security-first aid, marketing and promotion, doubling their donation to the planted in our minds, a God-sized dream began to form – a and fundraising. Also, a little later on you’ll have an oppor- dream too large for our staff and those that regularly cham- tunity to enter a “Toss for Teens” team or help to financially being sought as well. In fact, pion YFC’s mission to do by ourselves. It’s a project that sponsor the event. Finally, it’s not only individuals that can the logos of this year’s “Gold will require numerous churches, businesses, and individuals be involved, there is room for churches and even businesses throughout the community to become involved. But as we to join in as well. think about the vision of attracting local families to engage in playing or supporting the with Youth for Christ and the church community we are So let me ask you again, “Will you help build YFC Sum- convinced of one persistent thought: “If we build it, they merfest?” And then, when August 1st arrives, “Will you will come.” come?” Please let us know if you will by email or phone. I YFC at office@yfcmv. think you’ll be glad you did. After all, we’re convinced“If org or by calling 937- So, let me just put it out there, “Will you help build a sum- we build it, they will come.” And if enough people come, 548-2477. mer festival in order to bring individuals, families, and God will use it to do something great for teens! 6 Spring 2021 - Mission Update Spring 2021 - Mission Update 3 New Life for Eaton Campus Life
The patient had been declared dead! …Eaton High School learning someone was asking about Campus Life Nathanael to come such as bowling, fishing, days at King’s Island, and strongly again, but adult ministry leaders are needed to Campus Life was the patient, and by the time Nathanael made contact. That led to more calls with parents and, a trip to the Alive Festival along with students from all the turn this living entity into a life-changing work. Would you Dunlavy became YFC’s Preble County Ministries Director within a couple weeks, a first meeting took place. area Campus Life Clubs. reach out to see how you can be involved in making a dif last fall there was absolutely no sign of life. The pandem- ic had put an end to activities and most other interactions Only six teenagers entered the doors of Dale’s Youth Café Several meetings and activities are planned for Eaton Cam [email protected] or give him a call at 937-974-4832. in the spring, and by fall, the former ministry leaders were for that first Campus Life event on February 24th, but soon pus Life, but the life-changing aspects of Campus Life most no longer able to be involved. Without access to teens at they were talking and laughing while enjoying ping pong, often take place when the group isn’t assembled together the high school, again because of the pandemic, it was very pool, and food as upbeat music reverberated in the back- at all. Instead, caring adult leaders come alongside difficult for a new leader in the community to make connec- ground. More importantly, connections with adult ministry the teens, meeting one-to-one and in small tions with teenagers. And so, Nathanael went to work on leaders were made and these relationships have become groups, to listen to what’s happening other opportunities, gathering students that would some- a foundation for everything that has taken place since. - Al in kids’ lives, win the right to be times hang out at Dale’s Youth Café into a group and con- most every week, an additional student or two has come, necting with teens at the ESC (Educational Service Center), and once students are connected, they usually continue which was eager for adults to come help with kids. …But to be involved. Currently, the group, which now meets on then, a faint heartbeat for Eaton Campus Life began to be Tuesday nights, is more than twice the number that first heard. walked through the doors and growing. A generous donor Life is beating is providing pizza for all the meetings and one of the stu- It began with a phone call. A parent was reaching out to dents is baking amazing desserts every week. Each week, someone she thought might know, asking if there was still students come excited and engaged, with some even help- Campus Life because one of her kids was part of the group ing with leadership and all participating enthusiastically in last year and now missed being involved. Within hours of discussions. Already, teens are looking forward to activities
4 Spring 2021 - Mission Update Spring 2021 - Mission Update New Life for Eaton Campus Life
The patient had been declared dead! …Eaton High School learning someone was asking about Campus Life Nathanael to come such as bowling, fishing, days at King’s Island, and strongly again, but adult ministry leaders are needed to Campus Life was the patient, and by the time Nathanael a trip to the Alive Festival along with students from all the turn this living entity into a life-changing work. Would you Dunlavy became YFC’s Preble County Ministries Director within a couple weeks, a first meeting took place. area Campus Life Clubs. reach out to see how you can be involved in making a dif - last fall there was absolutely no sign of life. The pandem ference for teens in Eaton? If so, please email Nathanael at ic had put an end to activities and most other interactions Only six teenagers entered the doors of Dale’s Youth Café Several meetings and activities are planned for Eaton Cam- [email protected] or give him a call at 937-974-4832. in the spring, and by fall, the former ministry leaders were for that first Campus Life event on February 24th, but soon pus Life, but the life-changing aspects of Campus Life most no longer able to be involved. Without access to teens at they were talking and laughing while enjoying ping pong, often take place when the group isn’t assembled together the high school, again because of the pandemic, it was very at all. Instead, caring adult leaders come alongside difficult for a new leader in the community to make connec ground. More importantly, connections with adult ministry the teens, meeting one-to-one and in small tions with teenagers. And so, Nathanael went to work on leaders were made and these relationships have become groups, to listen to what’s happening other opportunities, gathering students that would some a foundation for everything that has taken place since. Al in kids’ lives, win the right to be times hang out at Dale’s Youth Café into a group and con most every week, an additional student or two has come, heard, and share about Je- necting with teens at the ESC (Educational Service Center), and once students are connected, they usually continue sus’ love and purpose which was eager for adults to come help with kids. …But to be involved. Currently, the group, which now meets on for them. The heart then, a faint heartbeat for Eaton Campus Life began to be Tuesday nights, is more than twice the number that first of Eaton Campus walked through the doors and growing. A generous donor Life is beating is providing pizza for all the meetings and one of the stu It began with a phone call. A parent was reaching out to dents is baking amazing desserts every week. Each week, someone she thought might know, asking if there was still students come excited and engaged, with some even help Campus Life because one of her kids was part of the group ing with leadership and all participating enthusiastically in last year and now missed being involved. Within hours of discussions. Already, teens are looking forward to activities
4 Spring 2021 - Mission Update Spring 2021 - Mission Update 5 Jenna continued from cover ping-pong with me? I was both stunned and honored; chapter. Or if not Jenna, you could be the caring adult honored that our tiny interactions meant enough that that makes a difference for someone else. There are she would make me a gift and stunned that she would dozens of teens at the ESC school that need someone venture far enough outside of her comfort zone to ask to show them how much they matter and help them me to join her in a game. find their way. In fact, there are hundreds, and per- haps even thousands, of teens in Preble and Darke This story doesn’t have an ending yet. We haven’t Counties that need help knowing they’re loved and even begun to work through what may be keeping finding relationship with Christ. Many teens are lost Jenna from thriving or to talk about spiritual things. and alone like Jenna and we know it’s God’s heart to Perhaps someday soon, we will. But I share this story reach them. Please let us know if He puts it on your “If you build it, he will come.” churches together, not only to enjoy a day of fellowship, because YOU could very well be part of Jenna’s next heart to help! but also to enlist many of them to further the cause of one at Youth for Christ is claiming to have heard a voice in bringing teenagers to Jesus?” a cornfield, but we do have several things in common with that movie and it does have just a little bit to do with corn. Let me explain. Until final plans are approved by the city, nothing about the festival is official and there is still work to do before the plans Fore Kids! A few months back, the Youth for Christ staff decided to dis are ready to go. And so the “faith” element from the “Field continue YFC’s annual bowl-a-thon event, which for many of Dreams” movie still carries through. However, we’ve Benefiting area teenagers is the reason for YFC’s 31st an- years had provided financial support for its mission and a nual Youth for Christ Golf Classic, but that doesn’t mean great time of fellowship for those involved. The event had so regarding planning, everything is moving ahead. Pending we can’t have a great time while doing it! Wednesday, begun to lose momentum and with pandemic concerns city approval, “YFC Summerfest” will take place from 4-7 pm June 9th is the date and White Springs Golf Club is the lo- sure to linger through the spring, an outdoor summer event on Sunday, August 1st with live music, carnival games, and cation for this year’s scramble and the day will be marked seemed like a better choice. So we began to pray and ask festival-worthy food at the very least. At the same time, the by non-stop food service, an uplifting atmosphere, and plenty of prizes and camaraderie as well. Another high- pledge event to raise money to support the cause of helping light will be hearing from a student that has been helped As we brainstormed, it was as if all of us were being led by lost and struggling teens. We believe it will be a great after through Youth for Christ as a result of what people have contributed in the past. Golfers gan to take shape. “It would be great if we could hold it in the parking lot right behind the ministry center,” someone As mentioned already, your partnership is needed and there can either raise pledges to benefit said. From there, the dream grew larger. “What if we held are numerous ways you can make a difference by helping kids or simply pay to play at a cost a community festival and the cornhole tournament was of $100 for individual or $350 per only part of it? If we can get permission, we could block to finish planning the festival and to serve on one of sev team. There is also a “Gold Class” off the city lot behind us, use the small rotary park,and en event teams being organized to build the event. These option where golfers can receive maybe even block off the parking area just off the circle in teams include cornhole, games and activities, food, music, more gifts and amenities while the section next to us.” And so with these thoughts firmly maintenance-security-first aid, marketing and promotion, doubling their donation to the planted in our minds, a God-sized dream began to form – a and fundraising. Also, a little later on you’ll have an oppor cause. Business sponsors are dream too large for our staff and those that regularly cham tunity to enter a “Toss for Teens” team or help to financially being sought as well. In fact, pion YFC’s mission to do by ourselves. It’s a project that the logos of this year’s “Gold Sponsor” and “Silver Spon- throughout the community to become involved. But as we sors” are below. Interested think about the vision of attracting local families to engage in playing or supporting the with Youth for Christ and the church community we are So let me ask you again, “Will you help build YFC Sum cause? Just reach out to convinced of one persistent thought: “If we build it, they merfest?” And then, when August 1st arrives, “Will you will come.” come?” YFC at office@yfcmv. think you’ll be glad you did. After all, we’re convinced “If org or by calling 937- “Will you help build a sum we build it, they will come.” And if enough people come, 548-2477. mer festival in order to bring individuals, families, and God will use it to do something great for teens! 6 Spring 2021 - Mission Update Spring 2021 - Mission Update A ALIVE M USIC FESTIVAL July 15 - 19 Great Music • Great Speakers With her new hot pink electric scooter still in the box, on homework just yet and I’d be surprised if any of the Atwood Lake Park | Mineral City, OH AWESOME FUN!
Brianna was the first to arrive. With great excitement conversations have profoundly affected anyone’s life. (/) Getting away from the day to day, laughing, worshipping, tent camp- she dumped the unassembled parts onto the floor, and But amidst the laughter and small talk, relationships ing, playing games, hanging out at the lake, making meals together, with just a little help from one of the ministry leaders, are being formed, trust is being built, and teenagers are hearing Christian artists and speakers that springboard into meaning- prepared the scooter for its inaugural ride. Moments lat finding a place where they feel like they belong. In fact, ful conversations at the end of the night... er Brianna zipped off for a quick lap inside the YFC Minis even if nothing deeper than what’s been described ever try Center, which was followed by the instructions, “We takes place, the foundations being built will accomplish These are just some things involved on our summer trip to the Alive Festival!! From July 15-19, YFC will take a group of students and adults won’t be riding things indoors anymore.” Soon, there much more. For example, as one of the ministry leaders to Atwood Lake in Mineral City, OH. There will be four nights of amaz- were a couple boys playing baseball on the Wii, ping provided a ride home for one of the girls after Hangtime ing Christian concerts and speakers, hearing the Gospel, and sharing pong balls flying just about everywhere except on the on Monday, the girl opened up and shared about an im stories about our journeys. We are so incredibly excited for this! table, simultaneous sounds of victory and defeat at the portant issues that are taking place in her life and heart. foosball table, music playing in the background, and a There’s little doubt this vulnerability was much more If you have a teenager in high school that would be interested in this trip, please let us know! There is an Early Price of $175. Bring a depos- serious game of Monopoly starting to form. These were likely because of the moments that had already been it of $35 by April 23rd with your registration to secure your spot and the sights and sounds as the new “Campus Life Hang shared that day. get a FREE t-shirt! After April 23rd, the price goes up to $185, so make time” took place last Monday. sure you get it in early! Fundraisers are available! For any questions, For now, Hangtime is taking place on Monday after please contact the YFC office at 937-548-2477. “Hangtime” is an opportunity for teenagers to drop by noons, after school until 5:00. However, if we just had the YFC Ministry a handful more adult ministry leaders we could consider OVER 30 Artists and Speakers Center after school, adding additional days or doing separate times for mid play games, eat dle school and high school teens. More importantly, we FOR KING & COUNTRY • TOBY MAC • SKILLET • SW ITCHFOOT • NEWSBOYS UNITED snacks, interact with could make sure that every teenager that attends feels adult ministry lead noticed, listened to, and loved. If you have some after ers, and talk or work noons free, would you prayerfully consider stepping up on homework if they to help out with this need? Or maybe, a friend comes to
want. Honestly, no mind that you think might be able to help. If so, please LACRAE • KARI JOBE • W E THE KINGDOM • ANDY MINEO • TAUREN W ELLS • JORDAN FELIZ • KB • MEMPHIS MAY FIRE one has taken the email or give YFC a call. It’s a great opportunity to make opportunity to work a difference in a fun and very natural way!
FIT FOR A KING • DEMON HUNTER • HANNAH KERR • MICAH TYLER • MARK SCHULTZ • COLTON DIXON • COCHREN & CO • W HATUPRG
LEDGER • NOBIGDYL. • OH, SLEEPER • TERRIAN • ABE PARKER • RACHAEL NEMIROFF • MIROURS • CHANDLER + MARIA LETNER
SPEAKERS: KIRK CAMERON • LECRAE • JONATHAN EVANS • PEDRO LATORRE • OUTBACK RAY 2 Spring 2021 - Mission Update Spring 2021 - Mission Update 7 Non-Profit Org. YOUTH U.S. POSTAGE of the PAID FOR Miami Valley Permit No. 105
R Greenville, OH CHRIST 45331 107 W. Main St. P.O. Box 266 Greenville, OH 45331 [email protected] ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED yfcmv.org 107 W. Main St. P.O. Box 266 Greenville, OH 45331
Jenna (cont.) New Life & Fore Kids! Hangtime Come? Campus Life ALIVE Music Festival
a blast going into the ESC school on wouldn’t have been in the room. After Fridays during the last period and con Gift of all, students find themselves attending necting with students in the rec room. the “ESC” school (Educational Service Many of the teens are outgoing, so we’ve been able to talk, laugh, and play, sidered “at risk” and aren’t progressing but I always noticed Jenna sitting alone. well in a traditional school environ Grain but after several weeks I decided to not because her actions were notice see if I could at least give a fist-bump. “Whew!” Jenna returned my fist-bump, other teens were actively eating snacks but no words. The next week I got her and playing games like pool, ping pong, name and another fist-bump. “Yes! This A great way to impact teenagers’ lives by is working!” The third week I saw Jen new “Bulldog Lounge”, Jenna would sit na drawing and simply said, “I see you reducing taxes and maximizing your gift! like to draw.” Jenna began to open up a bit about herself. The following week, For more information on how you can donate a gift of grain ed me a signed drawing. Then, to my call 937-548-2477, e-mail [email protected], or Since the beginning of January, I’ve had visit our website yfcmv.org/gifts_of_grain/ continued on page 6