At the beginning of this pandemic, YFC/USA released words that became our guiding words during this season of ministry. The theme ‘Replace, NOT cancel’ has been our focus as we navigate ministry in a new and unique way.

Club on Monday nights hasn’t been cancelled. Instead it has been replaced with a weekly Zoom call on Monday nights at 7:30. Those Zoom calls have been filled with fun and laughter, but also intentional and authentic conversations. Students are asking questions and seeking answers. We want to be the people that help answer those questions and walk alongside them during this time.

Our Senior celebration wasn’t cancelled. Instead it was replaced as we partnered with the school, alumni, local churches, and small businesses to put together 203 gift bags for each of Limestone’s graduating class. The bags were filled to the brim with candy, treats, gift cards, and letters of encouragement. A small celebration was replaced with the opportunity to celebrate, encourage, and love the entire 2020 class.

This season of ‘Replace NOT Cancel’ has not been perfect by any means. There has been grief and lamenting over the things we have lost, like YFC Camp, face-to-face ministry, the end of the school year, and even the loss of relationships with students. Ministry is never perfect and navigating how to build and keep relationships with students in the midst of a pandemic is not easy, but I am thankful for a loving God who is in control and cares about the smallest of details.

While it feels like small freedoms have been taken away from us, I have found comfort in the truth that the freedom we have in Christ and because Christ can never be taken away. Thank you Jesus for that!

Caiti Svymbersky