Grounded

Research shows 90% of consumers trust peer recommendations. We find this to be true when it comes to high school ministry as well. When a new student shows up to Campus Life for the first time it’s typically because a friend gives a recommendation or extends an invitation.

Things were different for Sam, a sophomore at PCHS. He came to Campus Life because his mom made him. She told Sam he would be grounded if he didn’t at least try it. Sam’s a great student and a generally trouble free kid so his parents never really had a reason to ground him. However, he obliged his orders and showed up at Campus Life one week.

At first Sam appeared to be shy and introverted as he kept his interactions to a minimum. But over the course of his first semester he began to participate more and more. And by summertime Sam was ‘all in’ and went to YFC Camp with a group of his newfound friends.

Through YFC Camp his eyes were opened to faith in a different way than he ever experienced. The way he lived and acted began to change. He started to invite his friends to Campus Life so they could experience the same life change he did. The next summer he brought one of those friends along to YFC Camp and now their life is starting to change too!

It’s Sam’s senior year and Campus Life is still a big part of his life. Every week he and a ministry leader work out at the gym and then work through a Bible study together. 

As the only time I can recall a student being so strongly urged to try out Campus Life. I wouldn’t recommend it for most but in the case Sam’s life is forever marked by God because of it.

Our Refrigerator is a Mess

Photos, notes and other artifacts collect haphazardly on our refrigerator throughout the year. It’s easy to choose what goes up and hard to pick what comes off. In particular I have a difficult time letting go of the graduation party invites, even though the occasion has long passed.

I have a like/dislike relationship with those parties. I like the free meals for weekends on end. The bottles of water and cans of soda swimming in a cooler are great but the cake! So much cake. And the party itself represents so much in the student’s life. The success of finally being done with high school and being able to move on to whatever is next: college, jobs, military services, life…

I selfishly dislike that these students have graduated. I dislike them not being around at the next Campus Life or the next trip. I dislike that in some cases it means they won’t be sitting on my couch or eating a meal with us as often. After all we’ve often spent the last 3 or 4 years together.

So it’s fun to have everyday reminders to pray for these students who are in their post-high school lives. I guess it’s why we leave it up there so long. It represents the tapestry of God’s work in our lives.

Even though it’s difficult to see ‘our kids’ growing up and moving on, it does make room for great changes. We’re seeing new faces at Campus Life every week. And just because we have new faces doesn’t mean we forget about the old … Our ‘grown up’ students will always have a place in our lives and will forever be a part of our ministry. Before long we’ll start seeing college graduations, weddings invites, baby showers and other important life celebrations coming from this group, just like the ones from past teens are arriving now.

It’s a humbling opportunity to be involved in these student’s lives, both the messes and the celebrations. All of these occasions are an opportunity to point to a Savior who loves them so much more than we ever could.

And none of this is possible without you. So thanks for all the prayers, support, love, gifts, etc … Let’s keep at this critical work, friends. After all, there will always be the next generation desperate to hear the Good News…

Woah

stole cutting jealously unhappy screwed mistreated pregnancy unsure worthless empty violence drugs loneliness inadequacy  broken failure depressed crash self-hatred sadness lost anxiety rejection smoking numb death lies careless hiding abuse drowning overdose hatred anger family cutter lonely uneasy lust alcohol confused sex hurtful unloveable deceit mess self-doubt emotionless dead faker pride idolatry suicide bipolar parents darkness pornhub pills unnoticed liar hypocritical rape sad stuck inconsistent uncertainty confused shame alone unpredictable fear controlled     Woah, it’s right there in black and white. We gave students the chance to anonymously share their secrets in just one word. I also have some secrets up there. Maybe there are some words up there that could apply to you.  Can I go as far to say “our secrets”? Because haven't we all had secrets? Secrets and sins so big it felt like we couldn't bring them to God? Here's the beautiful message we shared with these brave teens from Ephesians 2:4&5. But God…  “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead." Understood in the context of God's gift of grace, those words can lose their powerful hold of guilt and shame. So these are the very real secrets and painful issues students are facing on a daily basis. And because of you, we get to continue to lead them towards God, who is bigger than their secrets. Thanks for your part in sharing Hope and Truth with young people.

Out with the Old...

The night we told kids the Easter bunny wasn't real…

… And in with the new. At Campus Life that means seniors are graduating and 8th graders are moving up into high school. We wish we could get rid of the “out with the old” part and just keep the “in with the new”. But unfortunately it doesn't work that way. 

The Old

It is scary watching our seniors take this next big step in their lives. Our prayer is for them to continue their journey with Jesus. Whether they are exploring what it means to follow Him, or are faithfully following Him, pray for them to grow. Please pray with us, that the new world ahead of them wouldn't distract them from the most important thing, and that they would seek Jesus in a world that wants nothing to do with Him. Pray they will be quick to repent and quick to forgive. And that they would live in freedom through Christ and live by faith through grace. That they would be His.

The New

It is also scary watching the mass of hyper-active 8th graders storming the castle of adolescence. The hope is that they will engage in Campus Life and make it their safe haven for the next 4 years. Pray these students would consciously decide that learning more about Jesus and walking with leaders that love them is a big priority for them in high school. Pray they would bring their insecurities, hopes, fears, and hearts to CL and in the process find Jesus.

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YFC Camp

We would love for you to help us send students to camp to continue their journey with Jesus. It costs $650 to send a student to camp. Most students cannot afford that much. We need you. Will you help send a student to YFC Camp? You can send a check with Metamora Camp in the memo or you can go to yfcpeoria.org/camp

Seeking Help / Help Wanted / Help Needed / HELP…

Help … We were hungry and friends bought us lunch!

Have you ever been desperate for help?  I’m talking car wreck, tornado, lost kid, cancer? … Bad stuff.I pray shallow prayers when my kids are healthy, wallet is full, my wife thinks I’m “the man”, and all is well.

I pray earnest prayers when I’m in the Emergency Room, when finances are crushing, or when life’s struggles are more than I can bear or I lack hope to get through.

This fiscal year (YFC runs July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016), we’ve had remarkable things to celebrate. We know 1,110 teens. We’re in close relationship with 464 who are lost. Many of them are wrestling with Jesus. In fact 64 of them received Jesus Christ this year!!!

We’ve also had some low moments lately. YFC budget got really tight, such that we were struggling to choose from among paying staff, their healthcare, or our rent. I went into my “desperate prayer” posture. “Lord I need You. Oh. So. Badly. Oh Lord Jesus, we are asking for your people to be generous in helping us take the Great News of Jesus to 100’s of local teens.”

I sometimes wonder if God chuckles at the times when we don’t pray desperately. Truth is … I’m always desperate for the Grace of God thru Jesus. But I’m only aware of my desperation when life’s circumstances bump me around. I hate admitting how weak I am.

With your partnership, we walk with struggling teens. Suicidal thoughts, abusive homes, neglectful homes, imprisoned parents, addictions, more. Jesus’ love is needed. Desperately. 140+ local YFC adults are in the messes with teens. We point them to Jesus. As you Pray & Fund, you are there with us. 

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

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For the Kingdom

Family

In all we do, we press on joyfully as we get a firsthand glimpse of watching the Kingdom of God unfold on earth. This has to be the greatest joy we have as we follow Jesus together; witnessing the Kingdom influence our family & friends directly is an incredible sight. 

The past couple of months, Sarah and I have considered the call of God on our lives as we continue to serve the Kingdom. We realized through the process, God was calling us away from Youth for Christ to serve in our local faith family.

We are excited and sad to share with you that we will be leaving YFC June 1, to join the staff at Crosspoint Community Church in Eureka, IL, where I will be serving the church as their student pastor. This is completely unexpected for me and it’s a direction we did not think we would be heading in, but we are excited to begin this journey together. 

Thank you. We are so grateful for all you have done with us in the ministry. Your prayers, encouragement, financial partnership, and wisdom helped make serving with JJM a possibility for us. I have learned so much about the faithfulness of God at YFC.

As we transition to Crosspoint for the Kingdom, we hope you will continue your role in JJM.

Thank you for your labor. 

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As JJM continues…

God has and will continue to do much in the lives of incarcerated teens through JJM. Would you consider continuing your partnership? If this is something of interest to you, please meet our JJM Director CJ Fisher. He can be reached at cfisher@yfcpa.org or by phone at 847.302.8632. Thank you for being a part of this mission with me. For any changes to your EFT giving, you can email admin@yfcpa.org or 309-688-6685 and ask for Cindy or Jeff.

Sad Changes, God's Future

Ashleigh Shipley

It is with a sad heart I announce Jon Watts is leaving our JJM Family. Jon has served YFC for two years; one with JJM and one in City Life. Jon and his family have answered God’s calling to serve their local church. Jon will be the student pastor at Crosspoint Community Church. 

With the announcement of Jon leaving we have some future plans and dreams I would like to share with you. Please take some time to consider how you could impact teens by jumping in or increasing your role.

MEET Ashleigh! She is from the land down under and likes to wrestle kangaroos. Just kidding about the kangas. Ashleigh is hoping to intern with JJM for the next year. We are seeking to raise matching funds to help bring her on board with our JJM team! Interested in helping? 

MEET Jay Hardin! Jay currently is a volunteer JJM Site Director for Peoria Juvenile Detention. With the news of Jon leaving we are seeking monthly support to help bring Jay on the team, part time or full time. Jay has experience working in the military, security, administration, and ministry. Jay is a great asset to our JJM ministry. Please consider helping to bring him on our paid staff, so he can focus more time and attention on this ministry. 

Thank you all for praying and supporting teens.

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10 + 12 = 3,000+

No, I haven’t gone crazy or lost my mind. But I have done some math, and if everyone who supports JJM raises their monthly gift by $10/month, it would provide an extra $3,000+ each year.  The increase would provide food for mentees,  snacks for the Youth Farm and both Detention centers, expansion of JJM and more! 

Amazed by God

BLONO Dreams

“Are you with Youth for Christ? Bloomington needs YFC!” This was my introduction to Andrew & Karen while sitting in the Bloomington Chick-fil-A.  They overheard me sharing with someone else that I am with YFC and am investing time in Bloomington to see if God has Kingdom work for us there.  They have joined our Launch Team.

Earlier I met with Drew & Kelly and heard their hearts for lost kids as they have been praying for God’s direction.  Kelly’s heart is for disenfranchised and trafficked teens and Drew wants kids to know the truth and love of Jesus.  They have joined our Launch Team.

My letter doesn’t have enough space for me to tell you all about Joe, Britt, Marjorie, Matt, Mandy, Jeff, Matt, Brad, Candice, Dustin and others who desire and are working toward a YFC launch in BLONO. (Bloomington-Normal)

Summer is around the corner. That means interns will join our team, YFC Camp will involve 200+, Justice Trip to Philly, campouts, special events, car washes, and lots of time with teens!  These are life-changing opportunities where God does amazing things.

God is at work…..thank you for your Kingdom partnership in making a difference in Central Illinois teens!

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Please pray for these BLONO expansion needs:

• 5-7 additional Launch Team members

• 4-6 BLONO students to attend YFC Camp

• Continued favor with more BLONO friends

• Financial partners toward sustainable YFC BLONO ministries