We just met “George” a few weeks ago. He didn’t walk through the doors of the gym at the Salvation Army however. We first met him through his mom. She is part of our church small group. We sat and listened to her share some of her story and some concerns about her 17 year old son. She shared about him not making the wisest choices, choosing the best friends, and some recent trouble he had gotten himself into. As she listened to the weekly ministry we provide, she was eager to get George connected. Typically, we don’t always have the opportunity to connect with students’ parents. Our students often show up at the gym and hang out, but rarely do we get the opportunity to engage with their parents. It was kind of nice how this scenario kind of worked in the opposite way. Following the conversation with his mom, we were eager for him to come and check things out. A couple weeks went by though, and still no George. We started to think that although his mom was eager for him to plug in, maybe he didn’t share in her excitement. Last week though, George came! Not only did he show up, but he brought a couple of older friends that were interested in becoming volunteers! How awesome is that?! It’s beautiful how God can orchestrate things when we respond in simple obedience. As we continue to grow our Christ sharing relationship with George and learn more of his story, please be praying for him to make better choices, choose friends that will more positively influence his life, and for others to encourage and support him.
Volunteer Spotlight
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| Karen behind the counter feeding students at the gym |
On any given ministry night, there are various roles required for a successful night. When interviewing a potential volunteer, we try to asses their spiritual gifts, learn about their passions, and plug them in to serve accordingly in an area that fits. When we take these extra few steps, we can help that volunteer get into their “sweet spot”. One of our amazing volunteers that is serving in their sweet spot is Karen. She has been serving with us since the beginning of last school year. We learned that she would rather be behind the scenes than in the spotlight (which is a bit ironic since she’s featured in this month’s volunteer spotlight!) She has a heart for hospitality and loves food! She loves the story of how Jesus fed the multitudes with five small loaves of bread and two fish. Just as in Jesus’ day, that miraculous act of feeding all those people was so much more than simply a physically nourishing meal. Karen feels that the food she provides to our students each week turns out to be more than a simple meal for these kids. Many of them don’t get to eat regularly, and if they do, it’s usually never very much. We don’t give them a three course delicacy, but each week, these students know they are loved and cared for when that plate of yummy deliciousness, even if it may be a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich is put in front of them. As each student walks through the line, Karen has shared that she prays over the students and whatever their situations at home or school may be. She feels that when we fill these students’ bellies, we also fill their souls. That is so vital when it comes to planting seeds of Jesus in the hearts of these students.
Ministry Spotlight
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| Some of our newer adults involved in basketball with the teens |
We have been walking in humble obedience for nearly two years in partnership with the Salvation Army and operating the 4:13 basketball ministry. We are amazed at how God continues to bring students and volunteers into the fray. Specifically, we have had a handful of new adults come to the facility and check out what we are doing in this mission at the gym and with the teens and it's been wonderful to see new adult interest. Be praying for the right ones to plug in as they feel led! For the past several months, we have been in the planning stages for launching an additional ministry site. It’s not official just yet, so we won’t reveal all the details, but we hope to celebrate it’s launch by the end of the school year. Please be fervently praying for all of the pieces to come together, which include funding, and a harvest of volunteers to reach these students.
Deeply grateful for each of you in this mission!
~Youth For Christ Serving Leavenworth County
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We want to let you all know that we are praying for new partners to join us financially as we prayerfully close the gap on our funding needs! We are praying for 30 folks to join us at $30 per month, just $1 per day. We already have had 3 families come on board, only 27 more to go!
To give to the YFC Leavenworth County Affiliate, you may go to this link: https://yfc.givingfuel.com/31081
