March 2019 Newsletter

Volunteer Spotlight

Kobi on the left with a friend

One of our current all-star leaders is a current military soldier who works at the JRCF (joint regional correctional facility) on Fort Leavenworth named Kobi. Part of his story includes how he grew up with parents who are officers in the Salvation Army. He connected with the past leadership of the local corps and asked how he could help around the Leavenworth location and instantly was told about our 4:13 basketball ministry partnership. Then, if that wasn't enough, Kobi continually plugged his two other friends from on post in the ministry who have been faithfully joining us each week as we pour into these incredible teens. A big part of Kobi's impact upon the teens in the gym is his ability to lead well and impress upon these young people how to compete well without losing our minds. He plays with a relentless competitive spirit but doesn't look to 'win at all costs' and the students comment about it regularly. Weeks where Kobi isn't able to make it due to shift changes on post, the students usually ask where he's at and if he'll make it or the next week. His presence is known and matters a ton to these teens who need to see a presence like his more often in their lives. 

Student Spotlight

Phil with "Carla" and her photo he provided for her as a farewell gift

"Carla" joined our basketball ministry in its initial start and came from the group that had been faithfully attending the other gym ministry across town. She was truly part of the 'initial squad' who helped break open the Salvation Army ministry site in town and all the blessings to come in among the work with so many teens in town. Carla regularly invited friends from school and wherever she knew to come spend time at the facility with us. Truly she has been an amazing blessing to have week in and week out. She has introduced leaders as her own mentors oftentimes and asks adults on the team for insight into her own life when she needs direction. She's even called Phil, 'Uncle Phil,' as a term of endearment and respect for all the times spent with her in the gym. As of late, she felt it necessary to give him a big 'shout out' on Facebook sharing "mad love and respect for this man right here, sad to say that this is the end but for sure will play again, thanks for the ride and the support you've given me. I couldn't thank you enough." Although Carla's move away from town leaves a gap in our hearts, her continued presence will be in the gym and with the teens that remain. That is it...family no matter where and how we meet the teens God gives us.  

Serving faithfully as God provides and permits us now at Fort Leavenworth and all over the area! 

~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're already at 82% funded, only needing 6 more folks to join the team!

To give to the YFC Leavenworth County Affiliate, you may go to this link: https://yfc.givingfuel.com/31081