January 2019 Newsletter

Being connected matters. 

Our staff have been through many training sessions that have described this generation of teens as being some of the 'most connected' generation of our time in history. These subject matter experts who lead the training go on by sharing that this generation is the most emotionally disconnected group of our time as well, thus leading our country with incredible amounts of depression, self-harm, suicide and other concerns connected to these statistics. Sadly, so many of these people believe their social media statistics define who they are and authentic relationships barely exist. Some professionals have even quoted that FOMO (fear of missing out) has created a feeling that people will literally believe their phone or device is a part of their body being they don't want to miss anything happening in their social media connections. And if this isn't enough, they literally don't have to go anywhere to get anything they need. It's all available to be delivered to them, whether groceries, fast food or anything else in today's app-based movement.

The month of January has been a real time of rich connections coming together for our staff and their families. Specifically, we were able to help put together a birthday celebration which came from a request of one of our students who has been regularly coming to the Salvation Army gym since it's inception. Jacob's only hope for his 16th birthday was that he could have his friends and family come together at a place he loved the most and could enjoy the most, which included basketball. He was very gracious about the request and thanks to the blessing of the relationship with the Dietrich's at the Salvation Army, the birthday party went off without any issues. Over 20 people gathered and celebrated his 16th in style. Another incredible blessing was how Jacob asked for the other leaders who have been helping on Thursdays to come join in the event. It's all because of God's amazing blessing of being connected to people who care about and love him as Jesus loves him that we were able to provide such an event. 

Jacob (center in black t-shirt hugging mom in red shirt) with the crew for his 16th birthday celebration

A view of the group of teens who came for the spring '19 kickoff

It is no different in what God did in and through our ongoing connected weekly ministry at the Leavenworth Salvation Army. The 2019 spring semester kickoff was a wild success, bringing in 27 teens, which was a record number for the school year. It was evident that they were anxious to get back to a place where they mattered, plus in a facility they can call their own 'home away from home.' It wasn't just the opportunity to come back together that was so incredible, but one of the leaders felt the need to bless the teens in buying them pizza for the kickoff, yet another phenomenal God moment to love these teens! 

The Parsons' with Leavenworth's newest Mayor, Jermaine Wilson

In the midst of doing some amazing things in ministry with our teens, our staff got the chance to join the citizens of Leavenworth in welcoming in the newest mayor and friend of YFC, Jermaine Wilson. Mr. Wilson's story is incredible and has been a blessing throughout the area as he is openly willing to share his background where God brought him through being incarcerated in a local prison and redeemed through his record being expunged and now he is the community's newest Mayor. Not only is he a friend, but he openly loves and believes in what God is doing in and through the efforts of Youth For Christ in this area. His ministry, Unity in the Community has blessed the teens multiple times with pizza and opportunities for the teens to get together in a healthy place as God permits. It is through the blessing of God's connection to Jermaine and his ministry's movement that the relationship continues. 

Wes Kreun's memorial pamphlet

It was brought to the sudden attention to Phil and Amy that Phil's dear friend from high school, Bryan Kreun, his father had suffered a heart attack and passed away mid-month and services were soon to follow. Memories of Phil's own father passing 5 years ago were flooding his mind and allowed Phil to be there for Bryan in the celebration of his dad, Wes Kreun and the lives he impacted over the years. Bryan's dad was one of the leaders of the Boy Scout Troop Phil and Bryan were involved through the years growing up. Being great friends in school growing up allowed Phil to come into contact with Wes often, even in the crazy choices the boys would make, even if it were the middle of the night being stuck in a snow drift in a housing development in Bryan's car or pulling into Bryan's driveway with a broken windshield on his car. No matter what the circumstance, Wes impacted many lives, to include Phil's. Even though they had grown up from those days in the past, Phil and Bryan still were connected over the distance. 

A picture of the Boy Scout Troop where Phil and Bryan grew up as friends and Wes Kreun was a leader

The memorial bulletin of the service for
Rev. Ken Wittrock 

All the while in being back in Omaha, Phil and Amy got the chance to join his mom at another memorial service. This one was for Phil's parents' pastor of many years, Ken Wittrock. Pastor Wittrock was the guy who welcomed his family when they were going through a lot of issues and hurts in a church departure and became an incredible pastor that Phil's parents loved and respected. Once again, throughout the memorial it was evident of all of the lives Pastor Wittrock impacted throughout his over 40 years of ministry. He even took the time to give insight to Phil on his first assignment in Georgia and how to go about it, being newly in the trenches of military youth ministry. The guy even knew Phil every time he came home to visit his folks. The ministerial family of Phil's folks' church was incredible and a blessing to encounter in their visit to Omaha. 





In between all the visits, ministry kickoffs and memorials, Phil and Amy still found themselves in the middle of building new bridges from past and current relationships from Fort Leavenworth. God placed it upon their hearts to reach out to people so that they could hear their hearts in the mess that they encountered over 2 years ago and it has provided incredible healing, understanding and growth opportunities. It is uncertain as to what any of all of this will provide, but the biggest part is how it's reconnecting people who are on mission to love military teens no matter the vehicle that is provided. It opens the floodgates of love, mercy and grace beyond anything imaginable. It has already encouraged Phil and Amy to keep praying big as to what God will do next with them locally so they can impact military teens beyond what they are doing now. 

To that we thank each of you for being on mission with YFC Leavenworth County and what they are hoping to accomplish. We hope and pray that this New Year finds each of you well and on your way to what God has planned for your families. Be praying for all the folks and those even not mentioned in the letter as so many lives are impacted in the works of incredible adult team members who are loving teens 'right where they are.' 
~YFC Leavenworth County 
_________________________________________________________
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. To give to the YFC Leavenworth County Affiliate, you may go to this link: https://yfc.givingfuel.com/31081

December 2018 Newsletter

The Parsons' family Christmas photo

The Christmas season is upon us and in full swing. Homes, shops, and spaces all over the globe have been beautifully adorned with trimmed trees and decorations galore. People are busy feverishly shopping and wrapping gifts they prepare to give. During all of the hustle and bustle of the season, how many really stop to remember all the amazing gifts that have been lavished upon them? We’re not talking about the tacky Christmas sweater you received in that work party white elephant gift exchange last year, or the outdated fruitcake your neighbor may have re-gifted to you perhaps out of obligation. This season of Christmas has got us thinking more deeply of the lavish gifts we’ve received over the years.

We often think of Thanksgiving as a time to remember and be grateful for all that we’ve been given, and don’t get us wrong, we certainly spent a good bit of time reflecting over Thanksgiving. We’re reminded of the warm home we’re fortunate enough to have, and the comfortable bed we’re able to lay our heads down each night, among so many other things. As we reflect, we’re so humbled as we know that not everyone is afforded those same luxuries. Gifts don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. A kind gesture or word of encouragement can make such a difference especially for someone in the middle of a difficult season of life.

The Parsons family helping during the annual Wreaths 

Across America event at Fort Leavenworth

As full-time missionaries, it is the financial gifts of others, of you, that allow us to do the work that we do. We are grateful for each and every one of you. 1 John 3:1 states, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” Wow! Just let that all soak in for a minute….

Phil with Jacob (left) and Brandon (right) as

they rang bells together for the Salvation

Army kettle season

What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received? A family heirloom maybe? Perhaps a nice trip taken with loved ones? We’ve all received special things that we’ll always remember. Far above any tangible mass-produced item that can be picked up and purchased in any corner store, is the gift of the great love that our Heavenly Father has lavished on us! We’ve been given such a rich inheritance as children of God because He loved us so much to give us the gift of His only Son, born in that lowly stable, next to farm animals, to teen parents that didn’t have a clue.

When we read the Christmas Story, the setting isn’t a fancy palace that is elaborately decorated. The characters aren’t on society’s most notable or best dressed list. It’s a story that includes teen pregnancy, homelessness, and refugees seeking asylum. How ironic that a momentous moment in history that changed the trajectory of our world, doesn’t sound all that much different from the world we live in today.

Many of the students we work with here in Leavenworth County struggle with homelessness, or they struggle to scrape a meal together, often only eating when we feed them. They may struggle with depression, which at this time of year is common for many. The struggles they and others around us face are endless.

From left, Dakota, Brandon and I ringing bells for

the Salvation Army

Amy, Parker and Phil ringing bells for 

the Salvation Army kettle season

This Christmas, we want to ask only one thing of you.
You may be thinking we want you to pull out

A view at the Riverfront Community Center

 where staff has gathered with students

your checkbook and make a year-end gift that will help us remain in the field. No, put your checkbook away! This Christmas as we make our lists and check them twice, we want to challenge you to remember all that has been lavished on you through the course of your life. As you remember all that you’ve been blessed with, all we ask is that in this season of giving, that you pay it forward. A small simple gesture can go so far! The possibilities are endless. Perhaps you hold the door for someone, when you might be in a bit of a hurry. Maybe you sign up to ring bells for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. You could find a place to serve at a soup kitchen or help your neighbor. Regardless of what you choose, we ask that you would carve out a little time this season to share the love that Christ has lavished on us with others.

We’re so grateful for each and every one of you. All of the prayers, financial gifts, chats over coffee, dinners, friendships. We love and cherish all of you and your kindness and generosity doesn’t go unnoticed. We pray each of you have a very Merry Christmas and a joyous and healthy 2019.

From our family, to all of you, we thank you for believing in how we are called to 'go and seek' these amazing teens in our area, wherever and however God moves us.
~Phil, Amy and Parker

November 2018 Newsletter

An incredible amount of thanks to be given...

A group playing b-ball during our final 

Thanksgiving night

Every November, this time of year brings to mind how much God has blessed each of us on staff and in roles of the front lines where we work with teens in and through the mission of the Affiliate serving Leavenworth County. This year is nothing different than the years before. God has truly opened our eyes in the areas where we serve and how His plans have remained fruitful in our obedience to work with the lost and hurting teens in our area. Although we want to keep the confidentiality of the students, we will share some insight as to what we have heard and what God has shown us this past year.

Keshawn and I together

God placed it upon our hearts to lean back into a relationship with one of our longer-term students who has had a lot go on in his life and Phil got to re-engage with him in the early part of the month. Specifically, Phil invited Keshawn into the small group huddle which has been happening at the Salvation Army each week on Wednesday nights. It doesn't focus on the basketball, but more on the intersection of life and faith and getting real with one another about our own struggles and also celebrate what is happening in our own lives. Truly it is a family atmosphere which goes deeper than the Thursday night hoop sessions. Amazingly, Keshawn chose to come as he has mentioned to Phil multiple times he missed the group and the family he built in attending Thursday night sessions. Even greater about this story includes how Keshawn has been ailing in and through life as all of his possessions were gone through an incident where they were in a friend's parents' car which had been impounded. Presently, he's staying with his brother locally but still waiting to get into job corps in Manhattan, Kansas. It's truly apparent he's not been eating well as he's dropped a ton of weight and battling an issue of depression and anxiety. Keshawn truly belongs within our grips, even in the trenches and depths of his life because that is truly why we do what we do. He's our family.

All the drinks ready for Thanksgiving meal

The food is ready for the teens

The students get their food as the leadership 
feeds the students

Another story of an incredible area of thanks includes the numerous students who come into the facility each week notably hungry. Due to the continued weekly blessing from Karen and Teresa who choose to selflessly provide food to our Thursday group, these youth have come to know they are being loved by being fed. Countless times have gone by where teens will ask our leaders what's the plan for food each week due to the fact that they are excited and happy that they receive food to satisfy their hunger. It isn't just from the gracious generosity of these ladies who provide, but our ongoing blessing of our partnership with the Leavenworth County Salvation Army that has provided great amounts of food to feed these great teens as we meet weekly for ministry in the gym together. It has become a usual quote of 'fishes and loaves' where the food brought can take care of our teens no matter how much it looks like.

The small group squad together right before Thanksgiving

Faithfulness has been such a big thing this month as we have seen so many things come together as God has blessed our leaders in being faithful in gathering with our teens beyond the regular weekly events. Specifically, Phil and two of his newest leaders, Kobi and David have been meeting regularly with a group of teens who want to get deeper in their discussion on life and faith and everything in between. This is a group of teens who have shown interest that they want to build a real family atmosphere and get real with one another about life's stuff and unpack it together in a place where it's safe to share and be cared for. The group has ranged from 4 students up to a whole dozen as of late! Multiple students from this intimate group have chosen to reach out to adults when they have life issues that come up, ranging from home life struggles, anxiety issues and friends bullying one another at school. This is beyond a HUGE blessing to be able to provide something and stay faithful to the call God has placed upon us with this great group of teens.

One of the evenings where pizza was donated by one of our amazing partners, Unity in the Community

Finally 2018 has been an incredible year of so many partners who have chosen to join us in this mission and we are so grateful for the following folks who have come alongside us corporately: Lazy D BBQ, Pilgrim Community Church, Westside Family Church Leavenworth, First Baptist Church of Leavenworth, St Paul Lutheran Church, Elite Auto Details, CASA of Leavenworth, Salvation Army of Leavenworth County, Unity in the Community, Leavenworth Youth Achievement Center, Matt Hutabarat Photography, Taco John's of Lansing, Nathan Smith Ministries and Faith Evangelistic Center. As one can see, the Affiliate has been beyond blessed by so many folks who have come alongside the mission of Youth For Christ since our arrival here in reaching lost and hurting teens. God is SO good!

A view of the packed gym on our final night 
of the semester for Thanksgiving

So...there you have it. We have a TON to be thankful for this season. More than we can put on the blog and share with each of you and it's because of people who have partnered with our missionaries to have them in the field in this area, pursuing lost and hurting teens. Thank you all for being you. Thank you for believing in the call here. Thank you for reading these updates faithfully. Thank you for everything.
~Phil, Amy, Allison
___________________________________________
To give to the YFC Leavenworth County Affiliate, you may go to this link: https://yfc.givingfuel.com/31081





Staff Update: 
Phil & Amy Parsons - Phil and Amy are excited to spend Thanksgiving this year in Kansas and invite family to their home and provide the Thanksgiving meal for everyone who attends. Parker's growth has been incredible and he is walking around on his own, in addition to learning more and more with his inquisitive mind.

Allison Adragna - Our amazing second staff person Allison has recently let us know that 30 November will be her final day with our ministry serving Leavenworth County. Allison recently accepted a new position with a retail farm & supply store and will be training to be the eventual store manager. She felt called to stay around the Leavenworth County area due to the fact she has built incredible relationships with teens and others in her church community and is leaning into what God has next for her life. Please join us in thanking her and also praying for her journey.

October 2018 Newsletter

A snapshot of the fall colors setting in locally at our favorite orchard

We've noticed recently seasons come and go in regularity each year. Our part of the country saw an early snowfall mid-month and it has many worried how cold things could get for us this winter. Many leaves on trees are turning and the colors of the fall season look incredible during this month all throughout our county. Some seasons that we've noticed are how people can come and go in our lives but God mercifully blesses us to stay connected with them no matter how far away they might be.

Recently our staff, Phil and Amy Parsons, got the chance to get to escape to Dallas, Texas, for an early surprise birthday trip for Phil's 40th birthday in November. This placed them nearby some dear friends and longtime mentor in ministry, Damien Marts and his family. The Marts family had recently moved back stateside from their tenure in Hawaii doing incredible military youth ministry to a plethora of teens and doing it well. They found themselves back in Texas after praying where to land and where their son Leo could get the best care for his childhood Leukemia treatment. Their own family was nearby and it was the place where their son could receive great care from the medical practitioners in the Dallas metroplex. It was with this surprise visit that Phil and Amy got to reconnect with wonderful friends and they got to meet the children they so often saw on social media and the life they were living from afar in the Pacific. Although the catch-up wasn't as long as they all had hoped, it was life-giving and peaceful for everyone to spend the intentional time together sharing stories, life and everything in between.

From left, Amy, Desiree & Damien Marts and Phil at the Marts' home in Texas

The hooligans together again, Damien and Phil

Phil & Amy with Heidi (middle)

Another blessing to the trip included seeing a long-time partner in mission, Heidi Elliott, as she was working at her job during the day at Magnolia Farms in Waco, Texas. It was an added bonus they weren't too far from the location and it blessed Amy to check it out and Phil got to visit with the long-time friend from back when they served alongside at Fort Leavenworth. The Elliott family now lived in this area of Texas after her husband Jay had retired and now was a local judge. The Elliott's had two teenage students involved in the military youth ministry when Phil was serving alongside them as key leaders in the leadership team. Their passion for military teens was incredible and such a blessing as they have been partners with the mission awhile now. Even though the business was slammed that day they visited in Waco, it was still really awesome to get to see Heidi.

Adrian with Phil and Amy in Temple, Texas, over dinner together

Being that Phil and Amy were in Waco, it was only a half hour from one of Phil's longest running friends, Adrian Cannady. Recently Adrian had been hired to a position as the President and CEO of Temple Economic Development Corporation. Phil had the wonderful pleasure of working alongside Adrian in 2002 while at the Army & Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES) as management trainees. Even though Phil and Adrian spent only a bit over 4 months together, God utilized the relationship built quickly for the long run in His overall design. It was via Adrian's friendship and insight that he became one of Phil's best friends in the muck and mire of his darkest moments all the while still bonded through the experiences in their work relationship in San Antonio. For Phil and Adrian to get to catch up while they did in Temple at his new location, that was an incredible culmination for his 40th birthday weekend in Texas.

Relationships matter to God, so much. They mean the world to us in the YFC Affiliate, whether with adults, teens or anyone in between. We continuously work to intentionally build them with folks to understand where they are coming from and how God has plans to connect their story to His. That's one of the biggest beauties of working in military youth ministry, specifically that wherever we go God provides those whom we've connected in one way or another and the relationship continues.

We thank each of you, for being part of our relationship, whether in prayer, support, friends, ministry leaders, pastors, leaders and anything beyond. Truly that is what makes this mission possible.
~Phil, Amy, Parker and Allison

_________________________
Staff Update: 
Phil and Amy Parsons: Phil and Amy recently celebrated their son's 1st birthday on the 10th of

Parker on his 1st birthday

October and my goodness, how fast time flies for them! It's been an incredible year of firsts for their family. 

A snapshot from Allison's regular serving in the

mentor role at Basehor-Linwood Middle School

Allison Adragna: Allison has been busy with the mentoring program at Basehor-Linwood Middle School. She has enjoyed continuing to meet and build relationships with students at the school and is thankful for the opportunity to serve.


_________________________

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