Youth for Christ "Stories" Banquet 2018

The annual Youth for Christ "Stories" banquet was recently held on April 12th at Giovanni's. "Stories" were shared of YFC's outreach to youth through City Life, Campus Life, and Juvenile Justice Ministry.

We heard from the staff at YFC as well as influential community leaders, including Dr. Ehren Jarrett (Superintendent of Rockford Public Schools) and Brent Pentenburg (CEO of Rock River Valley YMCA). YFC greatly values partnerships in local schools and the YMCA, where we hope to expand efforts to reach additional youth through Christ-centered, mentoring relationships all across Rockford.

We also heard from a teen, Akeyla Evans, who has been impacted by YFC through her involvement at City Life and by attending YFC Camp last summer.

We are thankful for the success of this event. YFC's ministry in the community is growing, and this event continued that momentum forward. 

We would also like to thank our sponsors for helping make this event possible: Subway (Gold Sponsor), Ticomix, Jack Wolf Auto Group, SVL Productions, Chuck & Karen Blomgren, Roy & Beverly Blumenshine, A & B Freight, Anderson Toyota, David Anderson (Spring Creek Partners), Baird Financial Advisors (Gary Love), Business Advisors, The Crosby Law Firm, Culver's, Field Fastener, Gordon Flesch, Lori Haugen Tutorial & Editing Services, Dr. John & Dena Koehler, Meijer, Members Alliance Credit Union, Stateline Church, Stifel Nicolaus (Jeff Luedke), Dave Syverson, Trekk, John Widell Construction, Inc., and David Zierke (State Farm Insurance). We also appreciate many businesses and individuals who donated to the Silent Auction. 

"I'm Learning with You" and Healthy Mentoring

"I'm learning with you." These words need to be said more.

At Youth for Christ, we focus on mentoring youth in schools, the YMCA, and the juvenile detention center. We are invested in relationships with young people often in need of counsel, godly wisdom, life skills, and hope. 

Yet while we seek to provide direction in the lives of youth, it is imperative that we maintain a humble posture. Our youth have much to teach us as staff and volunteers.

Listening to their experiences creates empathy. Hearing their perspectives alert us to sociological factors and our own blind spots. Observing their fixation with social media gives clarity to their connections. Seeing their resolve in the face of adversity inspires and informs. Absorbing their pain instills a capacity to love.

"I'm learning with you" needs to be said more. 

A flawed view of mentoring constructs a "giver-receiver" dynamic. The "giver" believes their responsibility is solely centered upon providing help and knowledge. They do most of the talking. They only ask questions to set up the next point of emphasis. It does not occur to them that he or she might actually be able to learn from the mentee. This can be harmful in multiple ways.

For one, the mentor misses an opportunity to learn from the mentee. A chance to grow in understanding, awareness, knowledge, and love is bypassed.

Secondly, such mentoring relationships often create a disconnect between the mentor and mentee. We all tend to respond better to individuals who ask great questions and listen well. When this is missing and we are essentially forced to listen, we often shut down and grow exhausted, particularly if there are age, race, and sociological differences. "They do not really understand me..." is a common feeling from mentees in such relationships. 

Lastly, a mentoring relationship built on the "giver-receiver" dynamic often becomes more about the "giver" than the "receiver." The "giver" wants to feel good about the knowledge shared, about being a "positive role model." He or she wants to feel like their insight is really received and applied. The foundation of the relationship is upon the mentor's self-worth. 

We need a higher standard when it comes to mentoring.

"I'm learning with you" is a short phrase that is helpful. We need to not only say that, but we also need to demonstrate it. We need to ask quality questions and listen intently. We need to set aside our agenda and get to know people. We need to see people not as "projects" to be fixed but as people made in the image of God with wonderful complexities. We all have such complexities.

After all, Jesus was known for asking questions. He modeled a posture of humility (Philippians 2:1-11). He did nothing out of selfish ambition. He counted others more significant than himself. 

When we communicate "I'm learning with you" through our words and a Christlike demeanor, we will see walls come down and healthy mentoring take root. Both individuals will learn from and empower one another. Both individuals will feel understood and heard. Both individuals will experience God's loving presence. 

In embracing this model with the youth we serve, we will see hearts soften and relationships deepen. This has happened most effectively through staff and volunteers who take this Christ-centered approach of listening, learning, and discerning how and when to best counsel. 

We all need grace here. Our approach is so often misguided. May Christ redeem our unhealthy habits and fill us with the goodness of who He is as we minister to others. 

City Life Launches Life Skills Class, and Here's Why...

How can we introduce teens to Christ and equip them to faithfully serve Him? This is a question of vital importance.

City Life seeks to do both – uplifting the gospel and teaching valuable life skills. This is why we recently launched a Life Skills class in partnership with the Rock River Valley YMCA. We have a heart to “make disciples” of Christ (Matthew 28:19) who embrace the gospel, learn new skills, and develop as leaders who serve Christ and others.

Our outreach must be “holistic” in this sense.

Many of the youth we serve do not know Christ or possess an understanding of the Bible. Some have skewed views of God and His love. It is imperative that we teach the gospel, highlight the narrative of Scripture, and connect youth to local churches. An encounter with the goodness of God’s love is our hope and prayer. Our young people are the future of the Church.

Many of the youth we serve also lack an understanding of basic life skills. It is thus also important that we instruct life skills that empower. An emphasis on such skills and mindsets will increase the capacity of youth to flourish as God-honoring people. Our youth are the future “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13).  

This is what is happening at City Life, and the Life Skills class is an exciting development in achieving our mission. The class will feature topics such as Career Readiness, Time Management, Financial Literacy, and more. Guest speakers from a variety of fields will share their knowledge and experience. Youth will be encouraged in their self-esteem, as beloved children of God with invaluable worth to their Creator and our world.

Do you want to partner with us? Please reach out. We are looking for volunteers, including mentors and guest speakers. Let’s empower our youth together.

8 Ways to Pray for Rockford in 2018

Here are 8 ways to pray for Rockford in 2018. Will you commit to praying for our city?

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1. Pray for gospel transformation rooted in Christ's power, in which hearts are truly transformed and empowered to serve Christ and others (Romans 1:16). 

2. Pray that this transformation will bring growth and healing to our city spiritually, racially, socially, and academically (Jeremiah 29:7).

3. Pray for racial reconciliation centered upon the gospel to build bridges that point our city to Christ and love for one another (Ephesians 2:11-22).

4. Pray for community leaders to serve with godly wisdom and a heart for all Rockford citizens to flourish (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

5. Pray for Christians to lament our sin, including indifference to pain in our community. May we humbly examine our hearts, confess our shortcomings and at times ignorance, and allow space to learn and respond to others in love and humility (Proverbs 28:13).

6. Pray for churches and Christian organizations to work together in harmony to see growth in the gospel and our city changed (John 17:20-21).

7. Pray for our youth. Pray AGAINST the many evils challenging our young people, and pray FOR Christ to be known and lives to be transformed in all areas (2 Timothy 2:22).

8. Pray for churches, schools, businesses, and nonprofits to collectively influence structural evils in our city and seek after justice in Christ's name (Isaiah 1:17). 

Support Youth for Christ on #GivingTuesday

What is YFC's mission?

We are focused on building Christ-centered, mentoring relationships with teens, specifically within schools, community centers, and our local juvenile detention center.

Can you give an example of an influential mentoring relationship?

An active YFC volunteer at City Life has mentored a young man who has experienced dysfunction and isolation. Over the last couple years, this young man, largely through the influence of his mentor, has obtained a driver's license, received multiple jobs, completed his GED, and learned to manage a savings account. More importantly, this relationship has featured regular dialogue on the gospel message and the Bible. This type of relational approach is the emphasis in all of Youth for Christ's ministries.

Where is YFC currently active?

We currently have four ministry sites: Auburn & Guilford High Schools (Campus Life), I.D. Pennock YMCA (City Life), and our local juvenile detention center (Juvenile Justice Ministry).

What is YFC's vision to reach additional youth?

Our vision is to expand Campus Life to additional schools, namely East and Jefferson High Schools. We also hope to launch another City Life site in an under-resourced area of Rockford and deepen efforts within the juvenile detention center in partnership with Rockford Reachout. The ultimate goal is developing hundreds of Christ-centered, mentoring relationships with teens that empower young people spiritually, socially, and academically.

Why should I support YFC on #GivingTuesday?

A contribution to Youth for Christ is deeply meaningful in supporting YFC's vision to provide needed mentorship to lost youth in the Rockford area. Every dollar moves us closer to expanding outreach to additional teens.

CLICK HERE TO GIVE.

Please reach out to Executive Director Haddon Anderson (handerson@statelineyfc.org, 815-871-6409) if you have comments or questions.

See the Story Meal Teams

There is power in not only serving, but also seeing ministry in action.

This is why we have launched See the Story Meal Teams at Youth for Christ. These teams will provide a meal for 40-60 teens at City Life (Thursday evenings, 6:30-8:30 PM, I.D. Pennock YMCA Log Lodge) while also having the opportunity to catch a glimpse of what we do in person.

The majority of the teens City Life serves come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many go weeks without a nourishing meal. Serving them in this manner is meaningful and needed.

And it’s our hope that this opportunity goes beyond serving a meal. See the teens interact. Witness the staff and volunteers engage. Even ask a teen to share their story with you. Come “See the Story” taking place at City Life and let God stir your heart.

Please fill out the Sign-up Sheet that includes available dates, and Youth for Christ staff will be in touch. Thank you for considering!

YFC Golf Outing 2017

On July 31st, Youth for Christ held its annual Golf Outing at Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club. We had 78 total golfers and close to 100 present for the evening program, which included over 30 donated silent auction items. Thank you to those who volunteered to help make this event a success, and a huge thanks to our sponsors. An event like this is not possible without your generosity.

Sponsors: SVL Productions, Inc., Jack Wolf Auto Group, Schmeling, Lorna Haugen Tutoring & Editing, A & B Freight, Business Advisors, Dan & Jean Clark, Edgebrook Physical Therapy, Eldridge Roofing, Indelecon, John Widell Construction, Larson & Larson Builders, Members Alliance Credit Union, Prairie Street Brewhouse, Rock Valley Credit Union, Stenstrom Petroleum, Stifel, Swedish American Foundation, Ticomix, Trekk, Tuneberg Dental, Wells Fargo, & Woodman’s

Stories: An Evening of Fellowship & Celebration (2017 Annual Banquet)

Powerful stories were shared. Our vision was embraced. And the lives of young people will be changed. We are extremely thankful for our 2017 annual banquet!

We greatly appreciate our guest speakers: Carandus Brown (Rockford Housing Authority & Total Faith Community Church), Mike Brown (President and CEO, Rock River Valley YMCA), Gus Carter (Assistant Principal, Auburn High School), and Regina Hayes (Parent/Guardian of City Life student). Thank you for sharing your heart for youth and our community!

We would also like to thank Mayor Elect Tom McNamara for his presence and support!

Finally, we could not do it without our Sponsors. Thank you to our Platinum sponsor, Subway, as well as Field Fastener, SVL Productions, Dr. John & Dena Koehler, Ticomix, Inc., The Crosby Law Firm, Jack Wolf Chrysler Jeep, Members Alliance Credit Union, Chuck & Karen Blomgren, David Zierke - State Farm Agent, A & B Freight, Anderson Toyota, John Widell Construction, Business Advisors Group, Lori Haugen Tutoring, and Culver's. We are so appreciative of your contributions!