Inspiring Stories of Hope
Torri Dawkins remembers exactly how she felt the first time she attended a Greater Iowa Youth for Christ program two years ago: Welcome.
“It was really nice to be there,” said Dawkins, a Clear Lake eighth grader. “It’s a good place to start if you want to start learning about God, especially if you’re not familiar with it.”
Dawkins is among more than 150 Clear Lake area middle school and high school students who attend weekly programming hosted by the ministry-driven organization.
Zeke Jordan, an eighth-grade classmate, is another.
“It’s very fun,” he said. “I like that it’s accepting and inviting to anybody and everybody, not just for people who go to church.”
The Greater Iowa Youth for Christ chapter, which comprises 17 ministry sites, aims to introduce students to Jesus Christ by building relationships and providing a safe, supportive environment through various programs, like Campus Life, Juvenile Justice and Parent Life. Their staff serves over 1,800 students.
Some of those students will share their stories during Youth for Christ’s “Stories of Hope” events on Tuesday, March 18, and Thursday, March 20, at the historic Surf Ballroom & Museum, 460 N. Shore Dr., in Clear Lake.
Why attend?
The purpose of the event is to “provide a night of inspiration, a unique opportunity to uplift Iowa’s youth and witness stories that ignite hope and change,” said Dan Schuknecht, YFC’s North Iowa regional director.
The events will highlight stories of students who are involved in YFC from different communities, including Clear Lake, Mason City and Garner.
“Stories of Hope” will replace the organization’s annual comedy event that they’ve held for nearly 20 years based on feedback from attendees.
“We were hearing from our community members that an event focused on the students’ stories would be more impactful,” Schuknecht said, noting it was time for a refresh on the event’s name and overall aim.
He said funds raised through the events will go toward sustaining the ministry of Youth for Christ, to providing programming and staffing across the communities they serve across Iowa, like Mason City, Clear Lake, Garner, West Fork and Hampton.
Reserve your spot
The event is geared toward adults, but everyone is welcome. There will be drinks from Cabin Coffee as well as delicious desserts for free, and time to connect with new and old friends. Reserve your seat!