Submitted by Greater Iowa Youth For Christ
Have you ever considered why some youth confronted with adverse experiences adapt and overcome, while others bear lifelong scars that hinder their potential? A growing body of evidence coming from the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child out of Harvard University points to one common answer: Young people who end up doing well had at least one stable, committed relationship with a supportive adult.
At the core of all its ministries and chapters, the focus of Youth for Christ (YFC) is to meet young people at pivotal moments in their lives to build lasting relationships in which God can work. And that’s exactly what YFC staff and volunteers have been doing in North Iowa since YFC launched in 1990.
YFC has been here in Clear Lake since 2016 and offers programming for 6th through 12th grade students under the leadership of Area Director Timothy Baxter. On Sunday evenings 30-40 students gather at the Clear Lake Area Wellness Center for games, a meal, a lesson, and small group discussion time. The Middle School Club begins at 5PM, there is a shared meal at 6:30, and the High School Club runs from 7-8:30. In addition to Sunday nights, YFC staff and volunteers spend time connecting with students during their lunch periods at school, building relationships through one-on-one appointments, and through facilitating building time after school on Wednesdays at the YFC house next to CL Tel. YFC also coordinates opportunities for students to attend summer camps as well as supervised outings to the beach, laser tag, professional ball games, the Mall of America, waterparks, etc.
Through the generous support of individuals, churches, and area businesses, YFC staff and volunteers are able to build Christ-sharing relationships with countless young people throughout the community. For many of these young people, the relationships are life changing. It’s amazing what God can do in the life of a child through one stable, committed relationship with a supportive adult.
Greater Iowa Youth for Christ has ministry locations in Clear Lake, Mason City, Hampton, West Fork, Garner, Eldora, and Des Moines, with an expansion planned for Fort Dodge in 2024. You are invited to attend this year’s Annual Youth for Christ Comedy Cafe fundraiser in Clear Lake on Thursday, April 11 at 6:30PM at the Surf Ballroom. Doors open at 6PM and tickets are free to reserve. Visit www.comedycafe.org to reserve your free seats. Dessert and coffee will be provided. Come partner with YFC to make a difference in the lives of Clear Lake’s young people.