For 80 years, Youth For Christ (YFC, www.yfc.net) has been ministering to young people walking through pivotal moments in their lives. And perhaps no moment is more pivotal, or challenging, in a teen’s life than becoming a parent.
In West Central Minnesota, YFC’s Parent Life is committed to reaching expectant and parenting teens in their community through intentional relationships with caring adults, empowering them to thrive, further their education and move toward becoming lifelong followers of Jesus Christ.
According to West Central Minnesota YFC Director of Parent Life Kay Levesque, “It’s our passion to make these moms feel seen, heard and valued. Our aim is to be a steady voice and presence in their lives.”
Levesque points out that young moms face unique challenges, as they simultaneously navigate the challenges of adolescence while also raising a child.
Levesque observed, “These moms are facing a number of obstacles, such as finishing school, finding stable housing and securing reliable childcare. They’re balancing work, parenting and relationships, while trying to figure out their own identity and their own goals. On top of that, they have limited family support. Plus, they often have strained relationships because of their early parenting, as they don’t really relate to their peers anymore, which causes them to feel isolated.”
Parent Life steps into this relational gap by connecting these girls with caring adult mentors.
Levesque said, “Through relational, holistic ministry, our hope is to see young moms thrive physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.”
One such mom shares her own story of life change.
“I found out I was pregnant at 19 years old. Despite the support from my loved ones. I still felt alone in my situation. That’s when I reached out to Kay and began attending Parent Life.
“Through her, I learned that God is not distant; He’s personal and loving. Kay and Parent Life helped me realize that no matter what I feel or experience, God’s love for me doesn’t change. God reached me in the hardest times through His people, and I wouldn’t have the relationship I do with Him if it weren’t for Parent Life and the gift of my son.”
But Parent Life doesn’t just serve teen moms; it prepares them to serve others as well.
“These young women have incredible resilience and potential,” observed Levesque. “We provide opportunities for them to build friendships with older moms, while learning to mentor younger moms. We don’t just want to help them; we want to raise them up as leaders. We do this by equipping them with life skills, like communication, financial budgeting, healthy cooking and conflict resolution.”
Yet no matter the initiative, Parent Life is ultimately committed to connecting these teens with a Savior Who loves them.
Levesque concluded, “Our ultimate desire is to see these young moms saved. It is important that we just keep the main thing, the main thing, and that we present Jesus and let the Holy Spirit transform their hearts.”
Youth For Christ (YFC) has been a leader in missional youth outreach for 81 years and is dedicated to uncovering God’s story of hope in the next generation that desperately needs it. YFC reaches young people everywhere, working together with the local church and other like-minded partners to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus who then lead by their godliness in lifestyle, devotion to the Word of God and prayer, passion for sharing the love of Christ, and commitment to social involvement.
YFC chapters impact thousands of communities across the nation, seeking out and serving youth from all walks of life. Young people are silently struggling through a wide variety of challenging issues — and through the YFC ministry, God empowers them and they see the living power of a loving God. YFC trains its leaders in a proven, relational ministry model called 3Story®, which encourages staff and volunteers to be good news while also sharing the stories of the Good News of Jesus. It involves building relationships through the ups and downs of everyday life to lead people to Christ.
YFC has been a pillar of missional ministry since 1944, when Dr. Billy Graham served as YFC’s first full-time staff member. Since then, Youth For Christ has continued to be both a rural and urban ministry on mission, and it is always about the message of Jesus. Youth For Christ USA has over 113 chapters that impact communities across America and is one of over 100 nations within Youth For Christ International.
Learn more about Youth For Christ at its website, www.yfc.net, Facebook
No comments:
Post a Comment