Testimonies

Look through the eyes of yfc:

It had been six months since I last saw N. I remember the scene vividly. He had just gotten a job after being released from a court sentence that deeply impacted his life. I first met N ten years ago. I befriended him during the time when his parents were going through a messy divorce. Now, fast forward to yesterday. He came bursting through the door saying, “Let me tell you what God has done in my life! After the sentencing, there were times when I wondered if life was worth living, but I made it through. I now attend church and the male friendships there are really helping. Thank you for your prayers and for being there for me through the last 10 years. Thank you for the phone calls you made over the years to encourage me and check up on me challenging me to be a godly man."

We’ve all had “N’s” in our lives. Kids who have struggled. Kids we have prayed for. Maybe kids you are in the process of praying for right now. Keep on praying! God does answer our prayers! Please take a moment to pray for All the “N’s” we minister to - especially those who are hurting and need someone to pray for them and to point them to the someone who can meet their deepest needs. Praise God for all those whose lives have already been changed!

[Keith Tarry, People and Ministry Developer, YFC Winnipeg]

Some see a gang member....we see a LEADER

At the back of the YFC Fire hall we have a drop-in center for teenagers. From time to time I stop to connect with some of the kids. Recently I encountered three young teenagers, one who was in the early stage of intoxication. He had a large bottle of alcohol that he was taking the occasional drink from. What was equally disturbing was that he was trying to get a very young girl and another guy to drink as well.

We had a good talk. I tried to help them see that drinking was not a good choice. I know the kid’s brother. The bother had found Christ at the drop-in. I eventually had to ask the kid with the alcohol to leave in an effort to protect the other kids. I was sad to see the young girl make the choice of leaving with him.

I left that night with the pain of knowing there are so many troubled youth who are making bad life choices. I also left grateful that YFC has a place where these kids can come and encounter the life changing love of Christ. And many do!

[John Courtney, Executive Director, YFC Winnipeg]

“It’s been difficult being a single mom, being a dad, being a provider, being everything! It’s difficult not having that extra person when my daughter is having tantrums, or when things aren’t working just because of typical children things. As soon as I got to the support group it was totally inviting. The people were so kind, so gentle and were so excited to see you. It was so nice. I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.

I really don’t know where I would be without the young moms group. I was really going through difficult times but I had amazing mentors that I could count on and who became my friends. They have helped me and helped me grow with God. They are there for you, and they really care. They build you up when you’re down. Being a Christian and having God in your life makes all the difference. Just knowing you have someone you can be real with, that you can count on. Knowing that you can give your problems to God, and knowing He’s there and that you can pray, go to church and worship, for me it has changed my life. I see things differently, I do things differently now as a single mom. When I was told about how God loves me, and how he offers forgiveness and will wipe my slate clean, I had never heard that before.”

As a parent I am so grateful for Youth For Christ. You have no idea how much this place means to us. Our marriage and family life has significantly improved because of our involvement.

The atmosphere at YFC is laid back, comfortable and loving. I didn’t have to wear a mask or pretend to have everything together.

It’s not a typical place. Here I was able to bond with other people who shared my struggles and pressures.

"God has blessed my life"

God was non-existent in my family. I had no real concept of what being a Christian meant. I came to the conclusion that some people are “wired” for God with a use and a need for Him in their lives, while others, like myself, weren’t “wired” for God and His purposes.

One day one of my close friends told me she wanted to go to camp. Cedarwood became the camp that we decided to go to. Cedarwood was not what I expected. It radically changed all the misconceptions and stereotypes I had believed about God and Christian people. I started learning that God wasn’t a concept but a real person in Jesus. Christian people weren’t dull and dry but fun and exciting.

I am overwhelmed with all things that I could write about regarding my relationship with Jesus at present. Phewf. God has blessed my life in so, so, so many ways.

“Someone needs to help”

I found myself strongly drawn to the girls - maybe because I was expecting a child myself. Maybe because I have a loving husband, a home and a family…support that all of these teen moms were missing.

“Must have been something in the water!” At least that was the reason one girl gave for being pregnant. Irresponsible, rebellious, lonely, thoughtless, desperate, wanting to be wanted… the reasons seem unending. Nevertheless, several girls in our community had become pregnant.

The last thing a teenage mother needs is another “If only you would have…” lecture. What she really needs is some practical, loving support to help her take care of this new life that’s not much younger than her.

I offered to lead a support group for teen moms. We talk about pregnancy, about being a mother, about life decisions, the future. We talk about faith and courage and hope. We talk about God’s loving presence, his interest in their lives and situation.

They all have decisions to make. All are facing years of unending difficult decisions. Some one needs to be there for them. Since we can’t change their past, we help shape the future.

“Haven’t seen my dad since forth grade”

After floorhockey I like to take the boys out for a coke. Initially none of them wanted to sit at a table with me. They’d all cram in another booth. Guess they thought I was a dork. I kept expressing interest in their lives. After a couple weeks they wanted to sit at my table.

They were full of surprising questions. Everyone wanted of the boys wanted to ask about my marriage. These are 14-year old boys. “So you’re married? Just one wife? What’s her name? How long have you known her? Are you home every night?”

It makes you wonder why would they’d be asking these kind of questions. I got a clue from Marvin, our 16-year old defenseman. Coming back from a game, we took a different route. Marvin said, “My dad lives on that street.”

I said, “That’s neat, Marvin. Do you get together with your dad much?”

“No, I haven’t seen him since fourth grade.”

It broke my heart. Imagine living ten blocks away, knowing the street your dad lives on, and you haven’t seen him in six years. He has no interest in your life. I can’t even imagine.

In whatever small way I can, I’m trying to fill a void in their lives and pass on the hope and faith my dad gave me.