July08 - Introduction by Tye Adair

Please allow me to introduce myself, or get reacquainted, in my capacity as a new board member with Youth For Christ. YFC is, and historically has been, one of many powerful tools God is using in our area to reach teens with the good news of Jesus. I worked in various capacities for our local YFC from 1998 to 2003. During that time, the value of our local YFC was evidenced in multiple ways. First, YFC was able to partner with local churches, pastors, youth workers, volunteers, and a fellowship of believers, in a cooperative and encouraging manner for the betterment of the Kingdom. Secondly, the clear truth regarding Jesus was shared with hundreds of teens who attended school in Macomb, B-PC, Southeastern, West Prairie, and Industry. And finally, I saw lives changed, character built, new hope instilled, and eternal futures set into motion.

Most would agree that the mission and vision of YFC is worthy, but at times it is difficult to grasp the role that donors can play in fulfilling the vision. In many respects, it is quite simple. As believers in Jesus, we are concerned about local youth and long for the Gospel to be known. Since most of us are not gifted in youth evangelism, we look to YFC to help with this job. Thanks to financial supporters, volunteers, board members, and staff, YFC has been working to help local youth for nearly 15 years.

Currently, YFC has seven board members who are committed to fulfilling the mission and vision of our local youth outreach. As such, we are working diligently to restore the Macomb ministry. Our plan for the Macomb area includes staff and volunteers. Additionally, we are striving to support the thriving ministry in the Bushnell area. All that being said, the take home message is this – the board of directors and many supporters continue to believe that McDonough County needs - Youth For Christ.

July08 - Update from Lynn

Well we are doing great, Keaton turned 7 weeks on Tuesday (June 10th) and aside from being a little fussy at night he doing wonderful. We will be closing on our house in Macomb the end of this week (June 14th), ending a 4 month stay in my parent's basement. My current job is not all its cracked up to be so I have been pursuing ministry positions and have several leads in the Butler Area. We are excited to see what God's plans are next. Here's one of our latest photos attached. Take care, miss and love you all,

Lynn, Tanya and Keaton Wagner

July08 - Bushnell Beat

Rodeffer kids in pool, which was a major blessing/gift to us this year. Thank you!!!

Last Campus Life meeting of school year

In ministry, the summer has been a time to further develop key relationships with teens. Since our last update, a few teens have graduated, a couple have gotten involved, we have had a junior high camp out, and a lot of work with teens earning money for the summer trip coming up in mid-July.

June 13th a need was met in Brian’s (not his real name) life. Brian has been in quite a bit of trouble in the past, but has also made a decision for Christ in 6th grade. He is still in junior high, but hasn’t been walking with the Lord very closely. On this overnight camping/fishing trip with Mark Rauschert, (a local volunteer) Brian turned closer to the Lord. That night we got to talk about God and our spiritual lives. The next day after the overnight, Brian went to Church for the first time in a long while. He was excited about going and also went on an outing the next week with Campus Life. I love it when good things happen. It gives me hope and encouragement.

Thanks for all of your gifts to the ministry in Bushnell reaching youth for Christ!
Please keep praying for a couple of more female volunteers for this fall.

July08 - Bushnell Calendar of Events

Car Wash - Saturday, July 5th (7 am to 5 pm) @ First Baptist Church-Bushnell

Cornerstone Volunteer Clean-up - Sunday, July 6th (9 am to 5 pm), Monday and Tuesday, July 7th & 8th (8 am to 4 pm)

Depth Charge - Wednesday, July 9th (8 pm) @ CCC

Up North Teen Adventure - Monday, July 14th (depart 8 am) through Thursday, July 17th

Campus Life-JV goes to Ball Fore - Monday, July 21st

Breakfast Club - Tuesday, July 22nd (9 am) @ VFW park

Depth Charge - Wednesday, July 23rd (8 pm) @ CCC

Campus Life goes to Ball Fore - Thursday, July 24th

Depth Charge - Wednesday, July 30th (8 pm) @ CCC

Questions regarding above events? Please contact Todd @ 772-2254.

July08 - Prayer Requests and Thanks

Please continue to keep the YFC-WI board members in your prayers as they work towards finding a new Macomb Youth Director for the upcoming school year.

Thank you to those that mow the YFC house lawn and to those that help with the newsletter mailing. We appreciate your dedication to YFC!

May-Jun 08 - Message from Jeff

Golf Woes & Joys!

Golf has to be one of the most humbling activities of all time. With my game if I hit one reasonably good shot every 5 to 6 shots – I’m happy. I get a secret thrill out of watching paid professionals hit terrible shots like mine!

But the joy of golf for me is the time spent with those that I’m with. This was the case at the recent Western Illinois Youth for Christ golf outing on Saturday, May 17. It was fun for me to attend and participate. There were around 60 golfers and 10 – 15 helpers that helped make a great day and God blessed us with beautiful weather.

I was able to renew friendship with many friends from my time on YFC staff in Macomb from 1994-1998. The winning foursome is a special group to me as this group were all a part of the ministry when I was leading the YFC outreach at Macomb High School. Dustin, Darcy, Brian, and Ryan were all a part of the YFC ministry during their high school days. I even got to coach Ryan and Brian in 7th grade basketball! What a joy to have these guys return to Macomb to support the continuing ministry in Macomb and Western Illinois.

But YFC is not about golf outings – we’re about sharing God’s love with teenagers. While we enjoy golf outings we really get pumped about helping young people understand that life is at its best when it’s lived in right relationship with God. I had the privilege to sharing this with many Macomb teens and the local Board is working hard to re-establish the outreach in Macomb. Todd Rodeffer and his team in Bushnell continues to do a great job in sharing Christ with teens there!

Will you continue to pray and give towards this needed mission? Young people in Macomb, Bushnell, and other Western Illinois communities need this ministry. Please do what you can to make it possible for this vital work to continue.

Jeff Ringenberg
Peoria Youth for Christ
Western Illinois Youth for Christ (1994-1998)

May-Jun 08 - Golf Outing Thank You!

We would like to acknowledge our sponsors and donors and volunteers:





Our Major Sponsor
Catch A Star Learning Center Inc.

Our Food Sponsors:

Ludlum Food Mart
Niemann’s County Market
CocaCola Bottling Co. of Macomb

Our Hole Sponsors:

American Family Insurance-Matt Glaser, Bushnell Banking Center, Citizen’s National Bank, Dough Delights, First Bankers Trust, Grand Prairie Estates, Gentry Motors, Linsco/Private Ledger Financial – Garner Financial, McGrew Feedlot Equipment, McDonough District Hospital, MidAmerica National Bank, State Representative Rich Myers, Digger & Sarah Oster, Professional Eyecare Center, Salsarita's Fresh Cantina, State Farm-Cathy Early, Table Grove State Bank, The Wright Agency – James Wright, Western IL Credit Union

Our Prize Sponsors:

Aurelios, Ball Fore, Batson’s Ace Hardware, Bella Hair Studio, Bushnell Banking Center, Chicks on the Square, Citizen’s National Bank, First Bankers Trust, Fun City, Hart’s Nursery, Health & Harmony Therapeutic Therapy, HyVee, Il Spazio, McDonough Power, McGrew Feedlot Equipment, Mel Blasi, Michael’s Hair Design, MidAmerica National Bank, Nelson Clothing, Nickson Tire, Nostalgia, Papa John’s, Professional Eyecare Center, David Pyles, El Rancherito, Red Ox, Rosy’s Pizza, State Farm Insurance-Cathy Early, Truffles by Becca, Vaughn & Bushnell, WIU Harry Mussatto Golf Course

Our Volunteers:

Mike Cox, Sue Dunseth, Janice Gates, Chris Myers, Bill Poncin, Ty Adair, Bernie McCance, Becca Pettit, Joe Rodeffer, Kelly Rodeffer, Vicki Reimolds, Charlie & Debbie Schade, Carl Knutson, Colin Hornbaker, Jeff Ringenberg and the Campus Life teens!

A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL!!