Macomb News!

We’re excited to announce the addition of David Keck to our staff.  David will serve as Ministry Director for our Macomb site. 

David grew up in Macomb, the oldest of four in a very musical family.  He had always wanted to be a famous singer, but as He often does, God tweaked David’s plans.  He recently received a degree in Church Ministries from Southwestern Assemblies of God University and is a graduate of The Oaks School of Leadership. 

In the church world, David is a “jack of all trades.”  He has served in a handful of churches in many different roles, such as leading worship, kids’ ministry, youth discipleship, and community outreach. 

David’s father is an Assemblies of God pastor in Industry Illinois and his mother works as a psychologist for the McDonough County School District in Macomb.  He is looking forward to marrying his fiancé this coming January and following through with the plans God has for them. 

David brings many strengths and talents to the ministry of Youth for Christ.  Teaching, training, speaking and preaching, team building–David’s enthusiasm for God and ministry is infectious. 

David has a busy summer ahead of him as he plans to launch the Youth for Christ program this fall, with the goal of reaching Macomb area Jr. and Sr. high students for Christ.  Pray for David as he begins to work with teens in the Macomb area. 

Bushnell Beat

It seemed like such a long winter.  Spring kind of flew by and finally summer is here.  The last month of our school year ended with a paintball outing, baccalaureate, graduation and year-end Campus Life meetings. 

One of our adult leaders had been taking some teens to her church for a few weeks.  One night, one of them trusted Christ as his Savior.  God is great!  Pray for his growth as a young Christian.  I am very thankful for adult leaders that invest in the lives of teenagers. 

And now we have taken a trip to Starved Rock with several teens.  Pray for the results of this trip, that teens will trust in Christ, go deeper in their faith, and/or be ready to serve the Lord in a greater capacity. 

-Todd Rodeffer

12th Annual Youth for Christ/Catch a Star Golf Outing

Save the date!  Saturday, August 2nd, 8:00 a.m 

Join us as teams of four take to the course for 18 holes of golf!  We’re offering 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes, lunch on the grill, hole prizes, AND a $20,000 fifty/fifty split hole-in-one prize!  It all takes place at the WIU Harry Mussatto Golf Course in Macomb.  Sign up today! 

Macomb Happenings by Lauren Surprenant

Youth for Christ/Western Illinois was blessed to be able to take 18 students (12 from Macomb & 6 from Bushnell) to Christ In Youth’s (CIY) Believe program – a high energy 24 hour event geared specifically to Jr. High kids.  This year’s theme was The Presence (of God… the Holy Spirit). We learned how The Presence (“Ru-ah”) connects with us in Community, giving us Courage, bearing Fruit and giving us His Power.  The same power that rose Jesus from the dead is in us.

Over lunch, we got to discuss—how would family, school, YFC  and youth group look different if The Presence had more of a presence in them.  Upon returning home, one girl has begun DFC – Drama Free Club… and one girl has chosen to make Jesus her Savior! THAT’S the Power of The Presence.

Bushnell Beat by Todd Rodeffer

The 13th Annual Souper Duper Soup Supper was the big event last month. We had a little over 100 people to serve that night. Around 20 youth worked as waiters and waitresses, along with about 10 adults. Abby, Jasmin and Kaylyn shared how Campus Life Middle School has impacted them and provided a place to have fun and learn about Christ.

This (soup supper) is an amazing event and I want to thank all the adults and teens who put time and effort into the evening. Thanks!

Our Breakfast Club is held each Wednesday morning. We have been having  adult community members share their testimonies for the teens to reflect upon. Ted Cox (longtime community member—he’s near 100!), Pastor Joe Olson (Checkrow), and lay speaker Dan McGrew were among our speakers in the past month. Thank you to all who’ve shared how the Lord has saved you and what He does to make your life significant!

Jan/Feb 2013 Newsletter

Hello, friends! I hope all is well with each one of you.

I've listed the link to this month's newsletter below. Enjoy!

-Connie Sadler

Executive Director

Youth for Christ/Western Illinois

January/February 2013 Newsletter

Dec12 - Good Time

A Good Time was Had by All!

The attendees of the 2012 Annual YFC Banquets enjoyed a delicious meal. The fellowship was wonderful. Lauren and Todd gave inspirational reports of the lives being touched by the ministry of Youth for Christ/Western Illinois. Students told us how YFC/WI is transforming their lives. For the evening banquet, Slap Happy Comedy had us all laughing. We were even visited by a flash mob!

Thanks to everyone who worked together to make the two banquets a wonderful success! Between the luncheon and dinner banquets around 175 people enjoyed a great time of food, fun and fellowship.

YFC/WI received $5,700 in donations of support at the banquets and $1,135 was received from the silent auctions.