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. 

Dec12 - Finances

Nov. donations: $15,880

 Nov. expenses:  $10,832

 YTD income:      $38,027

 YTD expenses:   $43,320

 YTD loss:           $5,293

Dec12 - What’s Next?

What’s Next?

Those who were able to attend this year’s banquets enjoyed a wonderful time; and yet, attendance was down. Conflicting schedules, some who had to be out of town—the reasons were numerous, and we understand, although we missed seeing many of our friends.

Still--at YFC/WI we want to be faithful stewards of the resources God provides through you, our supporters. We have exciting plans for future outreach, but our ability to operate depends on continued support. If you were unable to attend, but would like to have your pledge counted, please fill out the detachable form and let us know we can count on you.

Dec12- Macomb Happenings

Macomb Happenings

Merry Christmas from Macomb~ such a fun time to decorate and celebrate the Reason for the Season.  We are learning the scripturally accurate Christmas traditions. It’s fun to recognize how much Christmas carols have shaped our understanding of the Christmas story (..no, the ox and lamb did not actually keep time).   Plus each of our YFC programs will serve one shift ringing bells for Salvation Army.

We are looking forward to a combined Christmas party with our friends from Bushnell and several fun Christmas activities including cookie making and a Christmas trivia party.

YOU’RE invited:  Youth for Christ would like to invite people (middle school and older – not appropriate for young children) to our Christmas prayer journey.  Experience Christmas in a prayer filled, hands-on experience  Sunday Dec. 23 4-8pm.

Helping Kids & Families:  We know there are teens without enough food and other items.  I have asked teens to “rat out” their friends and tell us who.  We have collected names of those who would be blessed by added assistance.  If you would be interested in helping teens and their families, please consider donating gift cards (any amount).  Lauren will accept them up until Dec. 18^th – as we will see the students Dec 19^th & 21^st.

As we head into the new year, we’re excited to serve our high school students during final exam week.  We will be providing breakfast, breaks and three $2.00 Macaroni & Cheese, Tacos and Pizza Lunches  January 16-18.  Anyone interested in helping, please contact Lauren.  

 

Christmas Prayer Journey

Sunday, Dec. 23^rd

4-8 p.m. at YFC Macomb

(note: not suitable for children younger than grade 4)

Lifetree Café Dives Deeper:  During the Lifetree Café session on Unlocking the Mystery of Prayer, we discussed whether intent and pureness of heart could sway God’s decision.  The conversation progress-ed to when Jesus asked God to take

the cup of suffering from Him.  That literally stopped them in their tracks. That question led us to deeper con-versations of Jesus’ obedience in a context we may not have been able to otherwise.

Lifetree Topics

Dec 6    Fate, Free Will or

             God’s Will

Dec 13  Unlocking the  

             Mystery  of Music

Dec 20  Be Yourself –   

             Everyone else is

             taken

Save The Dates

Dec 21      Free Pizza Lunch

Jan 16-18  Finals Week

March 22-23   CIY Believe in (Jr High)          Peoria                    

July 22-26       CIY Move at       (Senior High)     WIU

Pizza Lunch Hosts

Dec 7  Maple Avenue

          Christian 

Dec 14 Macomb Assembly

           of God

Dec 21FREE PIZZA LUNCH

    First Christian

             Wesley UMC

Dec               28                 NO SCHOOL

Dec12 - Bushnell Beat

Bushnell Beat

You all get a newsletter treat this month from my lovely wife, Michelle.  Enjoy. -Todd

As we end the year 2012, we thought you might like to hear about our family.  This school year marks some big firsts for us.  Along with starting high school this fall, son Andy turned 15 in September and began the great driving adventure.  It's hard for mom and dad to believe we've reached this point, but the process of learning to drive is going well for all.  The majority of our evenings will be spent in the gym watching Andy play basketball and Abby cheerlead.  We were super blessed last year to have them both in the same gym.  This year time will be split between the high school and junior high.  Abby is now an eighth grader.  Along with cheerleading Abby is raising and training her English Springer spaniel, Lily.  She hopes to raise puppies in the future. 

Both Andy and Abby have been involved with Campus Life and the newly revived Breakfast Club.  That leaves Katy who is in third grade this year. She loves being a part of everything that is going on.  It's fun to watch her interact with all the different people we come in contact with and wonder what plan God has for her.  Those who spend time with Katy are sure it will be something big! 

Last but not least an update on the mom. I continue to teach at the Bushnell-Prairie City Elementary.  During my day I see both fifth and fourth graders. The job of teaching is both rewarding and challenging and exhausting.  I am reminded every day of the great need people have for the changes Jesus can bring to a life.

Please cover our family with your prayers as we seek to be a light and beacon of hope to the students and families in the BPC school district.

Thank you for your encouragement, gifts, and prayers over the years!  May God bless you richly this Christmas season and may we all share His love with others.

The Rodeffer’s 

Bushnell

December Calendar

Dec. 8                    Shopping Trip to Peoria

Dec. 15                  Christmas Food Boxes in Bushnell

Dec. 17,18            Joint Campus Life with Macomb

We meet Mondays and Tuesdays for CL and CL M respectively and Breakfast Club on Wednesday mornings.

Dec12 - You've heard from us

You’ve heard from us. Now we would like to hear from you!

YES! I want to help YFC/WI make a difference in the lives of teens!

          Please check all boxes that apply.

€         I will be a monthly contributor. Amount: ______________________

€         I’ve enclosed a one-time gift.   Amount:_______________________

€         Please contact me with information on how to set up automatic

payments. (email address)___________________________________

Has God used YFC to impact your life or the life of someone you know? If so, how?  ___________________________________________ 

Would you like to be a part of our prayer team? If so, please enter your email address here: ________________________________________________

send your responses to yfc@macomb.com

Nov12 - Banquet

You’re Invited!

Join us for our 21^st Annual Banquet featuring

Slap Happy Comedy! The event will be held at Spoon River College Community Outreach Center,

2500 East Jackson, Macomb. Mark your calendar for Thursday, November 15, 2012.

Luncheon Option-11:30 a.m. Doors open at

12:00 p.m. A silent auction will be held. Luncheon is free. Reservations are required. Unfortunately, Slap Happy Comedy will be  unable to be with us for our luncheon.

Dinner Option – Doors Open 6 p.m. A silent auction will be held. Dinner buffet starts at 6:30 p.m. Slap Happy Comedy will perform at our dinner banquet. Dinner with Slap Happy is $20. Tickets are available through YFC.

Please note: Slap Happy Comedy

 is only available at the Dinner Buffet.

Reservations required for the luncheon option

Tickets required for dinner

Nov12 - Tickets/Reservations?

How do I get my tickets/make reservations?

Whether you choose the luncheon or dinner option, getting yourself signed up is easier than ever!

Your simplest option is to go to yfcwi.org/home/banquet/

Once there, just fill out the form. If you are requesting a ticket, you can even pay online by clicking the link on the left.

You can also call us at 309-833-3026. Or you can drop by these locations to pick up tickets:

Copy Pack Post Business Center, 34 West Side Square, Macomb

First Bankers Trust Company, 440 North Lafayette, Macomb

Macomb Area Convention and Business Bureau, 201 S Lafayette St, Macomb

Nov12 - Macomb Happenings

Great stuff continues to happen in Macomb!  Campus Life is using the YFC small group program “If You Really Knew Me”.  Students have leaders that are directly connected and spending time with them.  It’s sweet to watchYFC senior high students and/or alum work with our Junior High.  Psalm 145:4 says: One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. Our generations just happen to be grade levels.

Senior High students (iConnect) continue to work their way through Sifted, by Rick Lawrence.  We are very well versed in Luke 22:31-32:  “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

The Coffee Café is an aromatic blessing that is offering kids a safe place to hang out.  A HUGE thank you to everyone who has donated various coffee equipment.  It is lots of fun. [Note: we are always in need of hot chocolate and decaf coffees].  The Coffee Café precedes Lifetree Café, a discussion based program that addresses contemporary issues in a gentle, loving, non-judgmental format.

In October, we helped 2 dozen students pass their Constitution Test…. meeting a direct need in students’ lives.  We were blessed with an additional 5^th Quarter, as the Bombers had home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.  We were also blessed for both Junior and Senior High groups to combine and meet their Bushnell counterparts at a hayrack ride & campfire event.

Reminder: Operation Christmas Child boxes are due November 12^th.  There is a friendly competition between boys & girls … including who gets snack first for the rest of the year!

In November we are looking forward to working at Altrusa Bazaar (Nov 10) and Industry Methodist’s Vendor Fair (Nov 17).  We will be selling Christian Tee-Shirts – made to order.  OR have the kids design an original shirt with a scanned copy of their original work.  Prices range  from $10 to $20.

Save The Dates

March 22-23   CIY Believe in (Jr High)          Peoria                   

July 22-26       CIY Move  (Senior High)     at WIU 

Lifetree Topics

Nov 8   Smile, Even When You  Think You Can’t

Nov 15  none-Banquet

Nov 21  none – Thanksgiving

Nov 28  Power of Prayer

Macomb Pizza Lunch Hosts

Nov 9                   The     

                          Crossing

Nov 16                St.  George’s                                                 

Nov 23                NO

                    SCHOOL

Nov 30          Scotland   

                          Trinity                            

  

Nov12 - Bushnell Beat

5^th Quarter is an after game fun time that happens a few times a year for high school and middle school students.   At our last 5^th Quarter we had a chance to clearly present the gospel to the teens that had been coming.  About half the kids present were not saved.  Pray for fruit from the time spent with them.  It's been great to partner with the Bushnell Christian Church on this outreach to teens in the Bushnell community.

This past month I  had a chance to attend and speak at the Bethel Baptist Voyager group in Galesburg, IL.  I love these people! It has become an annual speaking engagement for me.  It is great to see people I grew up around and that had an influence in my spiritual development.  Praise the Lord for sunday school teachers and adults willing to disciple youth.

Thank you to all of the local churches that have partnered with YFC to help put on the Breakfast club for teens before school on  Wednesday's!  It seems so simple, but going to Grenada this summer, made me realize just how important it is to share your testimony with others.  It encourages, brings real life experience into others lives, and gives glory to God.  This is what happens at Breakfast Club.  If you would like to share your testimony with teens, please contact me to set up a date.  God will use it!  

A few of the events we have had in the past month are highlighted with pictures.  We have had a paintball trip and a wild hay-rack ride. 

                -the Rodeffer’s 

Bushnell Prayer Needs

·          Pray for several of the teens I am currently working with.  Recently I have spent time with them in numerous ways and not need the right time to share with them the hope that can set them free for eternity.

·          Pray for a couple more adult leaders

·          Pray for unsaved teens to make a decision to accept Christ as their personal Savior at our middle school gospel night coming up soon.

·          Pray for Christian teens get a vision to reach out to their non-christian friends

“It seems so simple, but going to Grenada this summer made me realize just how important it is to share your testimony with others.” -Todd

Nov12 - Financial Data

Current Financials

Oct donations $7,721
Oct expenses $9,710

YTD donations $22,192
YTD expenses $32,560
YTD shortage $10,368

Sept/Oct12-Meet Our Executive Director

Greetings!

I’m Connie Sadler, the new Executive Director at Youth for Christ Western Illinois. I’m excited to be on board and am    looking forward to being able to serve you. I’m also looking   forward to serving our gifted staff and volunteers at the Macomb and Bushnell sites. Most of all, I’m looking forward to serving the youth of western Illinois.

Those who know me know I tend to approach life with God with a sense of wonder. I think it’s a wonder that so much around us goes unseen by any eyes buy God’s. I mean, think about it. Think about the thousands of leaves that have been falling over the last few weeks. What percentage of those leaves is ever viewed by human eyes? Yet each one is a work of art and God sees it.

So much of what goes on at a YFC site also goes unseen; volunteers and staff freely giving their time; hearts being changed for the better. Even though we may not know all the good that’s done while we’re on earth, God pours Himself out through this ministry—some seen, much unseen.

One of our biggest unseen blessings is the prayer team that lays the groundwork for the rest of us: the people who freely spend time with God interceding on our behalf. We’re grateful for these bold prayer warriors.

As you peruse this month’s newsletter, be mindful of prayer points. Please pray for our ministry sites, staff, volunteers, board, and upcoming banquet. Pray for the youth who are impacted by YFC.

Sept/Oct12-Banquet Date

Sept/Oct12-Financials