<![CDATA[Blog]]> http://chapters.yfc.net/index.php en martin@roguevalleyyfc.org Copyright 2012 2012-05-04T16:42:14+00:00 <![CDATA[[New Post] Jason has heard “You’re worthless!” a million times.]]> http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/new_post_jason_has_heard_youre_worthless_a_million_times/ http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/new_post_jason_has_heard_youre_worthless_a_million_times/#When:16:42:14Z Jason has it rough. He’s heard “You’re worthless!” a million times. Statements like this come from the people close to him who should love him.

Currently, he only has one parent living at home and is left alone most of the time. As you might guess, Jason doesn't think much of himself and is constantly trying to gain approval from others. He's finding more and more trouble at school, getting into fights and showing disrespect for authority. At Campus Life, we’ve been talking about showing grace to one another. It was the perfect lesson for Jason to finally hear. He even spoke up and began to ask questions. Jason has a long way to go and has to heal from a lot of hurt but... he's hearing the answer, which is the grace of God. There are so many more kids like Jason who need to know someone cares. Will you get involved in a their life and show them the grace of God? If yes, they're looking for you.

Bob Stapp
Phoenix - Talent Campus Life Area Director

541.779.3275  |  email  |  facebook  |  website   |  blog

 

]]> 2012-05-04T16:42:14+00:00 <![CDATA[[New Post] A terrible sight for anyone who takes golf seriously.]]> http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/new_post_a_terrible_sight_for_anyone_who_takes_golf_seriously/ http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/new_post_a_terrible_sight_for_anyone_who_takes_golf_seriously/#When:14:53:57Z The other day I took three young guys golfing. I admit it... We were a terrible sight for anyone who takes golf seriously. And, even though the boys couldn't play to save their life, we all had a blast!

Today, one of the kids came up to me and asked, “Can we go golfing again soon?” I could see from the expression on his face, the time we spent together on the golf course had a profound impact on him. Not all kids have the healthy relationships they need at home. This kid is one of them. His parents have been split up for a while now and he only gets to see his dad every-other weekend. Like so many other young men I know, he wants and needs to spend more time with a man so he can grow into one. At Youth for Christ, we are looking for men to stand in the gap, spend some time with these kids and show them we care. If you are ready to get involved, give us a call at 541.779.3275.
 
Robert Milton
Eagle Point Campus Life Area Director

541.779.3275  |  email  |  facebook  |  website   |  blog

 

]]> 2012-04-27T14:53:57+00:00 <![CDATA[[Update] Several weeks ago you heard about a young mom, pregnant again…]]> http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/update_several_weeks_ago_you_heard_about_a_young_mom_pregnant_again/ http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/update_several_weeks_ago_you_heard_about_a_young_mom_pregnant_again/#When:17:35:08Z Several weeks ago...
 
You heard about a young mom, pregnant again, with her third child. She shared her struggles and the distressing living situation she was in.

She doesn't have the financial or physical means to raise a third child by herself at 18-years-old. She even considered aborting her baby. It's relieving to hear she pursued adoption. God has been faithful in answering your prayers. She has connected with an adoption attorney who introduced her to an adoptive family. God also provided the means for her to get out of the harmful living situation she was in and into an apartment of her own. Today, she struggles emotionally as she feels the baby growing inside her. Deep down, she knows this is the right choice, to place her child into a loving family, but it's something she's constantly thinking about. Through your prayers and support this young mom is working on a better future for herself and her kids. Continue to pray for God's peace and wisdom during this difficult time.

Peggy Trowbridge
Teen Mom Mentoring Director
office: 541.779.3275  email: peggy@roguevalleyyfc.org
facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Teen-Mom-Mentoring/
web: www.roguevalleyyfc.org/ministries/teen_mom

 

]]> 2012-04-20T17:35:08+00:00 <![CDATA[...he’s a workaholic; Her mom’s a closet alcoholic.]]> http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/hes_a_workaholic_her_moms_a_closet_alcoholic/ http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/hes_a_workaholic_her_moms_a_closet_alcoholic/#When:15:55:41Z Linda was 15 years old when we first met and her family seemed to have it all. Her father is a very successful business man, but he's a workaholic; Her mom's a closet alcoholic.

They attended church regularly and Linda graduated from a private Christian school. While her parents were physically present, Linda was abandoned. She couldn't trust her parents emotionally. I had no idea God would end-up using me to help parent this young lady. Today, her relationship with her parents has not changed. She's now 20 years old and in college, but they continue to have very little interest in her life. Linda gets the bulk of her advice about life from our conversations. I've been amazed at how much influence a trusted mentor has with such small amounts of time. This is why I'm asking you to consider getting involved in a young person life today. There are plenty of "Lindas" in need of your care and guidance.

Patrick Doyle, Ministry Coordinator | 541.474.1115 |  patrick@roguevalleyyfc.org

 

]]> 2012-04-13T15:55:41+00:00 <![CDATA[Happy Easter!!!]]> http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/happy_easter/ http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/happy_easter/#When:15:41:01Z

Blessings to you and your family today... Happy Easter from all of us at YFC.

 

]]> 2012-04-08T15:41:01+00:00 <![CDATA[She’s not sure who to turn to…]]> http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/shes_not_sure_who_to_turn_to/ http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/shes_not_sure_who_to_turn_to/#When:15:03:18Z When I first started volunteering at the Gold Hill Youth Center I met a young girl named Maria. That was over five years ago. She was one of the most outgoing kids I’ve ever met back then.

But, her parents didn’t spend a lot of time with her and she felt her brother was getting to much of their attention. They thought he needed extra help because he was not doing well in school. She's no longer bright and outgoing but sullen and seemingly hating life. Maria recently came up to me at school and had questions about a talk I gave at club. She was wondering if knowing Jesus really matters. Since we were at school I couldn't sit down and explain what she seems so anxious to hear. Maria struggles like so many other kids today who are hurt, depressed and lost, not sure who to turn to or where to go.  She hasn’t made it back to club to hear the answers sh e’s looking for. So will you pray for Maria, and pray that we not only answer her questions but provide her with caring adults to show her how Jesus matters in the struggles of life.

Dusty Ratcliff, Gold Hill & Rogue River Area Director | 541.779.3275 |  dusty@roguevalleyyfc.org

 

]]> 2012-04-06T15:03:18+00:00 <![CDATA[82 and mentoring]]> http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/82_and_mentoring/ http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/82_and_mentoring/#When:17:31:11Z Four years ago an 82-year-old man came to Youth for Christ and wanted to mentor a kid.

We placed him in the HATS Club with a group of mentors and students  who meet twice a month. To everyone he became dear old Grandpa Louie. The kids could count on him to bring a bright smile, some old-fashion wisdom along with delicious desserts. Last Saturday Grandpa Louie went to be with Jesus. The HATS Club was truly blessed to have him as a mentor. To kids he was the Grandpa they needed and to adults he was a constant reminder to finish life strong. He touched each person deeply by his love for God and for others. The love he poured out to others was the love God poured into him. Today, we miss Grandpa Louie, yet we are so happy he’s home. Also we are so grateful he didn't feel "too old" for youth work. If you have a heart for kids and can share the loving message of hope, the HATS Club needs you today.

Clem O'Hara
 
HATS Mentoring Director
541.779.3275
clem@roguevalleyyfc.org

 

]]> 2012-03-30T17:31:11+00:00 <![CDATA[15 years old and broken]]> http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/15_years_old_and_broken/ http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/15_years_old_and_broken/#When:18:26:04Z Sandi is a beautiful girl, 15 years old with dark hair and deep eyes. She also carries a deep pain in her heart. We sat in juvenile detention and she shared her story with me.

The short version is that her mom is gone and she had been living with her dad for years. When she was only 8 years old her dad’s girlfriend’s father decided to do things to her that should never be done to any child. When she told her dad what had happened, he turned on her for causing problems and said she seduced her attacker. The person who should protect her most, turned on her. Certainly Sandi is a mess! Her behavior has brought her to detention and treatment. Considering her past, I’m surprised she isn't in more trouble. This is another broken life in need of the healing love of Jesus Christ. It's the love of God and kids like Sandi that compel us in our work... but, there are so many more kids to reach. Won’t you join us in caring for the broken kids of our valley?

Matt Sweeney
Juvenile Justice Mentoring Director
541.779.3275
matt@roguevalleyyfc.org

 

 

]]> 2012-03-23T18:26:04+00:00 <![CDATA[KONY2012]]> http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/kony2012/ http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/kony2012/#When:19:42:14Z In the wake of the KONY2012 video going viral (a video to call attention to an African warlord’s atrocities), I’ve had some amazing conversations with kids.

One girl at club in particular stands out. This cause has opened her eyes to the power of “being cared for” in contrast to “not being cared for". With this new passion, I’ve seen her having to face ridicule and criticism for choosing to care about the KONY2012 movement. Regardless of your personal views on the issue, this movement has made a lot of kids care about something. It’s a breath of fresh air when a teen decides to care about something beyond themselves; when a teen chooses to love the way Jesus loved. At the youth center we’ve talked a lot about how “love cares more for others than for self”. It’s incredible when I see a ki d get it, when they know the value of God’s care and love for them and they let that love change them. Will you help kids see that love? Will you be part of caring for “the least and the lost”?

Missy Masterjohn, North Medford Campus Life Area Director | 541.779.327 | missy@roguevalleyyfc.org

 

]]> 2012-03-16T19:42:14+00:00 <![CDATA[Atheist hearing about Jesus]]> http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/atheist_hearing_about_jesus/ http://www.roguevalleyyfc.org/blog/atheist_hearing_about_jesus/#When:14:37:45Z “Are you having fun?” the Campus Life Director asked. The student responded, “Yes!! When isn’t Campus Life fun?” This may not seem very interesting or extraordinary, until you realize who the student is. You see… this young man is a committed atheist. He is convinced there is no God and is adamant about it in discussions with adult leaders at club. Here’s what’s amazing, this young man who doesn’t believe there is a God, feels loved and accepted enough to come to Campus Life each week and have a blast. What’s even better… the other day he sat completely engrossed in the story of Jesus dying on the cross, and heard how much God loves him. None of us can see this boy’s heart, but we know hope has been planted there.
 
You’re planting seeds of hope in the lives of hundreds of kids around our valley. Thank you!!!

 

Bud Amundsen
Executive Director
 
541.779.3275
bud@roguevalleyyfc.org

 

]]> 2012-03-09T14:37:45+00:00