Recently, we heard a story from one of our YFC leaders about taking a teen girl to church for the very first time. This young girl—let’s call her Ava—was honored, curious, and eager to attend. But as her excitement built, a flash of panic crossed her face.
She turned to her leader and asked, “Is there a cover charge to get in? I don’t have any money.”
Her leader smiled and assured her, “No, there’s no cover charge.” The joy returned, and together they anticipated Ava’s first church service.
Fast forward to another story: A teen girl who began following Jesus at camp has been attending church regularly with her YFC leader, Bekah. One Sunday, she leaned over and asked, “Who is this Immanuel we keep singing about and talking about?”
Bekah smiled and replied, “It’s Jesus. It means ‘God is with us.’”
The student lit up: “I didn’t know there was another name for Jesus!” Moments like this remind us how God is revealing Himself to these kids in ways that feel brand new.
Two Reflections:
1. This Generation’s Beautiful Curiosity
Many teens in the U.S. lack genuine context about Jesus, yet hunger to know Him. We’re moving from a post-Christian, deconstructionist culture to a pre-Christian, curious culture—especially among young people. They are beautifully courageous souls eager to explore faith.
2️. The Cover Charge Was Paid in Full
To Ava’s question—yes, there is a cover charge, and it was costly. But it’s already been paid by Jesus through His sacrificial death and resurrection. As John 1:12 says:
“To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”
This Easter over 9,000 kids will celebrate their first Easter “in Christ” thanks to YFC giving partners, staff, and volunteers.
But as we look to the future, we sense a Matthew 9 moment:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”
We’re praying for more laborers and giving partners. With 178 new ministry site locations launched this past year, we’re honored to steward the precious resources entrusted to us, seeing Christ transform lives in some of the toughest places imaginable.
Will you join us?
Together, we can meet kids where they are, build trust, and introduce them to the living hope found in Christ.
Thank you for considering being part of this unfolding story.