YFC Volunteer Reaches Youth Through the Art of Quilting

YFC Campus Life Quilting Group

Youth For Christ (YFC) Campus Life in Williston, North Dakota, helps young people navigate the pivotal years of middle and high school.  Relationally uncovering God’s story of hope in their lives is the main goal. It is key for the youth to have a mentor relationship with the YFC staff/volunteers during crucial times in a young person’s life.

YFC Williston Basin is one excellent example of the power of good mentors. During a local YFC meeting, leaders encouraged the team to engage in relational ministry activities. Rosemary, a long-time volunteer for the chapter, asked, “Could I start a quilting group with the kids?”

YFC Williston Basin Campus Life Middle School Director Taylor Richardson said, “The answer to the question was obvious— yes, absolutely! For a volunteer to teach a skill and share Jesus with young people at the same time—that is what YFC is all about.”

Connecting with God through a Quilt

Regardless of skill or experience, Rosemary teaches any student at any skill level, one step at a time. For example, one girl was able to sew an entire quilt over break. She was grounded from her phone and explained, “Instead of sitting in my room and doing nothing, I decided to sit in my room and quilt!” As a result, Rosemary brought on a few ladies from her church to help teach the students how to sew. They enjoy teaching the kids while meeting at the local church.  In fact, their local church is equipped with a sewing room that provides all tools needed to complete their projects. Rosemary is living out the goal of YFC Campus Life: cultivating great moments of connection and community for young people.

Rosemary’s YFC quilting group has been in operation for about a year and a half.  The hand-made creations are also used to bless people in their community. The handmade quilts have been donated to the local police department for kids that the officers encounter in emergency situations.

On January 17, YFC Williston Basin was able to present these quilts to the local police department.  Additional quilts are being made for young people who are in the Youth Correctional Center in Mandan, ND. Before Christmas vacation, the students made stockings which were donated to the local Family Crisis Shelter.  On top of that, they made quilts for graduating seniors coming out of YFC Campus Life. Currently, the quilting group is planning to start a quilt that will be auctioned off at the YFC Williston Basin Spring Fundraising Banquet.