YFC Head of the Lakes
100 years ago appalling events occurred in Duluth, Minnesota. With that said, YFC has intentionally been placed by God and ordained it to be a space for redemption and restoration. There is a memorial plaque featured at YFC Head of the Lakes’ City Life Center in Duluth, Minnesota. With that in mind, it is a remembrance of three black men killed by a mob in 1920. With a place like this, there was tragedy and pain. However, the YFC building has become a beacon of hope and healing for the Duluth community.
Ryan Dougherty is YFC’s National Chapter Leader. He attests to the impact YFC has in the community and God’s hand in healing.
Duluth, MN History
Dougherty said, “The City Life Center is just off the heart of downtown Duluth. On the corner in front of the City Life Center is a large blue plaque titled ‘Lynching In America.’ This historic place marker details Americas’ history of violence toward blacks. In 1920, a mob of Duluth citizens broke into the jail where three black men accused of rape were held. The mob pulled them into the streets and placed nooses around their necks. They proceeded to hang them from a lamp post on the very corner where YFC now sits. As I read this sign and view the memorial, I am reminded of how great of a God we serve. This is a God that can take a place where unspeakable violence was done and place YFC there years later.
“We have the great honor of serving a loving Father who loves us so much. He chose to redeem our stories and change our sin-scarred street corners into holy ground.”
Head of the Lakes – Serving the Community
YFC Head of the Lakes is perfectly placed to serve the community and its needs. Near the YFC City Life, there is Encounter. It is the only indoor skatepark in Minnesota, where YFC does much of its ministry in the town of Duluth. As a matter of fact, this skate park becomes a place for kids to come and build relationships.
Doughtery stated, “The skate park draws in a lot of kids in the neighborhood.”
As YFC in Duluth seeks more leaders to serve the city, Dougherty is confident in God’s work. God is intentionally moving in small cities like Duluth that can sometimes be overlooked.
Dougherty ended this by saying, “Even in the darkest times, God is continuing to redeem people’s lives. God opens up new opportunities for YFC to serve kids and provide for needs, holistically, spiritually, and physically. I’m just thankful for places like Duluth that are often overlooked.”
