‘We Wouldn’t Be Here Today if it Weren’t for YFC’
American teens have at least one thing in common: they cannot live without their cell phones. Imagine the surprise felt by the leaders at Youth For Christ Holbrook, Arizona when they discovered that teens who protested surrendering their cell phones during special YFC events are now among the top advocates for the local YFC ministry.
Gretchen Madison, who serves as the local YFC Campus Life Director for high school students and also directs the student-named Crosswalk Team club at YFC Holbrook, recalls, “I remember once during a service that a female teen excused herself three or four times to use the restroom – but was actually using her phone. When we reminded her that she couldn’t have her phone, she was so upset at the idea of being without it. But she begrudgingly handed it over and continued her participation in the service. These days, this same teen girl engages other teens to participate in YFC programs and can be found praising God with her friends. The YFC program changed her whole outlook.”
Handing over a cell phone is one thing for young people but handing over their lives to Jesus is something else entirely. The leaders of YFC Holbrook diligently work to reach students through Christ to share His love and hope. They recognize that young people in their area face extreme hardship especially during these troubling times.
Jared and Carrie Burgess are the Co-Directors for YFC Holbrook, and like Madison, work closely with the youth in their area. The student demographic is comprised mainly of Native Americans, with the rest of the population having Hispanic, Caucasian, Black, and Asian backgrounds.
“These teens are dealing with alcoholism, a lot of drug abuse, broken families, sexual abuse and transgender issues,” explained Jared Burgess. “YFC Holbrook provides them with a place to go, someone to talk to about their problems.”
According to The Center For American Native Youth, Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death – 2.5 times the national rate – for AI/AN youth in the 15 to 24 age group (CDC).
“The pandemic has affected how we connect with the students,” said Carrie Burgess. “But our message is always the same: Jesus. We’ve had teens participate in the program and then return as young adult volunteers at YFC Holbrook … and tell us that they wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the ministry. They are an inspiration!”
“But our message is always the same: Jesus.” – Carrie Burgess.
Having such a positive organization like YFC Holbrook in the area is a blessing for the teens – and the adults. Adult members of the Holbrook community often ask the Burgesses how they can help. “We always need prayers,” said Jared Burgess.
YFC has chapters impacting thousands of communities across the nation that seek out and serve youth from all walks of life. Many teens are silently struggling through a variety of challenging issues—and now they see the living power of a loving God.
Photo by Daniel Gregoire on Unsplash