YFC Lincoln Area
Youth For Christ Lincoln Area, www.yfclincoln.org, has announced its capital campaign. “Geared for the Times, Anchored to the Rock” is the campaign name. This campaign is designed to reach more youth than ever before. YFC Lincoln is providing a large place with state-of-the-art technology, classrooms, a kitchen, and more.
The new 12,600-square-foot facility on YFC Lincoln Area’s 10-acre campus will meet the demand for youth services. Along with that, it features a large gathering area capable of hosting 300 people. YFC Lincoln Area serves more than 1,200 youth, to encourage them towards a healthy relationship with God. This is accomplished through YFC Campus Life ministry at local schools. In addition, YFC Lincoln Area also reaches youth who are incarcerated (YFC Juvenile Justice Ministry) and pregnant or parenting students (YFC Parent Life Ministry).
The Reasoning
The pandemic shows that local young people want to “hang out” for hours after school to hear about Jesus noted YFC Lincoln Area Executive Director, Matt Schulte, said. With that said, the facility was originally built for just six people yet was filled with 74 YFC youth at its peak—and busting at the seams.
Schulte says, “This was a permanent change overall. We’re gearing to the times—we are dealing with a pandemic and making changes according to today’s needs. We’ve seen an increased demand for mental health services, mentors, and spiritual guidance during the past 18 months. Of course, we want to come alongside these youths through our YFC Campus Life Ministry. That is in addition to all of the other areas of ministry we serve.”
Movement of Mission
The YFC Lincoln Area team has already raised over $1.6 million for the project. With that said, they plan to break ground in the summer of 2022.
Sen. Suzanne Geist of Lincoln, an honorary chairperson for the capital campaign says, “Teens are struggling now more than ever. I stand behind this project, as it will lead to more godly men and women investing in the lives of teens.
Jacob Bland, CEO, and president of YFC USA said he is encouraged because of the generosity of the community. He is also moved from the impact the new facility will have.
Bland said, “YFC’s mission is to build relationships with young people to introduce them to Christ and uncover God’s story of hope in their lives. We’re so grateful for the people and companies that are involved with YFC Lincoln area as God uses their generous giving to accelerate and amplify this mission. We carry hope-filled anticipation for what the Lord is going to do in the lives of the hundreds of young people who will be impacted for years to come.”
