YFC San Joaquin Valley Vision
For over 75 years, Youth For Christ has built lasting relationships with youth. In fact, this is done by coming alongside them during pivotal moments and pointing them towards Christ. The Executive Director of YFC San Joaquin Valley in Stockton, California is Jill Denton. Denton spoke about their vision to partner with other organizations in the area to better reach youth with the Gospel.
Denton said, “God did not create Youth For Christ as a stand-alone entity. In fact, the original founders all saw the value in working together to reach lost youth. Here in the San Joaquin Valley, we continue to affirm that position and belief. Together we are better. Together we are what God always intended. As I assumed the role of Executive Director, the connections between ministries alike were mostly non-existent. I felt as if God was asking me to reunite the youth pastors in my area and renew our cohesiveness. We wanted to bring them together on a regular basis. Every youth leader in the area has something to gain and something to offer to this kind of Kingdom-minded collaboration. For instance, that could be fellowship, transparency, mutual accountability, or joined resources and events.”
The Movement to Connect
Denton described the movement as a call. Further, this call was to bring local support together for the cause of bringing the gospel to youth who need the hope of Jesus. In San Joaquin County, secondary schools average 1500 students, and roughly 75% are not in an active relationship with Christ. As a result, the partnership between like-minded organizations uniting under the banner of Christ, is vital to bringing the gospel to the youth.
Within the widespread movement, the emphasis is still on relationships. YFC San Joaquin Valley has been building relationships with youth in the area for over six decades. Denton reflected on the long-standing programs of Youth For Christ. Each one was focused on a different youth segment and sought to build and grow strong relationships. This was in hopes to lead young people to consider a relationship with Jesus.
Vision 209
Recently Denton joined efforts with Alex Edfort to launch Vision 209. Edfort is the Youth Director at Bear Creek Community Church. “We are bringing together youth leaders from San Joaquin County to share ideas, learn from each other and create community. The informal meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at The Well, a new gathering place in Stockton. Alex and I are super excited because attendance doubled after our first meeting. We are all starving for personal connections. With that said, we can’t wait to see how God is going to use us to inspire change in the hearts of our young people.”
