StoryLetter May2024

This past month has been quite an adjustment, we have seen so many students come and go at all of our centers. As ministry leaders we work to connect with each one of them and foster relationships. God is certainly moving in Kitsap.

Ministry Stories

I always look forward to catching up with students as we see them on campus or at our centers, and it is incredible to be a witness as these students become “regulars” in our programs.

Kacey has been showing up to The Underground periodically, but recently his attendance has turned consistent. He’ll stroll in with his group of friends, greet our volunteers, grab a snack and then search for whatever outside activity he can find.

As the group herds outside with basketballs and footballs, I get prepared to manage the various games of knockout and three flies up. Kacey’s group typically bounces between all these activities, he is enjoying the time and space he gets to spend together with his friends.

Last week, while playing the gaming system, Kacey asked “What does YFC stand for?” “Youth for Christ” I answered. He then asked how it is that we are able to keep the center open and I explained to him that the churches and community of Kitsap county wants to see them and their peers have a safe space to be. I also shared with him how we love Jesus and we will be unapologetic about our faith, while putting no expectations on our students to believe the same. We love seeing the students be apart of our program and we want to give students opportunities to respond to the gospel.

Denzel

Juvenile Justice Leader

Campus Life Leader

East Bremerton

The Underground has been growing so much! We have seen an influx of students in the last few weeks and it has been such a blessing. We have really had a large amount of girls starting to attend whereas before it was mostly boys.

There was a particular group of girls who began to speak negatively about another girl from school, saying she is weird because she was super religious and only spoke about religion. I asked what it was that the girl said and they responded by saying the girl told them they have a purpose in life and God loves them.

I asked them why they didn’t like hearing that or why it made them feel uncomfortable and they just shrugged their shoulders and said they didn’t know. I told them, “well she isn’t wrong!” I also let the girls know if they have any questions, I am here to answer them.

I love that the girl from their school opened that door and allowed for us to step in and keep building these relationships with the kids, we will be able to be more comfortable in a church setting and more open to hearing about the Gospel. Team work makes the dream work. This is why volunteers and Youth core teams are so important in what we do!

Stephanie

Campus Life Leader

East Bremerton

Jayden has been apart of Bremerton Campus Life since 8th grade! It’s been a privilege getting to know her story. Jayden’s experience with Christianity has been rocky, there was a time she almost stopped attending one of our centers.

One day as we were sharing the gospel she heard a verse that she didn’t understand and then stormed out of the building and said “I am never coming back here.”

I was able to reach out to Jayden and I shared with her the heart of YFC, we meet students where they are! “Our space is your space and we love you.” Here we are years later… Jayden and I were chatting about all the exciting things going on in her life, including getting to try out for the drama play at her school. She then asked that I pray for her to get a lead roll! It caught me off guard but I said “Jayden I am always praying for you!”

This may seem small to others but this was a big deal to me. Jayden wanted nothing to do with religion but now she’s asking for prayer. Please join me in praying for Jayden!

Cassandra

Campus Life Leader

Bremerton

Upcoming Events

We have an amazing pop-culture trivia night fundraiser happening at The Tracyton Movie House in Bremerton on May 10th. Challenge yourself and your friends, we will have free food and prizes available.

We are so excited about Summer Camp this year!

Our high school students will have the opportunity to go to Dunes Bible Camp in Ocean Park on June 24-27. Our middle school students will be attending Black Diamond Camp in Auburn July 8-11.

We will have tons of amazing outdoor activities available for our students as well as fellowship. Unfortunately, not all of our students are able to attend camp due to lack of funds. We could use your help!

You can donate to our Trip and Event Scholarship fund to send a student to camp.

Or you can register your student by following the QR code below!