StoryLetter June2024
As the school year ends we are closing our teen centers for the summer. Although this can sometimes be a difficult transition for some of our students who are used to seeing our leaders and volunteers on a regular basis we try to stay connected with them as much as we are able.
This summer we will be hosting several events for our students to give them an opportunity to get out of the house and see their friends. We ask for prayer that we can continue to foster the relationships we have with our students and build new ones as well.
Ministry Stories
Last weekend parents on a local school district page began asking other parents if they knew about a teen center called The Underground. That same day I had six different parents message me asking if their student would be able to attend.
That next Thursday we had over 60 students attend our center and stay!
We can honestly say that the Lord provided, it felt like the Loaves and Fishes story from Matthew 14. How do we feed all of these kids?
It is amazing to see the community showing interest in us and telling others about our teen-centers. God keeps moving and continuously blessing us.
Stephanie Delvalle
Campus Life Ministry
East Bremerton Area
Block parties have been one of the best ways for us to connect with large amounts of students! Barbecue, basketball, and root beer floats have all been a big hit with the kids. However, block parties don’t just happen without adult leaders and help from the community.
Sylvan Way Church and City Chapel of Bremerton both dedicated time, resources, and leaders. Many of them served food, worked at the grill, and helped with clean up. We are so thankful for our church partners in the Bremerton community! The YFC mission works because of generous and dedicated volunteer leaders. The more leaders we have the more authentic Christ sharing relationships we can have with teenagers in Bremerton!
Cassandra Jameson
Campus Life Leader
Bremerton Area
It was a lively afternoon at one of our drop-in centers when I noticed a young high school student sitting alone. Katie’s demeanor spoke volumes, she was slumped over and looked like she needed to talk.
Katie and I made our way outside for a quieter space to chat, the calm environment helped her feel more comfortable and she began to open up about her struggles. The core of her distress stemmed from rumors at school; harsh allegations involving her and a friend’s boyfriend, which had unfairly painted her in a negative light. These rumors led to relentless bullying.
Despite her turmoil, I could see the resilience in Katie. I noticed her interests in music and role-playing games brought her a lot of joy; I hoped these could be avenues to further connect and support her through this tough time. As she shared her story, a silent prayer formed in my thoughts, a hope for strength and healing. I saw Katie’s passion for music and role-playing games not just as hobbies but as potential lifelines, ways to build bridges and foster a sense of belonging and understanding.
Despite my efforts to connect with Katie and check on her, she visited the center less and less until she eventually stopped coming. Although our encounter was brief it still left an impact on me. Many of our students struggle with the same experience. I still pray for Katie and her well-being, hoping that someday she finds peace and community.
Deandre Sample
Campus Life Leader
Bremerton Area
Upcoming Events
Summer camp has been the start of a journey towards God for many of our students. Last year we had four students baptized.
Our goal this year is to send 50 kids to camp but we need your help!
It costs $200 to send one student to camp. We never want this to be a financial burden for our students; with your donation we can reach our goal and help our students experience the love and greatness of God.
To send a kid to camp visit our website or click the button below and designate your donation to our events and scholarships fund.
