BiGJAWs Youth for Christ Information

The Youth for Christ (YFC) national movement began in 1944 under the prominent leadership of the Reverend Billy Graham. Adams, Jay, Wells area YFC opened their doors many years later in 1991 as a spin off of the Fort Wayne area YFC. Blackford and Grant counties have merged within the JAWs chapter as of July of 2007. Adams, Blackford, Grant, Jay, Wells area YFC youth professionals currently serve the students in eight high schools, eight junior high schoolsand an outreach based program called the Red Barn in Upland. Youth for Christ is a non-denominational, community-based organization. Fourteen full-time staff, two part-time staff and many volunteers lead weekly programs in leadership development, Bible study, alcohol and drug prevention, abstinence training, character development and community service/mission trips. Approximately 1,200 area students will participate annually. OUR VISION As part of the body of Christ, our vision is to see every young person in every people group in every nation have the opportunity to make an informed decision to be a follower of Jesus Christ and become a part of a local church. OUR GOALS WIDESPREAD PRAYER- We deliberately engage lots of Christians to intercede on behalf of the ministry site. LOVING RELATIONSHIPS- We consistently pursue lost kids and engage them in a life-long relationship with Jesus. FAITHFUL BIBLE TEACHING- We accurately handle Biblical truth, regularly coaching kids to apply it in their life. COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY- We intentionally work together with local churches, agencies and other partners to provide sustainable youth and family ministry. ADULTS WHO EMPOWER- We strategically develop leaders to reach young people.