You've probably seen the TV game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire? The host asks contestants a series of multi-choice questions. When the contestant wants to lock in their answer, their letter choice, the host asks, "Is that your FINAL answer?"
In the myriad of conversations our staff has with kids, we find often that sharing Christ is more of a continuing conversation than it is a answer at any one given time. Zack was a freshman in high school when we first met him. He went to church and youth group regularly, he claimed that he was a follower of Jesus Christ. One evening in a small group setting, Zack admitted he wasn't so sure any more about his faith. When prodded a bit deeper, Zack said he really wanted to "check things out" about faith in Christ - if he was to be sure about this journey, he wanted to be COMPLETELY sure. So the conversations continued in the months to follow.
Fast forward to Zack's senior year. He said he had found what he was looking for. He said that all of the conversations, all of the reading, studying the Bible he had done had indeed convinced him that following Jesus was the best decision for him to make. It took a few years of relational investment on the part of our staff, but Zack is now a COMMITTED Christian. He now knows his final answer.
For kids like Zack and for others, such as those who attended our recent Blazefest HipHop Camp in Schenectady, a final answer on Christ may come quickly...or it may happen gradually over time. Rest assured, though, that it is our commitment to ministering to kids that we will NEVER give up sharing the Gospel message - never stop asking kids about beginning a relationship with Jesus.
On another note, the construction of the new recreational center in Halfmoon is progressing quickly. The interior walls are going in, the climbing surfaces are about ready to be cemented over and the wiring will go in soon. We are also scheduled to close on our mortgage for the new building THIS AFTERNOON - PRAISE GOD! Please continue to pray that God would bring a buyer for our current offices in Latham.
As we move into Fall, would you also lift up our various ministry staff in prayer. Our weekly Camps and City Life Clubs will be kicking off in a few weeks along with the Teen Parents Mentoring Program and Juvenile Justice Ministries. Pray for those working with our contractors on the new building as well. And please pray for our finances - for ongoing ministry as well as the new facility.
Thank you so much for your support and prayers for this ministry. God bless you.
For the sake of the kids,
John Richmond
Executive Director, CDYFC
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