Dear Friends of YFC,
Esther was a young Jewish girl whom God placed in incredible, somewhat overwhelming circumstances. Her story in the book of the Bible that bears her name tells of God putting Esther in a position as the new queen in order to step up and speak up to save her people from annihilation by the evil Haman, even though going in to see King Xerxes to tell him could have cost her life. Though God is never mentioned by name in Esther, His hand of guidance and mercy is seen throughout.
Have you ever had an "Esther Moment?" What I mean is a moment where you took action, you took a stand, you did something that was risky, outside of your norm, even uncomfortable - but you did it because it HAD to be done. The time was right, the opportunity was before you...and the cost was potentially great.
I truly believe that for Youth for Christ, NOW is our Esther Moment. NOW is the time for us to take on the resources we have (such as the new YFC Adventure Center in Halfmoon) and to seek out the ones we need...all because the time is NOW to share the life-rescuing message of Jesus' love and forgiveness with young people. If we are to reach "every young person," as our mission statement says we will, then we need to act NOW.
If you think about the story of Esther in the Bible, thankfully, she didn't have to act alone. She had cousin Mordecai by her side for wisdom and encouragement. She had the blessing of the king so that when she did go in to him to save her people, he welcomed her with joy. We cannot share the message of Christ by ourselves - that's why it's so vital that we partner with you - as volunteers, as donors, as prayer warriors - partner to share this Esther moment together.
This panorama of The Edge Halfmoon shows you just ONE of the many Esther moments that we have before us. Only a little over year ago, the ground had even been broken for the new Adventure Center. Now it's nearly complete, the Edge climbing gym is open (The Edge website) and we are just beginning to see how God is going to use this place to reach more lost kids with His life-rescuing message.
Thank you so much for the incredible part that you play in this mission to reach every young person, one at a time with Jesus' love. Please know that our staff and volunteers value and cherish your prayers and your generous giving very much. Your partnership with us is vital as we move ahead to reach more kids, to impact more communities for Christ.
Thank you. God bless you.
For the kids,
John Richmond, Executive Director
CDYFC
