Are We "All In?"

Dear Friends

"Speak In, Buy In, All In"  This catchy phrase came from City Life Director Andy Lightcap as our senior leadership team recently discussed a new leadership strategy we're pursuing for YFC's ministry.

Andy explained that knowing that each of us will have even more freedom to speak into the various ministries of Youth for Christ gives him greater "buy in" to each one and helps him be committed to being "all in" in our vision and mission.

As I thought about this idea, it occurred to me that we've all been giving these three concepts as we pursue life in Christ and as we seek to share his life-rescuing message with kids.  When we build a loving relationship with a young person, we are gradually given more and more freedom to speak Truth into their lives.  As they see us care for them, hold them accountable and continually love them regardless of their actions, their walls begin to drop and we can share more of Christ with them.

This "permission" to impact a lost kid's life is really the bottom line "buy in" for each of our staff.  We LOVE kids, we CARE FOR kids, we want them to know Christ.  We know that so many lives are broken, hurting and hopeless. But with an open door to their lives, we can bring the Light of Jesus to them every day.

The "all in" part really finds it's root in our calling - we are CALLED to reach lost kids.  Our staff in rural, suburban and urban communities; our guides at The Edge-Halfmoon, our mentors in Teen Parents or our staff on wilderness trips are indeed "ALL IN" with the mission of reaching "every young person...one kid at a time."  There's no compromise, no turning back.

What have you put yourself "all in" for?  How have you used God's call on your life to speak in to lives around you?  It requires us daily to seek after God, to dig deep into His Word and to ask, "Lord, what do you want from me today?"

Thank you for praying for our staff. Thank you for praying for the kids to whom God has given us the privilege to minister. While we move forward in this new school year and as we see new ministry areas build and grow, we covet those prayers more each day.

Thank you also for giving to YFC so generously.  There are many new opportunities ahead of us.  We have a cafe and gymnasium at the Adventure Center to equip.  We desire to build more faithful partners like you to get behind this ministry.

Together, we are indeed "all in" for the cause of the Gospel of Christ. God bless you!

For the kids,


John Richmond
Executive Director