Bringing HOPE to the hopeless.
Last week our board approved a new mission statement for Mid-Valley Youth for Christ: “Bringing HOPE to the hopeless”.
What does this mean? It means we want to offer meaningful HELPFUL service to facility staff, administrators, and incarcerated youth. In a spirit of humble OBEDIENCE, we want our actions to be informed by scripture, directed by the Holy Spirit, fueled by our calling, and consistent with MvYFC board and national expectations. We want to build vibrant, relevant, and deep PURPOSEFUL relationships with like-minded churches, community agencies, volunteers, donors, and relational/national colleagues. And we want to create meaningful/realistic goals, being EFFECTIVE stewards by building a healthy organizational system, design appropriate funding models, pursue generous partners, and function with transparency and accountability.
By focusing on these values, we know as we interact with youth, more will be meaningfully introduced to God’s kingdom.
As Brenda shared in last month’s letter, we are in the stage of planning and dreaming. And next month we will be taking those plans and dreams to God by spending time in prayer, and listening to Him through discipline of silence exercises, bible readings, and journaling. Although we feel a new boldness coming over us, we want to make sure that we are listening well and obediently.
I can’t wait to share more with you as we go.
God is good and He is moving!
Blessings,
Jen
Brenda and I are headed to Colorado to join other YFC Executive Leaders across the country for our annual XL Summit. A time of worshiping, learning and growing together to go back to our communities to show these youth that they matter and are loved. I’m grateful to be a part of an organization that understands what it means to come together as a body of Christ with the same mission to reach youth everywhere.
If you’re able and interested in helping financially we could use a little extra boost this month. It’s costing us extra to participate and your contribution would help balance our February expenses from the general fund. Click the GIVE button above to donate online and write XL Summit in the comment line.
P.S. Click the box above to give and partner with us in 2022.
Jennifer Berg
Executive Director
Bringing Hope to the Hopeless
Mid-Valley Youth for Christ
Juvenile Justice Ministry
503-559-1005
Jennifer@mvyfc.org
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THANKFUL
“Thank you for coming today…
I can’t remember the last time I smiled or laughed.” (15-year-old male)
During one of my recent trips to detention, I was disappointed to learn that only three youth requested to attend my group when I knew there were a total of 12 in the facility. The staff escorting us to the classroom was also surprised and asked a colleague, “Did you tell them it was Jen, and that she has licorice?!” Armed with this new information, the second staff member went back to the youth and soon, more than half of the 12 were settling into their seats, ready for the treat that earned me the nickname “The Licorice Lady” over a decade ago.
You might remember that when I do group at detention, I’m frequently meeting with a revolving door of youth because this is a temporary holding facility. So, while I can’t easily do Bible studies or engage in on-going mentoring relationships like I can with youth in long-term facilities, the good news is that in this more introductory context, I can use good materials on frequent repeat. And one of my favorite selections is to grab anything that Christian comedian Tim Hawkins produces because of how humor (in combination with licorice!) breaks down walls. On this night, the video’s main point set up a great conversation with questions from the youth such as, “Will God still love me despite some things I’ve done?” What I love about this (frequently asked) question is just how surprised the youth become when I say that God loves them no matter who they are, or what they have done (Romans 8: 38-39).
That night after the video, I was able to meet one-on-one with a 15-year-old young man who thanked me for coming because he hadn’t felt joy for longer than he could remember. Being able to bring a smile to the heart of a young person who has forgotten what it is like to feel happiness is both a burden and an amazing privilege. Thank you for participating with me in delivering the Good News to incarcerated youth in our community.
I’m grateful for your commitment to this ministry, and I wish you and your family a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday.
Bringing HOPE to the hopeless.
