Merry Christmas!!!

Three Hundred Faithful Friends

by Connie Sadler, Executive Director

Recently we’ve been talking about “Faithful Friends” of Youth for Christ/Western Illinois. These are friends who regularly give at least $25 per month to the ministry of YFC.

To operate within our budget, it takes 300 faithful friends giving $25 or more each month. During the typical month an average of 236 Faithful Friends give to the ministry of Youth for Christ/Western Illinois.  That means each month we experience a shortfall.

During our recent fundraising banquet we saw the equivalent of ten more Faithful Friends step forward with pledges of monthly support (a pledge of $50 per month is the equivalent of two “Faithful Friends”). Of course, the one-time gifts helped tremendously, as well. Still, we need 54 more Faithful Friends to meet our budget goals.

This is a time of great potential for our ministry. We’re working with increased numbers of students who are hungry for God.  We have leaders passionate for Christ, willing to do the work; but without faithful monthly support, our plans are limited. In good stewardship we can only plan with money that has been pledged.

Can you join our Three Hundred Faithful Friends? We need just 54 more Friends at $25 per month, or 27 more Faithful Friends at $50 per month. That would meet the needs of our current budget, and enable us to operate responsibly as we in turn meet the needs of our teens. Why not take a moment to ask God if you would be one of our Three Hundred Faithful Friends? Then let us know you’ve pledged to stand with the teens of Youth for Christ/Western Illinois.

If you’ve pledged, send us an email at yfc@macomb.com . Or you can download our printable pledge card:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/34602697/300%20Faithful%20Friends%20Pledge%20Card.pdf

Feel free to print the pledge card, fill it out, and mail to:

Youth for Christ/Western Illinois

P.O. Box 126

Macomb IL 61455

Connie Sadler

Bushnell Beat, Christmas Edition

By Todd Rodeffer, Bushnell Ministry Director

 We’ve had a pretty good go at it in the last month.  Another two teens have accepted Christ for the first time in their lives: one junior high boy and a senior high girl.  Pray for them as they start their journey. Pray for them to read the Bible and let it affect their lives.  Continue to pray for our ministry leaders as they engage teens about their need for a Savior.  Pray for them as they reach out to help them, showing Christ's love.  Thanks!

Earlier this year we had a contest to see which teen could invite and get the most teens to Campus Life.  Well, Hannah won. For her efforts she got to toss a pie in the face of any leader of her choice.  Sorry, Kelly. Sure glad she didn't choose me!!

A few times a year we get to have 5th Qtr. events following home football and basketball games when there is no school the next day.  At one of these events, Bill, a CL leader, shared his testimony in front of about 50 teens.  God has already used this night for His glory.

 Family update:                       

Andrew and Abby are actively involved in basketball and cheer leading, respectively. Abby and Katy will soon be getting their show calves for next summer. The kids all help on the farm. Michelle is still teaching 4th grade  at BPC Elementary. She has been working on her Master’s to become a Reading Specialist and plans to finish up next semester.

Thank you for your generous and Spirit-led gifts to the ministry of YFC in Bushnell. Many teens get to hear the gospel because of your gifts. Merry Christmas to you all!    

  

Praise and Prayers:  

· Conversations with jr high boys – thanks for praying! Still working with them.

· Praise! God is drawing a high school student close to Himself in her time of need

· High school teen’s relationship with a parent.

· Our leaders.

Todd Rodeffer

Macomb Happenings, Christmas Edition

By David Keck, Macomb Ministry Director

As we gear up for the Christmas season, we are preparing for our final food events and we’re getting really excited for the start of the New Year! Our core group of Campus Life students has come a long way together in the few weeks we’ve had so far and we will be celebrating by having a joint Christmas party with the Campus Life group from Bushnell. I know both Todd and I are excited to join our groups together for some fun!

Thanks to our Pancake Partners! Individuals, businesses and churches have partnered with us to provide free breakfast to students who come out on MHS Late Start Wednesdays. 

Our Pancake Partners include:

· Barsi Tax and Business Center, Macomb

· Lavon & Larry Keck

· Gisele Hamm

· Wesley United Methodist Church, Macomb

· Macomb Assembly of God Church

There’s another kind of Pancake Partner! We have a team of volunteers who come out and help serve, keep supplies running, and clean up. These pancake partners include: 

Tammy Carson

Stacy Foxall
Claire Ascone

David Keck