There are many ways to make a difference in our community. We have all seen the effects of youth drug use, teen pregnancy or run-ins with the police. Youth For Christ, The Rock is trying to reverse the negative facets that exist in our immediate world.

The Rock is where hundreds of youths, and sometimes their families, come because it is a safe place where they can establish relationships, feel accepted and loved, find joy and begin to reach their full potential. They all have a story.

*Sally knows heartbreak and pain. She was a hurting girl who put up walls, not liking who she was and needing positive affirmation. Hers is a beautiful story, a true miracle. She said, “YFC made my life take a complete 180-degree turn. It changed me, had a positive impact, helping me through the bad times and I was transformed by God’s love.”

*Jane lived with her mother, her mother’s abusive boyfriend, and siblings, one of whom is on drugs. She said, “At YFC I found hope in God’s love, one place I can go and just be myself.” She knows loneliness, hurt, heartbreak and pain. The Rock rescued her and now she is a student leader, building and nurturing friendships with other troubled teens. She has the capacity to graciously share the love she has found with people in similar circumstances. Yet another youth said, “Home might not be good, but The Rock is a safe place to be loved, accepted, cared for and prayed for.”

*Jack is also a teen leader and by personal interaction, wants to help people and try to make their life easier. It is a place to come for health and healing, to get help in working out problems and to be part of a life- changing experience.

*James ate alone every day in the cafeteria at school and a family member shared with us that The Rock was his “one happy spot.”

Youth For Christ is making a difference in our community, working with local churches and like-minded partners in a positive environment. Greg Gudal has been with YFC for 22 years and is the executive director of the South Central Minnesota YFC area. He and his wife Robin have been married for 27 years, have four children and have been licensed foster parents for 12 years.

Jon Dierenfeld is the high school Campus Life director and he and his wife Amanda open their home every Thursday night for 20 or so teen leaders, featuring a home cooked meal and fellowship. God’s love is shared with young people who in turn share it with others and lives are changed. Jon also leads Campus Life on Monday nights where 40 to 60 youths focus on building relationships through games, discussions, spending time together and seeing positive role models.

Greg leads a middle school group on Thursdays who, he says, like to just “hang out.” Rick Miller has junior high students involved in a Bible study, many of whom do not have a church home.

The staff provides a nonthreatening and nonjudgmental environment where kids from all walks of life, some a long way from the Gospel, become incredible individuals and leaders through participation in clubs, events, the drop in center and trips. These folks are “walking the walk” as they reach out to the kids in Albert Lea. The Christian faith is a journey and in the words of one parent, “We are so blessed to have a place kids can come to and be safe, cared for, loved and prayed for.”

Making an investment in Youth For Christ has far reaching rewards as it provides life-changing experiences for young people. On Thursday and Friday, a fundraising luncheon or dessert banquet is being held at Wedgewood Cove. Please join us and change a life.

To reserve your free ticket please call 373-1015 or e-mail robin@scmyfc.org. We can all contribute to making a difference in lives and in our community.

*Names have been changed to protect the students.