YFC’s Annual Report to the People and Fund Raising Banquet

Have you ever longed to be home? Maybe your trip was too long, your day too exhausting, or your crisis too painful. Whatever the reason, you found yourself wishing for the comfort of your own bed, or dreaming about the aroma of your grandma’s Dutch apple pie, still bubbling and browning in the oven, in a home long ago gone away.

To many of us, home means much more than a house. It’s not just a place of residence; it’s a place of refuge. It’s a place for rest, and relationships, and becoming ready to face the world outside your door.

On the other hand, maybe your home has never been any of these things. That’s okay, because it’s possible to find the “essence” of home, away from home. Close friends, perhaps a church, or ultimately, relationship with Jesus Christ Himself can bring you all these things and “home away from home.”

“Youth for Christ volunteers and staff members interact with teenagers every day who don’t have the ‘essence’ of home in their homes,” said Neal Crawford, Executive Director Youth for Christ of the Miami Valley.

“But the bigger problem is many of them don’t have any idea where it can be found,” said Crawford. “For many, their world doesn’t feel safe, their relationships lack healthy love, and no one has prepared them to develop the character they need for life. On top of that, Jesus isn’t someone they think they need to know,” he added.

Hundreds of teenagers in our area need someone to help them find the essence of what many of us depend on in our homes. Hundreds of them need help coming to know Jesus and getting connected with love and teaching through His Church. You and Youth for Christ can make that difference.



You are invited to attend YFC’s annual Report to the People and Fund Raising Banquet on either Monday, November 14th or Tuesday, November 15th to discover how we together can lead many kids home to Christ.

During the evening you’ll share a delicious home style meal and relationship with your close friends while you also learn about the lives of teenagers in our community and the difference being made as people partner with Youth for Christ to share God’s love.

The program you’ll experience at the banquet will include many powerful elements such as live testimonies, the opportunity to ask teens questions, drama, music, and video. However, it is likely that nothing in the program will be more powerful than the message given by our guest speaker, Don Talley, who will add his own unique perspective to the event. Don is a frequent speaker, trainer and consultant. He is currently the Senior Director of Ministry Expansion for Youth for Christ/USA.

Don is a 23 year veteran of youth ministry. He began working with YFC in 1994 in a local program as a Campus Life Director, Ministry Director and Executive Director and six years with the NSC as the National Ministry Director and now helping to lead our Ministry Expansion Initiative. Don and his wife Crissie live in Denver, CO with their two daughters, Taylor and Madison.

Don Talley can be nothing but weak. His body is thin from the effects of a rare muscle disorder. His voice is rough. He struggles to hold onto a microphone. Yet, his ability to capture an audience is unmatched. His humor will break down the walls of diversity. His message of contentment will challenge any age group. “We live in a society which shuns weakness. I live for a God who empowers it!”

The aim of Youth for Christ is to work alongside area churches to invite every local young person to become a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ. Particularly in today’s world, it is important for the message of Christ to be modeled rather than just communicated. That’s why Youth for Christ staff members and volunteers make it a point to befriend teenagers in the places they live every day. YFC representatives serve local teens within their schools and support them by attending their sports and other extracurricular events. They also teach and model their message through a variety of meetings, events, and programs. Though many capable and caring adults are already making a difference by being ministry volunteers, dozens more are needed. This year’s YFC banquets will be a great way for people to learn how to become involved.

Another way Youth for Christ engages teenagers is through The Loft, a nearly 6,000 square foot teen center located on the top floor of the Palace Building at 5th and Broadway in Greenville. There, students discover a safe and positive environment where the message of Christ is shared. A smaller space in Arcanum, The Attic, is also used in a similar way to meet with students from the southern part of the county.

Additionally, YFC is reaching teenagers through its new Campus Life program in Preble County and through junior high ministry in the Arcanum and Greenville school districts. Going forward, Youth for Christ looks to expand its ministry by establishing a Campus Life program in every high school in Preble and Darke County. Youth for Christ is also reestablishing a “Youth Guidance” ministry specifically designed for troubled youth and by expanding into other areas of the Miami Valley. Guests at this year’s dinners will have the opportunity to help see this vision become reality.

This year’s YFC banquet just “isn’t to be missed” if you want to feel “at home” and be part of “leading teenagers home.” Want in? There’s no cost to attend, although you’ll be offered a variety of ways you can choose to get involved with the cause if you desire. Reservations are required, but there is still space available call or e-mail Youth for Christ today to reserve your seat at 548-2477 or office@yfcmiamivalley.org. We’ll do everything we can to make you feel at home.