GREENVILLE – Youth for Christ will host banquets Nov. 12 and 13 at Greenville City Schools’ K-8 building.
“We have an amazing opportunity,” said Neal Crawford, executive director of Youth for Christ locally. “We all know there are challenges that make it difficult for teenagers to grow up with a strong faith and positive direction, but we can have a great impact on this situation. In fact, thanks to the efforts of dozens of volunteer ministry leaders and hundreds of financial investors and prayer partners, we already are. The annual YFC banquet, which will be held on Nov. 12 and 13, is an opportunity to transform this work into a community-wide movement that will benefit thousands of young people.”
This year’s YFC dinners will again be held at the cafetorium in the new Greenville City Schools K-8 building. This is the second year YFC supporters have met in this venue, which is configured so that everyone has a seat close to the stage. The facility was chosen, in part because of how nice it is but also because the school represents the place where teenagers spend a significant amount of their time.
“It’s the first place we connect with most teens,” Crawford said. “In fact, we meet with dozens of students just a few yards from the cafetorium every Friday.”
Crawford went on to explain why he thinks right now is such an opportune time to make a difference for teenagers.
“Almost all of our local schools are supportive of YFC’s work and are wide open to letting us spend lunchtimes with the kids that want to come,” he said. “Also, most teens are open to exploring faith in God and eager to know people that genuinely care about them and want to listen to them. Given these two circumstances, there is no limit to what can be done if we rise up together and come alongside teenagers to walk with them through this important time in their lives. That’s why the theme of this year’s banquet is ‘Rise Up.’ If enough people will rise up to make a difference for teens, it could change our whole community.”
The Youth for Christ banquets will begin at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 12 and Nov. 13 with the same program presented both nights. The evenings will begin with a meal prepared and served by Catering by Michael followed by testimonies, video and drama. People who attend the banquet can expect to be entertained, inspired and informed through what takes place, organizers said.
There is no obligation for anyone attending the YFC banquets to become involved because expenses for the dinners are underwritten. However, for those that are inspired to help teenagers come to know and follow Jesus, the YFC banquets will inform about plenty of ways to make a difference for kids, including through investments of finances, prayer, time and influence.
Every adult is invited to attend one of the YFC banquets. Individuals even can host a table and invite a handful of friends to come along. There is no cost to attend or to host a table, however, reservations are required.
Those interested in attending, hosting or wanting more information should contact Youth for Christ at [email protected] or by calling 937-548-2477.
