Celebrating Four Decades of Service –Gary Lee, Findlay City Life
Have you ever wondered what you would do if Jesus said to you, “Come and follow Me.”? A product of intentional YFC ministry through former director, Paul Miserlian, in 1982, I felt God leading me to become a part of the ministry at Findlay Youth for Christ. My “Follow me.” began 40 years ago and is still continuing. Let me remind you and many others who have prayed for and supported YFC throughout those years that God works through YOU to equip YFC to reach out to lost teens.
Forty years of ministry looks a little like a patchwork quilt, characterized by pieces that may look quite different, but are held together beautifully by God’s grace and provision.
During those years, there have been many “tug at your heart” moments. Like when a teen from a challenged background says, “I wish you were my dad,” and then I get to tell them about a Heavenly Father who loves them even more. Being invited to my teens’ life celebrations – graduations, birthdays and weddings…and seeing them thrive. There were moments of prayer with teens struggling with life choices, and seeking Godly answers. And the ultimate moment – when a young soul recognizes their need for a savior and commits their life to Christ!
There are also those moments when things did not go as planned. Sleeping in the bottom camp bunk and being awakened by something wet dripping from the bunk above you. Visiting a former YFC teen who is now serving a prison sentence. Or waking up to a late-night call that our Main Street office in Findlay had caught on fire. And even a time when a tree limb fell in a freak accident, hitting a teen on the head, and necessitating an ER visit.
I have many stories I could tell about the past that aren’t picture-perfect. I am constantly reminded that Jesus never said being a disciple would be easy. And the truth is, through the course of those years, the teens weren’t the only ones who were learning. God has used this time to refine me and teach me on a daily basis, and I am grateful to follow Him.
A constant through all these years of ministry is that YFC has always been centered in God’s Word and never drifted from the mission to lead lost teens to Christ. I have been very honored to be a small part of the national and international organization of YFC.
My ministry started 40 years ago, but here in Hancock County, YFC began leading teens to Christ 24 years earlier. Since that beginning, teens have learned about God’s saving grace and how to follow Jesus. Thank you for giving me the opportunity with your prayers and support to share Jesus with teens. Please pray with me that God will continue to expand the impact of YFC for His glory.
“I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God’s great mystery.”
Colossians 2:2 – The Message