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Can't say thank you enough to those that put their money where their heart is so that I could take 14 students to see "The Shack" tonight: Rachel Garcia (@rachelrgarcia123) Trena Brown Marc Pankow Nancy Nortz Paula Patton Wolff Qwanis Doe (@onlyyou_q) Autumn Bennett (@arbennettx2) You are amazing. People that just jumped in and sent money for kids you don't even know to have an important experience. Wow. Also shout out to two of our amazing mentors: Benjamin K Nsakashalo (@benjie77) Amber Smurfette Williams (@mslytebryte) forchaperoning. Can't wait to talk to the kids about this next Wednesday at John Marshall High School. You're all more than welcome to come with if you want to hear what the kids learned tonight. #campuslifeokc #youthforchrist #yfc #impact #campuslife #campusministry #dolifetogether

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Took a creative turn today and asked our high school students about the roadblocks in their lives that keep them from reaching their full potential (Jeremiah 29:11). Asked them to name an obstacle and turn it into a character. A lot of very very insightful and creative responses for our leaders. What an amazing group of young people! #yfcokcne #okc #yfc #oklahoma #youthforchrist #campuslife #okccampuslife #yfccampuslife

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at John Marshall HS

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A Brother and Sister's Story of Hope Derrick was a 13 year old Douglass student on the eastside of OKC when he was introduced to YFC through his younger sister Alisha (who was 12). They both were at Douglass at the time but only Alisha went to Campus Life. As we were preparing for camp and collecting permission slips from students, Alisha informed our leaders that her mother wouldn’t allow her to go to camp unless her older brother Derrick would tag along. So, we agreed. It was at this camp that Derrick was introduced to Jesus as his personal Lord and savior. From that point his discipleship relationship with Marcus (campuslife/citylife leader) took off. They both became members at a local partner church. Alisha came to know Jesus at a different time but they were both believers when their mother unexpectedly passed away from what was believed to be alcohol consumption. This devastating blow to their family was an opportunity for our leaders to rally around these two and offer support. Derrick who had a history of violence in his school and neighborhood, had every reason to turn to a life in the streets where he was raised. But because of the Christ sharing relationships that he had at the time he did not. Alisha, a straight A student, also could’ve made every bad choice for a young girl living where she did like a few of her close friends did. We are proud to say that Derrick graduated from High school Sum Cum Laude and is now an aircraft engineer at Tinker Air Force Base. Alisha graduated Valedictorian and is a senior at Oklahoma University soon to acquire a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Both Derrick and Alisha both are very involved and integrated into the YFC family by serving and mentoring students this present day. They give countless hours into the lives of the young people living in the very same community they were raised.

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Ryan Peachlyn - Douglass H.S. Ryan was one of those kids that you wish you could duplicate and spread throughout the school. He was respectful, made good grades, and was motivated to rise above his surroundings. The danger in mentoring a kid like Ryan is that if you're not careful you can become laxidasical in how you pour into him. You naively assume that since he's already on the right track there's nothing of value you can add to him. But during his Senior year I learned a valuable lesson. Right around Christmas last year Ryan started working at J.C. Penney in the shoe department. He was so happy to have his first job and to be making his own money. I was having a busy week but I told him I would try to stop by his job during one of shifts and check on him. Towards the end of the week I was able to carve out some time to go see Ryan. I thought about using that time to take care of some other business but I wanted to be a man of my word. As soon as Ryan recognized my face in the store he lit up. He couldn't stop smiling and he said something to me that I'll never forget. He said, "I knew you would come." Five simple words, but the gravity of what they meant hit me like a ton of bricks. You see what I didn't mention earlier is that Ryan is adopted. His parents gave him up as a baby. So underneath all the overachieving and cheerful disposition was a fear of abandonedment, rejection, and being let down. So the simple act of me keeping my word and showing up meant the world to him. We didn't even do much while I was there. We just talked and joked for a few minutes and took a selfie before he had to go help another customer. But he never forgot that moment. He still brings it up when I see him around town or at his church. I recall this memory everytime I give a student my word. It has caused me to never undervalue what simply being present in a kids life means. It may be small to you, but it could mean the world to them.

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An Uncommon Relationship Jasmin was a 10th grader. She was shy and reserved. Chemise was a new mom going through some difficult life stuff when she decided to try out the whole mentoring thing. She wasn’t sure if she’d have the time, but she stepped out and did it anyway, despite her reservations. It didn’t take long before Jasmin was bring Chemise up during Campus Life. Talking about the fun things they were doing together and conversations they’d had. It was clear she was excited to have a mentor. Over time, as Jasmin and Chemise continued talking and hanging out, I started to see Jasmin coming out of her shell. She was sharing Christ with her friends and other classmates, standing up for what was right and amazing me as I watched her grow. Jasmin was now part of Chemise’s life and Chemise had become like a part of Jasmin’s family. She visited Jasmin’s mother’s childhood home, St. Croix, with the family and now after the relationships that have been built, Jasmin’s family attends the church where Chemise is a member. What Chemise found out is that mentoring doesn’t require hours upon hours of hard work and drudgery. It’s a natural relationship that requires far less than it gives back. Jasmin is now in the USAF and Chemise just received her first letter from Jasmin at basic training. These relationships last far beyond middle and high school. And what a blessing to be a part of that. Melanie Clift Campus Coordinator Northeast Academy

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City Life™ - @kadenceokc talking to youth about "Reaping & Sowing". (at The Secret Place Community Church)

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Had lunch with this grown kiddo today! Can't believe he's a grown up and going into the airforce soon! So proud of him! He also paid for lunch... 😢 such a grown up. #bewith

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Today we talked today about the impact that Christ has had on our lives. So many amazing stories!! #igettodothis #bewith #YFCOKCNE #yfc #CAMPUSLIFE

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Quick game of "Protect The President" before City Life™ starts. (at The Secret Place Community Church)

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Interview time! This is how we select our Core students. Safe to say we were BLOWN AWAY by these kids. We come hoping to inspire them, but they inspired us today. Wow!! Such an amazing group of kids. Still needing male role models. Without you, many of these amazing young men won't be able to participate. It's a requirement that we match them with a caring adult. #okcCampusLife #YFCOKC #YFCOKCNE #YFCCORE #YFCOKCcore #bethechange #givelifetoyourstory (at John Marshall MS)

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Love this crew!!! Centennial High!

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@kadenceokc speaking to students at Douglass High School about the importance of having good leadership in your life. (at Douglass HS)

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If you set up a goal...they will come. Lol #Outreach #CityLife #TheBridge (at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)

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#OKCCampusLife #JohnMarshallHighSchool #okcps #okc #yfc #yfcokc #yfcokcne #OKC #gobears #JMHS (at John Marshall HS)

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In 10 minutes, real students will fill these seats. The challenge: "How will we change the world this year?" It's not theoretical. The best way to take away a person or a population's effectiveness is to take away their hope. That's what Christ gives us and we will do everything in our power to embolden students with that message. They are so powerful. With God's help we can help them see just how powerful they are when they work together. #OKCcampusLife #givelifetoyourstory #yfcokcne #yfc #youthforChrist #yfccore #leadership #bethechange #gobears #changemakers #citytakers #JohnMarshallHighSchool #gobears #JMHS #OKC #OKCPS (at John Marshall HS)

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John Marshall football made a statement with a decisive win in the beautiful new Taft Stadium!! #gobears (at Taft Stadium)