We need to raise funds for our 40+ ministry sites in Fresno and Madera counties; to mobilize and resource 19 staff and over 100 volunteers in the mission field; to provide Bibles to juvenile facilities, campus clubs, and urban youth. And though we reach thousands of kids each year, we need to increase funding in order to expand our work to the tens of thousands of unreached kids in our area. Our goal for this fundraiser is big and audacious: $40,000 in sponsorship and $60,000 in gifts and pledges for a total of $100,000. With your help we can make it. Would you believe statistics show that over 80% of our area's kids are unchurched? They need to hear the great news of Jesus Christ! They are kids like Pedro, who recently wrote us this letter (in his own words): Dear friends at Youth for Christ- My name is Pedro ____ and I am currently encarcerated at the Juvenile Justice Campus. I am serving a six month sentence in the Substance Abuse Unit. I am a 16 year old teen trying to turn my life around. I read the bible often and go to church [YFC's outreach in the JJC] every Monday and Thursday. I think it is very great that you guys donate bibles to jails... I am very grateful to have a bible in here, I have been reading and  studying the word of god for 5 months now. It's funny I sometimes feel like im the seed that fell on the rock, in the Parable of the Sower. I love reading and hearing the word of god, but it is very difficult to actually put the things into practice. I know that I am a slave to sin, and it is as if what Paul wrote talking about sin in Romans talking about how he wants to do right, but can't because sin is living in him. I would really like to hear from you guys giving me advice. I would really appreciate it. Sincerely, Pedro. Charlene, our Chaplain to the JJC, will follow up with Pedro, connecting him with people and resources when he gets out. This is our labor of love for God's kids. I hope to see you at our all-important fundraising event. If not, would you send a special gift today? Your monthly giving and special gifts are critical to this ongoing work. "Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." Psalm 126:2. May this be true for the ministry of Fresno/Madera Youth for Christ.  Ed Kaczmarek, Executive Director
P.S. Save the Date: Tuesday, November 13th, 6:30pm: YFC Estate Planning Seminar, for those interested in receiving insight and information, free of charge and without obligation, about this important area. Fresno Pacific University - North Campus. | 
