IMPACT OKC Magazine: Vol. 2 Issue 3

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SANTA’S CAUSEMore Than a Gift

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Magi...Wrong People.Wrong Place. Wrong Time. 5More than a Gift: Santa’s Cause 7Luke 2: Birth of Jesus 11Impact Parenting 12Christmas Reality 13What about the Other 11 Months of the Year? 15YFC East 16YFC South 17

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Drs. David Birdwell, John Archer, Brian Amy, Justin Power and Geoff Sparks

Every year the Christmas season emerges earli-er and earlier. Early in the Fall and even in late Summer, merchants begin rolling out Christ-

mas goods for consumers to buy. Before Hallow-een or Thanksgiving, and certainly into the month of December, consumers are inundated with item after item after item after item to buy as decoration or as gift for this new Christmas season.

And yet, what if the consuming and consump-tion of Christmas removes us from the very thing we are most supposed to be doing? What if we have bought into the wrong story and have forgot-ten how the focus should be in Worship?

I like the stories of the Bible related to Christ-mas. I enjoy reading these stories with family not just during the Christmas season, but all through the year with young people that I teach. I am privi-leged to teach the Bible year round in class, and every time a class begins that focus on the Gospels, we get to start with the Bible stories of Christmas, no matter the season!

Many students who do not know their Bible very well are surprised to discover that the Christ-mas story, as we tell it at Christmas time, is a com-pilation of stories that are found most clearly in two Gospels, the Gospel of Matthew and the Gos-pel of Luke. Most students are even more surprised when I show them how the wrong people, from the wrong place, who had the wrong information, are the people who did the most appropriate thing in the fi rst season of Christmas. Most students are even more shocked that the right people, from the

right place, who had the right information, were too busy and too consumed with their festivities and personal interests, to be focused on what God was doing.

The Christmas story, then, becomes a story that compels us to rethink what we do in this season to insure we’re not privileged with right information, doing the wrong thing.

We know the Magi came from the East when they see a star, but we know very little about them. Most people think there were three Magi, but the Bible ac-tually tells us nothing about how many were there, only that they brought three gifts. The Magi certainly looked at the stars though we do not know if they were Babylonian astrologers, or Persian Zoroastri-ans, or even perhaps from what at least one scholar believes, as far away as the land of Shir, potentially as far as China! But we do know this, whatever land they traveled from, it was the “wrong” land in so far as they were not from the Chosen people! These peo-ple were not Israelites, nor Jews! And, have you ever considered how the word Magi is the fi rst part of the word “magic”? These people from the wrong place came practicing magic, gazing at stars and this too, was the “wrong” kind of practice that people like Jer-emiah characterize as “delusions” (Jer. 10:2-3).

The Magi are unquestionably the wrong kind of people from the wrong regions of the world to be looking for a Jewish king! Even when they had come to nearly the right location, making it to Jerusalem, even that proved wrong! Once they came to Herod, they had to inquire of Herod and all the chief priests

Magi… Wrong People.

Wrong Place. Wrong Time.

What if Christians get Christmas wrong?

by Marty Alan Michelson, Ph.D.

yfc | volume 2, issue 3 5

and all the teachers of the law, to get corrected geo-graphical data on which city they should visit! These wrong people from the wrong place had the wrong information! It’s amazing!

In contrast to the Magi, we meet Herod and all the chief priests and the teachers of the law. It’s real-ly a biting contrast that most people overlook when we compare the Magi to Herod and those schooled in the Scripture! Jerusalem is located a mere six miles from Bethlehem. And, gathered in this City of David, the political and religious leaders had access to all the right books! In fact, when Herod inquires of them concerning the timing of the star and the loca-tion of what it means, the Bible seems to suggest the religious leaders quickly knew and immediately answered Herod’s question. Matthew 1 records:

4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

The right words of the prophet Micah were imme-diately at the disposal of these learned men. They had the right answer, and they correctly provided the right answer, about the right information, from the right Scriptures, to this man ruling in the right city of Jerusalem.

The contrast is stark. The right men, from the right city, living in the right region, with the right information, did nothing. Presumably, they went about business as usual. Presumably, they kept reading their books and completing their day-jobs. Presumably they went to their local markets each day, bought the daily items they needed and per-haps even prepared for the holidays of their sea-sonal expectation. But, no record is given that these right men did the right thing.

And, in contrast, we read how the Magi; he wrong people, from the wrong region of the world, now provided with the right information, are the only people in the Gospel account who do the right thing. In fact, we’re told two times in the Gospel record how these wrong people got it right! Mat-thew 1:2 records that the Magi announced they had come to “worship him” and then Matthew 1:11 records that when they saw the child, they “wor-shiped him.”

Christmas is about worship.

Christmas is about the wonderful, good news that in Jesus, God has come into the world.

And the wrong people got Worship right, so they are remembered in this story! And they serve a model for us in every Christmas season.

The story of the Magi should be a “wake-up” call for us in this season. The “right” people had the “right” answers about the coming of the Christ, but they failed to get out and worship him! They were complacent in their lifestyle and failed to greet the coming of this Child, even as they buzzed through their daily routines? Is it possible that Christians in our culture today are more concerned with the Mall and percentage discounts on gifts than they are on Worship? How many hours of your week during this season are spent on Worship, compared to the hours you spend in decorating for parties or shopping for trinkets? Don’t miss out!

I hope this story convicts us to insure that wor-ship is the central focus of our lives!

And, this story is a great evangelical reminder, too. Christmas is not just for Christians! Christmas is for Magi, who represent the “wrong people” even in our culture today. Is it possible you know someone who is a not a believer, buts someone who needs guidance from you in right belief so that they, too, can follow Christ? Is it possible that there are people you work with, or your neighbors, who need your loving care and tender friendship shown as hospitality in their homes, more than they need to see the Christmas lights you have hanging on your home?

Perhaps the best way Christians can be a “light to the nations” is not by having the best decorated Christmas tree in the neighborhood, decked out in the front window, but instead by embodying a will-ingness to enter the homes of their neighbors as they struggle with debt, divorce, drinking and other woes. Are you decorating for Christmas or discipling others for Christ at Christmas?

The “wrong people” are welcome at the man-ger. In fact, the first Christmas, the wrong people did the only right thing by worshipping Jesus!

May it be the case that you who read these words will be compelled lead others in what is most important in this season of year, Worship that proclaims for all people – that in Jesus, God has come into the world!

yfc | volume 2, issue 36

More than a Gift

I recently met with three of Santa’s helpers (Alan, Anita and Santa Bill) who were part of a fateful Christmas time in Oklahoma history. Energy is a large part of our economy and

when oil is good, things are good. In 1984 howev-er, things turned bad. The infamous “Oil Bust” of that year financially crushed many hard working families and left very little to put food on the table, much less extra money for Christmas. One of San-ta’s helpers, Alan, remembers going that year to serve food at Jesus House. He recalled many chil-dren coming through the line to eat, while there parents, who were also hungry, would sit outside in there cars to embarrassed to come inside to eat because they lost good jobs in the oil industry. To help, the Department of Human Services placed a box in the food line for children to write “Let-ter’s to Santa” but they were unfortunately under funded as well. One of Santa’s helper asked about the box of 56 letters, committed to do something about it and that was the fateful beginning of San-ta’s Cause.

Now almost 30 years later, the volunteers of Santa’s Cause serve over 300 families in need throughout Oklahoma City during the Christmas season. Through a partnership with the Oklahoma City School District and local schools, the team of volunteers collects letters to Santa from School Counselors who identify truly needy children and ask them to write a wish list for Christmas. By partnering with school administrators and coun-selors who personally know each child’s situation, Santa’s Cause is able to focus on those children and families who are in the sincerest of need and would not have gifts for Christmas otherwise.

They greatest gift that Santa Cause gives is in who they make Christmas about. In a time when many make it about the toys, their organization

or even Santa; Santa’s Cause actually puts the focus back where it belongs: Jesus. At each delivery, Santa is asked to share the rea-son for Christ-mas and why he came to share joy. “Although every delivery is different,” Santa Bill said, “I ask, ‘Who’s Birthday are we celebrat-ing?’ You see kid’s come up with Uncle Jim and everyone else. Mom or Grandma are sitting over there cringing, waiting for Jesus to come up. Be-cause it’s surprising, a lot of kids don’t know what the Season is about and what we are celebrating.” He went on to say, “When I’m about to leave, I al-ways say, ‘Children, Santa Loves you and JESUS does too!” As an organization, they have commit-ted themselves to never glorify Santa’s Cause, but rather place the attention on the true meaning of Christmas in the birth of Christ.

A tool that Santa keeps in his bag of Christ-mas joy to share this message is the Santa’s Cause book. Unique to Santa’s Cause, written by Anita Webb and published by Tate Publishing, it truly is a holiday treasure. The book shares the work of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, but then shows Santa worshiping the true reason for Christmas as he bows to the Christ child at the manger. The pic-ture of Santa reading this story of why he serves the children of the World on Christmas is a remark-

More than a GiftS A N T A ’ S C A U S E

Iwritten by Samual Brian Hill


able sentiment that not only points to the purpose of Christmas, but also the beauty in serving the needs of others. In this picture, we begin to see Santa as a missionary of the Gospel (dating back to the Christian origins of Saint Nicolas of Myra in the 4th century) and as a Grandfather archetype to

a segment of the population often without an in-volved matriarch family member. Santa Bill shared that “the Book really comes in handy, because you give that Grandfatherly image of Santa, sitting with the Book, telling about the Birth of Christ.” Santa’s helper Anita said, “The Book provided a reason for everyone to sit down and listen. It’s often hectic and can feel rushed. The book provides a reason to turn the TV off and stop.” She went on to say “Another reason for the book was to provide a gift that Santa could sign and they could keep. In the early days, before the Polaroid product started to go out, we would take pictures with Santa to leave. It provided proof for the child to show that Santa was at their house.” The Santa’s Cause book now serves as the tangible proof for the children to show their friends and also serves as a continual tool for reading. With its bright colors and appealing subject matter, the book is an amazing resource to impact the chil-dren’s lives long after Santa leaves.

One of Santa Cause’s greatest strengths is con-sistency. Since that fi rst Christmas in 1984, they have provided Hope to children and parents dur-ing the Holidays to those who otherwise would be without. Santa’s helpers attribute this to the amaz-ing repeat volunteers who serve each Christmas season and have now for decades! These individu-als come from different backgrounds, organizations and regions of Greater Oklahoma City and are so deeply impacted by serving others that they return year after year. For many families, serving in San-ta’s Cause has become part of their Holiday Family traditions, raising their children helping each year and now including their grandchildren! One father shared how he was so glad that he and his wife had raised his children giving each year and now he is proud that his Son, Daughter, Daughter-in-law and now grand child all will be part of Santa’s Cause again this year. He also shared that his chil-dren feel as strong, if not stronger, about serving every Christmas to help those with less. This family is such an amazing testimony of not only Santa’s Cause, but the power of a parent’s example and in serving in one’s city from generation to generation.

Although I have a wonderful family who has given throughout my life and invited non fam-ily members into our holiday traditions, Santa’s Cause has caused me to think beyond my walls for this coming Christmas. I fi nd myself asking ques-tions such as ‘who can I reach or touch with the love of God this Christmas in my neighborhood

Thoughts from an ElfIt’s almost Christmas. The decorations and lights line the Downtown streets of Oklahoma City. The stores are a buzz with music and laughter and jolly greetings and beeps and baby’s crying and shoppers fussing because they don’t have this Season’s “It Item” in Pearl White instead of Sapphire Black. There’s a chill in the air… that’s not true! This is Oklahoma! And although it is a beautiful sentiment, in December the wind is frigidly dispersing frostbite to every available ear and nose. It is the Holidays and by December 24, most of us adults are ready for January 1. For those of us who primarily “give” rather than “re-ceive” (also known as Parents), the meaning of Christmas can quickly become as nostalgic as a black and white movie about some angel getting his wings. After all, how many times can any of us purchase The “It Item” of the Season only to see it lying in the fl oor with disregard by Sum-mer before we say “Enough”!

Two years ago, I was one such person who had enough. I had worked many years in retail seeing the hostility of the holidays. Rather than joy, Peace and Love; I saw anger, frustration and worry. When I escaped the retail Christmas chaos, I considered multiple ways to escape the Holiday Hamster wheel altogether, including a boycott of gifts and sending the money to missions (an admirable choice). But when my fi rst child was born, like any “good parent”, I joined the other side by becoming a “purchaser”! Horrible, right? I joined the hoard of those misguided souls out searching 7 stores for the pink instead of purple “It Item” and becoming increasingly angry, frus-trated and worried. Something changed for me two years ago. That Christmas, I encountered an awakening through what I thought to be an un-likely source called Santa’s Cause.


or circle?’ ‘What friends or classmates of my kids are in need of love or help?’ ‘Who in my church or at work could use an extra hand this year?’ ‘What nights can I schedule now to serve through Santa’s Cause?’ ‘How can I, amidst the holiday busyness, choose to pour out what my family has on oth-ers?’ My point is, how can we get out of ourselves this Christmas season and intentionally Impact the lives of others? Think of the benefits for others and our families if we do!

Amidst an over indulgent, hyper commercial-ized season of bigger is better, Santa’s Cause pro-vides a light of Joy and Hope to the “least of these,” reflecting the Savior Child for whom we celebrate Christmas. They exemplify what is the best in all of us as they (a group of volunteers) give of them-selves during the busiest of seasons to share a gift, a smile, the story of Christmas and the love of God to others. Isn’t that what Christmas is truly about? The giving of a Gift (Jesus the Christ) to people (Us) who could not afford it (Redemption) from someone (God) that they did not know and could not repay? Isn’t that the truest meaning of Christmas.? This holiday season, whether through Santa’s Cause or your Church or other organiza-tions; choose to take time out to GIVE of yourself and your family to others in need. Find a way to make this Christmas one that your family will hold dear for decades to come. Give the gift of your-selves. Merry Christmas!!!

Established in 1985, Santa’s Cause is a 501(c)(3) non-profit all-volunteer organization providing anony-mous last minute response to children’s letters to Santa that would otherwise go unanswered. They receive most of their requests after other organi-zations offering help at Christmas have completed their season, beginning on December 15th and deliv-ering through the 22nd. However, if you ask anyone that has served with them, they’ll tell you that Santa does not quit till every child is reached and a few of Santa’s Special helpers have been known to go out to homes even until the 24th! All of their letters to Santa are received from pre-approved third party re-ferring individuals such as teachers, counselors, etc and they do not accept letters from the general pub-lic. To learn more about Santa’s Cause or join their work of impacting the lives of children and families go to www.santascause.com.


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2 At that time the Roman emperor, Augus-tus, decreed that a census should be taken

throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the fi rst census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syr-ia.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Beth-lehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, his fi ancée, who was now ob-viously pregnant.

6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her fi rst child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fi elds nearby, guarding their fl ocks of sheep. 9 Sud-denly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrifi ed, 10 but the angel reas-sured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all peo-ple. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has

been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will fi nd a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethle-hem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told ev-eryone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their fl ocks, glo-rifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

Luke 2 (NLT) THE BIRTH OF JESUS


SEVERAL years ago, Oklahoma City experienced something that

only comes around once in a decade or so it seems. It was Christmas Eve morning, 2009 and our family was on our way to a party that we have been going to for 17 years. I remember this particular year because there was a huge buzz going around that day about the snow storm that was apparently approaching the city.

The church where I serve as a pastor was prepared to host its traditional Christmas Eve service that eve-ning, so I would periodically sneak away to check the weather so we could determine if we needed to cancel the service. I remember hearing all the gloom and doom reporters as they guessed just how much snow we were going to get that day. It seemed to range from just a trace of snow to a couple of feet! In reality it turned out to be just over 10” in the metro area. It was the most snow recorded in a single day in Oklahoma City. With winds blowing forcefully at 40-60 mph the storm quickly turned into blizzard conditions with very little visibility. Snow drifts formed as high as 6ft in some places blanketing the hundreds of vehicles that were abandoned all over the streets and highways. Interstates 35, 40 and 44 were desolate, all shut down, as well as the airport.

It was certainly a crazy few days as the entire city closed down. People were stuck at home with seemingly nothing to do ... except for spend time with their family. Yes, that’s right, this “blessing in disguise” opened the door for memory making! Sledding, movies, snowball fi ghts, board games, video games, books, food, and lots of laughter. I have never worn pajamas that long in my life! I didn’t know I had pajamas! That Christmas will al-ways be remembered.

Of course it took some time to stop feeling guilty that I wasn’t at work being “productive,” but as I settled in and

I M P A C T P A R E N T I N Gby TODD LOVELACE


focused on the gift that had been given to us, I truly discovered some-thing that our culture seems to skip over all too easily. Unstructured time, no deadlines, no appointments, no phone calls, no homework, no sporting events, no hur-rying. For a few days we enjoyed each others company, we created space to love each other with our uninterrupted time, we slowed down long enough to listen to each other, and we refl ected on the real meaning of the season, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

This Christmas season, would you consider creating this kind of environment for your family? Would you slow down long enough to listen and learn from your chil-dren? Would you be patient and full of grace? Would you be intentional with your time and creatively teach your family about the real meaning of Christmas? Would you consider looking for needs around you that your family could help meet? Would you make this Christmas one for the record books? One that will not soon be forgotten?

There’s such a sense of joy, anticipation, and mystery during this time of year. Embrace it! Allow the “awe” of the season to capture your heart and fi ll you with the love of the new born King!

ChristmasA Norman Rockwell Santa with cherub cheeks red as roses and boots so shiny it blinds the eyes.

A snow covered meadow, that houses a perfect Victorian cottage with snowmen and sleds littering the yard. Rockefeller plaza and it’s majestic Christmas trees. The crowded streets depicting the hustle and bustle of the city at Christmas. There’s an image that comes to mind when one hears the word Christmas.

Christmas elicits thoughts of cozy hearths and homes, sweet family time, wide-eyed children and world peace all around. It means giving, thinking of others and celebrating a special birth. It’s the. Oat wonderful time of the year for so many.

So why then, have all the grumpy pants emerged during this season? Why the hesitation to cel-ebrate? Why the desire to “just get through” it?

Commercialism of the sacred holiday has risen over the last few years and has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many. People everywhere seemed to be afraid to let their eyes widen in wonderment. It may seem so politically incorrect to enjoy life while so many suffer.

There’s a reason the images that come to mind are pleasant ones. That’s because Christmas time is supposed to be a pleasant time. It has been built for centuries around Saint Nick, family traditions and spiritual deepening. Here are a few suggestions:

• Enjoy the Season

• Establish traditions. Nothing makes the holidays as special as fun family traditions.

• Bake. And eat. And bake some more.

ChristmasR E A L I T Y

by Lysa Thornton


• Start now and journal your favorite Christmas memories to read and look back on every year.

• Laugh. And smile.

• Watch funny, even cheesy, Christmas movies.

• Keep a candy jar of Christmas candies and let the kids have a piece.

• Small ways of giving and doing for others.

• Give up a parking place in a busy retail shopping center.

• Smile.

• Say Merry Christmas.

• Elf someone. (Leave homemade goodies on a friend or neighbors porch with a card that says ‘you’ve been elfed!’ Knock and run!)

• Baby sit for free for a single mom or some parents who need to go shopping.

• Christ had fun. He loved everyone. He loved his friends. He ministered and fellowship.

• Embrace the spiritual.

• Participate in advent. Prepare your heart for the season.

• Re-read the Christmas story for yourself. Teach it to your kids. Write down and/or share any new insights you discover.

Do you know this King who was born unto us this glorious day? Is He Lord of your life? Celebrate Him and tell him happy birthday. What can you give to Him?

Smile. Christmas like anything else can be a choice. It can be made or it can be broken by attitude and the

way in which it’s approached. Christmas is a major memory kids take with them into adulthood, so make it meaningful, make it unforgettable. Yes, there will be ridiculous traffic, and grumpy customers. There will be worry over family gatherings and over-sugared children. A selfish attitude may raise its head here and there, but take it all in stride. Strive to be merry and bright. Christmas is good. Christmas is healing. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. It’s not all just fantasy. It can be a reality.


I love to hear the stories of Christmas cheer and generosity. I think we as humans need reminders of what it means to give, just like

we need the reminders that other holidays pro-vide. Valentines day is a reminder to romance and give our sweethearts a memento of our love for them. What if that was the only time the en-tire year we showed them love? What if it was the only day we shared with them our hearts de-sire to connect with them? Easter is a reminder of the sacrifice that Christ made on our behalf. What if that was the only time we thought of it?

Well, sometimes I wonder if we don’t do that with the Christmas season. What I have learned from observing my life is I get caught up with what society tells me I should do. If I were to only listen to God and his small voice in my life, I real-ly think I would be far more productive. There are days I see a need in people’s lives and do abso-lutely nothing about it. What I wish I could do is to learn how to engage people’s needs the other 11 months of the year. Don’t get me wrong, the holidays are a great time to give till it hurts. It is a great time to help a boy or girl and maybe even a family capture a dream of hope in their lives. What I don’t want is to check a box and move on with my life the rest of the year.

I want to encourage us to think about Christ-mas in a different light. Christmas is an amazing holiday full of giving and helping others. By all

means, let’s dig deep and help as many people as possible. Where I want to get personally is for it to be just the start of my year of giving. I want to be sensi-tive to the still small voice of God. I want to hear what God is saying to me so I can respond to the needs around me. I really believe that is what Christmas is about. The name used to describe Christ by the angels that first Christmas morning is one of my favorites. Immanuel means “God with us”. Is God directing our actions and movements throughout the year? I think if he is, you will experience the Christmas spirit throughout the year. God may this year ask you to give to someone for no rea-son at all and without ever being repaid. I believe God can do that without a holiday and without any reason. Let’s put our Christmas sensitivity antenna up this year and discover what it means to experience Christmas year round.

What about the other 11 months of the Year?

by Russell Migl Russmigl@twitter

Do you ever feel empty around the holidays? Do you ever feel like you are a self-consuming, self-righteous hypocrite

because you don’t go down to the food kitchen and volunteer or be a secret Santa to a poor family in your community? I wrestle with those feelings around this time of year.


17:1 student-faculty ratio33 degree options available17 NAIA Varsity Sports

The Fastest Growing

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BeThany, OklahOma www.swcu.edu | 888.418.9272


The Fastest Growing

University in

Oklahoma


Ryan is an outstanding Sophomore student at Douglas High School, where he is active in the YFC Impact Club and is considered to be a “Top

Student” Leader in the group. Through consistency and character, Ryan has gained the respect of both his Mentor (Sean Johnson) and fellow students. He is a wonderful example of the students daily being impact-ed on the East side and throughout OKC by the Youth For Christ team. Ryan recently shared his thoughts about his Impact Club at Douglas HS:

“Impact was really fun last year. I got a lot of things from it. You guys taught me how to be a good and a better role model for the other kids. So because of IMPACT, this year I was student of the week and I was picked to be Mr. Sophomore

YFC EAST Student Spotlight: Ryan Peachlyn

OKC

(by the teachers and staff) for Homecoming. They felt that I was a good student and leader. Really, I think that YFC IMPACT Club changed the way I work and feel about high school. They made high school fun and important to me. They also taught me how to deal with things a little better. They taught me to forgive others and how God forgave us. I feel happy and safe when I go to IMPACT because we get to learn about God and talk about things other than school. And that is what I got from IMPACT last year. I hope they keep the pro-gram going until I graduate.”

Thank you for your partnership and support for YFC as they continue to Connect the Hearts of Students like Ryan to the Heart of God!



The Fastest Growing

University in

Oklahoma



The Fastest Growing

University in

Oklahoma


My journey with Youth For Christ started 5 years ago, as a volunteer at Jeffer-son Middle School. After volunteering

at camp that summer I was hooked, my mind was amazed by what God was doing through YFC across the city. For most of my adult life I have served in youth ministry, but I had never seen anything like this in action. Almost imme-diately I fell in love with the diverse culture of our South Oklahoma City students, and their de-sire to learn about Jesus.

My fi rst year at Southeast High School, my heart would break every week walking through the halls. I would see girl, after girl pregnant. Then I would talk with seniors who had no goals for after they graduated high school. I think what hurt me the most, was hear-ing the story of a 14 year old girl who’s mom was a year older than me, her grandma was younger than my mom, and she was head-ed down the same road. That fi rst year I begin working closer and closer to the young ladies, I would go to their sport events, and make breakfast dates. I realized very quickly that some of our girls are growing up without anyone teach-ing them what a Godly, successful woman looks like.

From all of this a desire was placed on my heart, but I had no clue how to make it happen. I wanted to some how teach girls how to grow into successful Christian, fe-

BY JOANNA JOHNSON

YFCOKC SOUTH

male leaders. I wanted them to know that they are better then their environments, and they could achieve more than what society thinks they can. Most importantly I wanted them to see themselves the way that God does. This summer at our girl’s camp we were able to lay the foun-dation of what a Proverbs 31 woman looks like. Women that came from similar environments, and looked like them taught our girls great val-ues. Then they were able to sculpt out their vi-sion for their lives. The beautiful thing is they loved it, and they created a sisterhood like no other.

After helping our girls to come up with a vi-

sion for each of their lives this summer I realized that I had lost focus of my vision. I challenged them to not limit themselves, but I realized that I


was limiting myself. God really began stirring in me a desire to step back and focus on his plan for my life. Most of my life I have struggled with my calling into ministry, and if I was honest I was more concerned with being successful. God simply spoke this verse into my life, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” –Matthew 6:24

God had gifted me with being able to lead these young ladies and nothing has ever brought me the same amount of joy. Splitting my time between trying to build a career and ministry was making my life miserable. I knew that God had called me to these girls, but I felt as if I could do a better job leading them with a little more knowledge.

With two semesters left until I graduate with my bachelor’s degree and two years from 30, I decided to make the commitment to stop go-ing to school in a traditional sense. I stepped away from the comfortable and normality, to do the uncomfortable. I begin looking at differ-

ent options for bible colleges, and God placed a school on my heart. Although it would be un-conventional to attend school there I knew that it was the place for me. Through coincidences and God’s prompting I applied to Hillsong Interna-tional Leadership College in Sydney, Australia. I heard about this school a few years back, but thought it was too far out of my reach. I failed to realize that it may be out of my reach alone, but if something is in God’s plan it is never out of reach. Over the last few months God has com-pletely transformed me. I was not only accept-ed to attend college in Australia, but he keeps blessing me with anonymous donations for my move. It’s amazing what can happen when you are walking in God’s plan, instead of your own. Although an impossible situation presents it-self, it quickly becomes achievable whenever you have God’s blessing.

Late January 2014, I begin my two-year ad-venture in Australia. I know God will move me, in ways I couldn’t have ever imagined. Every pos-sible way I am going to be stretched, but I know it is to make me a better leader for my ladies.


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Documents

IMPACT OKC Magazine: Vol. 2 Issue 3