The Testimony of Upper Canada YFC

I was born out of a Prescott Kids Choir practice. As the kids sang, my attention was brought to the faces of the youth in the back row. Youth that knew of the Christ, but didn’t necessarily know the Christ. Like a sweet song from Heaven the word Hope was given. Hope. He spoke so clearly, “For I know the plans I have for you,” (declares the Lord) “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Did they know there was a God who not only loves and has saved them, but a God who wants to bless them, not harm them… A God that desires to gives them the best … not the easiest or the most common, but the best life, this side of heaven? And how could I show them what that looked like?

My Christmas present that year was a resurrecting of the old me in a new and younger body.  While writing a prayer email, and a beautiful shaping took place of what I would look like. A glimpse of the someday, and what could be  Hope for the future…

This is what I saw:

I stood beside the church, just inside her shadow, as the Father illuminated his bride, His affection, the desire of His hearts heart.. she, (his church) shone with the radiance of the sun. Jesus held her hand. And there, in the shadows we were, servants inviting and welcoming youth toward the Bride; we were always pointing up, never drawing attention to self, staying tucked in, beside, just inside her shadow.

John the Baptist understood this well when he told his followers:

“It is the bridegroom (who is Jesus) who marries the bride (who is the church), and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success.  He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:29-30

The focus must always be on the Bride and Groom. This is eternal, and we know only what is eternal will survive in the end. YFC will mould into the Bride, becoming less and less… the bride and groom will remain.

And so I, Upper Canada YFC began…

God set out to show me a church youth group, the chosen group where He would begin. Together we found one… this church let me hang out and teach the leadership team during VBS. St Johns Anglican was her name, and her heart beat in rhythm with the Fathers for youth and families in the Prescott Community. He then introduced me to another part of His bride… a livelier part, and her name was Seaway. Seaway also joined in serving.  We were made up of two very different parts of the same cherished bride. And God’s pleasure was on us as he lead us by the hand inviting, teaching, illuminating, and redeeming lives as only He can.

We could go on about How God has used Upper Canada YFC to be glorified, but you have newsletters, and a quote book on your tables that does this as well. When you read through all that God has done, I would ask that you rejoice in A God that includes us, his children, His bride in the work that he has begun…

 

On this table we have three things that represent what we would call core values of Upper Canada YFC…

1. A pitcher and basin:  Serving

In contrast with modern culture, Upper Canada YFC has been called to serve… and specifically serve the local church. When Jesus washed the feet of the disciples on their last night together, He didn’t say, “lets partner in death and resurrection” He became a servant, sacrificed and gave of himself fully in order that We would be fully redeemed and brought back into a right relationship with the Father. Rural churches are quickly becoming extinct, and partnering with them is not always an option. We cannot ask for what they do not have. No more than Christ could not ask of us for what we do not have. It is our desire to serve the local church. And if we are doing what we have been called to do, as a servant we will prop up His bride stay in Her shadow, and go unnoticed. I am aware that this is not popular practice, but it is pure and simple Biblical servanthood. As we honour and serve His bride, we are blessed.

2. Communion: Remembering

Bread and Wine, representing the body and the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ that was poured out for the complete payment of all of humanities wrongdoing for all of time. In a world that is quickly forgetting the difference between right and wrong, a sober reminder of God’s sacrifice is needed. It is also something that every Bible believing church practices… Bringing unity by honouring the one that we all call our Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ. As we are unified through communion, the story of Salvation will continue to be heard, and not forgotten.

3. Bible: living and teaching

The living, breathing word of God. Teaching youth the word of God. Need I say more? Timeless wisdom can be found in these pages, not to mention the Holy Spirits ability to woo us putting God and us in our rightful place in Eternity. We live and teach youth the word of God because it is the only truth that will last when all else is gone.

Through the personalization of YFC, you have seen how we began, in the newsletter and quote book, you can see what we do… and what about the future of Youth for Christ?

We have always said that Upper Canada YFC starts and ends with the local church. Begins with serving and working with, and ends with bums in pews, lives in active church community. What does this look like?

About a month ago YFC was in Athens and met with a group made up of believers and local pastors. They asked why we were there, I said we were invited. They asked what YFC’s plan for Athens was, and we said it depended on what their plan was. Athens, the little village of Athens, has two very successful, very active youth groups. But the people that I met with knew that the groups they were ministering to were only a small percentage of what could be. In looking at what works in their community, hiring within that community, and having programs run by the people that know their community best, the success of more youth coming to Christ will become a reality. We have been doing international missions like this for years, why do we not do the same thing in our own back yards?

The example of what is happening in Athens is a very tangible example of where the future is at with Upper Canada YFC. It is our hope to have a YFC plant beside every community with active churches in the Upper Canada region. This area is the same as the Upper Canada district School board region. We would love to begin, manage, and gift back to each community a YFC.

 

Fear - Faith

Fear: the lie

Like waves it had almost consumed. At first I was not ready. As it billowed, and rolled, I allowed it to carry me into the undertow, almost to the point of retreat... a gasping for air, choking on lies and spitting up truth I had been clinging so tightly to. A sort of terrifying mental take over, with no forethought. Undercurrent: self.

Fear: the reality

...and then, in a moment of thin silence where time slows, and movement breathes fresh waters of grace, I am reminded of the break point... the overwhelmed place where terror and relief roll over into the oceans exhale... Every wave has its shore, and it is the creator that has made it so.

Fear: the who

Who has made the wave, the breaking point, and it's shore? Who gives me this need to trust the call into deeper waters and abandoned my place in the warm sun on the beach? Who reminds me that the waves and wind still know his name?

Faith: the truth

When you walk through the woods do you feel the earths warmth on a Fall afternoon, or allow needles fallen to tickle under foot? Do you marvel at the works of your own hands, in this fallen place? Trees of every colour, waters beyond the minds eye, and hold the mountains in the palm of your hand? Do you light up the oceans floor with your glory and create new galaxies at the edge of time?

Faith: the reality

And who am I that you would consider this heart your dwelling place? Cleaning out all brokenness, fear, and lighting what is left with your truth? Who am I that you saw my unformed body, breathed it into life, and placed your son on a cross to buy me back from my former master? Who changes my thoughts, renews my person and reminds me of who I am; which in turn is only in you.

Faith: the who

You who loved, we who failed. You who is constant, us who run. You who love, us who know no such word without you. You, wrapped in flesh and blood, us who killed, who kill. You risen, us brought back. You who love, you who show us how to love. You who chase, you who won. As it was, and will be... Amen

From fear to faith. A passing through the flame with no singeing along the edge, and you have made it so. The mystery, three in one... Father Son, and Holy Ghost. Praise be to God.

When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
Is. 43:2

A repost...

In the beginning she looked as any young lady would in a youth group. Shoulder length curly hair, the innocent smile, a gentle quiet spirit.

Man looks at the outside, but God looks at the heart.

"Do you think I could get baptized here?" as the question hit at a public time, and in a fleeting moment this sinners heart passed over the beauty and wondered how long she would actually keep her feet wet in the youth group... let alone be baptized. Wait a bit, she needs to hear, she needs to know before such commitments can be made.

God looks at the heart, and man asks.

She stayed. She partook. She asked questions and gave answers no one else held. Her eyes quietly fixed in wonders only the fathers hand could point to. This sinner asked to see more... a reflection of Jesus, a turn from the wrong, a moment to catch the breath. This child asks, and her Heavenly father always answers.

Man asks God, God gives revelation.

"Are you still wanting to be baptized? I could do that with you at the river this summer if its something you..." and before the sentence was out, she was in... I had but a moment to hold the tears, a moment to cherish it in my heart, a moment to allow my heavenly father to gently place his index finger over my lips and hush the startled cry in me.

God gives revelation, in a burst of fresh air man must respond.

In an intrusion of questions weather or not this sinner was qualified... whether this sinner was worthy, whether there needed to be more, more done, more given, more earned... and yet grace softly blankets my dry heart anew every morning. 

In a burst of fresh air man must respond, and God smiles.
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In the river, on a sunny day in August, all of Heaven celebrated to welcome a newborn into the family of God.

As the Holy Spirit moves in, regeneration of the mind, body and Spirit take place. Having Living God dwell in the midst, so closely, searching, guiding, changing. Through His word, the powerful saving work of the cross, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, every human being made alive by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is made new... leaving darkness, entering His light.

Father God, continue the work you have begun in this young lady. Pour your truth, like fresh rain over into and through her. Thank you for choosing her, for loving her, for saving her. Help us, your children to walk with her and teach her your ways. Let your life, light and truth shine through her so that people see you... May you continue to be glorified through her life, into eternity. Amen