Looking at Mike, with his winning smile, energetic spirit, and constant laughter, you would never guess that his family is struggling. Up until a few weeks ago, Mike didn’t even own a pair of socks. This summer, Mike was excited to go to YFCamp, but he was in a bike accident the week before and was unable to attend. Mike was really disappointed - he had been looking forward to that trip all summer! A few weeks later, we had a trip to Black Lake. Having missed out on YFCamp, Mike really wanted to go. But, Mike’s family couldn’t afford to pay even the modest cost of this trip. To help the kids who couldn’t afford to go, we put a few notes out on Facebook and, thanks to many generous donations, we were able to bring Mike and several other kids on our trip.During conversations on the drive to camp, Zack – a Campus Life volunteer - learned that Mike was lacking a few necessities for camping, as well as the supplies needed to head back to school in a couple of weeks. That afternoon, we made a run to the store and purchased the things he needed for camping. He was very grateful and kept asking us why we would keep helping him after having done so much already. The camping trip came to an end but our thoughts and prayers for Mike did not. Zack shared Mike’s story with some members of his church, and

one of them was so moved that he donated a $150 gift card to JCPenney to take Mike back to school

shopping. Mike continued to be shocked by the generosity shown him. He kept saying,

“I can’t understand why people would give money to help me.”

In addition to the clothing purchased at the mall that day, we were able to give him a backpack full of school supplies that had been donated by local churches. For the first time in his life, Mike had new school supplies - a fresh change from the used hand me down supplies he was accustomed to.That day we were able to bless Mike in a

Mike spent his days on the lake fishing and tubing

Mike’s big catch for the weekend

Fall 2012Update

buying MIKE SOCKSby Phil Daubenspeck, Campus Life

way he had never experienced. Mike was

shown the tangible love of God through us, God’s people. Mike has not yet made a decision for Christ; but we believe he is closer than ever. Together, we keep pursuing Mike with the love of Jesus. Visit www.westsoundyfc.org/pray to pledge to pray for Mike!

ministry UPDATES

Our families are devoted to ministering to the needs of children that God has placed in their lives.

As we serve children and families of Kitsap & Mason Counties, we’re always looking for new families desiring to open their home to foster children; short- or long-term.

Three of our youth went to YFC Camp and came back with lives deeply impacted. We have several youth engaged in deep life struggle

that are inviting our staff into their pain. This is answered prayer. Pray as we provide godly guidance.

With the launch of our Life Skills pro-gram in detention, we’ve seen new relationships and increased oppor-tunity to speak truth into the lives of

these hurting youth. During ministry this summer 5 kids prayed to receive Christ!

God is moving! We’ve experienced deeper ministry and are seeing lives transformed. We’re grateful for community partners joining us to lovingly surround these vulnerable

young parents and their children.

We are off to a great start! Lots of new kids are finding their way to our club meetings! And many of those kids are building relationships with our leaders. We are

anticipating a great turn out for our fall events, especially the Great Pumpkin Hunt!

A new season of ministry is here with established relationships, excited kids, and a newly remodeled Nollwood Community Center. We continue to invest in these W.

Bremerton neighborhoods and seek deep change in the lives of the kids who call them home.

Thank you for showing the tangible love of God to hundreds of kids like Mike through your support of West Sound Youth for Christ. This holiday season, I’ll be sending you more stories of how your financial gifts are impacting the lives of young people. I’ll also be inviting you to become a part of two special ministry opportunities we have next year. Thanks again for joining our mission to reach young people and families!

Pray with us

www.westsoundyfc.org/pray

Josh HinmanExecutive Director