Nearly 100 middle and high school students participated in Youthify’s New Years Eve “Light Up the Darkness” event. 24 adult leaders
This event saw the return of the annual black-light dodge-ball tournament, a variety of games, and a concert for the students, and 24 adult volunteers, to enjoy. Christian recording artist, PEABOD, traded Seattle, Washington, for Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, on New Year’s Eve to perform.
While many enjoy the games and the music, there is one clear mission that all the adult leaders want to get across. According to Parnell Davis, regional director for Heartland Youth for Christ, the “kids need hope.” The only hope that can be found in the world, Parnell says, is Jesus Christ.
Youth(ify) hosts quarterly events to connect children to Jesus and develop authentic relationships. Volunteers from many church congregations in Southeast Iowa come together to “bridge the divide” for the students. Many may see this as their best event yet. According to Parnell, half of the room of kids asked for prayer. Some students were struggling with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Remarkably, over 10 students made a decision to follow Jesus during this event.
*Youth(ify) is a ministry of Youth for Christ uniting like-minded churches and organizations to facilitate quarterly events for kids grades 6th-12th grade with the purpose of developing authentic, Christ-sharing relationships and getting kids involved within the local church.
**Youth(ify) wants to extend another big thank you to their sponsors Sanity Coffee House Quality Equipment AG SOS DJ Prayz Him and Prayz Him Ent.