Swindon Youth for Christ 

 

SYFC are a part of the National body of YFC. YFC is one of 's most dynamic Christian organisations. We help tackle the big issues facing young people today. We're going out on the streets, into schools and communities and have changed the lives of millions throughout the UK.  

YFC ministries are about uniting and empowering churches and individuals to work together in partnership to achieve the common goal of 'taking good news relevantly to young people' - motivating them into evangelism and involvement with young people. There are over 56 centres in locations throughout the . YFC are also in, the Netherlands, and many more - we're truly international 

Mission Statement Of Youth For Christ International 

To participate in the body of Christ in the responsible evangelism of youth, presenting them with the person, work and teachings of Christ, and discipling them into the Church. 

How long has Youth for Christ been active in Swindon ? 

There has been a YFC group in the area since 1950 (previously known as Thamesdown YFC) and it is one of the 's longest running YFC centres. It has had a continuous existence since then and has seen countless hundreds of young people come to faith in Christ and to membership of the Church. 

Who runs Youth for Christ in Swindon ? 

SYFC is managed by an Executive Committee made up of people from various local Churches who act as the trustees of this Charity. Throughout the year the Executive meet on a monthly basis to oversee, plan and pray for the work of the organisation. The whole work is overseen by Church Leaders from various Churches in the town who form the Council of Reference who willingly offer advice and give valuable input into the work of SYFC. 

Where does the money come from for the work? 

SYFC is funded totally from local giving. We rely on local Churches, trusts and individuals to resource the work of youth evangelism in this area. None of this comes from National. 

The purpose 

There are currently over 18,000 young people in the Swindon area. In a town where almost 1 in 2 marriages end in divorce and family breakdown, we are continually seeing a generation who are lost, insecure, and frightened of the future in this constantly changing environment.  

The young people of Swindon have to hack their way through a maze of changing values and morals before they reach adulthood. It seems that they are faced with more challenges and more choices than ever before. Many of them feel empty, devalued and alienated. Their lives lack truth, love and security. We have found that the knock-on effect of this can wreak havoc on their lives and on society at large.  

In 2002 we were part of a project that produced some research on 'The Counselling needs of Children and Young People'. One of the main findings of the research was that '63% of young people wanted to speak to someone about their problems'.  We need to be there for these young people. Matthew 19 v 14 says "let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these". Jesus commands us to take care of this generation.  

It is into the lives of ordinary young people, just like the ones you know, that SYFC workers take the Good News of Jesus Christ, who offers them truth, hope, purpose and security. We work closely with young people to help them through the bewildering maze of adolescence and to empower them to make positive moral life decisions.

All SYFC work is done in conjunction with the local church. This ensures that we respond to the needs of both the young people we are in contact with and the church.    

To find out more about SYFC and what they're up to now visit their website at:  www.syfc.org.uk