A Movement of Hope, Then and Now

​Since 1944, Youth for Christ has been meeting young people ages 11–19 in pivotal moments, introducing them to the hope of Jesus Christ.
Following World War II, large evangelistic rallies swept across the United States, creating a growing hunger for God’s Word. In 1944, Chicago pastor Torrey Johnson shared a vision for expanding these efforts into a national movement with a young evangelist named Billy Graham. Graham became Youth for Christ’s first full-time staff member, helping launch what would quickly become a nationwide ministry.
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Kalamazoo was one of YFC’s original core cities. Reinhold Barth, pastor of Calvary Bible Church, became the first director of Kalamazoo Youth for Christ in 1944, and rallies were held each Saturday night at the Masonic Temple downtown.

Since those early days, Youth for Christ has grown into a global ministry serving in more than 100 countries and engaging over one million young people each year through authentic, Christ-sharing relationships. Across the United States, YFC includes 180 local chapters in 1,500 communities, supported by more than 10,000 dedicated volunteers.
While the methods have changed over the decades, the mission has remained the same: to reach young people with the Gospel and walk with them through life’s most formative seasons. Today, YFC is present on middle school and high school campuses, in neighborhoods, juvenile detention centers, and communities - wherever young people are searching for belonging, purpose, and hope.

We believe every story matters, and when Jesus enters a pivotal moment, He brings lasting transformation. It is our joy to come alongside young people as trusted friends and mentors, helping them discover God’s greater story of hope and life.