Happy 75th Anniversary!
Youthfront has played an important role in my life and in the establishment and growth of the National Network of Youth Ministries. Personally, my uncle, Dr. Herb Tyler, served alongside Dr. Al Metsker in the early days of Kansas City Youth For Christ and went on to be the director of Hawaii Youth for Christ. He was an encouraging example, whose love of ministry and young people spurred me on, even since my childhood.
In the Network’s formative years, Youthfront stood out as model of what we wanted to see in a city — churches working together, the parachurch serving the church, youth workers being ministered to and campuses being targeted. As we partnered with you in the early days, you became one of the first organizations to allow a staff member, Roy Bilyeu, to invest significant time to provide regional leadership for the Network, impacting churches and cities, even outside of your home base.
I want to take the opportunity of Youthfront’s 75th anniversary to express my personal appreciation for all you have done for youth, youth ministry andnetworking. I greatly value and respect your innovation in ministry, your selfless willingness to strengthen others who share your calling and your clear commitment to Christ and Christ alone.
May God give you divine insight as you look back on the key milestones and lessons of the past 75 years. May they serve as a platform, in the coming days, for all that Jesus wants you to be and to do ”until He comes.”
Paul Fleishmann, President Emeritus, National Network of Youth Ministries
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