Kerry Hurst & Peg Ludwick

As the students ended their day at Lebanon Middle School and entered the doors at YFC’s 10th and Lehman building, they asked if the ladies were here yet. The “ladies” students wanted were Kerry Hurst and Peg Ludwick, two of our new volunteers.

When the A.S.P. (After School Program) transitioned from Grace Avenue to the city, our tutoring program fell between the cracks. A phone call from Kerry and two meetings later God had that problem fixed.

Kerry and Peg, both of Lebanon Church of the Brethren, called because they had received a call.  However their call was not by phone it was from God to the heart. Kerry and Peg are retired school teachers with a combined experience of 41 years.  Kerry taught math at Cedar Crest Middle School and Peg was in the Elementary School of the Dauphin district.  We are truly blessed and the program called S.U.R.G.E. is going great.

S.U.R.G.E. (which currently meets on Wednesday afternoons is far more than a homework session.

Success and Understanding Require Great Effort

Why:

1. Complete homework assignments
2. Prepare for tests and quizzes
3. Get help with school projects
4. Improve organizational skills and study habits
5. Receive individual or small group instruction in reading and math
6. Have a peaceful place to study
7. Earn S.U.R.G.E. bucks for rewards

Kerry and Peg are teaching creative ways of learning fundamentals in reading, language and math. Prayer at the beginning and end embrace our time together calling on our creator for knowledge, wisdom and the pursuit of excellence.

Thank you Kerry and Peg for following God’s leading to the doors of Youth for Christ.

Barb Blouch

Volunteers are the hands and feet of the ministry of YFC. There is a frequent saying at YFC which states, “God brings the right people, at the right time, for the right job.” This saying pretty much sums up the importance of the men and women who volunteer with the ministry of YFC.

One such volunteer is Barb Blouch who plays a very important role in the running of our Jr. High camp. For the second year now Barb has volunteered as our camp cook. Here are some things that Barb has said about being a camp cook and volunteering with YFC.

Q: Why do you volunteer as the cook for camp?

A: I’m blessed that I no longer have to work outside the home and I have the time to volunteer. I enjoy cooking and baking, and hope that it makes the retreat a little easier for the leaders as they don’t have to take time to prepare meals.

Q: How have you been blessed by your involvement?

A: I see the way the students (and leaders) enjoy the meals and the appreciation that they show. They always thank me for my efforts. There are always at least a few students who I become a “mom” or “grandma” to over the week.

Q: What do you think about the students you minister to?

A: They’re great! I can sense that they are searching for answers, and I hear about some of the struggles they are going through, and in spite of the problems they have, they are full of energy and enthusiasm.

Q: What are some of the challenges of volunteering?

A: The hardest part for me is planning the meals and figuring out how much they will eat!

The timing of the camp is sometimes a challenge as we have a large garden, but it always works out.

Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking about being involved with the ministry of YFC?

A: Do it, get involved, it is a worthwhile cause and God can help you to make a little difference in the lives of the kids.