On April 29, 2025, Youth for Christ hosted its annual Be The Story – Muskegon event at Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference in Norton Shores. The event drew more than 160 attendees, including donors, supporters, and community partners, for an evening focused on youth development, mentorship, and the challenges facing today’s teens.
The event featured stories from local youth involved in West Michigan Youth for Christ (WMYFC) programs, offering a closer look at how the organization engages with young people across the region. Attendees were invited to hear firsthand accounts, learn about ongoing initiatives, and explore ways to support youth-facing challenges both locally and more broadly.
Youth Demographics in West Michigan
According to WMYFC, there are approximately 120,000 teens between the ages of 12–19 living in West Michigan. Of those, over 70,000 are not connected to a local church, and about 30% identify as atheists. Additionally, the organization notes that one in three teens has one or fewer trusted adults in their lives.
WMYFC serves teens in Kent, Muskegon, Allegan, and Ottawa counties, focusing on youth who may feel overlooked or isolated. Their outreach spans several settings, including public school campuses (Campus Life), urban neighborhoods (City Life), juvenile detention centers (Juvenile Justice Ministry), as well as programs for teen parents and deaf or hard-of-hearing youth.
About the Event
Be The Story is a recurring event designed to raise awareness of WMYFC’s mission and share updates from its ongoing work. The April event at Maranatha aimed to connect the broader community with the realities youth are navigating and to demonstrate the potential impact of supportive adult relationships.
A post from WMYFC following the event stated:
“Be The Story – Muskegon 2025 was a huge success! Over 160 donors, supporters, and partners gathered to ‘be the story’ – celebrating how God is powerfully moving in the lives of youth, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges they face both locally and beyond. Together, they learned meaningful ways to make a lasting impact.”
Looking Ahead
Youth for Christ has maintained a presence in West Michigan since 1944 and continues to evolve its programs to meet the needs of a changing generation. The organization encourages ongoing community involvement through mentoring, volunteering, and financial support.
More information about West Michigan Youth for Christ and their outreach programs can be found at wmyfc.org.
