A Generation Fully Devoted To Jesus
“That Gen Alpha would be known as a generation completely devoted to Jesus.”
Last month, our Spokane YFC team had the opportunity to attend the Youth for Christ USA National Leadership Conference. For three full days, we stepped away from the normal pace of ministry to learn, reflect, pray, and connect with other chapters from across the country. Yes, there was Florida sunshine. Yes, there were roller coasters and late dinners filled with laughter. But more than anything, it was a sacred time of renewal for our hardworking staff.
We were challenged to do deep internal work. To become emotionally healthy leaders. To tend to our own souls before tending to others. We wrestled with how to navigate artificial intelligence faithfully in ministry, how to wisely steward new technologies and software, and how to answer the honest questions that Generation Alpha, those born between 2010 and 2025, are already asking about Jesus, identity, and truth.
All of it was helpful. All of it was stretching.
But what impacted me most happened on the very first night.
Our President, Jake Bland, stood before us and cast a vision for the next decade of our movement:
“That Gen Alpha would be known as a generation completely devoted to Jesus.”
Whoa.
Could you pause for just a moment and imagine that with me?
What would Spokane look like if an entire generation was fully devoted to Christ? What would our schools look like? Our homes? Our neighborhoods in Hillyard and Downtown? What would it mean for a generation often labeled anxious, distracted, or lost to instead be known as devoted, grounded, and alive in Christ?
Friend, I believe we are already seeing glimpses of it.
Right now, we are preparing to launch two new Bible study groups on Thursdays. Students are asking spiritual questions. They are leaning in. They are inviting friends. In the midst of real darkness and brokenness, God is stirring hearts.
It reminded me of another vision I recently heard from our friend, Mike Wittwer of Life Center Spokane. He shared that God placed on his heart a bold prayer: 10,000 people going from lost to found to maturing followers of Jesus.
Do you sense it? Something is happening in our city.
Despite the headlines. Despite the statistics. Despite the challenges our young people face.
God is working.
As you read this short reflection would you pray with us? Would you consider how you might partner with us so that this vision becomes reality? We believe the Lord is raising up a generation who will belong fully to Him.
That all might know Him,
Kevin Illidge
Executive Director