REVITALIZE. EXPAND. CHANGE LIVES.
West Michigan Youth for Christ is dedicated to revitalizing and expanding our ministry in Ottawa and Allegan Counties, providing youth with opportunities to hear and respond to the transformative message of the gospel. Through intentional discipleship, we aim to raise up the next generation of godly leaders who will make a lasting impact in our communities for Christ.
OTTAWA AND ALLEGAN COUNTIES
Although considered to be a part of the "Bible Belt," youth in Ottawa and Allegan counties are becoming more and more unreached with the gospel. We have a heart to see all young people in the Lakeshore region come to know and love Jesus Christ. The need in this area is significant, but there is much hope.
Although considered to be a part of the "Bible Belt," youth in Ottawa and Allegan counties are becoming more and more unreached with the gospel. We have a heart to see all young people in the Lakeshore region come to know and love Jesus Christ. The need in this area is significant, but there is much hope.
THE LOCAL NEED
- 67% of teens in Ottawa and Allegan Counties are considered “unchurched.” That’s over 41,388 unreached young people.
- 1-in-3 teens have 1 or LESS trusted adult in their life.
- 78% of students use social media daily, 30% are on it hourly.
- 62 kids are detained in Juvenile Detention facilities at any given time.
- 1 in 6 teens considered suicide this past year.
- 115 teens gave birth to their own kids.
- 773 kids under the age of 17 were abused.
- 5,996 students are living below the poverty line.
“This is the most digitally engaged yet emotionally detached generation of all time.”
*Statistics come from “Belonging” from Springtide Research Group; Kids Count Data Center, Ottawa and Allegan Counties, The Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Michigan League for Public Policy, 2022/23; Christian Youth Engagement Project Report, Frost Center for Data and Research, Hope College, 2024
OVERALL FINANCIAL GOAL: $560,000
Multiplying Ministry with Spiritually Lost Teens: $465,000
- 5 new ministry sites
- Leadership development
- Coaching support
- Transportation needs
- Staff capacity
Collaborative Community Pursuits: $95,000
- Community engagement
- Community awareness efforts
- Lakeshore office
- Regional leadership
For further details and/or questions, please reach out to our Lakeshore Regional Director, Steve Spitters.
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HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
We can’t do this alone. To make a lasting impact on the lives of youth in the Lakeshore region, we need a community of partners who share our heart for this generation. Here’s how you can join us in transforming young lives:
GIVE
Whether it’s funding new outreach programs, providing resources for mentorship, or creating safe spaces for young people to explore faith, your gifts make a difference in the lives of kids who desperately need hope.
PRAY
Join us in prayer for the youth in our area. Your prayers are a vital part of the spiritual foundation we’re building for this next generation.
SERVE
Volunteers are the heartbeat of our ministry. Whether you can serve as a mentor, help with events, or offer your skills behind the scenes, we need people like you to build relationships with these kids and guide them toward Christ.
NOW IS THE TIME
When giving a financial gift, please select "Region Focus" to ensure your gift is designated correctly. Thank you for helping move the Kingdom forward in Ottawa and Allegan Counties. Join us in this mission to share the love of Christ and make a lasting impact in our community.