Archive for year: 2025

As another year draws to a close, we’ve been taking time to pause, reflect, and give thanks for all that God has been doing through Llandudno Youth for Christ in 2025. This year hasn’t been about big headlines or flashy success stories, but about steady faithfulness, small moments with big impact, and the quiet, often unseen work of God among young people. It’s quietly been quite amazing.

For us, this year began with a sense of return and re-grounding. After a sad local safeguarding incident, and two team members leaving the area as a result – including our amazing Staff Worker, Karen – we were forced to step back from our familiar rhythms.

A difficult start

This early period of change brought both challenges and joy. It reminded us that youth work is never just about grand programs or big plans, but about presence. Presence for us meant turning up, listening well, and walking alongside young people where they really are. More importantly, however, we needed the presence of Jesus. This meant providing spaces and opportunities for young people to encounter Him as a source of joy, hope, safety. and healing. For some of our team and young people, it meant allowing Jesus to come into our laments, loses and sadness and bring His peace. It’s fair to say this was a difficult for important season for us.

Afterwards, reentering schools, reconnecting with partners, and reestablishing routines all carried a renewed sense of calling and purpose.

Into Schools

One of the strongest threads running through this year has been our ongoing work in local schools. From amazing opportunities to give regular assemblies – including at Easter in a new school – to everyday conversations with the many young people we encounter every day, we’ve been reminded just how significant a single moment can be. One conversation and one honest question can ripple far beyond what we see at the time. Again and again, we’ve seen curiosity sparked, relationships deepened, and doors opened simply by showing up with authenticity and hope.

Alongside our wider schools work, this year also saw the continued growth of our RE teaching and creative engagement through projects like The Mary Project. Taking this Christmas workshop into school classrooms opened up thoughtful, reflective conversations about the incarnation, faith, courage, and calling — with young people who might never otherwise encounter the Christian story in this way. Watching students engage so openly and imaginatively with Mary’s story was a powerful reminder that RE, done well, creates space not just for learning, but for deep reflection and meaning-making. These moments affirmed our commitment to bringing high-quality, respectful, and faith-filled RE into schools as part of our wider mission.

Regular Projects

Alongside this, our youth gatherings have continued to grow as spaces of belonging and joy. Redefine has been a place where young people can be themselves, ask real questions, laugh loudly, and explore faith without pressure. The Christmas Carnival was a particular highlight — full of energy, chaos, fun, and warmth — a reminder that celebrating together is itself a powerful witness. For many young people, these moments of joy are just as important as the conversations about faith that sit alongside them.

This year we have also been thankful for the growing ways The Garage has been able to serve others beyond our own core programs. We’ve had the privilege of supporting a number of other groups, and it has been a real encouragement to see two churches now using The Garage as a base for their own youth work. Alongside this, we’ve been able to offer training for youth workers and church leaders across the area, equipping and encouraging those who are serving young people week in and week out.

A bit of a scare

You’ll know, of course, that this was a challenging year for me personally, after suffering a health setback that took me away from work for several months. During this time, being forced to stop was both frightening and humbling. It confronted me with my own limits and reminded me just how fragile we are, but it also revealed something deeply encouraging: this work does not rest on one person alone. While I focused on recovery, others stepped up, prayed, supported, and quietly carried the ministry forward. I am profoundly grateful for the grace, patience, and kindness shown to me during that season, and for the reminder that Youth for Christ is sustained not by strength or striving, but by God’s faithfulness and the generosity of His people.

During my return to work, we were also greatly supported by Jaime, who joined us as a short-term youth worker during those first few months. His presence, energy, and willingness to step into the life of the ministry made a real difference at a crucial time. Jaime invested in the young people, built relationships, and helped provide continuity while I found my feet again. We are thankful for the time he gave, the care he showed, and the way he served during that season.

Big thanks!

This year has also been one of transition and gratitude. We said a heartfelt farewell to Karen, whose faithful service and care have shaped countless young lives. Moments like this remind us that youth work is always built on people who give generously of themselves, often behind the scenes. We are deeply thankful for all who have served, volunteered, prayed, supported, and encouraged us this year — your investment matters more than you know.

We also cannot reflect on this year without giving thanks for Reverb Café. What happens through Reverb is nothing short of extraordinary. The love, consistency, and Christian welcome offered there form a vital foundation for everything we do as Llandudno Youth for Christ. Because of the faithfulness of the Reverb team, we have been able to continue supporting young people across Llandudno. Reverb’s steady presence has been a profound gift, not only to the ministry, but to me personally. Their service is a quiet but powerful witness, and we are deeply thankful for the way they embody Christ’s love day in, day out.

None of this work would be possible without our incredible volunteers and trustees. Their faithfulness, wisdom, prayer, and behind-the-scenes commitment sustain this ministry in ways that are often unseen but always vital. From trustees who carry responsibility and vision, to volunteers who show up week after week with patience, energy, and love — we are profoundly grateful. This year, especially, their support has been a reminder that Youth for Christ is a shared calling, carried by a community who believe deeply in the value of young people and the transforming love of Jesus.

We also want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who gives financially to support our work. Your generosity enables everything we do, often in ways that are not immediately visible but are deeply significant. Alongside this, our monthly prayer gatherings have been a vital source of strength and encouragement throughout the year. Bringing together people from across different churches to pray for young people, for schools, and for our projects has been a powerful reminder that this ministry is rooted in prayer and shared faith. These times of coming together – quietly, faithfully, and expectantly – have underpinned the work more than we can ever fully express.

Small faithfulness with big impact

As we look back, we’re struck by how much of this year has been about small faithfulness. There have been no shortcuts, no quick fixes, and no instant transformations; just the steady work of planting seeds, trusting God with the growth, and remaining present in the lives of young people. And that, we believe, is exactly where God is at work!

At the heart of all of this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Everything we do flows from a deep conviction that young people need Jesus more than anything else; not as a slogan or a solution, but as a living Saviour. We believe in the life-changing hope found in knowing Him, in the deep, unshakable love He offers, and in the peace that comes from standing upon Him when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. We’ve really encountered that this year!

Our longing is that every conversation, club, assembly, and gathering might create space for young people to encounter Jesus in ways that are real, meaningful, and transformative.

So as we head into a new year, we do so with gratitude rather than certainty, hope rather than hype. We’re thankful for what has been, attentive to what God is doing now, and expectant for what lies ahead. Thank you for being part of the story of Llandudno Youth for Christ this year – a story rooted in the love of Jesus and the hope He offers.

We can’t wait to see where God leads us next, and how He will continue to draw young people to Himself.

Last night at Redefine we kicked off December in Christmas style with one of the most fun and thoughtful sessions we’ve had all term!

After decorating the tree, we transformed part of the space into a mini Christmas carnival, complete with festive games, lots of laughter, and a little healthy competition.

Huge congratulations to Levi, who absolutely smashed it and walked away with the legendary Santa socks prize. Commiserations to our leaders Tracey and Troy, who heroically took last and second-last place… someone had to!

The Great Santa Debate

We then shifted gears into a lively discussion focused on the question, What should Christians teach about Santa? Our young people brought brilliant perspectives, asking big questions about truth, imagination, celebration, and what it means to keep Jesus at the centre of Christmas without taking away the fun. It was thoughtful, respectful, and… occasionally hilarious.

Next we opened up the Christmas story and took a deeper look at the two groups who feature in so many nativity scenes but often get overlooked, the Magi and the Shepherds.

We explored what it meant for both these groups to leave everything in the hope of encountering a Saviour. What might we be called to leave behind if we want to follow Jesus with the same courage and curiosity?

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Redefine night without good snacks! There was hot chocolate, yule log, and—for those worried about the sugar levels—plenty of fruit and berries to balance things out.

All in all, it was a brilliant evening. It was fun, meaningful, and full of the kind of conversations that make Redefine special.

After a season away, stepping back into my role as  Centre Director of Llandudno Youth for Christ has felt a bit like re-joining a fast-moving conversation — but in the best possible way. These first few weeks of my phased return have been full, encouraging, and pretty exciting. I’ve already remembered why I love this work so much.

Redefine Is Back — and Brilliant

One of the biggest highlights has been coming back to our Sunday evening Redefine discipleship nights. We’ve launched straight into exploring the idea of wisdom — what it means, where it comes from, and how young people can navigate a world that feels chaotic, loud, and complicated. Both sessions have gone really well. The group has engaged deeply, asked sharp questions, and pushed into what wise living actually looks like in real life. It’s been amazing to see the energy and thoughtfulness in the room! The young people are awesome!

Back Into Schools

I’ve also had the chance to reconnect with our local schools. I visited Ysgol John Bright to meet the assistant head, which was encouraging — there’s still a real openness to collaboration moving forward. Then it was off to Ysgol Aberconwy, where I taught Religious Studies to AS-level students. They were brilliant — curious, switched-on, and not afraid to wrestle with the big questions. It’s one of those sessions you leave thinking, Yes, this is why we do this.

AskRedefine Returns

Our online work has restarted too, including our popular AskRedefine TikTok series. Young people send in real questions about faith, God, life, doubt, hope, and everything in between, and we respond with short, honest videos that are always under a minute long. It’s always a joy to see how these digital conversations open doors that might not appear in a classroom or youth club. We’ve already got a (huge!) backlog of questions waiting — which is a nice problem to have!

Training, Teamwork, and… Emails

On the ground, things have been just as full. I’ve run a couple of training sessions and begun overseeing our new youth worker, Jaime. It’s been good to get into a rhythm together and start thinking about what comes next for the team.

And yes — I have also heroically battled through a couple of hundred emails from my time off ill. (No medals were awarded, but I feel I earned one.)

Between meetings, visits, and catch-ups with supporters and partners, it’s been a full but deeply encouraging restart. It has at sometimes been overwhelming, but I’ve genuinely enjoyed reconnecting.

How You Can Join In

As we step into this next season of ministry, we would love your support. Would you consider:

🙏 Praying for us — especially for wisdom as we grow our work with schools and deepen discipleship with young people.
🤝 Volunteering — whether regularly or occasionally, your presence makes a huge difference.
💛 Giving — helping us continue and expand this work across Llandudno and beyond.

Thank you for cheering us on. It’s good to be back — and even better to be moving forward together.

Last week, we had the privilege of spending five full days at Ysgol Aberconwy, delivering assemblies to every year group. It was an incredible opportunity, and we’re so thankful for how it went!

The response from pupils was genuinely encouraging – they were engaged, respectful, and full of curiosity. We also managed to connect with a number of staff members, and we’re having some great follow-up conversations with a some heads of year, RE, and PSE about ways we might work together going forward. Everyone we’ve spoken to has been really positive, which is so encouraging as we look to build long-term, meaningful partnerships in the school.

Our assembly theme was Easter, and as always, we aimed to be clear about the Gospel while remaining respectful of the school environment. There were some brilliant and memorable moments – from a rubber duckling and a very posh M&S Easter egg, to Tim’s now-infamous ‘Bill and Ben in the Box’ skit, which had the pupils (and staff!) smiling.

A huge thank you to everyone who supported and prayed for us during the week – we felt it. Please do keep praying, especially that the right relationships would form and grow from the conversations we’ve started.

Can you help?

We’re launching new projects in a new school, which is incredibly exciting – but it also means our budget is stretched, and we’re in real need of more volunteers. If you think you could help in any way – whether practically, prayerfully, or financially – please get in touch.

You can also give online by clicking here.

Your support really does make a difference. Thank you!

This week at our afterschool club, Recess, we had one of those big, deep conversations that make youth work so exciting. The topic we were focused on for the session was ‘Justice and fairness.’ We explored huge questions, debated different perspectives, and even ran a mock court to see how people’s views played out in practice. It was fun, engaging, and we could hear them still talking about it when they left!

What became clear very quickly was just how differently we all think about justice. Some leaned towards a version of absolute fairness—everyone gets exactly the same. Others argued for situational justice—different circumstances require different responses. The discussion was passionate, thought-provoking, and, at times, hilariously unpredictable.

As we wrapped up, I reflected with them on the problem of suffering and its relationship to belief in God. One of the classic objections to God’s existence is the presence of injustice in the world. I pointed out that a challenge with this argument is that if even we, in this room, struggle to agree on what justice even is in the first place, then how could we decide God and justice are incompatible? A couple of young people engaged with this idea, asking really thoughtful questions about why they personally reject the idea of God due to suffering and unfairness in the world.

I carefully suggested that sometimes we decide what kind of God we want before deciding whether or not He exists. I gave a silly example: Imagine you’ve been told about a guy named Tom. But you decide before meeting him that Tom is 19 feet tall, has three eyes, and pink hair. Well, because no one like that exists—that mean’s Tom himself can’t possibly exist, so you couldn’t ever possibly meet a Tom. In the same way, rejecting God because He doesn’t match our personal preferences might not be the best approach.

It was amazing to see the students pause and really take this in. You could almost see their grip on unbelief loosening just a little, their minds opening to fresh possibilities.

We love helping young people take small, meaningful steps in their thinking—never pushing, never forcing, just creating space for discovery. Because we believe that’s the most respectful and lasting way for them to encounter God for themselves.

 

Photo by Ivan Aleksic on Unsplash