A new youth center in Stryker was opened recently by a group of individuals from the community who have a heart for kids. About four years ago, God began speaking to Gary and Sandy Stuckey about doing something for the community of Stryker. They spent a lot of time in prayer asking God what it might be. Having a heart for the youth, they met with some individuals to determine the needs and God’s call for the community. For the last two years, they have met regularly with Dave and Kathy Frank. Much time, thought, and prayer was put into developing the ministry and writing a mission statement with the focus on “Connecting Youth and Families to Faith in Christ.” During this time they felt God leading them to operate the ministry as part of the Defiance Area YFC, Youth for Christ, organization.
After several failed attempts to secure a home for the new youth center, the prospects of seeing the ministry become a reality looked bleak. Then, this past fall, Rick Wityk from the Stryker American Legion, approached the group about working out an agreement to house the youth center in the upstairs of the Legion building. After an agreement was signed it didn’t take long for others from the community to come on board and the work began! A wild three and a half weeks were spent painting, collecting furniture, game tables and needed supplies so that the new youth center could open for their first event on Feb. 8th, 2013. None of this could have happened with out the generous donations from individuals and volunteers who gave freely of their time.
Beginning March 11th, The Loft will be open to students in grades 7-12 on Mondays from 6:30-8:30 pm and the first and third Friday evenings of each month. Although The Loft is primarily a youth center, at times there will be events scheduled for the entire family. You can check out times and special events at The Loft’s facebook page www.facebook.com/theloftoh.
The Loft would like to invite everyone in the community to an OPEN HOUSE on March 10th from 2-5 p.m. Come enjoy some food, have some fun, play some games, and check out God’s amazing work in our community!
