Jamaica Youth For Christ (JYFC) will this year celebrate its 60th anniversary since it began ministry in Jamaica. The celebrations will reach a high point from July 22-29 when a series of activities has been planned to mark the milestone.

"JYFC is a missionary movement entrusted with a global vision and committed to a mission of youth evangelism, discipleship, social involvement and leadership development", says Dr. Donovan Thomas, national director and Caribbean regional director for Youth For Christ International. He continued that this non-political non-sectarian organisation is an inter-church Christian Movement whose purpose is "to find creative and relevant ways to strategically meet the various needs of our youth and to win them to Christ by presenting them with the unchanging Gospel based on the infallible Word of God".

The organisation has its early beginnings in 1947 when the late George Forbes responded to the burden that God had placed on his heart to minister to youths across the nation in light of the emptiness and void created among young Jamaicans in the aftermath of the Second World War. He, along with his contemporaries, organised regular Saturday night 'rallies' for which JYFC became well known throughout the country.

Visits

During the week o celebrations, president of Youth For Christ International, Mr. David Wraight, will visit Jamaica for three days during which he will, among other things, visit with the Governor-General and breakfast with heads of leading corporations here in Jamaica.

Long-time YFCer Gerry Gallimore, past president of Youth For Christ International, as well as past national director, Jamaica Youth For Christ, will also be visiting the island to participate in the celebratory events. Other participants in this celebration will come from North America, Eastern Caribbean, and even as far as Australia.

Highlights of the week's activities

Thanksgiving service Swallowfield Chapel, 9 Swallowfield Rd., St. Andrew, on Sunday, July 22, 5:00 p.m.

President's breakfast (By invitation only) , Monday, July 23

Courtesy call on the Governor-General, Monday, July 23

Fun dayJames Bond Beach, Wednesday, July 25

Banquet, Jamaica Pegasus hotel, Saturday, July 28, 7:00 p.m.

Church visits, islandwide, Sunday, July 22 and 29.