Patrons of Youth In Action Kansas City,

 

For several years Youth in Action Kansas City (YIA) has been a wonderful way for students from the mid-west to spend the second week of Christmas break in a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. Many faithful people have spent countless hours planning and preparing for the sessions held at Embassy Suites in the Northland of Kansas City. Approximately 7 years ago Heartland Church of Christ took the responsibility of hosting YIA over from the Overland Park Church of Christ. Heartland has been a very blessed sponsor of the event but it came with significant challenges.

The greatest challenge is continuing the event with attendance falling each year and thus lessening the available budget needed for an event like YIA. In 2009 the paying attendance of YIA was 165 students. As 2010 has progressed and churches have been in contact with the planners of YIA we have concluded that YIA would potentially lose another 25-30 participants for the 2010 conference. This would certainly drop us below the budgetary commitment needed for the event to take place.

Every effort has been made in the last four years to make the event at least pay for itself. Private donations have been received which accounted for about $4000.00 per year to help keep the event going. The Heartland Church of Christ has been willing to supplement any remaining budget needs as a ministry of the church. Being said, the projected short-fall for 2010 is too great.

In conclusion, it is with sadness that YIA will not be held this year during the month of December in Kansas City. The majority of feedback we received when trying to invite new congregations to YIA was they did not want the expense and time taken from family during the Christmas holiday.

 

I hope you have a blessed holiday.

In Him,

Anthony D. Dishman
Heartland Church of Christ &
Youth In Action Kansas City