As we approach the end of the year, we find ourselves reflecting on the faithfulness of God
and the incredible legacy of John Coatney, the founder of YOKE Youth Ministries.
In 1977, John and his wife, Helen, answered God’s call to reach middle school students—a
group often overlooked, yet so open to transformation. What began with a handful of kids
after school at Christenberry Junior High has grown into a ministry that now has access to
more than 19,000 students across 30 schools in five counties.
Just a few weeks ago, John went home to be with the Lord. While our hearts are heavy, our mission
is clear: to carry on the work that John started and continue reaching the next generation with the love of Christ.
This year, we are honored to announce the launch of the John and Helen Coatney Legacy Fund—a reserve fund designed to ensure the
ministry has a long-term financial foundation, just as John envisioned nearly 50 years ago. The goal is simple: to build a sustainable
foundation that will keep YOKE strong for the next 50 years and beyond.
The times have certainly changed—financial uncertainty, broken families, the rise of the technology generation, and a world where kids
scroll more than they play—but one thing remains the same: middle schoolers need Jesus!
As you consider your End-of-Year giving, we invite you to join us in securing the future of this ministry. To keep YOKE healthy today and
strong for tomorrow, here’s what we are working toward:
• This year (2025): We need $125,000 in End-of-Year giving to meet our operational needs.
• Looking ahead: In the coming years, our goal is to strengthen our base of monthly supporters so that our reliance on
End-of-Year giving will gradually decrease.
• Anything given above our annual operational need will go directly into the John & Helen Coatney Legacy Fund, helping
us build a reserve that protects the ministry during financially difficult seasons. Please note: These goals reflect our current projections and may be adjusted as ministry needs and giving levels change. The Legacy Fund will serve as a designated reserve, accessed only in the event of a budget deficit. Use of these funds will be overseen and approved by YOKE’s Board of Directors to ensure wise stewardship and long-term sustainability.
This reserve is vital for YOKE’s continued growth. It will allow us to thrive without cutting events, clubs, or resources, and it ensures we
can continue training our YOKE Folk—the young adults who bring Jesus to middle schoolers through clubs, camps, and kid time.
Would you consider making a special End-of-Year gift to help carry John and Helen’s vision into the future?
Your investment today will help YOKE thrive in this season—and for generations to come.
Let’s honor John & Helen’s faithfulness by stepping forward in faith to invest in the next generation.