Thank you for taking a few moments to catch up with YOKE and to keep this ministry in your prayers. In case you haven’t heard, I’ll be stepping down from my role as Executive Director later this month—just shy of my 10-year anniversary.
This has not been an easy decision, and I haven’t rushed the process, simply because I love YOKE so much. But over time, I’ve sensed that God is leading me in a new direction, and I’m choosing to follow that call with peace, gratitude, and hope for what’s ahead.
You’ve probably heard me say it before: I’ve served as a missionary and a pastor. I’ve planted churches and worked in nonprofit ministry for nearly two decades. But I’ve never seen discipleship so clearly at work as I have during my time at YOKE.
I love when YOKE Kids grow up to become YOKE Folk. Some even end up on staff—two were once YOKE Kids themselves, and four more started as volunteers. I’ve seen volunteers shift their majors, change career paths, and step into new callings because of what they experienced through YOKE. And while not everyone stays forever, many go on to serve and lead in powerful ways, taking what they’ve learned here and multiplying it in their own communities. That’s the Kingdom at work.
I’ve also experienced the power of community here. It’s one of our core values, and it’s more than just a word—it’s real. For many students, YOKE is their safe place, their people, their family. But the same is true for our volunteers, our staff, and even our board. One board member once told me, “I thought I was coming because of what I had to give YOKE. I didn’t realize how much I would receive.” That’s the kind of community we’ve built.
I’ve been honored to serve with a team that deeply loves Jesus and students. Together, we bring over 100 years of combined YOKE experience. Some lead from the front, others prefer the background—but every one of them shows up with humility and heart. They love to empower leaders. There’s no ego here. No job too small. Just a shared mission and a willingness to do what it takes.
And yes—I really do love middle school students. Shortly after joining YOKE, I sat in a room with 40 current and former gang members. Though their stories were unique, every one of them shared two things in common: they joined a gang because of the unconditional acceptance they experienced, and each of them had joined in middle school. That’s what we’re up against. Not every kid will be tempted to join a gang, but they are longing for acceptance and will go where they can find it. That’s why YOKE matters. As my colleague Sarah Scheafnocker used to say, “The kids we’re serving today will be the ones shaping our neighborhoods over the next 10 years—for good or for bad.” YOKE stands in that gap to help ensure it’s for good.
John & Helen Coatney founded this ministry nearly 50 years ago because they saw middle schoolers as an overlooked group. In many ways, they still are. That’s why YOKE is still vital, and that’s why I hope you’ll continue to support it—with your time, your resources, your prayers, and your voice. Though my season here is ending, the mission continues. And I’m forever grateful to have been part of it.
As always, we’re glad to have you on the team.
