By By Adam Prestridge
Committee members with Atmore Young Life had to make a tough decision recently after support for the youth ministry began to dwindle.
Earlier this month, the board mailed letters to the ministry’s supporters announcing the closure of Young Life due to the “difficulty in finding a part-time area director, finding leaders, finding committee members, raising funds and having more community and church support,” the letter stated.
The announcement came on the heels of the recent announcement that former Atmore Young Life Area Director Chad Green had moved to Manhattan, Kan., where he will be serving in the same capacity.
Finances also played a role in the committee’s decision.
Since Young Life’s inception in June 2005 donations slowly began to deplete. In fact, funds forced the ministry to move from its original location on South Pensacola Avenue where events for teenagers were held to a small business office on Main Street.
Even though Young Life’s closure in Atmore was a blow to those who volunteered, the impression that the ministry left will continue.
Parsons also said that Green and his family’s dedication to the ministry was greatly appreciated.
The letter sent to supporters stated, “Chad and Sarah did a wonderful job serving the youth of Atmore and Young Life in our area. They were an instrumental part of the team that began the ministry over four years ago. Through Young Life, many area kids came to know Christ as their personal Savior and many others matured in their Christian walk. It has been an amazing couple of years.”
According to Parsons, Atmore Young Life will still have an account with Young Life, Colorado.