“Youth for Christ is fishing in the ten percent of the lake where the fish really are.” — Kelly

Kelly has been faithfully volunteering with YFC since 2010. What started with a simple question has turned into more than a decade of ministry and impact.

When Kelly first considered how to use his passion for tournament fishing, he realized something was missing. “I was out fishing by myself one day and thought, this isn’t rewarding. How do I make this time of most value to make an eternal impact?”

That question led him to approach a YFC staff member and ask if he could take a group of boys from a local group home fishing. That small step of obedience became the doorway for a ministry that has blessed countless young people.

Fishing became more than a hobby—it became a doorway for Kelly to build relationships and point kids to Jesus. “These kids often have low expectations. If they catch even a small fish, they’re ecstatic. For me, it’s thrilling. Each trip is an opportunity for them to experience God’s creation, and maybe even an entry point to a relationship with the Lord.”

Kelly leans on Romans 1:20, trusting that time in nature opens hearts: “My job is to be interested in them, make them feel important, show them a good time, and earn the right to be heard. Then I trust the Holy Spirit to do the work.”

Recently, Kelly was asked to help lead the new Parent Life dad’s program.

His answer reflected the same trust and obedience: “God can accomplish His plans with or without me. It’s my job to jump on board when He’s clearly leading. Why would I decline? I want God to use me.”

That same spirit also led Kelly to say yes when asked to serve on the YFC Board of Directors. “If I can do what I can with what I have, then I’m thrilled. He can accomplish His work without me, but if He wants to use my skills and experience, I’m willing.”

Kelly also sees the eternal impact clearly: “It’s so much easier to get young people to say yes to Jesus than adults. They’re more open, more receptive. That’s why YFC is so strategic—it’s like fishing where the fish really are. Ninety percent of the fish are in ten percent of the lake. YFC is fishing in the ten percent.”

His challenge to others is simple: “This is such a great opportunity to impact God’s Kingdom. YFC is out in the community, meeting kids who would never walk into a church. There is such a wave of momentum—I would think others would want to be a part of something like this.”

For Kelly, what began as a love for fishing has become a mission: creating eternal impact moments—on the water, in the community, in board leadership, and with young dads—one relationship at a time.