The “C” in YMCA
THE “C” IN YMCA
THE YOUNG MENS’ CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION IS A SPIRITUAL FORCE.
IT IS NOT THE BUILDING, BUT SOMETHING THAT BUILT IT;
IT IS NOT THE MEMBERSHIP, BUT SOMETHING THAT WINS IT;
IT IS NOT THE ORGANIZATION, BUT SOMETHING THAT ORGANIZES;
IT IS THE SPIRIT OF YOUTH WITH THE DEW AND FRESHNESS OF THE MORNING;
IT IS THE SPIRIT OF MANHOOD PRESSING FORWARD TO BUILD A GOOD COMMUNITY AND A GOOD WORLD;
IT IS THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, WITH HIS DEATHLESS LIFE AND HIS BOUNDLESS LOVE;
IT IS THE SPIRIT OF ASSOCIATION, THE YOUTH, THE MAN, THE CHRIST, IN FELLOWSHIP AND COOPERATION.
C.K. OBER
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy body, mind and spirit for all; this is the YMCA’s mission. As YMCA staff and volunteers, putting this mission into practice is our biggest challenge. There are many ways we do this in the YMCA with a variety of programs. Helping individuals clarify their values and finding a faith for everyday living is an important part of meeting our mission. You, the Y staff or the volunteer in the YMCA programs have the unique opportunity and privilege to impact the lives of others. Keep in mind that their spiritual development is just as important as their mental and physical development.
One of the most wonderful things about the YMCA is the variety of people who belong to it. YMCA members come from 83 nations around the world. There are dark-skinned members from Africa, the Caribbean, and North America as well. There are fair-skinned members from Northern Europe and members with darker complexions from Southern Europe and South America. There are members who have the browns and golden tones of Asia.
Y members worship God in many different ways. There are Hindu members, Muslim members, Buddhist members, Jewish members, and Christian members. 85% of the YMCA members in India are Non-Christian. And in Jerusalem, 95% of the membership is Jewish.
YMCA members are many different ages and do many different things. Adult Y members are doctors, farmers, businessmen, baseball players, and airplane pilots. Some Y members are very rich…Some are very poor…And some are in between.
The World Alliance of YMCA’s, which has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, has on its emblem a drawing of an open Bible with the words “John 17-21.” This is one of the verses “That they all may be one” is the goal of the YMCA all around the world. It is a goal, however, that can only be achieved if all Y members everywhere treat each other not as strangers but as friends…friends who are willing to work together…share with each other…love one another…and live together in the unity of believers, and we should have an effect on outsiders to convince them of our mission of Christ.