CYSS is unique in many ways when compared with other Christian youth groups. For one thing, we really are committed to teaching youth how to sail. We don't use sailing simply as a lure to trap kids into hearing the Gospel once they're hooked on the sport. There is a paradox though. We are deeply committed to sharing with them and exposing them to the full gospel of Jesus Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer and coming King. We challenge them at every opportunity to give their lives over to Jesus and live for Him with all their hearts all the days of their lives.

 

The mix between the secular and the spiritual provided by CYSS is an excellent model for daily living. The Christian life isn't meant to be lived cloistered inside a church building, insulated from the society around us. Our lives as Christians are meant to be lived out functioning as believers in Jesus as we go to school, work, family gatherings, and the like. On our weekend overnighters, we teach the youth (and learn ourselves) how to live out our faith as we're sailing, anchoring, cooking, washing dishes, settling disputes, and enjoying the good times as they come.

 

The environment created by belonging to the sailing society is an ideal setting for learning important lessons of life. One is teamwork. There are many times when the whole club must function as a team. Other times, on an outing, or an overnighter, a group assigned to a particular vessel will need to function as a team. And then, there are times when everyone is paired with a partner to accomplish a particular task as a team. Another important lesson in life learned on the water is to accept challenges and circumstances as they come. All of our most memorable, and most of the best outings have come out of situations in which we had to modify our plans to accommodate unexpected situations and problems. If you wonder if God has a sense of humor, trust me He does. Ask me for the details. -Skipper Mike Secor