Seven years ago, Jacob's Church, Jacksonville, Lynn Township, decided to make an investment in Northwestern Lehigh youth.

To do that, Jimmy Reppert was hired part time to work with the kids.

Groups were formed for juniors in grades five to eight, and senior high grades nine through 12.

Seniors meet Monday evenings; the middle schoolers on Tuesdays.

A year later, Kids for Christ was formed to welcome kids ages 4 years through fourth grade.

The evenings begin with an open gym period followed by introductions.

There are often new people, whether they are friends or relatives of one of the members or someone who wants to know more about the program.

"We started with three juniors and two seniors," Reppert said. "This is a period of rebuilding because of the number of seniors who graduated last spring. "At one time, there were 25 kids in each group."

J.J., Reppert's wife, said they made contact with 175 kids in one year, when friends and inquirers were included.

At 7 p.m., icebreaker games are held. This is a group game with interaction among members.

Following this are praise songs, a 20-minute message usually given by Reppert but occasionally by church members, and a video series.

Once a month, a special event is offered such as retreats, service projects, and a Wing Night at the church, which raised money for a summer trip to Kingdom Bound, a concert in New York at an amusement park.

Kids for Christ also begins with an open gym period.

There are three stations set up for Bible verse, a Bible story and a game station.

Six to 10 helpers volunteer.

"We encourage the upper class to work with the Kids," Reppert said.

A Kids for Christ Fair, the first Wednesday after school begins, kicks off the new year.

The adults and older youth involved plan 15 game stations.

"Each year, we keep the favorites such as the dunk tank, moon bounce and a pie eating contest, along with new ones to keep it fresh," Reppert said. Hot dogs and french fries are free."

"It is part of our outreach," J.J. added

At the end of the year there is a KFC camp, a three-night event on the last week of school.

The final night is a campout, held outside if the weather is good; inside if it is bad.

One year, tents donated by church members were set up inside. This was considered special by the kids.

There is a movie night and a Bounce U with lots of inflatables.

Two retreats – one to Bedford County; the other to Twin Pines in Sciota – are scheduled for the juniors and seniors.

They will go to a Winter Jam concert in Reading and have lock-in, all-nighters.

A visit to Ozzie's Fun Center in Leesport is scheduled.

For Valentine's Day night a free meal and child care are provided for parents.

In November, they help with the oyster supper and there are work days for the church.

A date night is offered in January when babysitting services are provided for kids so their parents can have a night out.

A new program, the God Squad, will take the young men out into nature and teach them survival skills.

The kids decorate Easter eggs and help with the egg hunt for the younger children.

The program has expanded to the point where Reppert became a full-time worker for the church.

In addition to the youth ministry, he is also helping with the ministry for young families.

Stephen Fly, was there on a junior night. Fly said he attends as often as he can. He started in fifth grade. Joey Waidelich began in KFC in fourth grade and said it is fun to be in the juniors and spend time with Jimmy and J.J.

"The youth group is open to other people who are looking for a good time," he said.

Lauren Fly said they learn a lot of things. She began at the KFC level and has been attending for five years. She enjoys playing games, singing songs and learning about Christ.