Evangelistic organization working among young people; founded in 1944 to centralize independently organized rallies around the country; Billy Graham was YFC's first full-time evangelist; emphasis shifted from Saturday night rallies to organized clubs, known in 1960s as Campus Life, including activities for recreation and spiritual growth; developed a program for troubled teenagers called Youth Guidance; Mid-Winter Conventions held in different American cities (1956- ) as a youth conference, adding a business portion after 1969; periodical YOUTH FOR CHRIST developed, later called CAMPUS LIFE; during World War II included focus on ministry to servicemen; developed REALITY, a radio program with contemporary music and evangelistic messages for youth, 1974; presidents included Torrey Johnson (1945-1948), Robert Cook (1948-1957), Ted Engstrom (1957-1963), Carl Bihl (1963-1965), Sam Wolgemuth (1965-1973), Jay Kesler (1973-1985) and Richard Wynn (1986- ); headquarters based in Chicago (1944-1953), Wheaton (1953-1991) and Denver (1991- ); indigenous YFC's emerged throughout the world with YFCI's help.
From the description of Records of Youth for Christ/USA, 1944-[ongoing]. (Wheaton College). WorldCat record id: 30419115
