Last weekend, the annual YAFCU Autumn Weekend took place in Watchfield.
YAFCU is a vibrant, active group within the AFCU that offers a space for younger AFCU members in their 20s and 30s to find genuine connection, fellowship, and discipleship.
During the weekend, we spoke to three of our YAFCU members, Rhona, Sam and Matt and asked them a few questions about YAFCU and how it had helped them as they serve in the military and live out for Jesus.
Tell us about yourself?
‘I’m Rhona, and I’m an Army doctor, and I am currently based in Catterick in North Yorkshire.’
‘I’m Sam, and I’m part of the Royal Engineers, and I am currently based out in Germany.’
‘I’m Matt, and I’m currently serving in the Royal Artillery, and I am currently based up in Newcastle at Albemarle Barracks.’
Why did you join the YAFCU community and what’s it like?
‘I joined about two years ago. I was curious; I didn’t really know what it was about, so I thought I would come along on a weekend, and it’s been the best thing I’ve ever done. There’s a certain peace that comes with being around other Christians; it’s the only place you can fully be yourself. It’s all ranks, it’s Tri-service, you don’t have to pretend to be someone you are not, you don’t have the stresses of work, you get to be away with others who have a common purpose and being reminded of that common purpose is really nice.’ Rhona
‘I found my faith as an adult at Sandhurst, and I joined the AFCU then. I first got involved through the Issachar programme, which is for people looking to grow in their faith alongside leadership. This then led me to get involved in YAFCU. I’ve come back from Germany to attend this weekend as it is such a haven, a safe place and place to have good friendships and fellowship.’ Sam
‘It was definitely the natural step when coming out of Sandhurst in terms of grounding my faith in the army and the Armed Forces at large. I did Christian Encounter at Sandhurst; that was a phenomenal way of bringing faith into my service life. YAFCU is an empowering community, and it’s so encouraging to know there are other people in the forces going through the same spiritual battles. It’s brilliant to see how big the Christian community is in the forces.’ Matt
Does being part of the AFCU and YAFCU help you in your day-to-day life as you serve in the military and live out your faith in Jesus?
‘I think God puts us in the right place at the right time. It doesn’t always feel like it, and God’s plans don’t always align with ours, but the people I’ve met through YAFCU have been amazing. There are so many prayerful warriors in the background of AFCU; they are amazing. I’ve been fortunate to have a prayer group who have been praying for me every day of my career, and it’s been brilliant.’ Rhona
‘What I love about it is that you always get random updates and messages from those in AFCU and YAFCU. It helps you keep an account of your faith. Rhett always puts out Bible studies to go through when you are not together, and it keeps that sense of community going. My faith could have dropped off the edge of a cliff after Sandhurst, but it absolutely hasn’t. It’s just grown and grown, and I’ve got to say that’s because of the AFCU, YAFCU, Issachar and Christian Encounter.’ Sam
‘Absolutely, there are so many people I can call on from those I’ve met at the different YAFCU events I’ve attended. This spans all ranks and age ranges: those in the same situations and those with more experience. It’s reassuring to know that once a quarter, there is somewhere you can go to reset and know that what you are going through is normal. Although it can be very isolating being the only Christian in your unit, it’s not the case when you are part of YAFCU; you can actually be a guide to others and an encouragement to them.’ Matt
What would you say to a Christian who hasn’t yet engaged with YAFCU?
‘Two years ago, I had signed up online, but I didn’t really know what it was about or what the weekends were about. I decided the worst-case scenario would be to go, not enjoy it, think everyone was a bit strange, and not come back. So I went, and I’ve never looked back. It’s been the best thing; I’ve had the best times, and it’s been so nice to get away for the weekend, to be with others and have some fellowship and fun. So give it a go, come along, we don’t bite!’ Rhona
‘You’ve just got to go. If you don’t know anyone that is going, you’ll know them so well by the end of the weekend. There are people here that I’ve only met once before and it’s like seeing best friends again, so I would encourage you to go.’ Sam
‘I would say get involved, just sign up for any of the weekends or events. It’s the people that you will meet; it’s grounding what you are doing in Christ and seeing so many people encouraging one another in their faith. There’s so much energy, and it’s so encouraging, and you just want to go back. So many people are serial attendees, as they have taken that step to sign up for that one event, then boom. They’ve found a community that isn’t just the unit they are in, or Platoon from Sandhurst; it’s so many people from outside who are such an encouragement to them.’ Matt
The next YAFCU weekend is only three weeks away: the YAFCU Adventure weekend in Ingleton! This is a chance to spend time together, enjoy the outdoors, and have fun.
If you’ve never been to a YAFCU weekend or don’t know anyone, remember what Sam said. ‘You’ve just got to go. If you don’t know anyone that is going, you’ll know them so well by the end of the weekend.’
For more information about the YAFCU Adventure weekend in Ingleton, click here. Bookings for this weekend close on Thursday 8th October!