Blog

Robert Garner, President

Covid19 and the tension we are facing in the context of social justice have drawn me inward causing me to reflect. I find myself leaning on God like never before. As I draw from the abundance of God’s grace and mercy, I find peace and comfort. My confidence in his sovereignty affirms my belief that we will get through this together. God is in control. When I think about the climate of our country, I see the brokenness and I am reminded of Psalms 34:18. It reads, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God mitigates, he heals and he restores. Hence, I am hopeful. Last month I celebrated my 1-year anniversary as President. It was a busy year, a challenging year, but also a year of success in ministry. Most impressive has been the faithfulness you have shown us during this period of unrest. Your financial support, your prayers and encouragement have allowed us to stay the course. I am pleased to introduce Mr. Van Williams as our Youth Horizon’s Vice President of Strategic Communications and Partnerships. Van has a passion for ministry and serving youth. We are proud to have him on our team and to see how God uses his strengths to serve youth.

Introducing Van Williams

Van Williams, Vice President

Hello, I’m Van Williams, the Youth Horizons Vice President for Strategic Communications and Partnerships. I started on May 4, and I am excited and honored to join the Youth Horizons team.
We share a passion for serving God and nurturing youth, especially troubled youth. I cofounded two youth-mentoring nonprofits: Real Men, Real Heroes, which serves at-risk boys; and River City Hoops, a summer basketball club that uses the game to teach youth life- skills.

Beyond mentoring and working, I’m also a father, a husband, an avid runner, a voracious reader, a proud Shocker, a Wichita native, and a Christian who loves his neighbors, community, and God. I was raised in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), but I’ve attended nondenominational churches most of my adult years. Our family attends Life Church (eastside!). My wife Kristi and I have three children: daughters Kelsey and Brooke, both Kansas State University graduates, and son, Christian, a senior-to-be at Trinity Academy. Prior to joining YH, I was the Strategic Communications Director for Sedgwick County Government from 2016-2018; the Chief Media Spokesman/Public Information Officer for Wichita City Hall from 2005-2018; and a reporter and editor for the Wichita Eagle from 1989-2005. My journalism career was nurtured in a building located (825 E. Douglas) just northwest of YH’s downtown office, so it feels like I’ve come home again.

Thank you all for welcoming me into this family and ministry.