When God Made It Official: Becoming a Nonprofit
(1996)
Six years after that late-night conversation, it was time.
By 1996 ministry had grown beyond the Wilting’s home base. Hundreds of students were involved, trips and retreats were happening and countless stories of change had emerged. What began as “we won’t let this slip through the cracks” was quickly becoming bigger than anything Bill and Donna could handle alone.
It was time to make it official.
Becoming DeSoto Youth Ministries, Inc.
In the fall of 1995, Bill and Donna began the process of applying for nonprofit status. They didn’t hire lawyers or consultants—they simply shared the story of what God was doing through their efforts to help teens make right choices and discover Christ.
To their surprise, the application was approved in just 45 days. On January 1, 1996 DeSoto Youth Ministries, Inc. launched.
It was no longer just Bill, Donna, and a handful of volunteers—it was now a recognized 501(c)(3) with a board of directors, staff and a growing network of support.
Expanding the Reach
By this time, ministry had already grown well beyond weekly gatherings. There were crisis interventions, retreats, and trips. Teens were being rescued from destructive situations and welcomed into the Wiltings’ home. Students were growing spiritually strong, joining in deeper Bible studies, and stepping into their own callings, with some being rescued from destructive lifestyles, jails and prisons encountering hope and starting new lives. It was a life of on the edge.
The launch of DYM as a nonprofit wasn’t the start of something new—it was the continuation of something God had already been building for years.
A God Story
Becoming official was more than paperwork—it was a faith marker. It was a reminder that when God calls, He also provides structure, resources, and people to carry the mission further than we could on our own.
Shortly after, DYM began hosting mission trips. The first three were at a Christian ranch in Colorado where Chad and Allison Chambers served. Having met them a few years earlier, this re-connection set the stage for The Chambers to later come on staff for 13 years being face to face with teens, being part of high energy events, and being part of every aspect of the scores of mission trips to come.
Obedience often starts small, but when God is in it, the impact grows. Making it official allowed DYM to expand, but the heart remained the same: helping people discover their mission.
How You Can Join the Story
Partner financially to fuel long-term sustainability.
Pray for leaders being raised up through DYM.