Carrying the Mission Forward After Loss
(2020–2021)
When Bill passed away in 2020, a question hung heavy over DYM: What now?
Grief touched every corner of the ministry. Donna had lost her husband and co-partner in ministry. The community had lost a spiritual leader. Volunteers and DYM board members felt deep loss. It would have been easy to step back, to pause, to wait.
But God wasn’t finished with DYM’s story.
God’s Provision in the Valley
In the months that followed, God provided in ways big and small. Volunteers stepped in to help. Donors gave faithfully, keeping the ministry afloat. Friends encouraged. And though the pain of loss was real, so was the presence of God.
The pandemic only added to the challenge. Gatherings were canceled, rhythms disrupted, and uncertainty loomed. But instead of stopping, DYM adapted. Coaching and discipleship took new forms. Hope found new avenues.
A New Chapter Begins
Even in the valley, seeds of the next chapter were sprouting. In 2021, former DYM Ministry Director Chad Chambers, returned as DYM Executive Director after working for a period of time as Chaplain of The Christian Youth Rodeo Association in Kansas (while still under the umbrella of DYM) Chad returned from his spiritual roots in the rodeo community and intentional discovery ministry the past few years to mark a new season of leadership-- the heartbeat remained the same: helping people discover their mission.
Why It Mattered
This season proved that DYM wasn’t built on one person’s shoulders. It was built on God’s calling and the faithfulness of His people. Bill’s legacy lived on, but the mission pressed forward with new strength and vision.
God’s mission doesn’t end in seasons of loss. He carries it forward, often with new leaders, new energy, and the same unchanging purpose.
How You Can Join the Story
Pray for continued strength and vision for DYM’s leadership team.
Volunteer your gifts to help carry the mission forward.
Give to fuel the next chapter of God’s story through DYM.
