Life Support youth center opens in Lynn

By BILL RICHMOND

City editor

It's THE place to be for young people in the Lynn area. Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Friday opened a Life Support Center that's sure to be busy for some time to come.

Friday's grand opening celebration and dedication ceremonies gave the public and local young people their first look at the new high tech youth center on Main Street, across from the community library. Walls of the center are lined with six large flat screen televisions. It is furnished with three computer stations; video games; foosball, ping pong and pool tables; resturant-style booths; a sofa and various types of chairs; and a pop corn machine, to name but a handful of features.

Randolph Southern FCA Director Scott Miller said the center has been a true community effort with work and materials entirely donated by local individuals and businesses.

"A number of people put their time, efforts and energy together to lead kids to Christ," Miller said. "We started working on the center in early May. The MAFIA (Men About Faith In Action) group helped out, as did several local companies and businesses -including local contractors. It's an incredible project, really.

"The overall concept is to have a non-threatening place to reach kids for Christ. The video games, TVs, computers and pool table are here to help compel the kids to come in for devotions."

Miller said decisions regarding the Life Support Center are made by the kids in the local FCA.

"They are the ones who decide what needs to be done," he said. "When we asked them if they wanted to do this, they all said 'Of course we do.'"

Lynn Town Marshal Brad Fisher, also one of the chief organizers of the youth center, said it would be hard to underestimate the importance such a place could play in the life of a community.

"It's important to provide positive role models for kids," Fisher said. "Giving them productive things to occupy their time goes a long way to keeping kids out of trouble."

Monte Cowen said the center will also be a place where kids can go after school to work on their studies.

"Hopefully local churches will use it to grow their youth programs," Cowen said. "We're inviting area comunites to come in too. The center will be staffed by local volunteers - there will be at least two adults here at all times to oversee activities. We hope to also have licensed teachers available to help with homework questions.

"Adult groups can also use the facility for Bible study or outreach programs. There are all kinds of potential uses."