(Sacramento, CA) Meet Ed Kazmarek, the Executive Director of Youth for Christ Sacramento. He is a man on a mission to build up young leaders and bring the Gospel to every corner of the sprawling California region.
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With over 15 years invested in the ministry of Youth for Christ (YFC), Ed’s heart beats for students who might otherwise be overlooked, underserved, or underchallenged. Ed's heart is filled with legacy, urgency, and an unshakable belief in the power of young people to change their schools—and the world—for Christ.
THE MOVEMENT THAT STARTED WITH BILLY GRAHAM
“I’ve been with Youth for Christ for over 15 years,” Ed begins. “It’s a worldwide ministry, but in the U.S., we’ve been around more than 75 years. Some might remember that one of our founders was Billy Graham.”
He shares how the organization sprang to life in the aftermath of World War II, igniting a wildfire of evangelism that took hold of young people during one of the most transformative eras in American history. As culture shifted through the decades, so did the mission. “By the 60s, we realized we needed to be where students were—on campus. That’s when Campus Life really took off.”
Today, Campus Life is still the heartbeat of Youth for Christ’s outreach, and Ed’s Sacramento team is taking that legacy and making it local.
FAITH ON PUBLIC SCHOOL CAMPUSES? YES, REALLY.
“People assume you can’t bring faith onto a public school campus,” Ed shares. “But the truth is—it’s more than possible. It’s legal.”
He explains that under federal law, students have the right to lead clubs on campus—including faith-based ones. “So if a student wants to start a Bible club, they can. Our job is to come alongside those students, support them, and help them lead with confidence.”
Through these student-led efforts, Youth for Christ builds relationships and opens doors. “We’re all about building Christ-sharing relationships with kids. That’s our core.”
MINISTRY THAT STRETCHES ACROSS COUNTIES
Sacramento may be known as a government town, but for Ed and his team, it’s a mission field—five counties wide. “We’ve got youth centers in West Sacramento, Citrus Heights, and even a barn in Granite Bay—we call it the Campus Life Teen Barn.”
These centers serve as more than gathering places; they’re launch pads for life-changing experiences. Think day trips to the mountains, summer camps, beach outings—anything to create connection and point kids toward Christ.
“We want to meet kids wherever they are—on campus, off campus, in their neighborhood, or at a weekend event. If we can build a bridge to Jesus, we’ll take it.”
CAMPUS UNITED: A KINGDOM COLLABORATION
This summer marks a bold new chapter. On July 25, Youth for Christ is teaming up with fellow student ministries—Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Young Life, Decision Point, and others—for a first-of-its-kind event: Campus United.
“We realized something powerful,” Ed says. “We’re better together.”
The goal? Gather 200+ student leaders and ministry staff from across the region to encourage, equip, and empower them to lead campus clubs in the new school year. Hosted at River City Christian Church, the event promises worship, training, resources, and unity across denominations.
“We’re mapping out schools where no campus ministry currently exists,” Ed says. “We want to be intentional about reaching every campus. Our dream is for every middle and high school in this region to have a ‘lighthouse’—a student-led club that shines the light of Jesus.”
It’s completely free.
“Thanks to Jessup University, our headline sponsor, lunch is covered, there’s swag, and students walk away with everything they need to launch or strengthen a club this fall.”
THE WHY BEHIND IT ALL
Why now?
Ed leans in. “I don’t love the phrase ‘now more than ever’—because every generation has needed Jesus. But what’s changed is the amount of noise kids are dealing with today. Social media, online comparison, fear, anxiety. Kids are being shaped by the algorithms instead of the Gospel.”
He recounts a story of a student living in a motel room with 12 family members. “We think we know why a kid is acting out—but we have no idea what they’re carrying. And when we take the time to look beyond the behavior, we find pain, survival, and spiritual hunger.”
Ed’s voice softens. “Jesus is still the answer. He always has been.”
A FINAL PRAYER
Ed offers prayer for the rising student leaders of this generation.
“Father, these students are your boots on the ground. Equip them. Empower them. May this Campus United event be the beginning of a movement. Tear down distractions and barriers. Let students see who Jesus is—and let them be bold enough to share His love on their campuses. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Amen, indeed.
Want to attend Campus United?
Visit campusunited.net to register for free.
Date: Thursday, July 25, 2025
Location: River City Christian Church, Rancho Cordova, CA
Free lunch, leadership training, and campus club resources included.
Monika Kelly is a radio host, speaker, and a fierce advocate for Kingdom collaboration. She interviews faith leaders, culture shapers, and everyday people doing extraordinary things for God’s glory.