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The Shining Light: The Man, Mission, and Movement of the YMCA
Almost 200 years ago, a teenager named George Williams launched the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) from a factory dorm room. Today, few know his name, and even fewer understand the passion and vision that launched a global nonprofit which still shines in 14,000 locations around the world.
"Dr. David Newman is arguably the most educated person in the world on the history and mission of the YMCA. He shares with us the aims and values of our YMCA founder and also gives us practical insight on how to further them in contemporary YMCA contexts." - Joshua Heaston, Director of Christian Mission, YMCA of Greater Indianapolis
"I cannot thank God enough for this book that will help us to recover our tremendous, relevant, and empowering Spiritual Heritage, rooted in the love of God, that brings transformation in the lives of young men and women in this hurting world."
-Caesar K. L. Molebatsi - Past President, World Alliance of YMCAs
Newman walks the reader through lost details of George Williams' life, bringing his legacy into the spotlight with practical teaching and inspiration for today's YMCA volunteers and leaders. He believes that if the YMCA will be true to its Christian mission and vision, the YMCA will shine even more brightly in a dark world.
"Dr. David Newman is arguably the most educated person in the world on the history and mission of the YMCA. He shares with us the aims and values of our YMCA founder and also gives us practical insight on how to further them in contemporary YMCA contexts." - Joshua Heaston, Director of Christian Mission, YMCA of Greater Indianapolis
"I cannot thank God enough for this book that will help us to recover our tremendous, relevant, and empowering Spiritual Heritage, rooted in the love of God, that brings transformation in the lives of young men and women in this hurting world."
-Caesar K. L. Molebatsi - Past President, World Alliance of YMCAs
Newman walks the reader through lost details of George Williams' life, bringing his legacy into the spotlight with practical teaching and inspiration for today's YMCA volunteers and leaders. He believes that if the YMCA will be true to its Christian mission and vision, the YMCA will shine even more brightly in a dark world.
223 pages, Paperback
Published October 4, 2021
About the author
David Newman
127 books5 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 7, 2023
This is a solid, brief retelling of the history of the YMCA Movement, with a strong emphasis on its core Christian mission. It is clear that Newman has a deep love for the YMCA and what it stands for, with a personal connection that runs deep.
I was hoping for a fuller exploration of what it means to incorporate Christian principles into an organisation like the YMCA, which is why this book only gets three stars from me. However, it was a useful springboard for thinking and serves as a good introduction to the topic.
I was hoping for a fuller exploration of what it means to incorporate Christian principles into an organisation like the YMCA, which is why this book only gets three stars from me. However, it was a useful springboard for thinking and serves as a good introduction to the topic.
May 8, 2025
A must read for YMCA Professionals
April 5, 2023
YMCA te amo
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews