Youth Leadership Development
From its earliest days, TMM has placed a high value on leadership development, particularly among young people. This commitment translates into the Christian Youth Leadership Development Program -- training and experience for youth, designed to cultivate their leadership skills. Fifteen to twenty youths are employed in leadership roles each summer at TMM. Since the program's beginning in the late 1960s, more then 300 youths have participated, and 90 percent of them have gone on to skilled employment. About 20 percent -- including Dolphus Weary (past President of TMM) and Artis Fletcher (Chairman of the Board) -- work in full-time Christian service. TMM also reaches out to the youth with the gospel message via its gym and recreational facility, the R. A. Buckley Christian Center. Whether it's weightlifting, basketball, or a host of other activities, something fun is always happening there. More than 100 youths use the gym each week. The summer program is the place for recreation and fellowship for over 200 youths weekly. Many of the youth who received Christian leadership training heard the Good News via the Recreation Ministry.