Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Byers.
Hi Amy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born on July 21, 1986. Though raised in a loving home, I suffered a childhood trauma that resulted in crippling anxiety and panic attacks beginning when I was just 2-years-old and continuing into adolescence. At age fourteen, I was admitted to a hospital at 72 pounds, dying from Anorexia Nervosa, and it was in an unlikely hospital bed that I found salvation in JESUS CHRIST.
In the middle of the night, I awoke suddenly to my heart failing and vitals shutting down. It was in that moment, while faced with my own mortality and death, that I realized my desperate need and even greater desire to be saved. With weakening breath, I prayed to GOD, asking Him to save me. Instantly and beyond all medical explanation, an overwhelming, all-encompassing peace swept over my body. I felt the inmistakable Presence of GOD enveloping me, and I knew beyond all doubts that GOD had found me in that darkness and both physically and spiritually breathed into me new life and a deeper purpose.
Since that moment, I felt GOD’s calling on me for youth ministry. Candidly, I must admit that for over twenty years, I ran after my own “calling” (those selfish goals and desires to be accepted and succeed by the world’s standards) – in essence, completely in the opposite direction of GOD’s calling on my heart. But as the Word of GOD so aptly states, “A person’s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps.” [Proverbs 16:9]
In 2023, my husband’s job moved our family from Wilmington, NC, to Charleston, SC, giving me the opportunity to “Cease striving and know that (He) is GOD.” [Psalm 46:10]. It was in that vulnerable state that GOD reminded me that it – my life, relationships, purpose – were NOT about me. He reminded me of His calling for my life, and through prayer, MANY lessons in humility, joyous convictions, and necessary surrender, GOD clearly directed and paved the way for the Christian Youth Network (CYN) to be born.
The Christian Youth Network (CYN) was launched in April 2023, and since then, GOD has blessed this ministry with His abundance and guidance, reaching youth around the world with His Word and Truth. Presently, CYN has over 600 registered members and an APP in the works! ALL glory belongs to GOD alone.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. Most notable struggles include:
– Anorexia Nervosa (with multiple stints in rehabs).
– Sexual Assault in college.
– Marriage almost ending.
– Losing a student in a fatal car accident.
– Intestinal reconstruction surgery (followed by intense recovery)
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the Founder and Owner of the Christian Youth Network, LLC, an online Christian community for teens that provides Bible-centered support, encouragement, fellowship, and direction that our youth need today. Through weekly livestreams and online groups, CYN connects and serves youth from around the world by offering a safe space free of judgment and full of unconditional acceptance and love.
Additionally, the Christian Youth Network (CYN) recently launched “CYN-U” (www.youthnetwork.life/cyn-u), a collection of online, self-paced “courses” educating both youth and parents on the relevant issues that teens are faced with today.
The Christian Youth Network (CYN) also offers individual and personalized services, including motivational speaking, youth mentorship, parental support sessions, live chats, online network, and devotionals.
Becoming a member of the Christian Youth Network (CYN) is entirely free and provides each member with a unique member profile, unlimited access to resources, 24/7 online chat, community forums, online group bookings, and much more.
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I am most proud of being a child of GOD.
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What sets me apart? The fact that I DON’T want to be set apart! Instead, I want GOD to be glorified through what I say and what I do. I desire most that CHRIST be magnified in me, which requires His Truth to be in focus and englarged, making me out of focus and diminished.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
1. First and foremost, PRAYER! Prayer for today’s youth, our ministry (CYN), and for GOD to get me out of the way so that His (not my own) be done!
2. I am ALWAYS seeking collaboration with other Christian influencers, churches, youth ministries, and community organizations. (If interested, please email amy@youthnetwork.life)
3. Please share this resource with your spheres of influence!
4. CYN is completely free (including the APP). If, however, individuals or businesses would like to financially support our efforts, please email me directly at amy@youthnetwork.life.
Pricing:
- FREE
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youthnetwork.life
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youthnetwork.life
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youthnetwork.life
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-youth-network
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@youthnetwork-life
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/christian-youth-network
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@youthnetwork.life
