FLACKVILLE – December marks a new chapter for Seaway Youth for Christ as a new executive director takes over the Evangelical Christian organization.

James K. Clarke, a retired police officer from Syracuse, said he hopes to use his time at the helm to expand the footprint of the group by networking with area churches.

“I’ve come full circle,” said Mr. Clarke, speaking in the office of the Seaway Youth for Christ building.

Before becoming a police officer, Mr. Clarke had attended the evangelical liberal arts Nyack College where he studied religion.

During his time as a police officer, Mr. Clarke was involved in youth outreach programs where he attempted to instill a sense of social responsibility in the young men and women he encountered.

Now, he said, Mr. Clarke is “glad that I can build on the spiritual aspect.”

In particular, Mr. Clarke said he wants to build a network of youth groups in the county that view each other as partners in evangelical outreach, equipping them to proselytize to their communities.

“There are a few churches that are involved, but not a lot,” said Mr. Clarke.

Mr. Clarke said he is looking to partner with area churches that are “Christ centered.” Churches that are not “Christ centered” wouldn’t be interested in working with Seaway Youth for Christ anyway, he said.

Seaway Youth for Christ is headquartered in an old church building that sees roughly 30 teens from the area come once a month for praise and worship music.

Seaway Youth for Christ is part of the national Youth for Christ USA organization.

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