Meet Our Staff
We are blessed to have a dedicated team who are passionate about serving our local youth.
- For general inquiries, please contact our main office at (503) 288-5494 or yfc@yfcpdx.org
- For specific questions, please see the staff directory below.
Becky Baerwald
Executive Assistant
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Becky "Mama Baer" has been with Portland YFC since 2008 and loves working with the staff, board, and getting to know our ministry partners better. She looks forward to talking to you when you call or come by the office.
Chris Burgess
St. Helens Campus Life
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Chris was the St. Helens High School club director a few years ago, but was called by the National Guard to active duty in Iraq. Chris is building a club in the St. Helens area and working with the youth there. Chris is a firm believer that only when we are faithful to God's calling can true ministry take place.
Fred Douglas
Executive Director
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Fred is a 37 year veteran in the field of youth and family ministry. He is a graduate of Warner Pacific College and an ordained minister. Fred served three years as a Youth Pastor, and for the past 34 years he has served in the work of Youth for Christ. Fred also spent nine years as a member of YFC's National Board. He currently is involved at the National level of YFC in several capacities. As a speaker, many churches, organizations, business groups, Camps, Conferences, and retreat centers call upon Fred. He speaks to a wide variety of audiences ranging from adults to elementary students.
Follow YFC on Facebook or Fred on Twitter:
Sara Gessner
Clackamas Campus Life
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Sara attended Multnomah University and graduated with her Bachelor's in Biblical Studies and Youth Ministry. She then followed up with seminary, attending North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. She graduated with a Masters in Christian Formation with an emphasis on all ages. Upon completion of seminary she moved back to the Pacific Northwest, where she has lived most of her life. Prior to YFC, she interned at an Evangelical Covenant church and a Presbyterian church, where she worked with both Jr. and Sr. High students. She is currently the Campus Life Middle School director for the Clackamas area.
Bobby Passmore
Gladstone Campus Life
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Bobby Passmore is the Campus Life Director for the Gladstone Area at Portland Youth For Christ.
Bobby has worked in several ministry positions, as both volunteer and staff. He received his call to youth ministry at the age of sixteen, graduated from Northwest Nazarene University with a BA in Christian Ministry and has been following God's calling on his life ever since.
Follow Bobby on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates:
Bruce Ruffin, Jr.
North Portland City Life
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Bruce moved to Portland, Oregon with his wife, Karla, about three years ago. Previously, he worked with Denver Area Youth for Christ as the City Life Case Manager. Bruce has served in ministry for almost four years and holds a degree from Denver Seminary.
He married Karla just over seven years ago. Their son was born in December of 2010. Bruce loves being outdoors, working-out, and hanging with his familiy.
Follow Bruce's City Life Ministry on Facebook or Twitter:
Jim Smith
Deaf Teen Quest
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Born and raised in Buffalo NY, Jim met his wife Dawn at National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, NY. After graduating, they moved back to Dawn's home state of Washington in 1985. They have been involved in Deaf ministry for over 20 years. He is currently Pastor to Maple Grove Deaf Church in Battle Ground, Washington. Jim also serves as the Deaf Teen Quest Regional Coordinator for the Northwest and as the Area Coordinator for Vancouver, Washington.