Some of the best dreams have long fuses. Grace New Life Fellowship members first thought about having a youth center in 1987, according to Pastor Mark Olson. He was their youth pastor then and his father, Duane Olson was pastor of the flock. Five years ago, Mark and his wife, Amalia went to visit her family in Mexico. It was then they seriously committed to building a non-denominational youth center to benefit the community. They raised money and purchased 2 lots across the street from their church. The lots were vacant after dilapidated residences were demolished at 1101 and 1105 N. Forrest.

It will be the perfect set up for a youth center. Located between Will Rogers Elementary School and the Altus Intermediate School, students can gather for an after-school program, and playful sports.

Pastor Olson and Grace New Life Fellowship members hope the youth center will be used for many community events. Volunteers from community churches could be screened to help run the program. Informal athletics could be held at the center and visiting artists and musicians would have a place to perform for all ages. Pastors and youth workers from area churches could conduct programs for older youth and college- age students in the evenings and on weekends. The church would be available for extra parking needs and additional space if needed.

Recently the Olsons helped build the new church for Pastors Robert and Gwen Jackson, the Spirit of the Lord International Church, on Wingfield and Joy Streets. Now many people will be looking forward to a ground breaking for the youth center, hopefully in summer of 2010. They have enough funds, currently for pouring the foundation, and purchasing a metal building and the interior work. Then professionals will tackle the plumbing and electric work. Compared to being patient for 20 years, that's the easy part.