Since 2008, Youth-Reach Gulf Coast has provided 24/7, 365-day-a-year residential ministry to hundreds of young men from all over the U.S. Steve Woods, owner of Rock River Iron, is the parent of a past resident, Michael Woods. He is also a proud supporter of Youth-Reach Gulf Coast. Steve, a skilled and world-renowned knifemaker, has been closely involved with the ministry since Michael became a resident in 2013 after years of battling addictions.
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The Story
Michael spent more than a year with Youth-Reach working to become a healthy young man physically, spiritually and emotionally. Even after his son’s passing on March 16, 2018, Steve continues to sow into the work of the ministry with his time, talents and finances.
“Michael was working on a website to help others struggling with addictions to get off the streets and planning his new life sober before he passed,” Steve said. “Unfortunately, the physical impact of years of drug abuse ended his life far too early. I find such comfort in knowing that he accepted Jesus as Lord of His life and am grateful for the opportunity he received to experience the Christ-centered residential ministry offered by Youth-Reach Gulf Coast.”
While at Youth-Reach, Michael worked at Southern Grind Coffee Shop in Orange Beach, Ala., and earned his GED. Steve would often drive from where he lived to where the ministry’s 81-acre campus located in Summerdale, Ala., 11 hours away, to visit and support Michael. He continues to make this journey to help current residents and has been back three times since Michael’s passing.
The Knives
During his latest visit, Steve worked with each of the 11 current residents to design hand-crafted, military-grade knives. Each of the knives features the number 316. The number represents the date of Michael’s passing, which is also meant to represent the Bible scripture John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Called the C.U.B. fighter, this is a mid-size belt knife. It is small enough for everyday tactical use, but big enough for most larger field and tactical chores. Some of the knife’s features include a matte bead blasted 154-CM USA-made stainless steel blade (RC-58) and machined 3D G-10 contoured handle. The design of this knife is a custom collaboration between Steve, who is the owner of Rock River Iron, and Wilson Combat.
The knives are available for a suggested donation amount of $400. Steve said 100 percent of the proceeds go to help fund the 24/7, 365-day-a-year residential ministry of Youth-Reach Gulf Coast. Please contact Youth-Reach at (251) 967-4809 if you are interested in investing in the families restored and lives changed through this ministry. You will receive one of these beautiful and special knives as a thank you. Your gift will make a difference in the lives of those like Michael and Steve Woods.
Learn more about Youth-Reach by visiting YouthReachGC.org. You can also connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
About YRGC
Youth-Reach Gulf Coast is non-profit, Christ-centered home set on a 81-acre campus east of Summerdale, Alabama. The ministry is designed to remold the values and turn around the lives of at-risk young men, ages 18-22. Facilitated by screened, experienced and respected staff members, Youth-Reach is a long-term residential ministry intended to heal past wounds and restore families. The services provided by Youth-Reach are offered at no cost to residents or their families; this is thanks to the generous support of the individuals, civic groups, foundations and churches.
