The YMCA has been a global organization ever since its inception. I belonged to it as a student in Ipoh, Malaysia, and later was a director in the early 1960s. I was invited to be an advisor to a group of young men in Sibu, Sarawak (Borneo), Malaysia, who wanted to organize a YMCA. We served there as United Methodist missionaries in the 1970s.

Ever since locating in this area, it was natural that I should join the Missouri Valley Family YMCA. Soon, I was invited to serve on the board of directors, on the executive committee, and eventually was elected president.

During these years, I have seen the impact of our YMCA among all ages in our community - from the day-care providers and early childhood education to the special needs of the elderly, from swimming lessons for all ages to the provision of various forms of exercise for healthy living and combating obesity. The YMCA is humming.

The need for expansion was sensed about four years ago. The Bismarck-Mandan area was growing economically, new businesses were coming in and new families were moving to the area. Soon the board began to see the need for expansion. After careful professional research and with appropriate data in hand, we are ready to move forward four years later. Today, we have plans in hand and the public is invited to stop by the YMCA to view this at any time during open hours. We have started our financial campaign.

People interested in the expansion can call the YMCA and speak to the executive director, Andy Dahl, 255-1525.

I am glad that our YMCA continues to uphold the Christian principles upon which it was founded, yet we welcome into our membership people of all religious faiths. We have always upheld the triangular emphasis of body, mind and spirit. We have become more diverse ethnically in our membership as well as in our staffing. We continue to be on the cutting edge of programs. Our openness to need enables us to provide scholarships, and we do not deny use of the facility to those who cannot afford payment.

While local in our programming, we are global in our perspectives and relationships. People have the opportunity to support the continuing creation of history.

(The Rev. Lionel Muthiah is a retired United Methodist minister. - Editor)