Dear Faithful Friends and Supporters,
It is with both deep sorrow and profound gratitude that we share the news of the passing of our beloved founder, William Joseph “Billy Joe” Young, who went home to be with the Lord on August 26, 2025, at the age of 78.
Billy Joe was more than a faithful minister—he was a husband, father, grandfather, veteran, shepherd, and friend. His life was marked by a quiet strength, a heart for prayer, and a relentless desire to share the love and truth of Christ with everyone he encountered. Whether behind a pulpit, on a tour in Israel, or praying in quiet corners of Mississippi, Billy Joe carried the presence of the Lord with grace and humility.
Born in Booneville, Mississippi on March 15, 1947, Billy Joe’s early years were filled with football, family, and small-town roots. He later served our country as a Huey Helicopter Pilot in Vietnam, and it was during his time in the Army that the Lord began drawing him closer. On June 16, 1971, Billy Joe was saved, and his life’s direction changed forever.
From that day forward, he committed himself to the work of the Kingdom. After earning his Master of Divinity from Oral Roberts University, he went on to pastor, plant churches, and eventually found Repairers of the Breach, a ministry birthed from his passion for prayer, intercession, and the prophetic call to be a “Repairer of the Breach” (Isaiah 58:12).
Billy Joe’s impact on the lives he touched—locally, nationally, and internationally—will be felt for generations to come. He was a bridge-builder between generations, denominations, and even nations. But above all, he was a man who walked closely with Jesus.
As we grieve his loss, we also affirm with confidence: the ministry will continue.
Billy Joe’s beloved wife and partner in ministry, Mary Ruth “Ruthie” Young, will continue to lead Repairers of the Breach in the days ahead. Ruthie has faithfully walked alongside Billy Joe for over 55 years of marriage and ministry. She carries the same heart for intercession and Kingdom restoration and will ensure that the vision and mission of this ministry remains alive and vibrant.
We invite you to stand with us during this transition—through your prayers, your encouragement, and your continued financial support. Billy Joe often said that Repairers of the Breach was never about a man, but about a movement of God’s Spirit in our region and nation. That movement continues.
On behalf of Ruthie, the Young family, and our entire ministry team, we thank you for being part of Billy Joe’s legacy. Your faithfulness as donors and prayer warriors has made it possible for the call God placed on his life to reach far beyond what we could have imagined.
Thank you again for walking with us. May we all live as Billy Joe did—faithfully, prayerfully, and with eternity in view.
With love and gratitude,
Repairers of the Breach Ministry Board
Rich Butler, Peter McPheters, Roger and Charlotte Merschbrock, Ruthie Young
