monthly focus ~ summer youth outreaches around the globe

If you plan it, they will come!

Ministry workers with youth discovered that when an event is planned and well organized, young people will come. Whether those times are sitting around on chairs and couches with snacks to interact with one another about issues of life, or fast-paced times of group competition in sports activities or games interspersed with time of devotion and reflection young people will eagerly participate, have fun, and be confronted with the truth of the saving grace of the Gospel.

RUSSIA -- This summer was unique for missionary Leon Fisher. In the past he has led the camping program for his "partnering" church. This year, Leon knew that it was time to let the national youth pastors and leaders carry the responsibility. The leader of this year’s camp was a young man whom Leon led to Christ almost 10 years ago. What a joy for him to listen for 2 hours on the phone to Max, Illya, and Valodia report on the great week of fun and ministry. Leon knew that the camp would be fun, but even more important, he knew that some of the youth would accept Christ and others would turn their lives over to Him for service during this life changing week. Six young people trust Christ at camp this year. Most of the campers were teens who had never been to any kind of Christian activity of any kind and countless seeds were planted during the week. The leaders of the camp are excited about what went on during that week and are using camp as a kick off for fall ministries—just as Leon had done over 9 years ago with their group!

ARGENTINA -- EBM missionaries in Argentina use the national Day of the Child to hold a special children’s festival to reach into the lives of youth. Saturday was the day, and expectations were cautiously optimistic. At least 363 children and parents showed up for the event. Ron Self writes t hat he thinks that everyone went to one of the evangelistic presentations where were about 15 minutes in length and some went more than once. They are praying for God’s word to take root and grow and produce a great harvest. The church now plans to follow up contacts made at the festival by making visits to the families who participated.

SOUTH AFRICA -- VBS at First Baptist Church in Kokstad was the place for EBM missionary Kristy Gilliland to lead 2 girls to the Lord. In addition to these new believers, there were several other professions of faith during the week. The Gillilands are not only involved with the national church in Kokstad, but they are directors of Camp Die Kroon. The Camp was developed by the national church leadership in Kokstad who asked EBM to provide some direction in the establishing and maintaining of the camp program. Scott and Sharyl Roloson are responsible for this ministry, but they are currently in the States on furlough. Matt and Kristy Gilliland care for this ministry in their absence and are working with South Africans on the programs and physical plant at the camp. One of the great burdens of the camp is to gain the heart of young men for God at an early age. Between the ages of 16-24, many young men in the area are trained by a "sangoma" (witch doctor) in cultural traditions which includes ancestor worship and satanic practices. The rituals are part of the initiation process into adulthood. Pray that God will use EBM missionaries working hand in hand with the First Baptist Church in Kokstad to impact young people with the Gospel to protect them from the evil one.

JAPAN -- The miracle property that Camp Raphayada sets on is evidence of God’s continued blessing. Again this year, campers register for a great time of sports and games, crafts, meeting new friends, sitting in seminars and gospel presentations, interacting one on one with godly counselors, and reflecting on God’s handiwork. The young people in Japan, though very respectful of their family heritage, are beginning to ask questions about spiritual truth. Camps provide opportunities for the youth to ask their questions, listen to answers from God’s Word, and ponder the Truth they hear and choose to respond to it.

GERMANY -- In Berlin, a team from the US joined EBM-Team Berlin personnel this summer to reach out to international students on the university campuses in Berlin. Another team from Indiana joined the EBM team to carry out a VBS. They prayed on Sunday July 17 for God’s blessing, and when the doors opened on Monday, 82 children showed up, eager to learn. The following 4 days proved exciting and fruitful as 95 children listed intently and learned much about God and His priority in their lives. Six youth were saved during the week. On the following Saturday, the team headed off to Poland to conduct a youth outreach for a Baptist church there and praise God 2 Polish teens confessed their acceptance of Christ as Lord and Saviour during the Saturday evening gathering. Summer is typically a slower time of ministry in Germany. Team Berlin is excited to see what God has in store for them this fall when they get busy with AWANA, X-treme Teen events and Bible studies.

And the impact of youth ministries goes on throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America.