Every new school year we encourage Christian students to think of it as a 9 month mission trip. After our latest 9 Month Mission Trip live stream event we got this email from a student. So cool to see God using students for His glory! I love the last line of her story. WOW.
Hey Travis! I have already seen God at work. Here's an update on how God is moving at my school! "What’s your mission field?" When I heard that question, a lightbulb went off and my excitement to return to school started to grow. A lot. This is the time to witness Christ to my classmates and community!! I heard about the 9 Month Mission Trip and decided to join! The goals are to pray for others (privately and publicly), care for others (genuinely get to know them), and share the Gospel. Today was day 1 of the trip, being the first day of school, and I saw God at work in so many ways! I’ve been nervous to go back, as the last time I sat in a classroom was 529 days ago. (What would school be like? What about the pandemic? Who will I sit with at lunch?) This morning before school, I prayed that God would silence my fears and use me as a light for Him, fulfilling the purpose He’d given me to influence those around me. Two things happened! (Well actually a lot more than 2, but here are the highlights) 1. At lunch, a freshman came and sat by me. She said she had just moved to Fargo and I got to know her a bit more. I looked at her and said, “Crazy question! Would you want to come to our youth group tonight? We have a weekly bonfire and we’d love to have you!” I sent her mom the details, and honestly, I didn’t expect her to show up. SHE SHOWED UP!!!!! Right on time, she came to youth group, heard the Gospel, worshiped with us and got to hear more about God’s love. She told me that her family would only go to church a few times a year and only if they were invited by family, she doesn’t have a relationship with God, but really enjoyed the experience tonight and would for sure come back. God is so good! Now I get to have lunch with her and other new friends and share Jesus every day!!! 2. All of my fears and worries were completely gone. I walked through the halls, and it felt like God was saying “I made you to be different! You were chosen, purpose-filled, and born to be unique. Own it!” Not once today did I feel less than, lonely, pressured by peers or perfection, sad to be back, etc. Thank you Jesus!! “Fan into flame the spiritual gift God gave you. For God has not given you a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.” - 2 Timothy 1:6-8 Can’t wait for tomorrow! - Zoe
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IT'S BEEN ONE YEAR!
August 1st marked one year since I joined the staff of the National Network of Youth Ministries! Judy and I want to say a big public "THANK YOU!" to everyone who has prayed for us, joined our support team, and blessed us in many ways so that we can do this ministry. We are still in the process of raising support but so many good things have been happening and we're grateful for all of you who have helped make it possible. You can read more at... https://mailchi.mp/a5d987eef749/prayerletter25 |
WHO I AM
I'm a follower of Jesus, husband to my lovely wife Judy, father of Evangelina, Micah, Josiah, and Jeremiah, missionary to the northeast United States and advocate for all things youth ministry. WHAT I DO
I am the northeast regional coordinator for the National Network of Youth Ministries. I've worked for the last 24 years as the co-executive director of Teens For Christ, a ministry that equips teenagers to share their faith in their schools. I also served on staff at Cherry Tree Alliance Church for 15 years as youth pastor and family life pastor. My Websites
Youth Ministry Consultations Youth Ministry Networking 9 Month Mission Trip Speaking at camps, retreats, youth groups, etc. Archives
March 2022
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