VALUE OF INVESTING IN YOUTH
Alex Pettett, World Witness Executive Director
As a small mission agency in a “family”-oriented denomination, we recognize the value of investing in missionary families, especially their children. To this end, World in France for MK’s (missionary kids) grades 6-12. The maturity of this group was notable in their ability to have deep biblical into their own emotional and spiritual challenges of growing led discussions. He has a special heart for MK’s and is a trained counselor. The youth responded very well to him.
Many thanks to the Brickey family for organizing this retreat. Please keep praying for our MK’s and consider asking a young person, whom you know, to reach out to them through prayer and friendship.
Youth Retreat COMMUNITY By Alexander D. Brickey, son of Justin & Gillian Brickey, WW Missionaries/Spain
Living overseas as a missionary kid has its ups and downs. Having lived overseas for nearly 2½ years now, I can say that I have had some of the greatest adventures of my life while living in Spain and some of the hardest adventures. It can feel isolating
At the WW Youth Retreat, I went in with an open mind. I noticed just how many of us there really are – 13 in all – and discovered my experience was not unique to just me. Together, we attended 8 seminars, led by Curtis McGown, detailing, through the Psalms, how to deal with the troubles we face as MK’s living overseas. Most memorable was seeing the built-in community we share – having similar stories and needing friends who understand.
WE NEED EACH OTHER
By Frank van Dalen, WW Missionary/Lithuania
Year-by-year our relationships develop
Every summer, in northern Lithuania, Reformed-Church youth run a series of children’s camps. In 2016, a German pastor, who helped them, retired, so the youth needed a chaplain. Since then, the camps have been a highlight of our year as we work intensively with youth and children – the future of the Reformed churches in Lithuania.
needed translators for my preaching at the Kaunas Reformed Church, where I had been appointed pastor. My translator, Vaidotas Ickys, had just left for seminary training in the U.S. (He now pastors in northern Lithuania.) I asked Dominykas, a young Reformed then, every Saturday evening I sit with a translator for 2 hours to prepare the Sunday sermon. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explain the Gospel and has led to great friendships.
Recently, we’ve needed help preparing rooms, within the Kaunas Reformed Church building, for winter worship. The main sanctuary has 26 x 18-feet tall windows. Some are broken; frames are rotten. Replacing them will be a huge expense. In the meantime, winter worship (at least 7 months of the year) has to be in a smaller room. Each year, we’ve expanded – from a 15-seater room to a 30-seater to now, a 50-seat room near the church entrance. The youth have spent several summer weekends helping us.
Youth Retreat
This retreat provided well-needed respite and valuable community. Thank you to World Witness and to the team of leaders who made this camp happen.
The common theme here? We need each other. The youth and young adults need Bible teaching and training. We need practical help with translation, plastering, painting, etc. Strong relationships have developed. They come by often. We listen to their stories and share our own experience of the Lord’s loving provision, discipline, and training. We’re grateful to Jesus for each connection and opportunity!
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