A Time To Celebrate!
Friends,
Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry…it is following the example of Jesus’ life and ministry. It is the paradigm of ministry that has remained at the core of what we do for almost 50 years at Reach Out Youth Solutions. We follow Jesus’ example in prayer, and team building, in discipling others, and having compassion for those in need. And also…in celebration! 
 
Today, I’m reminded of John 2 when Jesus joins in on wedding festivities with his family and friends…“there was a wedding in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there. Jesus and his disciples were guests also.” I believe our picture of Jesus is incomplete if the Suffering Servant isn’t combined with the Celebrating Savior! While it is true that Jesus steps into our pain (John 11), He also rejoices with us in the moments of life that bring great joy and happiness…like the birth of a baby (see last month’s newsletter!) or the celebration of a marriage! 
 
Today, we congratulate Pasha and Tanya Koryakin as they celebrate 20 years of marriage! Pasha and Tanya lead Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry in Russia. Would you take a couple of minutes and pray for Pasha and Tanya? Let’s thank God for the way He is using both of them AND THEIR MARRIAGE to shine the light of Jesus in that country. Pray for them as they continue to raise their sons, Yegor and Fyodor, and as they lead JFYM in Russia. What a blessing it is to serve with them in reaching the next generation for Christ. Read more about Pasha and Tanya HERE.

Celebrating in the most unlikely places…
Eighteen years ago, political wars left their mark in the Mount Elgon area of Western Kenya. Conflict between the Kenyan government and a tribal militia group called Sabaot Land Defense Force resulted in over 600 people killed and 46,000 displaced. The impact on the community? Over 60% of the women there became widows. Over the years, this is an area of Kenya that has experienced immense pain and loss. Church leaders from the Mount Elgon area requested that our team help them reach the younger generation in their communities.
This spring, Bishop Enock and Pastor Omondi led a Forum there in the Cheptais community, and 45 pastors, leaders, and youth workers were present. During the session on "Praying with Passion," they divided into groups of three, committing to pray three times a week for three lost youth in their villages. Rodgers was one of the youth committed to being prayed for each week. He was an alcoholic and was causing great pain to himself, his family, and his community. The week after the Forum, Rodgers came to the church of one of the pastors in that prayer triplet and surrendered his life to Christ! Prayers answered! 
 
Today, Rodgers is being discipled and he is serving in that church! Will you take a minute to thank God for saving this young man? Pray that many other young people will respond to the gospel in this community as these prayer triplets continue. Will you prayerfully consider inviting two other believers to pray with you each week for the youth in your family and/or community who need Jesus?
 
May we be encouraged and challenged by these words from Pastor Enock, “God is still working miracles today…let us believe God with all our hearts.”

Celebrating in South Asia…
 
In a report we received this month, a pastor of a church trained in JFYM shared the testimony of a father in his congregation. This dad said that he can see the difference God is making through JFYM in his own children. He has been watching their behaviors change as they not only read scripture and pray on their own…but they have also become more obedient and respectful. Will you pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in South Asia who are reaching the next generation often under immense persecution and intimidation?
 
And in Cuba…
Last month, kids in Cuba had a week off from school. Almendares Church, in Havana, decided to use that week to create an outreach opportunity called “Teenagers Retreat.” They hosted a week-long experience at their church complete with food, games, Bible studies, skits, and music. Check out the video link HERE.
Many seeds were planted throughout this experience. Take a moment to pray for these young people who heard the gospel. Pray that they surrender their lives to Jesus in the coming days and months ahead!
So much to celebrate this month! 
 
Will you prayerfully consider becoming a financial partner this week as we anticipate many more moments like these where we give God glory for His work in the future generations?
Jesus is Lord,
Randy Riggins, President
Reach Out Youth Solutions