Four years ago, Reach Out began the Global Youth Coalition . We thoroughly enjoy collaborating with each other, knowing that the Lord has formed us into a team “to undertake an enterprise beyond the resources of any one member.”

Join us on our May retreat and expand your vision for teenagers around the world as we did. We began by reflecting on Psalm 2:8… Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, and the ends of the earth your possession.    The Lord made this promise to David the King...about Jesus—God's coming Son...and now to us: He will make the…ends of the earth our possession . God’s promise still holds true for us! In 1985 the Lord clearly spoke this promise to me [Barry] when He called me to “equip youth leaders around the world”.

DREAM BIG During the retreat, we discussed Psalm 2:8 in light of Hudson Taylor’s life and missionary ministry (1832-1905). He spent 51 years in China and established more than 300 mission outposts in all 18 provinces. We prayed Psalm 2:8 and asked the Lord to use us like He used Hudson Taylor. We reminded ourselves to stay focused on the 3.2 billion young people (ages 10-29) who need Jesus, knowing that “The Great Commission will not be fulfilled unless a youth movement occurs.” A big dream!

THINK SMALL

“The Power of ONE”. Randy Smith (left) Youth Ministry International , led our conversation about how rarely we think of the ONE, because BILLIONS need Jesus. It’s easy to become paralyzed-by the size of the task. All agreed that to keep the global vision doable for everyone we must equip leaders to reach and disciple ONE, and for that ONE to equip ONE to reach and disciple ONE more. Randy told us of ONE Chinese youth leader [name withheld] who, like Hudson Taylor, has a vision to equip ONE well-trained youth leader in each of China’s 32 provinces, regions and municipalities by the year 2030! In three years he has equipped quality youth leaders in 7 of the 32 targeted regions. Start with ONE!

ACT NOW In our strategy discussions, we grappled with the statistical reality that of all teenagers in the world, 1 of 4 live in China, 1 of 4 live in India, and 1 of 4 live in Africa. Instead of paralysis, we decided to focus on a Psalm 2:8 plan for these three huge population areas with the ONE as our strategy. On the up side: the GYC has ministry momentum in China, India and Africa. The down side: what it will take to move "the bridge."

Notice the Choluteca Bridge in Honduras. It depicts the older/younger generation dilemma. Though designed to move traffic across the river from Guatemala to Panama, during Hurricane Mitch in 1998 the river moved, but the bridge did not. It lost its relevance. Our GYC team challenged ourselves NOT to become like the bridge. Rather, we committed ourselves to collaboratively act now to raise up younger leaders, knowing that if we act now...God will act now!

GET OUT Every endeavor needs an exit strategy. Together the GYC collaborates globally in numerous places like Cuba and Nepal. Someone has called it "parachute missions." We get to equip indigenous leaders to create their own, sustainable, multiplying ministry. And as soon as leaders are ready, then we…get out!

Wonderfully, Reach Out and the Global Youth Coalition have played a role in God’s Psalm 2:8 global promise. And we "dream big" about how the Lord will use us to play our part in fulfilling His Psalm 2:8 promise! Thank you for standing (and kneeling) with us! Jesus is Lord,

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