EXAMPLES of RESILIENCE, MULTIPLICATION, and OPPORTUNITY

Deedee,

Our family is never in a hurry to put away Christmas. If you came over to our home right now, you would probably still see some decorations (depending on when we were able to get this newsletter out the door!). Although we aren’t the “Time to turn the tree into a Valentine’s Day tree” kind of people, we also don’t fit into the “Box it all up on Jan 2” group either. So, it is in THAT spirit that I remain in 2024 just a bit longer to draw your attention to these inspiring stories…

RESILIENCE in UKRAINE

An exciting update from Doug…

“It was 27 years ago that many of you sent us to Ukraine to coach churches in youth ministry. Today, that original vision continues to transform lives, particularly now as churches face unprecedented challenges in conflict zones. Your initial investment launched a ministry that remains vital and relevant, especially for churches serving under the shadow of war.”

Here are some of the specific ways that God was at work in the next generation in Ukraine in 2024…

Four churches participated in an intensive coaching program, each facing unique challenges while serving their communities:

Novovorontsovka Church (Kherson Region) – Operating under daily missile attacks
Svaboda Church (Apostolove, Dnipropetrovsk Region)
Dnipro Church (Dnipropetrovsk Region)
Oleksandriya Church (Kirovohrad Region)

The program implemented both year-long mentoring, as well as bi-monthly online discipleship sessions. These churches integrated Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry along with a Huddle discipleship method developed by 3DMovements. And, in an amazing example of their deep commitment to reach the next generation, the Novovorontsovka team continued participation even when they were unable to hold regular worship services due to ongoing military actions.

Doug writes:

“The successful completion of this training program, particularly in frontline regions, demonstrates the enduring value of your long-term investment in Ukraine’s youth. Churches are not only surviving but developing deeper discipleship capabilities despite severe external challenges.”

Praise God for the work God is doing in Ukraine among churches who are intent on reaching the next generation for Christ! Will you pray for Doug and his team this month, as they continue to invest in these leaders, and come alongside others who have that same desire to reach young people there. And, will you pray for the leaders in these churches, as they implement this year what they have learned from the coaching and mentoring they received in 2024?

MULTIPLICATION in CUBA

Humberto is an Eagle Leader (trainer of other youth leaders) in Cuba. His journey started as a small group leader at First Baptist Church, Camaguey. Although Humberto had a great passion for the Lord and was focused on reaching the next generation, he needed clear direction and a plan that was purposeful and structured. He attended a Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry Forum in his area. That event became a turning point for his leadership journey.

Humberto not only grew in his passion for the Lord, but he was also given the tools and strategies he needed to lead young people effectively. He returned to his group and began initiating one of the strategies he learned from the Forum: “prayer-triplets” (small groups of three young people who meet regularly to pray for three of their friends who do not know Christ). Now, Humberto’s group has grown from 20 to 40 students! Prayer has become a central focus of their youth ministry, and as a result, his students are experiencing the transforming power of connecting with God while in community! Last year, God used Humberto to impact other churches as he trained and equipped youth leaders in Cuba! Pray for Humberto…and pray for Cuban ROYS leaders who will be gathering together this month for a time of inspiration, encouragement, fellowship, and training.

OPPORTUNITY in KENYA

Isaac, a ROYS Regional Leader, shared pictures recently of these students leading the church services in their church in Homa Bay, Kenya. These students taught Bible studies, led worship, and preached. They are being spiritually mentored by youth leaders who have been trained in Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry. What a wonderful example of investing in and providing opportunities to students who are growing in their faith! Will you take a moment to pray for our leaders in Kenya, and around the world, who are intentionally discipling and mentoring the next generation?

One more INSPIRING story and a prayer request from Cuba…

For the last three months, 30 university students have been working through the essential principles of Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry. Click HERE to see a video highlighting their meetings!

These students are excited about reaching university students for Christ! They are holding evangelistic dinners where they are inviting non-believers to eat and talk about issues of faith and of current events in the world. And, this month these university students have already resumed their JFYM training meetings.

Will you pray that their eyes remain open to God's Mission in this world? Will you also pray for the salvation of those who have attended/will attend these evangelistic gatherings?

As we enter the new year, we invite you to pray for our leaders around the world as they evangelize, train, and disciple…all with a focus on reaching the next generation. And, will you prayerfully consider becoming a financial partner this year, as we enter more countries, translate our resources into more languages, train more leaders, and introduce more young people to Jesus?

Blessings!

Randy Riggins, President

Reach Out Youth Solutions

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