Here is a very simple list of my personal Top 5 websites for youth ministry ideas, resourcing, training, and networking.
The Youth Cartel http://theyouthcartel.com
Barefoot Ministries http://barefootministries.com
Youthfront http://youthfront.com
YouthSpecialties http://www.youthspecialties.com
Sparkhouse http://wearesparkhouse.org/
These are in no particular order. Although the first few I personally like and recommend strongly.
I have found each one to be very helpful. Some focus on youth ministry training, while others provide helpful resources such as curriculum and books. Taken as a whole, this list is aimed to provide a youth worker with a holistic and balanced resource for their personal, professional, theological, and spiritual development.
Additionally, there are great resources for your students and your youth ministry program. This list is intended to be diverse in nature. I suppose that sub categories could arise from this list including: books, programming, blogs, journals, education, missions, training, etc…
These resources have blessed me personally in my own development in youth ministry over the past decade. Some of these are new, while others have a long (and good) track record in youth ministry. I hope all of these will be around in the next decade as I sincerely believe they make a signficant contribution to the youth ministry realm.
Again, my list is not complete and I would love for you to comment with other helpful resources and websites (even if its your own) Self promotion is fine with me!
I look for new and upcoming resources and also have an eye on ideas and ministries that are progressive and emerging. I also try to include good academic/theological resources for those of you interested in pursuing more of that stream of youth ministry. I left out youth missions/service resources as that can be a completely separate category.
I will attempt to provide a very concise overview of each resources (and by concise I mean really really short)
1) Youth Specialties (the mecca of all things youth ministry)
2) Barefoot Ministries (training, youth worker development, theology, spiritual formation for students)
3) The “Group” network (an assortment of everything from events, missions trips, curriculum, books, coaching, training)
4) National Network of Youth Ministries (regional and national networking)
5) Youth Worker (lessons, magazine, articles, programming)
6) YMtoday (articles, books, resources)
7 ) Student Ministry ( a youth pastor friendly site by and for youth pastors)
8 ) Fuller Youth Institute (theology, research, leadership, academics)
9) PTS- Institute of Youth Ministry (theology, research, forums, degrees & certificates, academics,)
Princeton Theological Seminary Institute of Youth Ministry
Princeton Institute on Facebook
10) Sparkhouse– publishing & curriculum w/ innovation, creativity, and imagination for church and youth ministry)
Moving on up……
Youth Ministry 360 (* a new site for training, networking, bible studies, and resources)
*A view of Broadway highlighting the gems of Nashville: “Jack’s” BBQ, Legends Corner, and The Stage
As habit, and a way of justifying procrastination, I chose not to blog about the National Youth Workers Convention until after it concluded.
it gives me time to process, reflect, and decompress
Also, i am prone to make calls too early. Over the years I have learned you cannot always judge a book by its cover (or the first few days of a conference)
Thus….one day after I returned from NYWC 2010 in Nashville, here are some thoughts…
1) The convention seemed to be smaller than years in the past. This is my 9th year attending. This year seemed to lack something, but it could just be me. I would imagine for 1st timers, it was great.
I agree with Mike King that compared to last year, with all the confusion and uncertainity surrounding everything, this year seemed back on track.
Mike King- \”Back from Nashville\”
2) There were no free give-aways on the seats in the general sessions which I usually like but also end up weighing down my bag and suitcases in the end.
*I attribute both of these changes to the decline in the economy
3) There was an emphasis and focus on soul care (prayer, sacred space, and pastoral counseling)
These are extremely important and perhaps the best aspect for me this time around.
I will admit that I missed the Labyrinth Experience and also Jeff Johnson and Vesper services.
4) The exhibit hall was packed, every ministry and organization trying to get ahead and sell more curriculum or mission trips. Friend and blogger Paul Sheneman mentions in his blog; “It is called an exhibit hall and not an exhibition hall. The later can get you into some serious trouble:) Enough said.
The balance of my thoughts will focus on #5 and #6
5)
What I noticed the most was the de-emphasis of progressive ideology, theologically based seminars, and topics/speakers who could rattle the cages…or at least offer different perspectives.
Youth Specialties encouraged us to attend seminars that we may not agree with, yet offered a low amount of topics, themes, or speakers towards that end. I suppose Tony Campolo’s views of social justice may be uncomfortable to some, but he has been advocating for that for almost a decade. Ted Haggard generated much stir, but that was more due to his unintended remarks about Muslims than anything else.
Some former speakers and presenters were glaringly absent, some had minimized roles, and others were actually in attendance but not asked to speak or teach ( i think it will write a separate post on this later)
6)
I remember writing about the Zondervan and Youth Works transition last year and was privileged to speak with Paul Bertleson and John Potts of Youth Works (both very gracious and great men) and shared personal concerns and hope for the new regime and things to come.
One of my observations has been over the past few years I notice the same youth ministry “veterans” leading a majority of the seminars.
I respect their life-long commitment to student ministry. I really do.
However, they are a product of their time and their culture. and in my opinion their time has passed.
Most no longer work directly with students, and many have not lead a church-based youth ministry for over 20 years. I wonder how they empathize with the daily struggles of youth works and today’s culture of teenagers. How are they working within the current framework of postmodernity, budget cuts, suicidal teens, and debates about inclusiveness, tolerance, and affirmation.
Statistical research and cultural analysis only tells one story.
The daily working with and for adolescence is a whole other ball game
But I do believe these veterans have a purpose and roll. My stated hope was and is for youth ministry veterans to come alongside younger and emerging youth workers to mentor them personally and spiritually, not so much professionally. I would love to have a ministry veteran of 30 years coach me in life, faith, marriage. They have been through struggles and the ups and downs of life and youth ministry. I just don’t soak in their expertise now as it relates to working with kids in my context. I love their experience but honestly question their relevance, and trust me countless of youth workers feel the same way (but they just might not get in trouble for writing about it)
Having shared my views last year….what did we find this year…..even more 50+ youth workers on prominent display. I do realize there is a growing trend of older youth workers and seeing this bunch serves as inspiration and examples, but what about all the younger youth workers?
Y.S and Youth Works….there is no need to eliminate or ostracize that segment, but please be intentional about creating time, space, and platforms for the next generation. They need a voice and need support.
The conversations I had apart from the convention with men and women who fully understand my situation and what we all are going through was far more helpful, supportive, and inspiring than most “how to” seminars.
I realize I am a product of my own experiences, growth, and maturation, yet also know from the hundreds of conversations I am having there is a ground swell of support away from the past traditionalism of youth ministry and towards a theologically driven dialogue and progressive youth ministry.
More and more small conference such as First Third, Evo Youth, and Princeton Forum will be popping up and more youth workers will begin to opt for those smaller, but more intentional, focused and relevant gatherings.
I noticed plenty of affinity gatherings at NYWC covering every single facet of youth workers, except emergent/progressive/theological ones. Interesting.
There was even something for small town rural part-time workers living in Nebraska, (or something like that) but none targeted for emerging leaders.
*There were a few select seminars that I will mention in a later post that I recommended and was glad to see offered, but they represented a striking minority.
These larger all-in-one conferences can remain relevant to broader audiances by offering more types of seminars, gatherings, and intention ways to connect and network.
Secondly, regional and strategic seminars and affinity gatherings would fill a big void and serve a great purpose for localize and contextual teaching/training, support, networking and relevant cultural conversations.
(I will also write more about that later and address it to the Chosen Frozen here in the Northeast)
In recap, one year later from the “merge”, I don’t see much in the way of progression, safety perhaps, but not the progressive, forward thinking vision I have been used to with Y.S
And quite honestly, I am wondering if the departure of Marko is the reason, or if Youthworks is intentionally moving in a different direction. (and that’s okay if you are, just kind of let us know….)
YS has always been known to push the envelope, provide a platform for those who have none, and taken chances in hopes of leading the church towards relevance, progression, and a new future
While I agree that they are back on track, it seems to me they are on slow train backwards. I sincerely hope I am wrong.
This blog is not meant to criticize, though I realize that some may be offended (I offer my apology in advance to you)
I love YS and the guys at Youthworks. I mean that with all sincerity. I am a big fan. I am hoping for the best but also realize the longings of so many youth workers. I want to see this marriage stay together.
I enjoyed the conference and still would recommend it to most.
I liked the Soul care, networking and connections made. The best conversations on theology, youth ministry were organic and took place over dinner, and during our own “late night” options (thanks again to Sparkhouse)
But with trepidation, I wonder how long before the remnant of emerging youth workers disengage or dissociated themselves from YS and the NYWC.
I remain committed to YS but sincerely hope to see progression ahead.
Recap:
For what it’s worth (perhaps not much) here is what I would like to see next year, and I know that I also speak for hundreds of youth workers:
1) Emergent/postmodern track (call it something else if those terms are scary)
2) Academic/Theological track
3) Seminar or affinity gathering for the Northeast
4) Feature more women in seminars and main sessions, not just talking about sex or working with middle school girls
5) Offer contextual mini-conferences in strategic geographic regions
And hey, if the powers to be from Youthworks and YS would like to chat…I’m all ears because I believe in you guys and the potential
This is certainly an unintended post, but I feel the need to share some thoughts in response to the reactions flooding the internet from the aftermath of Ted Haggard’s comments today at the National Youth Workers Convention in Nashville, TN
Let me begin by stating that I fully support, respect, and appreciate Youth Specialties (as an organization) and their decision to have Ted and Gayle speak at the conventions this year.
Additionally, I have followed the Haggard story over the past few years, and truly believe it to be one of the more inspirational stories of restoration we have. I applaud his courage in coming clean, making amends, and attempting to put his life back to together. I am especially amazed and touched by the strength of his wife Gayle for staying with Ted through this difficult journey. Her story of love and grace is remarkable and needs to be heard
They have an important message to share to Christianity, and unfortunately in my opinion that message was lost by Ted’s insensitive and thoughtless comments. If you are unaware of what happened, I would recommend that you find a recording of the message from today. For sake of brevity and clarity, he made anti-Muslim jokes and comments, especially in regards to angry Muslims flying planes into buildings. This unfortunately occurred during his talk when 2 fighter jets were heard soaring directly overhead of our stadium as part of the Tennessee Titans kick-off celebration a few miles down the road.
The comments were not planned and I hope were not malicious, but certainly depicted a lack of genuine sensitivity and maturity towards the Muslim people. If you were in the stadium, it was clear that everyone took noticed and were a bit taken aback. For some, they might have the ability to shrug sayings like that off as “careless” or “harmless”, but I was deeply offended. I have tried all day to take similar approaches to many in attendance, but fail to be able to do so.
In light of the already tense relationship between America and the Middle East, and Christianity and Islam, such comments cannot simply be overlooked. I have this same view and approach whether a friend or student would make such a statement or whether from a nationally recognized Christian leader speaking from a national platform. You may disagree with me, but I cannot see how comments about “blowing up buildings” (in any context) and planes being flown by “angry” Muslims has any place.
I realize that part of my views stem from the fact that I live in New York and references to 9/11 (which were made) bring back strong emotions. In New York we are also dealing with the Ground Zero mosque controversy and so hatred, prejudice, and divisiveness plague the media daily.
In a message about grace, forgiveness, and second chances, his comments certainly appear to fly in the face of his intentions. He preaches (and I hope truly believes) in solidarity with the outcasts of society, using lingo such as “we” as opposed to an “us vs them” mentality that he confessed was part of his worldview until he felt the effects of being on the outside. I wonder if his grace extends beyond the walls of the culturally “immoral” and those who also have fallen from grace and implies to “the other”, wherever they can be found.
I hope the chains of hostility and seclusion also include the foreigner, those of different religions and ethnicities, and those we may not fully understand. I am reminded the words of Jesus in Matthew 5 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
In Ted Haggard’s situation, his “enemies” could certainly be those in the Church who have ostracized him, but they may also be those people outside of his religion he does not understand, agree with, or fear.
I believe in Ted Haggar’s story and really am pulling for him, but I just do not think flippant comments like what I, and over 3,000 people heard today can be ignored.
Some in attendance thought the cord should have been plugged immediately by Youth Specialities, and they have written such. I believe that Tic Long, who was hosting the conversation did a noteworthy job of maintaining composure and grace. He was put in an unfortunate and impossible possible. Hindsight is always 20-20 and I honestly do not know what I would have done if in his position.
I am glad the interview continued because the message of the Haggard’s needed to be heard, but as I stated early, I hope it was able to get through despite the dense fog of his culturally insensitive remarks.
As Christians, we do not want to be accused of, or known, by our insensitivity but rather by our love. Am I wrong in this assumption?
Comments made today were not made in love, but rather from fear and ignorance. Luke 6:45 states, ” For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” I have said very hurtful things in private and public, revealing my own lack of judgment and compassion, and shame and regret carry with me for those moments.
To be fair, we all make mistakes and I will absolutely be the first to offer grace, since I realize how much in need of grace I am.
I hope that Ted realizes the magnitude and gravity of the words he said, both to Christians in the audience and to any Muslims who, in all likelihood will hear about what was said in Nashville.
Because I care deeply for Youth Specialties and for the Haggards, my hope is for an apology. I personally feel it would be the right and smart thing to do.
*In fact, I am just now returning from the evening session where Tic Long publicly apologized to the audience for not reacting quickly. Though I believe the situation was in no way his fault, it was refreshing for him to explain his thoughts and ask for forgiveness for perhaps a momentary lapse of discernment.
I still do hold that the guilty party, the one Ted Haggard, should issue a similar contrite confession for his own sake and since he remains a public figure and spokesperson for Christianity. However, an apology forced is no genuine apology offered, and therefore my true hope is that Ted understand how his words (however intended) can be heard by others and lead to very negative consequences and images that we as Christians are trying hard to piece back together.
Later this week, I will be traveling to the land of BBQ and country music…Nashville, TN for the National Youth Workers Convention. NYWC 2010
I will be blogging and tweeting on a regular basis during my time there so stay tuned.
If you will be attending this year, I would love to try to connect up with you.
This will be my 10th year attending (hard to believe!), and each year I look forward to it more and more.
While the training, content, music, and speakers are all great and inspirational, what I appreciate and need more than ever is the time and space to pause, reflect, and re-connect with God and others.
NYWC does a fantastic job of allowing for and creating sacred space for these moments. Around this time of year (every year) I often get bogged down and stressed. These few days offer an escape and chance to recharge my batteries. Some years I attend every seminar and session offered. Other times, I take the opportunity to find solace and peace and rediscover my passion for students.
Over the past few years, the connections, conversations, and friendships made have probably been the most important to me. During these conventions I have had the opportunity to meet so many youth workers, writers, theologians, volunteers, etc.. and maintain regular relationships with them to this day. These connections have lead to times of support and encouragement, not to mention opportunities to partner and collaborate on projects and ministry.
For me, youth ministry is all about relationships with 1) our students 2) other youth workers
It’s these relationships that keep me motivated, inspired, and challenged to continue in the journey.
Please do shoot a message or send a tweet if you will be around for NYWC 2010.
Here are a few of the places you might find me meandering around at in the big room (the one with all the tables and booths set up for ministries that like to give stuff away and then get to you sign up for stuff….)
Here are a few that I have affiliation with and support their cause and vision. There are other great organizations and ministries represented that I hope to check out and connect with as well and have provided a link at the end.
Barefoot Ministries with Chris Folmsbee
We Are Sparkhouse (Re:form Confirmation) with Andy Root and Tony Jones
XP3 Students with Jeremy Zach
My Broken Palace with CJ Casciotta
YWJ (Youth Worker Journal)
YMtoday
NNYM (National Network of Youth Ministries)
Click here for a complete list of all the exhibitors
Updates from Nashville to be typed with BBQ sauce-dripped hands in a few days…..
As many of you already knew, there had been a strange brew mixing over the past month or so with Youth Specialties. I recently wrote about the “letting go” of long-time YS president Mark Oestreicher and I, like many of you, assumed more changes would be shortly arriving. The release of YS Marko
A few days ago, I was attending NYWC 2009 (The National Youth Workers Convention) in Atlanta. The president of Zondervan Moe Girkins, who made the decision to fire Marko, was brought up on stage to clear up the air,,, so to speak. Silence pervaded the gathering. Pins could even hear themselves drop.
Moe really didn’t answer why that particular decision was made, but she did share about Zondervan’s relationship with YS and its vision for the future. I appreciated the boldness and courage that it took for her to stand in a room of 3,000 youth workers (many of them still pissed off) and explain herself. I give her much credit.
Then the ball dropped that YS would in fact be purchased by a non-profit organization called YouthWorks. They invited their president Paul Bertelson to come on stage and share briefly their history and vision for this new partnership.
The audience again was stunned, partly due the fact that the convention had just begun and also that very few people have heard of Paul Bertelson. Here is a brief overview of YouthWorks:
When YouthWorks was founded in 1994 as a youth missions organization, our dream was to be a broader resource for the church—to “Help the Church Be the Church.”
Over the past 16 years, the YouthWorks ministry has become a family of ministries serving children, youth, college students and mult-generational groups.
The addition of Youth Specialties to the YouthWorks family of ministries is a wonderful complement to our long-term ministry vision and mission. We are excited about this new stage in the ministry life of YouthWorks and Youth Specialties! —Paul Bertelson President & Founder, YouthWorks
Now, within a few hours, I had contacted a few friends who are well connected in youth ministry and they assured me that this is probably a good thing….Certainly finanicially and very possibly for spiritual/ministry/growth implications as well.
I have also included 2 brief tweets on the subject.
Andrew Root (@rootandrew) wrote:
“The YouthWorks thing is good news to me. That cheer you hear is from Luther Sem as MN becomes more the center of the future of the church.”
Tony Jones (@jonestony) wrote: (I will also link his blog article about the news at the end of the post…very good insights)
“Having helped found YouthWorks, I think they’ll do a great job with Youth Specialties.”
For what its worth, here is my $.02 (that would be two cents in case you didn’t follow)
I love YS. I started reading YS material over 10 years ago and have been attending the NYWC conventions since 2003. They have revolutionized the way I think and do youth ministry. From its beginning, YS tried to do 3 things:
Ideas. Publishing. Events.
It’s hard to do all those things well and maintain enough financial stability to keep yourself afloat.
If YS tanks it, then we all loose out, right?
A few years back (maybe 4-5) Zondervan came in to buy/parter with YS for its publishing. This has certainly helped YS to market its authors, resources, books and curriculums to a far greater audience.
Now, YouthWorks comes in and takes over the Events. I assume this will include the NYWC and One-day training. Perhaps they will expand events or go in the opposite direction.
Either way, this leaves YS to do what it first did and does well. Create and Innovate Ideas for youth workers.
It also now gives a youth ministry/mission organization a chance to step in and help rethink the purpose of events.
Personally, I have been thinking about these events for a few years and wondering if some changes and updates were needed. Not sure what, but I sensed that something needed changing.
I have heard over the years that the cost was too much and distance too far, too much emphasis placed on youth min “celebs”, too much “for profit” marketing, too taxing for YS staff and trainers, etc…
I hope YouthWorks will consider these factors in its decisions and really actively listen to the needs and concerns of everyday youth workers and volunteers.
Already, a major shift has happened. It looks like rather than holding 3 conventions a year (which has to cost a great deal of money), they will hold one next fall in Nashville. So, there will truly be A National Youth Workers Convention.
Here are a few other suggestions I would like to propose (hey, you never know who may be reading)
Either do the once a year large Convention or hold smaller regional ones that youth pastors could bring their teams to.
I would love to see a similar but smaller version come up to the Northeast. Maybe you don’t rent out the massive convention center in the biggest city, but you book all rooms and halls at a decent size hotel. Keep the cost low and no flying necessary. Youth for Christ holds its annual Excel conference in upstate NY by Albany and does a great job (although we don’t go anymore), but it would be great to have mid-sized 500+ conference for youth leaders. YS used to get big name bands to come in for worship and shows and have already made the switch to local bands. Rather then bringing in 6 nationally known speakers, you could bring in 1 “celebrity” and supplement them with local speakers/pastors/trainers/authors who actually understand the dynamics and complexities of your particular culture and context.
Secondly, and maybe what will happen, would be to offer affinity gatherings.
For instance, one year you want to connect, network, and learn about spiritual formation in youth ministry. Everyone interested in that area (affinity) heads down to Kansas City and YS partners with Mike King and Chris Folmsbee (Youthfront and Barefoot) and the local youth ministries down there for a few days.
Andrew Root is already doing something similar at Luther Seminary this March. The First Third conference is basically an academic affinity gathering looking into the theology of youth ministry. People like Andrew Root, Tony Jones, and Kendra Dean will be there to help lead the dialog.
Perhaps an innovation/creativity gathering with the fine folks of North Point Community Church down in the Atlanta area.
Postmodern Youth Ministry connected with colleges or seminaries and youth groups either in the Northeast or Pacific Northwest.
Some could appeal to mega church youth ministries, while others may be perfect for average to small size groups.
As I often say, youth ministry here in the Northeast is vastly different from other places and it might be the same for you.
Therefore some form of regional and/or affinity gatherings may be the future of youth ministry, especially if you could do them in cost-effective ways (churches,hotels, colleges, local bands, speakers, etc…)
2 things are happening that are both necessitating and facilitating these changes:
1) Our economic situation is causing us to rethink and question if spending $1,000 for one person to attend a conference is a good thing and if paying $5,000 for a speaker or band is good stewardship.
2) We are part of a beautiful move of God and things are changing. Change can be difficult but is often necessary to give birth to something new and wonderful.
After this major announcement I overheard someone at the conference say “Well, this is end of Youth Specialties. Yaconelli is rolling in his grave right now.”
I’m not so sure. I think this might be the beginning of something great, especially if YouthWorks makes efforts to to keep the innovation and prophetic voice of YS going.
From the press release “Overall, Youth Specialties is a wonderful complement to the YouthWorks ministry. But, just as important, we hold dear the stewardship of the Youth Specialties legacy that is being passed on to us.”
Tony Jones\’ thoughts on acquisition
The youth ministry world took a big hit this morning. A press release from Youth specialties and their parent company Zondervan announced the “release” of YS president Mark Oestreicher.
I haven’t had much time to think about this, and perhaps I should wait a few weeks to reflect…
But nevertheless I feel compelled to write. But before I get to some personal thoughts, I wanted to share a brief history/overview of how Marko came to be so important to youth workers in the 21st century.
Youth Specialties was founded and developed by men of boldness and courage, who were not afraid to push the limits. Mike Yaconelli was a modern-day prophet (especially to youth workers). His books Messy Spirituality, Dangerous Wonder, and the Core Realities of Youth Ministry gave me hope for youth ministry and inspired me to enter the family and stay the course.
Grace was given and received. Theology and rules questioned (and broken). There was, for the first time, a true sense of freedom and joy accompanied with youth ministry. You were given permission to be yourself and be the person God was shaping you to be (not made to feel guilty that you were not conforming to someone else’s image or expectations)
No one really cared about what others thought of you or how many people you might offend. Authentic faith was demonstrated in the lives of youth workers and then modeled and passed down to generations of students across denominational lines. I even remember hearing that Yaconelli told the crowd at one YS convention that if they needed rest for their souls to skip the sessions and workshops and sleep and play. And…. if their marriages were rocky, to go grab a bottle or two of wine and lock themselves in their hotel room for the weekend!
He understood the plight of youth workers and also knew what real refreshment was like (spiritual, physical, emotional). And we learned together that sometimes laughter is the best remedy.
The first YS convention I attended occurred one month after Mike’s tragic car accident. Myself, along with 5,000 other youth workers wondered what would happen. What would become of YS?
Who would take over (not just the leadership) but the prophetic voice of Yaconelli?
Marko received that calling and answered it well.
Every year since, I have witness Yaconelli’s dreams flourished and expand.
Marko embraced all, loved everyone, and found grace and truth in everything.
Under his leadership, not only did YS expand cross culturally and around the world, but new voices were given permission and a platform to share with the world. The mission of God was put on center stage for us as both youth workers and followers of Jesus.
Recently, many of us read Marko’s last blog. I have included the link below
It appeared to me that God was preparing Marko for major change. Perhaps this transition is a good thing. Maybe not for YS right now or for the hundreds of thousands of youth workers, but for Marko and his family.
I don’t know.
I hope Zondervan made a decision based upon God’s leading and not a business decision. But am not too naive to realize that sometimes tough decisions need to be made for the long-term benefit. Perhaps visions were not aligning just right. Perhaps God has something better in store for Marko. Or perhaps, this is the wrong decision and time shall reveal the fate and consequences.
I choose not to question Zondervan at this time. I choose to pray for Marko, and wish him God’s absolute best.
I hope and pray that another prophet will emerge who will take up the torch and run wildly with abandon.
Marko, we all appreciate what you have meant to us. Most of us never personally knew you, but we certainly felt like we did.
You kept us going and kept us excited and passionate for youth work. You lead by example, motivation, and inspiration.
May we pass on what you have taught us about grace-living life and loving God-serving students-having a global view- soul searching and spiritual formation-and being ourselves all the while.
Though you never knew me, you believed in me. Thank you.
We believe in you and will continue to support you wherever God leads.
–appreciative youth workers from around the globe
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