TEENS GO BEYOND - Ireland
340 Irish Christian teenagers and their youth leaders gathered in Kilkenny during their mid-term break last week to discover how they can put their faith into action. The youngsters from many different denominations and from all four corners of Ireland united at Kilkenny College for the "Beyond 48" TeenStreet conference (17 - 19 February 2007) organised by OM Ireland.
Irish politician and Member of the European parliament, Simon Coveney was one of the special guests for this unique event. Interviewed about his political career, he challenged the teens to use their voice for good and shared his commitment to the campaign against people trafficking and modern-day slavery.

Every year several hundred Irish teens join OM's teen conference TeenStreet in Germany which attracts more than 3,500 teenagers from more than 20 countries across Europe. But Beyond 48 was been designed for Irish teens - a reunion and a chance to go one step further. Main Speakers Dan and Suzie Potter challenged the young people from the life of Moses.

On the first evening, one teenage boy commented: "I have only been here for one day and already my life has been changed. I now believe that we can make a difference; together we can change things."

Others from isolated youth groups were thrilled to meet so many like-minded teenagers from around the country and to realise that they "weren't the only Christian teenagers in Ireland", as one teenager put it.

Please praise God with us for a very special weekend, for filling the venue to capacity and for the impact we see in many lives, both amongst teenagers and youth leaders.

 

YOUTH DAY FOR AIDS MINISTRY
- South Africa
OM South Africa's HIV/AIDS ministry AIDS HOPE has been focussing on Nellmapius, a township on the outskirts of Pretoria where HIV/ AIDS is rife. Poverty, cultural norms and peer pressure all contribute to the growing infection rate. Many homes are headed by children (both parents have died, leaving the oldest sibling in charge).

In cooperation with youth leaders from Nellmapius Worship Centre, AIDS HOPE will facilitate a “Youth Day” on 21 October. About seventy young people will participate in activities designed to encourage them to live as examples and empower them to be more effective leaders. Pray for the impact of this event on the lives of these young people.

 

RISING ON EAGLES' WINGS - Uruguay
This week marked a vital step in OM Uruguay's "Eagles' Wings" project. Leaders signed the purchase contract for a farm that will be used as a youth ministry centre and the future venue for the growing TeenStreet programme in the country.

The fruit farm is the ideal site and includes parkland that can be used as a camping ground. Local churches will be able to make use of the facilities for youth camps, youth leader training and church retreats, while OM Uruguay will benefit from additional resources for its growing youth ministry.

Next year, around 400 teens are expected to attend TeenStreet Uruguay in January and a Teens in Mission programme directly following the congress could attract up to 500. Pray for wisdom and faith as the leaders continue to develop the "Eagles' Wings" project and that God will continue to provide all the necessary finance and the right people to do the necessary building work.

 

CHRISTMAS WITH LOVE 2000 - Japan
OM Japan is linking with TEAM Japan for its first-ever international “Christmas with Love” campaign. Two separate outreaches will be held December 4-11 and December 11-18. Participants will stay at a Christian conference centre at the foot of beautiful Mt. Asama in Karuizawa, an hour from Tokyo. Twenty thousand people come here each season to view the Megumi Chalet illuminations and live nativity. The team will help create displays, distribute literature and share their faith in the café with visitors. They can also go skiing and experience the local culture. Less than 1% of Japanese are Christian, and few know the Christmas story. For more info see the movie at http://www.jp.om.org/christmas/christmas.html
Or contact: info@jp.om.org

 

LAW RECOGNISES CHRISTIANS - Kosovo
Praise the Lord for answering prayer in Kosovo! The Kosovar parliament recently passed the Religious Freedom Law recognizing the evangelical church as an official religious community in Kosovo. The Law gives equal recognition to five religious groups throughout Kosovo - the Islamic Community, the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, the Jewish Community and the Evangelical Church.

Earlier signs indicated that evangelical Christians would not be included in this group. Worldwide prayer went out for our Kosovar brothers and sisters. "This is miraculous and very important for the future of our Churches in Kosovo," commented a Kosovar pastor. "We thank you all for your prayer."

OM has been working in Kosovo since 1999. Teams are ministering to Albanians in Decan and Peja, and to Serbian Orthodox in North Mitrovica, a divided Serb/Albanian city.

 

GIFTS THAT BRING HOPE TO OTHERS
FEED INDIA was formed in response to the enormous challenge of poverty in India. This card-making project aims to benefit two Calcutta slums that hold 16,000 people. Currently, approximately 20 families are involved, earning 100 rupees (about $2 U.S.) per day; a significant income for them. Many more women wish to be trained when funds are available. Each card is individually created using rice straw to make a classical design. Packets contain ten cards with an assortment of designs and colours, with a blank interior.
www.feedindia.com

Moldovan women have great skill in traditional embroidery and crocheting, weaving and other handicraft. But this is Europe's poorest country, and unemployment is high. This site reflects an initiative to help people set up their own income-generating businesses. Order lovely table runner sets and crocheted Christmas stars, wood crafts, uniquely hand-painted eggs and cards for reasonable prices at: http://www.amintire.com

Security code: N - no restrictions