They’ve got to leave the nest if you want them to fly

Remember when you first left home to head out on some great adventure? Your parents had to willingly wave goodbye as you disappeared off their horizon, only to return with tales of conquered fears and noble causes. Young people need a challenge. They grow best when stretched beyond their comfort zones. And the most vibrant faith is formed in the heat of real spiritual battle.

That is why I am so excited about the 650 young people that are serving with Josiah Venture this summer. Over 60 of them are with us for three months, serving in evangelistic teams, leading English camps and helping local churches penetrate their communities. The rest will join the movement for at least two weeks, engaging in peer to peer evangelism and serving at an outreach camp.

We are praying for a rich harvest at they lead over 80 evangelistic camps in 11 countries of Eastern Europe. Thousands will hear the gospel and have the opportunity to respond!

But what God does in them as they serve may be just as significant as what he does through them. Some will experience God’s sufficiency and power as never before in their lives. Others will lead someone to the Lord for the first time. Some will be shaken out of complacency, and others will commit themselves to full time service.

I hope that every one of them will change. And our prayers are even more personal this year since our oldest son, Tyler, has joined them, serving with the team in Croatia.

We are already enjoying the tales of conquered fears and noble causes.

Thankful for each of you,

P.S. I am six weeks from my open heart surgery as I write this, and on the road to full recovery. Thank you so much for your prayers!