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February 22, 2018

Even At Home

If you know us here at Josiah Venture, it’s pretty much a guarantee that you’ve heard the statistic that less than 1% of the young people in Central and Eastern Europe know Jesus. In Ukraine, we’ve found that many of these teens are quick to say they don’t have any problems, keeping serious issues like broken families and uncertain futures to themselves. The next European generation is no longer confined by the threats of communism, so in places like Slovakia, new freedom drives teens to spend enormous amounts of time online, crafting their identities in a positive light, while longing for authentic connections with people who will love them for them. As is true in the entire region we work in, our team in Poland sees that there is an urgency not only for more of these teens to become young leaders like King Josiah, but also for more godly mentors to walk alongside them as they mature.

It is clear when we look at the homes, schools, and churches of this region that the spiritual need is great. Young people who have so much potential to develop a faith that can transform their communities and countries, don’t yet know Christ’s love for them. We have been invited by God to help change that and are so glad to be working in these harvest fields.

Like Jesus said in Luke 10, the harvest is plentiful and the workers are few. We realize though, that as much as we talk about the need among the youth in this part of the world, the need for the hope of the gospel is great no matter where you are—including the place you call home.

In the States, for example, a study just published by Barna Group is saying young people born between 1999 and 2015 are more likely to identify as atheist than American adults. In the UK, Youth for Christ has found that 67% of young people say social media is a negative influence, even while 94% of them use it on a daily basis. And in Canada, only a third of the young people who attended church weekly as children, continue to do so now.*

While these stats can feel depressing, we believe that the fields around the world are ripe for harvest; the next generation, with access to the globe at their fingertips, are longing for hope that is not of this world. If they can be shown the true love of Christ, we know that they’ll experience the transformation they ultimately desire, and will be poised to have massive influence on those around them.

So, we are praying for more workers like Jesus told the apostles to do. Praying for people to recognize the need that today’s youth have for truth and genuine examples of what a disciple who makes disciples looks like. Praying that you work faithfully in the fields where God has you, whether that’s cross-culturally, or in the very neighborhood you grew up in.

Watch this video for encouragement from some of our young nationals who are serving God and sharing the gospel in their own countries.  

* Info from this paragraph taken from the following sources:

 

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Sajmir just wanted to belong. As the youngest son in a Muslim family of eight children, he was expected to serve everyone. Sajmir’s family was oppressed in Albania because they were dark skinned Gypsies. On top of that, during the difficult time after the revolution, his father began drinking and beating his mother. “My father never beat me,” Sajmir said, “but he never showed me love. He never hugged me or kissed me. I never saw a father figure. I was afraid of him. Also, outside in the city, people were not very close to me. I spent most of my time alone, playing soccer alone, or basketball alone.” There was only one soccer field in his village, and when Sajmir tried to join a game, the other kids would kick him out. One day, a group came toward the field and Sajmir began to back away, sure they would ask him to leave. “Will you play with us?” they asked. “You want to play with me?” Sajmir replied. For the first time in his life, someone invited him in. After the game, they invited him to church. “What is a church?” he said. Running home, he asked his parents if he could go. “Don’t go to church,” they answered sternly, “you will shame us.” But the next day was Sunday, and he snuck out when no one was looking. “When I stepped into the church, at the door, someone gave me a hug for the first time in my life,” Sajmir said. “They put me in the first row. I felt like a celebrity. Then I heard the story that someone loves you just as you are, that is, Jesus—as I was, dark skinned, rejected. But still, there is someone who died for me.” “I ran and told my family, but their response was: ’If you go one more time, we will tell your brother to beat you up.’ I went again. My brother beat me up. For three months, I was beaten every week. I was loved and accepted in church, while suffering and being beaten in my family. Then my mom said, ‘Let him go.’” Filled with joy, Sajmir fell on his knees and said, “God, I will serve you wherever you want me to.” That was 25 years ago, and today Sajmir and his family are part of our Josiah Venture team in Albania. Through youth ministry, he recently planted a church called “Mosaic,” which has grown to over 100 people. Every day, young people come after school and in the evening for tutoring, children’s meetings, youth meetings, small groups, discipleship groups, and a very lively Fusion choir. The church is open every day, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and there is always something happening. “Our building is a daily home for everyone; it’s a family,” says Sajmir. “I always remember what God did for me in my youth. My heart is burning to see more young people come to Christ and find that they are loved and belong.” During this Advent season, we remember how Jesus left his home to make a home for us. He was sent to find us, where we play our games alone, and to invite us into his family. He found Sajmir, and you, and me. Thanks for helping us share this good news with young people who are still without a home. Dave Patty President, Josiah Venture
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