There was such a positive response to the format of our newsletter last month, we are sticking with it for September, as well. As you read through the content, you’ll find specific ways to pray for leaders, countries, and ministry opportunities around the world, as we partner with youth leaders who are evangelizing and discipling the younger generation. |
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Scarcity and Hyperinflation Continue in Cuba |
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We just returned from a trip to Cuba (stay tuned for a future report!). It is always such a blessing to connect with many of our Reach Out family members there, as well as church leaders we have come to know and love. Our leaders continue to serve with joyful hearts, even in the midst of incredibly trying circumstances, and remain focused on reaching the next generation. We had the blessing of visiting a back-to-school rally complete with worship, small group experiences, and a Cuban snowball fight! The night concluded with small groups praying for the friends they know who are not Christian, and praying that they faithfully follow God into the moments He provides for them to share the gospel with their friends. Pray for these students as they represent Christ in their schools this year.
Pray for our leaders throughout the country who continue to face overwhelming challenges. Kikito, Regional Leader in the East, puts it this way: “Everything is very expensive and very scarce. We have 6 hours of blackout every day. It is getting worse every day. But God help us.”
A Step Toward Indigenous Sustainability in Kenya!
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On August 24, a Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry Forum was facilitated by Bishop Enock Ambokah in Butere, Kenya. It was exciting to hear that 34 youth leaders were trained in youth ministry. It was equally encouraging to find out that this event was an answer to prayer, as it was a Forum fully funded by a host church. With this training promoted as a model for leaders throughout the country, there is the potential to significantly advance the multiplication of training in Kenya.
Pakistani Teenagers Praying with Passion!
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Christians in the cities of Jaranwala, Sahiwal, and Sargodha (all east of Lahore) have experienced persecution over the last month. Over 100 houses have been burned down, and more than 25 churches have been destroyed. Leaders we have trained in JFYM live in this area of Pakistan. Last week, 12 young people of one church came together to practice the principle of “praying with passion.” They ask for your prayers as they seek to “penetrate the culture” with the gospel of Jesus Christ, even in the face of such danger and evil.
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On July 26, members of the presidential guard overthrew Niger’s President Bazoum. In the midst of sanctions and a closed border, our Country Leader, Edouard Laba, is asking for prayer as he seeks to gather youth and youth leaders in a Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry event this month.
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Post-Covid life continues to be incredibly challenging for the children and teenagers who live in Central America. Trafficked children, malnourishment, teen pregnancy, gang violence, the impact of migration, financial insecurity, and educational setbacks due to Covid are all factors that cast a bleak backdrop of teenage life in Central America. A few stats:
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In Honduras, it is estimated that 48% of children have fled violence and organized crime, while 43% of children do not live with their parents.
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In Belize, children represent 42% of the country’s population, and there is an attempted suicide rate of 36% among adolescents between the ages of 10-14.
Pray for Jeff Holloway as he continues to oversee JFYM training throughout Honduras, and as he specifically works with the youth leaders of five churches in his area.
Pray for Randy Riggins as he travels to Belize in October to continue leader training that started this summer in the southern region of the country.
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Would you prayerfully consider taking a next step toward financially partnering with us today?
Is there a monthly amount you would commit to give…or increase your
giving to?
Is there a pastor/church you would be willing to introduce us to?
Is there a business you know who would consider Donatio as their
payment processor?
Is there a friend or relative you could introduce us to who has a heart for the next generation?
Is there a date circled on your calendar to try Heavenly Crust pizza, if you are in the DFW area?
Is there an interest in speaking with us about “planned giving options?”
A “yes” to any one (or several) of these questions means you are increasing the capacity of Reach Out Youth Solutions to impact the next generation all over the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ!
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Some of the next steps mentioned here are as easy as going to our website. Other steps may involve a conversation with me or someone in our office. Please let us know how we can come alongside you in this
journey together.
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Randy Riggins, President
Reach Out Youth Solutions
865-274-1648
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