Young Friends

It is said that one of the major inhibitors of getting new missionaries to a foreign field is the objection of the parents. Parents fear for their children's safety, economic situation, and the environment in which their grandchildren will be raised. In fact, there are many legitimate concerns that parents raise when their children talk about the possibility of serving in a foreign capacity. From the early days of our christian walk, both Bernard and I were privileged to participate in various foreign projects. These opportunities instilled within us the huge need for Jesus, not only for our surrounding communities, but for those far and wide. The love of what we do today can be traced back to those early experiences of walking along side missionaries, both in local and foreign works. It has been our long-standing desire to provide such opportunities for our youth of today; thus, we recently hosted 11 Young Friends and their two chaperons. Young Friends is a ministry of the Let's Start Talking Organization in Ft. Worth, Texas. High School students train to lead a week of English conversation sessions based in the book of Luke. Besides these four sessions each day, the Young Friends learn how to interact and lead fun activities that will deepen their relationships with their new friends. A third component of the program is to involve the YF in service projects that will enhance their understanding of servanthood, as well as improve the quality of life for those who live where the YF are destined. We knew the potential of growth was great for the Young Friends, as well as for those they were going to serve, but little did we know of the depth and width of such growth!

With the YF group having been gone now for two weeks, Bernard and I still marvel at the power of change they brought with them. Again, we are convinced that God's power is best exhibited within relationships. The first Canadian/Mexican "meeting of the youth" was, at best, awkward.
Fears and self-consciousness ran rampant, but with smiles and sign language, the youth came to know each other. By the end of the week, and after lots of learning, fun, and service, one would never guess the "international best of friends" had only met a few days earlier. It was easy to see that there would be buckets of tears shed when our Canadian Young Friends said their good-byes.

Although the program is directed at serving those in the host country, I wonder if the greater good is not done in the servants themselves! We said good-bye to 11 changed youth (and two very tired, but happy chaperons). How could so much change happen in just one week? Bernard and I had the opportunity to debrief with the YF team before they headed back to Canada. It was a night to remember! Here are some of the comments we heard:
*"We came to serve, but God taught US through them."
*(This project) "made us step out of our comfort zone-no matter how hot or how difficult."
*"You know, it's our Spring Vacation. Had I not come on this project, I would have just slept and
watched TV, but we did great things here!"
*(My new friends) are the future of Mexico. They have touched me so much.
*"Picking up all that garbage was really gross, but I feel like we have cleaned somebody's life
after cleaning up all that garbage."
*"I was amazed at how the word spread about us. We became "celebrities here!"
*"David (one of our LST readers from Wade and Richelle) really made me think. He asked
some questions that I need to ask myself."
*"I saw that young people can do amazing things!"

These declarations of change make Young Friends worth every penny they had to raise to be with us for the week. They, too, were agents of change for our Mexican youth...
*Julio, recently deported out the US, is starting a new life here in Mexico. He has no friends, no job, and little hope for the future. After the influence of the YF, Julio stated, "From here on out, THIS is MY church." Julio continues to be a part of our Sunday Celebrations as well as is studying with Bernard each Tuesday morning!
*Ana, one of our precious youth was baptized the Sunday after YF left. She told one of her new friends, "God brought you here for me, so that I can hear more."
*Another new friend, after one of the Luke sessions said, "You make me think so much."
*After Aaron's moving testimony, one of the Mexicans said, "You have blessed me on this journey."
*One of Logan's school mates heard that YF were picking up garbage at the school. She came
over the next day looking for them because she, too, wanted to help.
*Neighbours and strangers asked, "WHY are you doing this? Would you call me the next time you have this group. I want my children to be involved, too."
*Logan, contemplating the sadness of the YF leaving, asked, "When can they come again? Can
they come for longer next time?"

Bernard ended the Young Friends Project with these profound words: "This week I saw
CHURCH! We worked together and we shone for Jesus. Thank you!"
We wish to thank our Young Friends,Marshall, Aaron, Kelly, Nathan, Brady, Mallorie, Paige, Kim, Shiane, Heather and Haleigh, and their energetic chaperons, Andrea Muirhead and Deanna Cook. Young people can SURELY do great things. I want to especially thank the parents of these 11 amazing young friends. You could have said, "Absolutely NOT! YOU are NOT going to the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Haven't you heard the news reports from down there?" You could have said, "There's no way we are raising that kind of money for a week." You could have said many things, but thank you for saying, "Yes!" Many hearts have been touched. Lives have been changed because of that answer!

Enjoy the photos. Until next blog,
Alicia for the Krogsgaards