As this report goes out, Paul is making his way to Jerusalem for WEA’s International Leadership Team meetings.  A worker’s strike at the Tel Aviv airport caused delays.  Even so, we trust that Paul’s interaction with other WEA leaders will be beneficial as we prepare to meet together in six weeks in Orlando . The meetings will be very important as we discuss how to improve our organization and increase our outreach. The Mission Forum will be very stimulating as well. Please be praying. In the meantime, much is happening for youth throughout the Youth Commission.

Africa : Solomon reports on AEA General Assembly   

The AEA 9th General Assembly was held in Entebbe, Uganda from 20th to 25th November 2006. It was most successful. We had guests from WEA and some other Global Organizations.  During the General Assembly we celebrated 40 years. AEA was established in 1966 in Kenya . Now we have an African Evangelical Movement of about 80 million members. One of the Resolutions was that Rev Dr Judy Mbugua would continue as the Team Leader with me as the Deputy for a period of 18 months assisted by the other Commission leaders. I will however continue as the Executive Secretary for the YOUTH and Sports Commission.

Latin America : Jorge reports on challenges of mentoring leaders

Statistics indicate that by 2010 there will be 53 million teenagers in Latin America .  This will demand urgent work in the preparation of leaders and churches that will be properly equipped to reach out to this multitude, like sheep without a Shepard (Matthew 9:36).  Since youth leaders in Latin America need encouragement and support, we are organizing an international Living School or Training for January 2008 here in Costa Rica .  The purpose is to provide training to leaders of leaders of the continent.  The format will provide mentorship through direct fellowship among the leaders and the organizing team.  The purposes of this living school are: to reach out to the needs of key leaders of the region in an integral way, to reflect about God, spirituality and the ministry in the current context, strengthen networks of leaders that work with youth ministry in the Spanish speaking world, and determine clear courses of action for youth ministry in the coming years.

Philippines:  Ef reports the addition of communication assistant

Ef reports that the Lord has provided a new communications assistant for the EFA Youth Commission.  Pastor Jesse Dedel has served as the Asian Network Director of the Master’s Commission Network.  Jesse has extensive experience in writing, editing, and developing local Master’s Commission network chapters.  This is a great addition to the Asia team. 

India: Leadership team plans for coming years and 2007 Leaders Forum

The Leadership Team of India’s youth commission met in Hyderabad November 14 and15.  During their time together they developed a three year plan for strengthening youth ministry at the local level, while developing unity and communication among national youth ministry leaders.

They also began preparation for a National Youth Leaders Forum in New Delhi , February 13-17.  They anticipate bringing together 100 leaders from churches and ministries from all regions of India .  Discussions are also underway about the possibility of initiating a youth ministry research project for India that will help clarify the current state of youth ministry and the effects of globalization among youth in India . 


United States: NNYM hosts focused forums   

The National Network of Youth Ministries (NNYM) of the USA is conducting a variety of focused forums for leaders who specialize in specific areas of youth ministry.  In addition to our Youth Missions Forum for 70-80 youth missions leaders, NNYM is also hosting other specialized forums.

Urban Leadership Forum – 20 leaders of urban youth ministry will be meeting January 8-10 to determine the next steps for synergizing the complex efforts of various urban ministries.

Youth Transition Network- Last month, NNYM helped facilitate the historic formation of a college ministry network of major college ministries and denominations that can coordinate campus ministries in a manner more accessible to youth.

MentorYouth.com – MentorYouth.com, the mentoring initiative of NNYM, is hosting two regional forums to help mobilize the faith-based community in recruiting mentors for at-risk youth.  The forums are scheduled for Los Angeles, Feb.21-23 and Nashville, April 11-13. 

Updated schedule for January Youth Commission Meetings

Since we have realigned the focus of our consultation in the Caribbean, this is our updated schedule for our time together in Florida .  You should be making your plans to come to Orlando now.  If you have a conflict or are not able to stay the entire time, please confirm that with us right away.  We are very excited about what God intends to do in us and through us during these days together in January 2007.  You are free to depart the afternoon of January 17.

Saturday, 13 January, 2007        Arrive in Orlando , FL – we will share dinner
Sunday-Mon, 14-15 January        Youth Commission Meeting
Monday-Wed, 15-17 January       Youth Missions Forum – forum ends at noon

Thanks for what you are doing for the Kingdom by reaching youth. Don’t forget to pray for each of us throughout the coming month. Thank you so much!

Paul Fleischmann and Daryl Nuss

WEA Youth Commission