Thank you all for your love, care, prayers and support that you've poured out towards me and my family over the years! Even though our paths might not have crossed as of late, know you hold an important place in my life and we're united in spirit and in purpose!
My time the past couple of weeks in Cebu with my team of four women was tremendous -- getting time in the field with staff and volunteers and seeing them in action serving kids and families in their communities is irreplaceable. I was reminded of how much I believe in what we’re doing in Expeditions – building bridges between nations and making eternal connections with folks who share the hope and love that comes from knowing Christ in some really tough places. Even though I’m always so thrilled to see resources leveraged for God's purposes (i.e. our funds to be there helped to rebuild a kitchen at their camp that was in need of refurbishment), I am the one who gains so much more than I give each time I get the honor of spending time in a new place around the world.
Young Life Philippines will be celebrating their 40th anniversary in November and have had a camp property since 1979- a rarity internationally for Young Life. Young Life Philippines was started by the father of the current Philippines Regional Director, Wilbert Yasi. An incredible legacy of ministry to teenagers has been built and I was humbled and encouraged to do all I can to support and grow their ministry in my current capacity at Young Life Expeditions.
I was so struck by the staff's strength of character, especially the women. They have more women area directors in one region that I’ve seen anywhere including the US. My small team of just four women was exactly right for what God wanted to do while we were there! We had some sweet sweet times of fellowship and study about what it means to be a strong woman with a soft heart. We also spent time looking at the way Jesus radically cared for and included women in his ministry in a culture and time when women were essentially only valued for their ability to give birth! Of course, some good times were had shopping with a little spa time thrown in for good measure (who can resist a $4 massage or $1.50 pedicure?)
Over the past several years, I’ve had the unique perspective of seeing different Young Life regions at work around the globe. And across the board, the staff and volunteer leaders’ of developing nations sacrifice to the mission of sharing God’s love and Young Life leaves me in awe. They are the body of Christ defined. This summer, there were folks that came from islands that are 14 hours away by boat; we had a several staff come to be with us and work on the camp project for the full ten days who have young children at home and others with loved ones who are ill. They all spend much of their days going to where kids are - schools, streets, shops even prisons. There is nothing these folks will not do for teenagers and it’s so humbling.
I did have the honor of giving a message about Peter walking on water in the midst of a storm (appropriate as it was typhoon season) at one of their kick off clubs (their summer is April and May and school starts again in late June.) They were expecting 250 kids…an estimated 500-600 kids showed up in a non air conditioned room…nope, I've never perspired more just standing still! But we all had some fun laughing and singing and playing in the downpour and doing what Young Life kids and leader do best: hanging out having great conversations and sharing our stories.
The other project I worked on involved Young Life’s new Developing Global Leaders Project where folks like you and I can sponsor university students who have shown potential to make an impact in their nation and Young Life. I spent time interviewing ten different students on video and heard some powerful stories. Each of them has undergone some difficult hardships usually family related and their desire to pursue their education and serve YoungLife is so impressive. Faith and education are without a doubt the keys to the health and growth of developing nations and I’m so grateful that Young Life has created this program. I encourage you to take a look at their website and consider sponsoring a student.
And please think about taking an Expedition somewhere yourself -- you do not need any special skills to go—just a desire to serve and willingness to go outside your comfort zone and see the world that Christ sees! You can take your family, group of friends, folks from your church or your neighborhood or workplace—big or small you can have an impact and I guarantee your world will expand!
As always, you can support my work at YoungLife Expeditions by giving online here and indicating area number 3240 and/or my name, Michele Sbrana or just send a check payable to YoungLife and I can give you the mailing address.
You can see more photos here of our trip here.
Grace and peace,
Michele
