For the past four years, we have commissioned young people in our region to participate in Global Immersion and Service Projects to build leadership in the spiritual struggle for unity of all people with love like Christ. In 2020, we are organizing a team of leaders to travel to three locations: Queensland, Australia; Puerto Rico; Los Angeles, California, USA. Funding for these trips are included in the 2020 Youth/YA Budget, a designation to Youth Ministries from the recent template distribution, individual gifts, congregational support, and additional support garnered by YIM/YLT/YALL participants.
Here is a little bit of what we hope for each project.
1. Queensland, Australia (late July/early August, 18 years and older): In March 2019, Australia’s High Court awarded 1.64 million dollars in reparations to the Ngaliwurru and Nungali groups of Aboriginal people from the Northern Territory of Australia. The judgment is especially significant because the High Court awarded what amounts to damages for the cultural and spiritual losses endured from Western Colonization. Clearly this is a small expression to a much larger conversation all over the world. How will the Church choose to be an advocate in the work of reparations for indigenous people in the United States?
Our trip to Australia will focus on the spiritual development of young leaders while strengthening education in three ways: 1) Develop a faith connection with our Churches of Christ and Uniting Church Global Ministry partners in Australia; 2) Research the process of effective advocacy for reparations in America; 3) Engage cultures and faiths of the indigenous people of Australia.
Out of this Global Immersion, we expect young leaders to develop a clearer approach to advocacy, strengthen an Interfaith (Disciples) Identity of diverse faith expressions, and practice Christian Service that strengthens our sensitivities to different global perspectives. We hope to connect with local faith communities, non-profit advocacy groups, government leaders, and fully experience indigenous cultures of Australia. We expect opportunities to labor with our faith partners and engage in worship communities as possible.
2. Puerto Rico (Early June): In 2017, hurricane Maria devastated Domenica, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Our ministry partners in Puerto Rico have worked hard to recover and are still working to bring healing. Many of our young people have built friendships and personal connections with families on the island, and have been asking to return to help in any possible way.
While in Puerto Rico in 2016, we discussed the powerful camp ministry program of the CCDOC present on the island. Camp leaders shared their interest in building a stronger connection with the PSWR, and our young people saw the opportunity to learn how to be more effective in engaging new campers through some of the methods employed by our ministry partners.
Associate Regional Minister, Francisco Ramos, has also been busy making connections for our young church in the PSWR. With his help we will have the opportunity to do creation care, develop understanding of the connection between nature and spiritual development, and dig deep into the environmental blessings of the island.
Our goals for this trip include: 1) Assist in hurricane recovery; 2) Learn and build a connection with the effective camp ministry program of Puerto Rico; 3) Experience God through Creation Care and Environmental Theology.
3. Los Angeles, California (Mid July): Amazing ministry and service is happening at our Disciples’ Community Centers right here in Southern California. This summer our young people will have the opportunity to engage with several ministry units of the PSWR that serve young people. As we plan programming, we hope to build partnerships with Eastmont Community Center, Project Impact, and All People’s Community Center to raise awareness and build community investment in Los Angeles through the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
While staying near the sites for 4 days, we hope to assist with mentorship, engage in construction projects, strengthen our faith network, and engage in meaningful spiritual practices with young people from Los Angeles through these and other affiliated organizations. Our goals include: 1) Strengthen our local Disciples Identity; 2) Labor with DOC ministry partners to empower young people; 3) Experience God through local service and giving.
PSWR Global Service Projects don’t always mean we must travel great distances to encounter God and serve with God’s people. In 2020 we will experience God through amazing service right here in Southern California!
Youth and Young Adults interested in participating in these or future Global Service Projects are asked to commit to regional ministries through the YLT, YIM, or YALL leadership. Our regional leadership programming seeks to equip young leaders that are sensitive to cultural needs and differences while engaging spiritual practices that prepare us for widely diverse perspectives of God. These are important principles when engaging in vulnerability and service on a global scale. As Disciples of Christ, we hold true to the teachings of Jesus Christ as the most important commonality among us. Developing young leaders that honor this tradition is essential to maintaining God’s love wherever we go.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about YLT or YIM, please visit our Youth Ministry page.