This week I’m posting about some of the blessings I am experiencing because of my new venture!  Yesterday I posted about speaking, as for today… 

One of the blessings has been, “Networking.”

Most of July and August were spent putting together the Youthmark Mission Venture prospectus.  This meant I spent many-an-hour at Starbucks writing copy for the different pages and talking through design concepts, etc.  Well, the job completely changed after Labor Day.  For the last three weeks the thing I have done the most is meet with people and networks of people!

Though I have enjoyed the network times (for example, I drove to Mill Creek and met with 12-15 youth leaders from the various churches and para-churches in that area), but the one-on-one times with area youth leaders has been the thing I love LOVED the most!  Sitting one-one-one or one-on-two with people from local congregations has been such a blessing.  To hear real stories of successes, failures, brokenness, humility and humor has been life-giving.  Sometimes it is just so nice to have a refuge and be a refuge.  I pray that this “ministry” for youthmark can be a gift to these youth workers!

Through networking I am often able to share about the Youthmark Mission Ventures as well.  Because I believe so much in the ministry strategy it is not something I really need to sell.  In fact, none of my one-on-one appointments with youth workers has had the implied intent of selling a YMV.  Though I am very excited about the resource I know it isn’t for every group; but it’s been neat to see how the people I am sitting with can see how much it can help their group.  Pray that the Youthmark has the opportunity to serve 36 different teams this next summer!

For those I have been able to network with thus far, thank you!  I can’t wait to see more healthy networks exist in the Pacific Northwest!  We are truly stronger together!  

Grace,
Brian