Category Youthmark Stuff

Us/Them

Brian Aaby 2 Comments

Several days ago I introduced the topic of Us/Them in my post “Their Needs vs. Our Wants.”  In it I essentially ask the question of youth leaders and churches: should we look to do mission trips to areas that best serve our purposes and meet what we want next for our group, or should we plan a trip by responding to needs that have been presented?

It’s something that I’ve certainly been wrestling with at Youthmark and it has influenced the way we market our Youthmark Mission Ventures to churches here in the states.  On one hand I fully recognize that a Youth Pastor really should be assessing his/her youth ministry and considering what it will take to get them moving forward. The “cool” factor of going to a “destination” may get more participants involved (and on that path).  This was certainly a major consideration I had when I was a Youth Pastor.

In 1998 I pitched a mission trip concept to our church elders.  Knowing that my students were not confident (nor active) in sharing their faith, the concept of taking a “mission trip” seemed a little silly.  I really wanted my students to be missionaries at home before we took them “over there” to do missions.  So, my choices were: (A) do a “service” trip; one that emphasized working with our hands or (B) properly prepare and train our students to be missionaries wherever God may have us go.  Because I decided on the latter and then designed a discipleship program to train and equip the students I knew that our “destination” should be one that had the “cool” factor as well.  I simply wanted as many students trained and equipped for mission at home and I’d use the mission trip as the motivating factor!  IT WORKED!

We ended up taking five teams of with about 12 people each to five rural communities.  In most of these communities we did some sort of children’s ministry by day (VBS), service projects in the afternoon and then Youth Outreach at the local ball field/park at night.  Youth came out of the woodwork in these rural communities!  Our students became bold in their sharing, were blessed by meeting practical physical needs and gained great experience by serving the children as well.  Because we had 5 teams, the trip itself served as a great training ground for my volunteers as well; because I could only be in one place I learned to trust my leadership with the other four towns served.

My motivation was certainly what I wanted for our group! I wanted to see them grown in their “at home” witness by training them for an “over there” trip.  But we did it with wisdom.  There was no language barrier, there weren’t the huge financial burdens  yet there was still the “destination” motivations.  Our students returned with a passion for their lost friends at home.  Students began boldly proclaiming Christ… at home!

This summer Youthmark has some trips to similar “destination” places.  Let me tell you about “Their Needs.”

Alaska: We’ve now served in 7 different locations in Alaska.  Each has unique needs.  Let me relay some “facts” from last year about one of these places:

  • Before the Trip: The Pastor was hesitant about a team coming, he said, “we have 3-4 youth we ever see, so don’t come with expectations that a lot of teens will be reached.”
  • After the Trip: The Pastor was praising God for the work done through our Youthmark team. “There was one night we had about 50 people at the beach Brian, several students trusted in Christ, it was nothing short of a miracle!”

Hawaii: The most common statement I hear when I announce we have “Hawaii” as a mission location is, “Oooh, I bet that’s tough (sarcasm)? Sign me up, I’ll do a mission to Hawaii!”  Well, the bottom line, we’ve had ONE team “sign up” and go to Hawaii so far.  Unfortunately, church leadership teams, parents and others don’t see Hawaii as anything other than a “vacation” destination.

Let me tell you about Anahola.  Anahola is where we served two years ago.  1200 people call this village home (most are native Hawaiians).  In the 10 months before our team arrived the community experienced three teen suicides.  It has been the toughest place I have ever been to in terms of a mission trip.  There are true NEEDS in this place, the biggest need is the Gospel to be presented so that the people can know the grace of God is present!  They need hope!

In addition to the great ministry, our teams got to experience some awesome “stuff” in both states (typically with the teens we ministered with/to). Meeting the needs of a community and the wants for your group is entirely possible.  Maybe you know of a group still considering what to do this summer?  It may not be Alaska or Hawaii they are looking for; perhaps a different state so they can save on flights; or perhaps Canada, Mexico or Costa Rica? Additionally, you may know of teams simply looking to enhance their training for a mission. Youthmark would love to help equip them for Mission51– not just the mission, but the 51 weeks beyond the mission as well. Please have them contact us at 800.455.1450 and we can talk specifics (or pass on the brochure here)!

Consider passing this post on to Youth Leaders, Pastors and churches you think of that could/should consider partnering with Youthmark!

Grace,
Brian

Quick Notes and Updates

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Every now and then it’s fun to do some quick thoughts and updates; things that may not warrant a full post; so here they are:

  • Youthmark now has a twitter account, follow us @Youthmark
  • Of course, you can also follow me @brianaaby
  • Updated my “speaking opps” page.  Praying for those opportunities and looking for others!
  • Really digging the College Group at Faith (teaching Sunday mornings).
  • Finishing the work on the 2011 RoadGrip, HomeBase and Merge!
  • This marks the earliest that these books have been completed (because we have offered spring break trips); this is a GREAT feeling (I feel “almost caught up”).
  • Halle is getting baptized this Sunday (this will get a post later), but we’re so excited by her step of faith!
  • Halle and Audrey are both in the church musical coming up; if interested in seeing a show, let me know!
  • Audrey lost her first “upper” tooth last night.  Very exciting, now she whistles while she speaks.
  • Will is about 44% potty trained.
  • Because of gracious friends, carry-over balance on cards from last year and being more creative in my “rent” I have literally only purchased one cup of coffee with 2011 funds. This is huge blessing!
  • If you haven’t seen my wife’s blog in some time, go check it out, she’s been posting more regularly.
  • Please pray this weekend for my friends at Dare 2 Share, they have a 500o person conference in Ohio!  Like Youthmark, they seek to equip students for THE Cause (what Youthmark labels “Mission51“).  Praise God for D2S!
  • Looking forward to debuting a new feature on my blog (perhaps even over the weekend…hmm…stay tuned).

Hope you have a Super-Weekend!

Grace,
Brian

My Life Be Like… Costa Rica

Brian Aaby Leave a comment

Last week I posted on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday about my recent Costa Rica Trip.  That last one is a CONTEST, so be sure to check that out you may just win!  As a wrap-up, I decided to post a quick and fun three minute video I created for Mac, Anthony and Erick; the “band of brothers” who got to hang out together all week.  It gives you a pretty good overview of our time together, the places we encountered and the people who were a great blessing.

Will you please pray for CR?  While you’re at it, pray for Youthmark and the “one month window” I blogged about on Friday as well!

Grace,
Brian

One Month Window!

Brian Aaby Leave a comment

January 28 to February 28 is what I would consider our one-month window! Over the next month we’re praying that God provides many “Harvest Workers” for the fields he is preparing throughout the U.S.A, Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica.

Just last night I received this instant message from a college Freshman in Oregon:

“Brian, are you doing a spring retreat again?  That training and all the prep for and the actual mission to Alaska completely changed the direction of my life, I want to help at this years retreat if I can so that others get it too!“

Many Youth Pastors have already chosen a mission trip, but the sad reality is that most groups don’t do much with training these teams.  To me, “sign-up and show-up” mission trips must stop, these are nothing more than “Christian Experiences.”  I believe the real blessing in mission is the “get it” moment when students (and adults) realize that mission is not just there and not just here–mission is anywhere!

Regardless of whether a team has a mission in mind; we want teams trained for Mission51.  Will you do Youthmark a big favor?  Help us get the word out about Mission51–training for the 51 weeks beyond the mission.  If you know of a youth group doing a mission ask the Youth Pastor what he or she is doing to get the team ready for after the trip.  Reaching our own Jerusalem is part of the mandate.  In fact, I’d argue that God did not release the Apostles to “anywhere” (read: uttermost) until they were effective at reaching Jerusalem.

We’ve released a quick three-minute video that explains Youthmark Mission Ventures and the Mission51 training.  It can be found at the Youthmark homepage here or on Youtube below.

Spread the word, we’re hoping to see a large increase in the number of teams using some training books, attending one of our Together, Spring Retreats or getting copies of Merge for after their mission experience.  Of course, we still want many Youthmark teams as well, the full benefit of all the training at the most affordable prices for a mission.

We’d love it if you would send emails with links to this blog or Youthmark.com, post on Facebook, do whatever you can; get the word out, let’s use this one-month window where Youth Pastors are making big decisions to spark Mission51!  Will you?

Grace,

Brian

Three-For-Thursday: 1000 Word Pictures

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

I just returned from a six day Scout/Speaking trip to Costa Rica.  This summer Youthmark will have a few teams headed to Central America.  I was honored to have my friends Anthony (C.O.O. of Hope Partners International) and Mac (Lake Sawyer Christian Youth Pastor) with me on this trip.  I will post a few blog entries about this trip, but for today, I will give you the top “Pictures that tell you 1000 or more words.”   These will begin to give you a glimpse of a few of the things we were able to see and experience.

1. Costa Rican Christian Television! No make-up, no big-hair and unfortunately, no Carmen!  Oh well!  On Tuesday we were in studio for a 30 minute television show.  We were asked many questions about Youth Ministry.  It looks like Youthmark may be playing a key-role in a national Youth Leaders Conference in 2011. The guy on my right is Ronald, he was the talk-show host.

2. Blessings! It seems each day we were gone for many hours; but the longest day was Monday, we drove to a coastal town where we met Fernando. Several months ago this Christian leader discovered he had cancer, the doctors now give him just a few months to live.  We visited him in the morning and discovered he and his wife are sleeping on the floor (with a 1970’s mattress on the ground).  He is in great pain (especially his back).  We left spent the rest of the day visiting many others, driving hours away.  But Fernando stayed on our minds. On the way back we stopped and got an Orthopedic mattress and surprised them by returning and presenting him with the mattress.  In a quiet moment several minutes after we gave the gift, I found Fernando overwhelmed and crying on his new bed, praising God.  He said, “God is so good to me, I can’t believe how good He is to me…I believe God will heal me, I will continue to serve Him.”    I promised Fernando that we would have many back in the states praying for him.  Would you please lift up Fernando right now?

It was reported to us the next day that he had a VERY good night sleep!

3. Church! Many of you know I am a BIG fan of the book of Acts.  This trip to Costa Rica felt very “early-church” to me.  On Sunday we got to experience two church services.  I was asked on Saturday evening to preach on Sunday morning at a church about 90 minutes away.  What an honor!  The worship was pure and genuine.  We were so blessed by this humble setting.  An 11  by 45 foot room is what I’d guess.  In the afternoon I was asked to preach the message again at our second church back in San Jose, during worship I was led to change up my message, Erick confirmed that each message was the right one for the two different congregations.  The second house-church was truly that, 30 people gathered in a 14 by 14 room.  I thoroughly enjoyed how  well they loved each other and devoted themselves to the things of Acts 2:42-47.  After church we shared life, watching the Costa Rican National Football (soccer) team play on TV.

I can’t wait to share more.  God is at work in Costa Rica.  I am happy that He is blessing several from the US to join Him there this summer.

Grace,
Brian

I’ve Seen It All… Almost.

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

Today, I returned from an incredible six-days in Costa Rica.  God taught me much, maybe too much.  I was consistently blown away by evidence of His grace and proof of man’s depravity.

One moment I was laughing with friends Mac, Erick and Anthony and the next we were silent as we pondered the reality that that girl we just passed was just used by a man so that she could support her drug addiction.  I experienced such genuine worship with people I had never met, was fed by a family who probably spent one-weeks wages just to feed the four of us touring (and they wouldn’t have it any other way) and was in awe of God for the beauty of the surrounding mountains, beaches and people.  God used us to bless others, but I was far more blessed by others.

I will process this trip for many days.  In reality, it has once again driven me further down the path of Mission51.  I firmly believe that we MUST train Christians to reach their own home-town. God used us to bless the Costa Rican people, but because we don’t know the culture, the language and the needs we are most effective in encouragement.  However, I watched native CR blievers, reach out and speak into the lives of non-believing nationals.  So it is with us; teens trained to reach their own campus, club, community and even their own church!

We are hoping that many others will join us not just in Costa Rica, but in places like Rockaway Beach, OR; Council, ID; Tijuana, Mexico; Vulcan, Alberta, Canada, Native reservations in AZ and inner city Seattle to name a few.  We need your prayers, God will send people out for one week, but 51 weeks at home is where the REAL mission is!  At Youthmark I simply want to provide training for Mission51, how cool is it that at times he wants us to see other stuff?  I know I haven’t “seen it all” yet, but this week I saw a lot more, now I get to apply it at home!  Speaking of home; oh how happy I am to be snuggling my family once again!

Grace,
Brian

Fast Friday

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Yep, it’s been a bit busy; there have been a number of times I’ve wanted to post, but then other pressing needs forced my hand (or at least forced my hands away from the blog).

Here are a few fast thoughts for this Friday…

New Ministry: I started teaching the College-Age Gathering on Sunday mornings at my church (Faith).  Great start!  The entire church is doing Francis Chan’s Crazy Love.  I’m looking forward to deepening the relationships with these young adults!  It’s great to have my friend Dusty teaching with me!

Old Ministry, New Role: I’ve been working with Young Life for the last three years at Kentridge High (my alma mater).  We’ve had the last 5 weeks off of regular “club” and we kick things back up this week.  Our staff meeting last Monday was awesome and I look forward to getting back to a regular beat with these students.  I’m taking on a new role as well; Sunday evenings we have a deeper discipleship time (Campaigners) that I’ll be facilitating!

Former Ministry, Great Friend: Miki was one of our former leaders at my last church I was Youth Pastoring at; we had the honor of having her over for dinner the other night!  It was so great to catch up with her!  She’s a blessing to us!

Current Ministry, Big Stuff.

Things are going well at Youthmark, in the next few days we’ll be rolling out a few changes and additions, I’m excited about these things.  Prayer is appreciated as we are hoping for more teams to partner with!  Currently we’re setting up relationships with host towns, planning spring retreat materials and talking with potential church partners who have not yet chosen training or trips for this spring and summer!  It’s not too late! Jump on the Mission51 train!

That was the fast Friday, hoping for a slow-Saturday!

Grace,

Brian

Christmas Gift from Youthmark

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

Merry Christmas from the Aaby family and Youthmark!

Since you found yourself perusing the web and came across my blog, go ahead, sit back, relax and take in a couple minutes of highlights from the Live and Love Loudly Spring Tour 2010.

A big thank you to Francisco Santana for the edit work on the video (he composed and performed the music as well).

2011 is going to be a big year for us! This year’s Spring Retreat, Together! is going to be quite the event… I’ll be leaking some of the info as the dates approach, but you won’t know what you’re going to get until you’re there!

Merry Christmas!

Grace,

Brian

Some Cool Stuff

Brian Aaby Leave a comment

As I start the new week I’m  excited about the week that was.

A couple noteworthy items…

Last Wednesday our family converged on Halle and Audrey’s school to watch them both in their school spelling bee.  The First graders went first and Audrey made it through her first two practice rounds and the first two rounds of the actual bee; she unfortunately missed her word in the third round, but finished in 6th!  A couple hours later it was time for the Third graders to go at it.  I couldn’t believe some of the words Halle (and her friends were given).  One word Halle was given, I had never even heard before: “baronial.” We nervously watched and cheered her on through the first few rounds, it got way more intense as she made the top 7, then 5, then 3… all the way to the first place!  After the new year she’ll be representing all the 3rd graders at her school as she heads to the regional event!  Way to go Halle!

Late in the week I received a weekly email from YMToday.com.  I was very excited to see that they selected one of my blogs as their Featured Article.  Very cool!  Here is a link to it if you’d like to read (or re-read since it was on my blog a few weeks ago).

In addition, I did the finish work on both Anywhere: The Mission Prep Workbook and this year’s Leader’s Guide.  These are both off to the publishers for actual print/production now!  Yay!

Last, we received some brand-new registrations this last week at Youthmark, I love getting return churches, because these friends really “get” Youthmark and Mission51, but I have to say that it is really exciting to have some new folk jump on the the Youthmark train!  Welcome teams!

Here’s to a new week!

Grace,
Brian

Three-For-Thursday: New Youthmark things

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It seems we’re either gearing up for something or winding down from that last something.  In our families it’s stuff like the school year, the holidays, family vacation, or a sports season.  In ministry it’s the program year, that camp, the mission trip, graduation and a few others!  As soon as we get done winding down, we’re gearing up for the next, sometimes we never get to wind down!  As I wind down from the fall tour of lunches and put the final touches on the writing projects I’m “gearing up” for some great stuff ahead…

For today’s Three-For-Thursday, I am going to share three things I am very excited about that we’re “Gearing Up” for  at Youthmark!

  1. Costa Rica! Last year we had our first “international” mission trip to Mexico through a large group that did a select package with Youthmark.  Well, this year we’re launching not only Mexico, but also Costa Rica!  Having been there once and I have  second scout trip planned for January I can simply say that there is no shortage of need there.  These trips are going to be so transformational for both the communities served but also for the teams serving.
  2. Together: Spring Retreat! Our first two years of spring retreats have been amazing, as the preliminary plans are being formed for the 2011 Spring Retreat I can simply say that once again it will be so different but equally awesome!  Joe Poppino will be back for worship, but this time we’re also bringing in The Admission. Joe will bring his singer-song writer-worship leader expertise to help mentor them as a new band!  In addition the training will be over-the-top creative!  I can’t wait to reveal these new aspects!  The theme is “Together” as we’ll concentrate on how often the Lord uses many “together” to bring people to Himself!
  3. The MPW & Leaders Guide! Brand-new this year is the added element of 10 lessons we’ve outlined in the Leader’s Guide so that the entire Youth Group can learn about Mission51. We don’t want anyone in the group to miss out on the opportunity to be a missionary here and now!  On top of that I am so excited about the materials in the Mission Prep Workbook entitled Anywhere. There are 10 studies (for the individuals training) and 10 PODs (Practice of Discipleship).  I think it is by far the best we’ve done so far.

If you haven’t seen this years stuff, you can click here for a preview.  I am VERY excited about all the places we’re sending folk, but to be honest I’m even more thrilled to hear about the “at home” stuff that I continue to hear, read and see with groups that have gone with Youthmark in the past!

Please pray for even more groups to sign up with Youthmark for a mission trip or for our new “A La Carte” options that allow groups to still use our training materials that already know where they are going or already have a sending agency they are working with.  Mission is not just there!  Mission is not just here!  It is ANYWHERE!

Grace,

Brian