I wanted to send you a report of all that has happened this year, enabled in great part by Faith’s generosity and trust in us! Also, I wanted you to see it in pictures, because words can only say so much. If you recall, your gift was used to fuel a few things: Plan A: A year of deepened discipleship, the 100°C Leadership Conference, Port: Youth Ministry Resource Hub, and The Growth Academy.
Plan A 2023-2024
This is our discipleship program, in which Josiah Venture Poland staff and Plan A alumni (Pauls), invite “Timothies” into a year-long discipleship experience, including 3 weekend events with all the pairs together. Each Timothy also leads 1-2 disciples throughout the year.
We had 25 pairs this year, which means 25 young leaders were intentionally discipled and equipped to make disciples, AND 25+ young people were discipled by these Timothies this year. We estimate about 75 people were discipled this year as a part of Plan A.
Thanks the funds we received from you, we were able to pay for all of the pairs to come to these weekend events, and meet with their Pauls every 2 weeks.
Here is what one participant wrote about his time:
- For me, the Plan A relationship with Paul was a big leap forward. Through this relationship, I learned how to have conversations with others so that I could listen and build them up effectively. In addition, I had a safe space to share my difficulties and challenges, but there was also room to celebrate successes together. This is something that is hard to get in the ministry, so this helped me develop into a more confident person. Also, I entered a new level of responsibility before myself and before God. I can see how significant this is, but also how much fruit later comes from it. I am extremely grateful for Plan A – it was a big leap forward in ministry, self-development and, above all, deepening my relationship with Jesus.
100°C Leadership Conference
We had over 130 leaders from over 30 churches across the country in attendance at this year’s youth leadership conference. This is one of 2 events specifically for youth leaders offered in the whole country, and the other one is only for leaders in a specific denomination. For most leaders, this is the highest level of formal training they receive.
Our topic this year was Alongside (Obok in Polish – it sounds cooler), and we focused on equipping leaders in basic lay-counseling skills, like active listening, asking good questions, being truly present, and when to refer. We placed a high emphasis on practicing – each person had turns counseling, being counseled, and observing others.
Here’s what a few leaders told us about the conference:
– This conference made me aware of the fact that even if everything is okay at first glance, it does not mean that these people are not suffering inside and that they need to be helped, and I even learned how to do it!
– 100°C is an incredible investment in yourself and your development.
– It was very worth it! I found the lectures very valuable, giving concrete skills, and very accessible. Also valuable for me was the time in the triads, where we could practice practically and share thoughts, as well as support each other. I enjoyed being in such a Divine family and talking to such cool people having similar experiences.
– It is worth coming to this conference because the best people are there, and it is very encouraging to be with other leaders who understand you and your situation.
– I now know how to build deeper relationships with people who are suffering, how to be a help to them. I have a new perspective of how important it is for others to be able to see God’s character and heart in us.
– I learned that even when I don’t know what to say and feel awkward Jesus is always ALONGSIDE me.
FalaPort: Youth Ministry Resource Hub
We developed a website with resources for youth leaders during COVID, and we are putting effort into continuing to fill it with more resources that both meet the needs of youth leaders and drive thinking about youth ministry and discipleship deeper.
Our podcasts and resources have reached over 150 youth leaders.
Thanks to your donation, we were able to hire a content writer and podcast producer, and we will also be able to pay specialists to write some concrete articles related to youth ministry in their field of expertise. As an example, we recorded a set of 4 podcasts with Polish Christian mental health specialists, each dealing with a specific mental health issue. Youth leaders would not have access to quality and reliable content from the perspective of youth leaders like this in Polish anywhere else.
AND, you also helped us have seed money for Plan A 2024/25 and 100°C 2025!
We anticipate having about 30 pairs involved in Plan A this year, and we are ramping up some of the materials and Paul-equipping this year. I am so excited to see what God does in the lives of these 30 Timothies, as well in the lives of their disciples.
We are hard at prayer deciding what topic to tackle for this year’s leadership conference. The needs are many, but we are planning on placing an emphasis on workshops this year. I really think this year’s conference will be hugely fruitful for the whole of Polish youth ministry.
