More that 225 people gathered from places far and near to learn more about Youth Encounter’s International Team ministry.  After dinner and warm conversation, guests enjoyed a video slideshow with highlights of Youth Encounter’s 2002-2003 ministry year. 
 
Rev. Hal Stoa recognized Youth Encounter’s Heritage Society Members, each of who has contributed $10,000 or more to Youth Encounter’s ministry or has included Youth Encounter in their estate plans. 
 
Rev. Chuck Lindquist, General Director of the World Mission Prayer League (www.wmpl.org) encouraged the audience, “Nilikuonyesha nyota na uliangalia kidole tu.” which is Swahili for “I pointed out to you the stars and all you saw was the tip of my finger.”  He emphasized that despite fears of terrorism and disease, Youth Encounter must continue its mission to strengthen the international church through the Christian faith and ministry of its youth.
 
Numerous friends were present from Tanzania, including two very special guests, Her Excellency, Mrs. Anna Josephine Mkapa, the First Lady of Tanzania, and Bishop Peter Mwamasika of the Dodoma Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania.  Each spoke some words of greeting and inspiration.  Youth Encounter President, Rev. Dr. Larry Dean Johnson, presented Her Excellency Mkapa with a check for $45,609, representing donations by young people attending Youth Encounter Congresses and Quakes, to help build The Children’s Village for AIDS orphans in Tanzania.  Former U.S. Senator Rod Grams was also present. 
 
Johnson shared stories of Youth Encounter’s international ministry from 1965 to the present.  Youth Encounter teams have shared the good news with millions of people in more than 40 countries across six continents.  For example, Marti Huss was inspired by the ministry of her son, John, who served on both Captive Free and Watermark, to spend her summers teaching overseas.  She now she has spent 12 summers teaching in Togo and China. 
 
Cross Fire alumni opened the event by leading a processional with Swahili singing and drumming.  Tanzanian Boniface Kombo, along with five Americans, is currently serving with Youth Encounter’s Rainbow of Promise team. The team has just returned from four months of ministry in India and Nepal, and shared its rhythmic and spirited music in the Telugu, Tamil, and English languages. 
 
Rev. Lindquist’s speech was sponsored by Bob Burns and Albrecht and Co. and general sponsorship funds were provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans - Northwest Minneapolis Chapter.
 
Brett Koopman, Vice President of Development, offered guests an opportunity to participate in Youth Encounter’s International ministry by making a financial contribution.  Youth Encounter received gifts totaling nearly $20,000.  If you would like to make a gift to support Youth Encounter’s national or international ministries, please click here: www.youthencounter.org/about_ye/contribute.asp.  If you have further questions contact Brett Koopman in our office.