@ Youth Encounter

On August 14, 2004, hundreds of people gathered at Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley, Minnesota to celebrate Youth Encounter’s life-changing ministry. Larry Dean Johnson, President of Youth Encounter, shared that during the 2003-2004 ministry year, Youth Encounter proclaimed Christ in 260,000 transformational encounters in the U.S.A., Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America.

The day kicked off with the first Homecoming concert. We heard two songs from several Captive Free teams, and Watermark-Denmark and Kindred shared stories and songs from their overseas ministry in Denmark, and Bolivia and Peru, respectively.
[CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY]

Youth Encounter Presents Thirteen Ministry Teams for Commissioning
The 2004-05 Ministry Year Begins
by Youth Encounter

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very ends of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20, The Great Commission

You are invited to join us as we celebrate the commissioning of thirteen new Youth Encounter Teams. Please join us as we support these young people who will be ministering for a year in the United States, Canada, Ecuador, Venezuela, Denmark, Australia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Taiwan, and the Philippines. The concert will also include a group from Australia called Ignate who are participating in Youth Encounter Team Training this year.

Friday, September 17, 2004
7:00 p.m.

Roseville Lutheran Church
1215 W Roselawn Ave
Roseville, MN 55112
(651) 487-7752

Please call Youth Encounter with any questions (1-800-65-YOUTH).

The 2004-05 Event Season is Just Around the Corner!
Get Answers to Some Frequently Asked Questions
by Jennifer Noyes

Can you believe it is already the last month of summer? The close of summer means that the first registration deadline is just around the corner for this year’s incredible Junior High Quakes and Senior High Construction Zones! Wow!

Now I know you might have some questions, so I’ve created your very own Frequently Asked Questions page within this article. Keep reading for more information!
[CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY]

Reflections 2004-2005
Teamers Remember as They Complete a Year of Ministry

“As the year of ministry with Watermark draws to a close, two years of my life [are] coming to close... a beginning, and a continuation. Two years ago I would have never thought I would be where I am at right now. I have met thousands of people, stayed at hundreds of homes, been to over fifteen states, seen five different countries. I've partnered in ministry with thousands, and ten people on a constant basis for the past two years. I've met and been with some friends for life, and I've also met and been with some people who I unfortunately may never see or talk to again in this life. I have stayed with host families who forever will be planted in my heart. So many experiences. It's been a roller coaster ride with ups, downs, straights and differences. God has truly revealed Himself to me through many people and places over the past two years and while the ministry with team is coming to close for eighty-some individuals this year, the ministry continues."
[CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY]

Side By Side Global Work Crews 2004
A Summer of Adventure Overseas
www.sidebysidegwc.org
by Emma Kasiga

All is Well That Ends Well…

Okay, maybe that title is a bit of an exaggeration… There are a few things that did not go well with the Side By Side Crews this year. And by that, I mean travel glitches. But who has ever gone overseas without a few “adventures” here and there? If anything, those adventures are what makes traveling memorable and fun… and in this case, a chance to see God working...

I hope I have made you curious by now, because it is definitely worth re-telling it over and over again. The summer was really, really, really filled with those “let go, and let God” moments through and through. And it all began in June of 2004...
[CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY]

Spoke Folk 2004 Memories
Participants Share the Impact of Youth Encounter's Unique Touring Ministry
by Eric Arundel

Well, another year of Spoke Folk--Youth Encounter's summer ministry of biking, music, and relationships--is at an end and what a year it was! God has touched so many lives this year in so many amazing ways. But I’ll let the people who toured speak for themselves…

“The most amazing experience a person will ever have the chance of doing… Spoke Folk is one big family that you will always have love for. The focus isn’t on yourself--it’s on God, others and then yourself.” Amanda Charles, Minnesota 04

“Everything about Spoke Folk was awesome. I love the people and all of the experiences. It’s really good to know other youth that are filled with love for God.” Chelsea Taylor, Minnesota 04

“The Spoke Folk experience is one filled of laughter, joy, memories, friends and life experiences. But most of all you experience God in a way you never have before.” Stephanie Tice, Wisconsin 04
[CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY]

Jonathan Rundman Releases a New CD
"Public Library" is Now Available!
www.jonathanrundman.com
by Youth Encounter

“Musically confident and emotionally vulnerable. His lyrics are refreshing and pleasantly unusual.”
BILLBOARD

“Exploring charged-up power pop, alternative country, classical and sacred music structures, new wave, and other experimental instrumentation within an acoustic rock framework, Rundman has garnered much acclaim, and for good reason.”
SILICON VALLEY METRO

“Do we really need another singer/songwriter who rambles on about life, love, politics, and the pursuit of happiness? When he is as melodically crafty and lyrically sharp as Jonathan Rundman, the answer is an enthusiastic ‘yes!’”
THE ROCKET, Seattle

Youth Encounter alum Jonathan Rundman has just released a new CD, Public Library. Jonathan kindly took some time recently to answer a few questions about his latest release, his artistic style and life as a new Dad. Just click below to read the full interview (and don’t forget to check out his website, www.jonathanrundman.com).
[CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY]

Youth Encounter Global Offering 03-04 Makes Impact
Care of Widows, Cows for Kids
by Brett Koopman

Every year, Youth Encounter receives an offering at Events that goes to help an overseas ministry serving disadvantaged children. We are pleased to announce that we raised $60,366 to support the Care of Widows, Cows for Kids project through the generosity of 20,000 event participants during our 2003-2004 season.

The project is a partnership with Wheat Ridge Ministries and the India Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELC) to purchase cows for women who are widowed in India.

Dr. Richard Bimler, president of Wheat Ridge Ministries, recently shared his thanks for this partnership. "To have young people, through Youth Encounter, respond to this help and hope project to the extent that they did is a remarkable witness of how God is working through youth in these exciting times," Bimler said. "It also speaks loudly about the dedicated and positive ministry styles that Youth Encounter staff are modeling for both youth and adults in the 21st century. Thanks to all of the youth and adults who have participated in this powerful witness to the Gospel of Christ Jesus. We look forward to continuing to share health and hope in the name of the healing Christ with all of you!"
[CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY]

Exciting New Resources from Youth Encounter!
04-05 Ministry Teams Launch a New Resource
by Ryan Veil

This is an exciting time for Youth Encounter. With the kick-off of the new ministry year and with our new Construction Zones (www.constructionzone.org) this is shaping up to be an amazing year of ministry. With changes in staff, teams, and programming comes change in our resources. Check out our online store in the coming weeks as our new products become available. Visit www.youthencounter.org and click on “store” to view our products. There are EIGHT NEW T-shirts this year, NEW beanie hats, NEW necklaces, and lots of other NEW items. Check and check often for all the latest Youth Encounter gear.

YOU ASKED FOR THEM, YOU GOT THEM! This year, all 13 teams (8 Captive Free & 5 International teams) will be recording their own CDs. That’s right, 13 NEW CDs this year! They will not be available online. You can purchase them directly from the teams or by sending $13 to the address below. Please designate which team’s CD you want, a shipping address, and please keep in mind that the CDs will be available in January. Pre-order now! For family & friends of the teams, there are discounts on the CDs if purchased in quantity. Please contact Ryan at sales@youthencounter.org for more information.

God bless you all on this wonderful day. Thank you for your continued support of our ministry.

TELL A FRIEND