YU Magazine | Winter 2015

YOUTHUNLIMITED MAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

IMPACT REPORT LOOKING BACK: 2014 MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS | LOOKING FORWARD: WHAT GOD IS DOING FOR 2015

We’d Love To Connect; Why Wait?

A DDR ES S: 1 3 3 3 AL G ER ST. SE, G RA ND RAPIDS, M I 49507 P HO N E: 6 1 6 . 2 4 1 . 5616 EXT. 3038 FA X: 616.264.6682 2 |FALL 2014

Contents OPENING NOTE: letter from the executive director........... pg. 3 FACES OF YOUTH UNLIMITED ............................................. pg. 4 food for thought ............................................................. pg. 6 YOUTH UNLIMITED STAFF PICKS ....................................... pg. 7

YOUTH UNLIMITED | Winter 2015 Youth Unlimited has a rich 90 year history of assisting churches ministering to youth. Birthed out of the Christian Reformed Church, Youth Unlimited remains committed to the reformed perspective while serving alongside congregations of any denomination. We strongly believe that the local church is the tool God is using to reveal himself to this world, and we are blessed to partner with congregations to offer faith-forming experiences that reach this generation of youth for Jesus Christ!

This informational magazine is printed in the United States as a free resource to churches across North America. It is published triannually by Youth Unlimited, Grand Rapids, MI.

Design & Publication Director | Jim Bowerman Contributing Writers | Youth Unlimited Staff

your story and god’s glory ........................................ pg. 8 SERVE 2015 ......................................................................... pg. 10

Cover Photo Credit | Ajax, ON Serve Site 2014 Editor | Mandi Grasmeyer USA | Postmaster, please send undeliverable copies and address changes to:

LIVE IT 2015 ........................................................................ pg. 18 2014 impact report ....................................................... pg. 23

Youth Unlimited 1333 Alger Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Canada | Canada Post International Sales Agreement

#41124116. Please send undeliverable copies and address changes to:

Not sure what these boxes are?

They are QR codes: two-dimensional barcodes that can be read by smart phones.

Own a smart phone?

Youth Unlimited PO Box 1100 Norwich, ON N0J 1P0

THE YOUTH UNLIMITED TEAM: Executive Director:

2. Scan the code.

Jeff Kruithof 616.241.5616 ext. 3043 jeff@youthunlimited.org

Hold your phone over the code and use its camera

Missions Director:

and a QR app to read the QR code.

1. Download the app.

3. Enjoy!

The QR code will direct you to a site, a video, music,

photo or other goody.

4. No smart phone?

Look for the link at the bottom of the page.

Jerry Meadows 616.241.5616 ext. 3040 jerry@youthunlimited.org

Program Coordinator:

Alesha Schut 616.241.5616 ext. 3038 alesha@youthunlimited.org

Design & Brand Manager: Jim Bowerman 616.241.5616 ext. 3039 jim@youthunlimited.org

Communications and Finance Administrator: Mandi Grasmeyer 616.241.5616 ext. 3046 mandi@youthunlimited.org youthunlimited.org

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Students, Churches & Faith-Forming Experiences opening note:

I

n a recent issue of a Youth Ministry magazine, I read Ned Erickson’s description of a relational (youth ministry) economy…

• A round of Frisbee golf = a month of meetings • A milkshake out = a month of meetings • A day hike, camping trip or a weekend retreat = a semester of meetings • A weeklong camp or mission trip = a year of meetings Over the years, I’ve heard many youth leaders place a very high value on taking students away from home as part of their strategic plan to help students meet Jesus and become more mature disciples of Christ. As someone who has spent his entire life after college involved in youth ministry, I completely agree. It seems that these mission trip, convention or camp type experiences have the ingredients needed for the Holy Spirit to do a mighty work in a student’s life. Maybe this is because students get taken out of their daily routines and distractions of life and are given time to read God’s Word and discuss it with others as well as pray, worship and even serve others! Imagine if we were given the space to do these things every day of our lives. What impact would that have on our work place, our families, our churches, our schools and world?

Each fall, the Youth Unlimited team is intentional about stopping to reflect on the student and leader testimonies from the Serve and Live It experiences. It’s so exciting, humbling and gratifying to read what the Holy Spirit did in their lives.

God is so good! Here are just a couple of the many testimonies from this summer: I was struggling so much with my faith in Christ, not feeling close to him or significant to him, but this week helped me remember that I am vital in Christ.

God does not make mistakes, and he made me.

As you find yourself in the middle of the youth ministry year, may your passion and commitment continue to be as strong as it was at the beginning!

Humbled and grateful to partner with you in youth ministry, Jeff Kruithof Executive Director

–Gallatin Valley Serve Student Participant At the beginning, I thought I was just going to help someone, but in the end, I realized I learned so much about God and myself and about what it means to be someone with a disability. I really learned how through God’s eyes everyone is equal.

–Winnipeg Special Needs Serve Mentor With this issue of the Youth Unlimited Magazine, my hope is you feel our heart and passion to serve and provide life and eternity changing experiences for your students. Be sure to also check out the 2014 Impact Report in the back.

JEFF KRUITHOF

has 17 years of experience in non-profit leadership and a love for God’s work through the local church.

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FACES OF YOUTH UNLIMITED KANDACE BRANDS Serving and volunteering on a Youth Unlimited planning team is a huge commitment, why do you do it?

For the lives being touched for Christ!

I know this is the obvious answer, but truly it is our heart of the planning team. It is not about the work that we accomplish through the week. It is about relationships. It is about seeing people in their humanness. It is about reaching out to the needs of people right here around us. It is about just being with others and learning from each other, growing together in life.

If your fellow planning team members described you in five words or less, what would they say?

Organized, committed, timely, planner and willing.

Why should a youth worker take students to your event?

We truly believe that our event has nothing to do with us as a planning team, organizing the event, but about what God wants to do through us at our event. This last year, we thought we had the best event planned, and then God just completely changed it. It turned out better than what we could ever imagine!

We were so blessed and blown away by our meager offering. We felt like the little boy who offered two small fish and five loaves and bread and it fed the multitudes. So if your group would like to join some humble people who are hoping 4 |FALL 2014

to serve others in our community with the help of the Holy Spirit, come on out to Prairie Serve 2015!

What’s your favorite part of the event?

Hands down, my favorite part of Prairie Serve is the last night worship time. It was such a blessing to hear the student’s and leader’s testimonies from the week. So many lives were touched and blessed through our week. It was so great to hear the end result of all the work put into planning, and it was so worth all the time and effort!

What is one website that you visit every day?

I know my answer should be something about youth ministry, but honestly it is probably Facebook.

BARRY FOSTER What does a typical weekday look like when you’re not leading or planning for a Youth Unlimited experience?

Weekends are packed with outreach Saturday events and three worship services on Sunday. Although I don’t preach on a regular basis I do take part in worship leadership. A big part of what I do on weekends is making sure all our “systems” are functioning well for our many community guests. From greeters in the parking lot to the time people leave worship and head home we strive to make their worship experience as memorable, meaningful and Godhonoring as possible..

What is your favorite part of a Youth Unlimited Serve experience?

I love the testimonies – hearing what God is doing in the lives of the students as they venture into experiences out of their comfort zone. So often they come to Serve somewhat reserved and afraid to jump in. By Wednesday, you start hearing stories of what God is doing in their lives.

Serving and volunteering on a Youth Unlimited planning team is a huge commitment, why do you do it?

I do it because it is through experiences like Serve that God can touch the lives of students and impact their lives for eternity.

Why should a youth worker consider bringing their students to the Roselawn, Indiana Serve Site?

Roselawn Serve will be ready to maximize your student’s mission trip experience. Our team focuses on helping students grow their faith while serving others. We strive to find work projects that are meaningful and allow the students to connect with local residents.

Where would you like to travel someday?

Nature and animal photography is my thing so I love the national parks. I hope to visit Alaska on a photography adventure some day.

DAWN KLEIN What does a typical weekday look like when you’re not leading or planning for a Youth Unlimited experience?

Well, I am up early to get my kids off to school. Then I make a cup of coffee and spend some time in God’s word & in prayer. As a youth group leader this is also the time that I organize Bible lessons and events for our church youth group.

Next are house chores & errands. Then, once the kids are home from school and settled it’s off to work for me. I am a dance teacher & choreographer. I teach & choreograph for children ages 2-18. I am very blessed to be able to use my God given talents and make a living doing something I love to do!

Why should a youth worker consider bringing their students to Youth Unlimited’s Live It experience?

Live It is a powerful, life-changing event. Your youth groupers will grow in their relationship with God. They will learn to use their talents to serve him.

They will make lasting friendships with fellow Christians from across the United States. Their hearts and souls will be filled with the love of Christ. Their lights will burn brighter than ever before!

What’s your favorite part of the Live It eperience?

I’m never without ______________ while the Live It is taking place?

My Bible, my phone, a cup of coffee, a smile and a hug to share.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done for the sake of youth or youth ministry?

Anyone who knows me is aware of the fact that though I enjoy singing, I am not very good at it! I have never let the quality of my voice hold me back. I sing loud and proud with joy in my heart, all for the glory of our Lord. It is also not unusual to see me break out into a little dance while singing every now and then. Some may think I am being foolish, but I want our youth groupers to know that you don’t need an angelic voice to worship our Lord with song. He knows what’s in our heart and simply wants us to worship him. I believe that if they can see (and hear) me singing then maybe they will loose their inhibitions and worship our Lord and Savior with that same joy!

Pictured above, from left to right, are: Barry Foster, Dawn Klein and Kandace Brands.

ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH US HERE AT YOUTH UNLIMITED? BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE YOUTH UNLIMITED BLOG TO READ UP ON POWERFUL TESTIMONIES, GET THE LATEST YOUTH UNLIMITED UPDATES AND SHARE YOUTH MINISTRY IDEAS. Want to contribute to the blog? Contact us at blog@youthunlimited.org with your testimony, idea or story to be featured on the blog. We’d love to share what you’re doing with others.

YOUTHUNLIMITED.ORG/BLOG

Let us know if you’d like to be interviewed for a future issue of the Youth Unlimited Magazine at interview@youthunlimited.org

When all of the teens and their leaders are together for worship. It is an awesome experience. You can feel the holy spirits presence just washing over them. It is so powerful and real that it has brought me to tears in the past. youthunlimited.org | 5

ABOUT FAITH FORMING EXPERIENCES

BY JERRY MEADOWS

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aving just finished a humongous fudge-like brownie one night around 10:00 pm, I was inspired to write about youth conventions, mission trips, camps, retreats and the like.

Earlier that day, I had a well-balanced meal complete with a side salad, broccoli and a great main course full of protein in the shape of a pulled pork sandwich.

Therefore, my decision on the brownie was based on a desire to feed my sweet tooth. The brownie was so rich, I was enticed to have coffee with it (did I mention it was 10:00 pm?) and then couldn’t sleep, thus, the analogy and the writing of this article.

When you plan to take your youth group on a faith-forming trip, what form of spiritual nourishment does it take?

The fudge-like brownie?

This type of nourishment is full of empty calories that give a rush for a short time then leave students feeling down and spiritually sluggish after the superficial energy wears off. Does your faith-forming trip create spiritual cavities, holes of disillusionment, that need to be repaired later?

The garnish?

No one eats that leaf placed on the plate for decoration. On a dare, I have watched many 13-year-olds eat it and

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wince with regret. When a youth group trip is placed on the calendar because it’s a tradition or an expectation, it can be a great looking symbol but lack substance, leaving a bitter taste. Make sure it is on the calendar because of God’s leading or don’t put it on at all.

The impact of a faith-forming experience can be measured by how much it compliments or supplements the long term objectives of your ministry.

The main course?

I might pity this situation more than the others mentioned so far because so many eggs are in this basket (sorry to introduce breakfast into the analogy – now I’m hungry again). The youth leaders with this mentality believe the short experience stands on its own.

Their group goes, grows and comes back, but the experience isn’t tied into anything before or after. The trip was viewed as a complete spiritual meal like a TV dinner – just pop the students into the microwave discipleship of a van ride, confined space and compressed relationships then return them to everyday life.

A compliment or supplement?

Here’s where I think the experience (or event) belongs. You serve up main courses all through the year – at youth group meetings, bible studies, Sunday services, Profession of Faith classes,

etc. Through mentoring relationships and service opportunities, in their own community, students have wellrounded, regular “meals”. They even get the dessert or fast food now and then as you live life in community as Christ-followers. Then, the faith-forming event is a supplement or a compliment to their spiritual intake. It’s meant to give them a boost so you make the most of the momentum, integrating what they learned from new ideals and experiences into every day life.

They can take this supplement four to five times per year through mission trips like Serve, attending a convention like Live It and then your own fall retreat or camps as well.

The ideal is that your students would enjoy full spiritual meals with you every week of the year.

“The impact of a

faith forming experience can be measured by how much it compliments or supplements the long term objectives of your ministry.”

YO U T H U N L I M I T E D STA F F P I C KS : Mandi: (Website) shaunaniequist.com: Shauna Niequist is one of my absolute favorite authors, and while I love her books, her blog is just as great. Shauna shares her life – triumphs, struggles, passions, family stories, recipes, etc. – with the rawest of honesty. Her transparent approach makes her seem like my next-door neighbor. I’ve laughed with her, I’ve hurt with her, I’ve shared meals with her, I’ve connected with her – and I’ve only briefly met her once when she signed a copy of one of her books for me. Her blog is both an inspiration and a reminder that even a widely-known, published author can be silly, makes mistakes, endures hard times and rejoices over small, everyday victories.

Jerry: (Website) upliftmetoday.com: I’m a sucker for a good story. I love hearing them and I love telling them – anything that speaks of hope, joy, peace, perseverance, etc. I would love to see the world filled with the fruit of the Spirit, so when I can get a glimpse of someone in the world who is, I want to see and hear more. The founder of UpLifeMe, Nate Lee, works for ESPN, is a young 20-something and has a degree in journalism. He calls UpLiftMe, “purely a fun project I work on outside my job”. As early as grade 11 I knew what I wanted to do in life – my biggest priority was finding positive stories that had the opportunity to impact lives. Like Uplift Me Today on Facebook and spread some good news.

Alesha: (Magazine) Real Simple Magazine: As a newlywed, I’m settling into my new home with my husband, and it’s been wonderful to begin setting up our home together! I’ve been gathering many ideas in this process from Real Simple magazine, a fantastic read. While the magazine is full of useful and helpful information about home and life, it has also reminded me to live simply. We want our home to be a space that is inviting and allows the time to pour into relationships and others.

Jim: (Film) The Giver: Forgive me in advance for being late to the punch on this one and for not having read the book (I know, I know, the book is always better). However, I just saw The Giver, based on the 1993 novel of same name

by Lois Lowry. The movie stars one of my favorites, Jeff Bridges, in one of the key roles as well as Meryl Streep, Katie Holmes, Brenton Thwaites, Cameron Monaghan, Odeya Rush, Alexander Skarsgård and even a cameo by Taylor Swift. IMDB’s brief description says, “In a seemingly perfect community, without war, pain, suffering, differences or choice, a young boy is chosen to learn from an elderly man about the true pain and pleasure of the ‘real world’.” I loved the film. It is an excellent (and even family appropriate) movie with lots of spiritual undertones. I would sum up the premise of the movie by asking you this question: Would you be willing to give up free will and the capacity to

understand and feel emotions to live in a “perfect” world? In John 16:33 (NIV) Jesus says, “ … In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” I will take the joy and the pain. I find God uses both to grow me.

Jeff: (Person) Lisa Kruithof: I pick Lisa! Lisa was my one and only high school sweetheart.

She is the mother of my three daughters, my wife of nearly 20 years and the love of my life. As I’m sure you are aware, life and ministry gets busy and can become all-consuming. As Lisa and I navigate our way through the expectations of ministry and the schedules of growing children, we have made it a priority to find ways of kindling and re-kindling our love and focus on each other. For us, it’s vacations to Fort Myers Beach, cheese fries from Outback Steakhouse and flurries at Captain Sunday (without the girls). How about you? If you’re married, are you making sure your spouse feels more loved and valued than the students at church? Make sure they do!

Pictured above from left to right is: Jim, Alesha, Jerry, Mandi and Jeff. If you have a book, blog, website, music or anything that you would like us to check out, let us know at reviews@youthunlimited.org

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YOUR STORY AND GOD’S GLORY

BY JERRY MEADOWS

C

atching a glimpse of what God is doing across North America would be instantly overwhelming. It could be like what Moses experienced on the mountaintop (Exodus 33) when he asked to see God’s glory. In that passage, God agreed to show himself to a man, to a friend, but not in fullness.

Youth Unlimited has the incredible privilege of seeing a glimpse of God’s work each summer. All summer, we see, hear and experience the goodness of God displayed in the power of the Gospel through congregations and youth groups that are advancing the Gospel into their community and around the world.

Join us at Serve or Live It and you might catch a glimpse of: • The widow whose loneliness dissipates with the help of 12 students who didn’t just come to paint her garage but to help meet her social and emotional needs. She is cared for by a local church all year and this is tangible expression of that care.

• The man living on the streets who has a “home” in a congregation. Even though he lives under a bridge - he belongs. He worships weekly, depends

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on others for daily care and, most fulfilling, he is depended on by those in the congregation for the care he can give to them.

• The diverse congregation in a diverse setting effortlessly expressing body-like coordination and unity while beautifully highlighting the uniqueness of each ethnicity and each individual member.

• The mono-ethnic youth group in a mono-ethnic region that prays for and longs for relationships with a diverse congregation. While this group is culturally sensitive and accepting of others, their community just does not have diversity in ethnicity. They really do reach out beyond their four walls and their congregation really does reflect the spectrum of ethnic diversity of their region (none or very little), so to make relationships and learn, they invest time and money to travel.

• The girl who admits her eating disorder for the first time and, now that her secret is out, is willing to make a plan to deal with the roots of it.

• The single mom who is moving her children out of the shelter and into her first home with the help of the church

and the work force of students who came to a Serve week or participated in the Service Track of Live It. • The grade 12 student who realizes her college choice and career path can be used for Kingdom purposes.

• “That Guy” in the youth group who never entered into worship before and finds his expression during a week focused on Christ.

• The boy who struggles with selfesteem and self-condemnation, who,

by God’s grace, grasps freedom.

• The adult leader that is deeply moved.

• The pastor overjoyed because the youth group inspires the adult congregation.

Join us at Serve or Live It, and we are very sure you will catch a glimpse of The Church mobilized and the glory of God. You will see how your story and the story of your youth group is woven into the fabric of the North American Church and what God is doing down the street, across the continent and around the world the other 51 weeks of the year.

JULY 8-JULY 29, 2015 $550 PAR T ICIPAT ION FEE AL L O T HER EXPENSES PAID SCHOL ARSHIPS AVAIL ABL E

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2015 Serve Sites

S

erve Sites are a one-week mission experience hosted by a local church that requests 40 - 100 students from four or more Sending Churches to help with their community outreach and revitalization.

Huron, Ontario

Roselawn, Indiana

*Fruitland, Ontario (Special Needs)

Vanastra, Ontario is located on a former Royal Canadian Air Force station that was used for radar training. We’ll keep you more than busy at Serve doing deck repairs, painting, clearing trails for conservation areas, working at thrift stores, cleaning, doing yard work and possibly visiting the street ministry in London. Come and work with organizations such as the Huron County Food Banks, Soup & More, Christian Business Missions of Huron, Habitat for Humanity and others.

Roselawn is a small rural community with many residents working in the steel mills 25 miles north in Gary, Indiana. Join this outreach church totally dedicated to mobilizing the body of Christ to serve our community. When you come to Serve here, you’ll join a work already in progress, which will continue long after your week here is over. The hands-on aspect of the work will include many sites dedicated to home repairs in low-income housing.

Fruitland CRC is located in a rural part of Hamilton. It is a short distance to many highlighted spots, including Niagara Falls and Toronto. Fruitland CRC has many members that volunteer their time to many community outreach programs like VBS and, in the past, Alpha. There are many winter programs in the area including Friendship, and there are also many group homes for persons with disabilities. Fruitland is situated in an area in which there is a large population of people to draw from including the Niagara, Hamilton and the Greater Toronto areas.

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Brighton, Ontario

Ripon is located in the heart of California’s central valley and has a rich agricultural history. The host churches of Almond Valley and Immanuel CRC partner in many ministries and would love to have you come alongside of what God is doing in Northern California!

Drive through our community and you’ll see at least three things our church is passionate about: students, senior citizens and military families. Brighton, a quiet, clean and friendly small town is largely considered a retirement community. Still there is a great work to be done for Brighton’s youth. We invite you to work alongside us at a dropin centre for local youth or with New Life Girls Home, a Christian home for young women who struggle with many different life issues.

Houston, Texas Spring, Texas is a sprawling suburb of Houston and an area in transition, sandwiched between the low income Houston outskirts and the very white collar Woodlands, TX. Team up with New Life and be involved in their community outreach, participating in ministries involving adults with special needs and low-income neighborhoods.

Burlington, Ontario

*Special Needs Serve is for people ages 16-28 with special needs that cannot be accommodated at a traditional Serve site. The work projects will be tailored to the ability of the individual students, allowing them to experi-

Nestled between the western shores of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, Burlington is consistently voted one of the best places to live. Even with that, there are many hidden needs in the city that God is still revealing.

Seek to experience the transformational love of Christ in Burlington by bringing hope and healing through being the hands and feet of Jesus.

ence the joy that comes from serving others in the name of Christ. Participants are partnered with a peer who befriends and works alongside them for the five days.

More Sites Online!

LOCATIONS, DATES AND MORE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. VISIT YOUTHUNLIMITED.ORG FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE SITE INFORMATION

TO FOLLOW US AND SEE WHAT YOUR DONATION IS DOING AT YOUTH UNLIMITED, BE SURE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR E-NEWSLETTER at youthunlimited.org

Ripon, California

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2015 Custom Serve Sites C

ustom Serve gives you the chance work with Youth Unlimited to build your own Serve experience.

Youth Unlimited supplies the key values found in all of our faith-forming experiences while allowing youth leaders to customize certain elements to serve the unique vision of their group.

Crown Point, Indiana

Saskatchewan

Austin, Texas

Experience worksites in urban areas of South Chicago where many struggle with unemployment and the financial, social and emotional difficulties that come with it. Partner with agencies like Habitat for Humanity, NWI Food Bank, Roseland Christian Ministries and 2nd Like Resale, as well as others.

Come to Saskatchewan for a unique cultural experience, working alongside the Aboriginal population that influences every aspect of life in our community.

Many urban families are in need and you can help make their houses more like homes with some light maintenance, painting and the joy of Jesus Christ.

You’ll also work with the Indian Metis Christian Fellowship (CRC inner city native ministry) on children’s ministry opportunities and Food Bank assistance.

Deep in the heart of Texas, Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World” and has quirky shops and eclectic restaurants, but there is also lots of poverty, homelessness and class discrimination. Work alongside Sunrise Church to impact this community and learn how to love your own community and see others in the image of God.

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Prairie Expand your view of the world through Prairie Serve. Recent immigrants who are African, Latino and Southeast Asian make up our extended neighborhood.

This is also the home of a large number of Native People who constitute a diverse representation of social, economic and religious ways of life. The economic focus of this area is farming since the soil is as rich as the diversity. While urban and global poverty get much of the attention, rural poverty represents a unique challenge. It is pervasive and destructive to families and communities, and yet many of the resources and networks needed to address the significant issues associated with rural poverty (physical and emotional abuse, substance abuse, etc.) are under developed, under-funded or non-existent.

LOCATIONS, DATES AND MORE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. VISIT YOUTHUNLIMITED.ORG FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE SITE INFORMATION

Youth Unlimited offers Digital Resource Boxes for your Serve and Live It experiences. Our hope is that it will be like having a friend come alongside you to offer assistance as you prepare for your faith-forming experience. There are four, easy-to-use categories with downloads that will make planning your summer experience even better: Promotions, Registration, Leader Helps and Pre- and Post-Trip Resources.

YOUTHUNLIMITED.ORG/SERVE/RESOURCE-BOX/ YOUTHUNLIMITED.ORG/LIVEIT/RESOURCE-BOX/ youthunlimited.org | 15

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Serve Frequently Asked Questions How much does Serve cost?

Serve Sites start at $290 USD if registration is completed by March 31. Everything is included except transportation. After March 31, prices increase by $50 USD. A few sites vary on price depending on length of experience and transportation. Check our site descriptions online for specific details.

Will my group be split up?

Yes, the Host Team will place participants in work/small groups, intentionally splitting up those from the same church in order to promote community among the entire group.

Furthermore, in order to facilitate strong team building and build new interpersonal relationships, it is necessary that groups of 15 or more be divided between two or more Serve Sites.

If you want to keep your group together, check out the service track at Live It.

How do I register?

Step One: Reserve spots for a specific location beginning November 1 by placing a Deposit (a.k.a Pre-registration) of $50 per person. At this time, you will indicate your top three site location choices. You will only need to indicate the number of youth and adult spots at this time.

Step Two: After you receive your Confirmation Letter of your site placement, your group can then Register in full online by providing specific participant information.

When will I find out what mission trip I got into?

Please allow three to four weeks for your Deposit to be processed. You will receive written confirmation by mail and email.

What is the Serve Transportation Policy?

Registration fees do not include transportation to and from sites (except where noted). Any exception is noted on the Site Descriptions as “onsite transportation included”.

Each group must provide vehicle(s) and adult driver(s) to transport participants for the duration of the mission trip. If your group is unable to provide van transportation, please contact Youth Unlimited to discuss options and additional charges.

Are scholarships available?

Yes! Needs-based scholarships are available for Serve. Download a scholarship form from the Digital Resource Box and/or contact us for more information.

What about insurance?

Youth Unlimited carries secondary health insurance and liability insurance.

All insurance claims must be submitted to the participant’s individual insurance first. Youth Unlimited’s insurance will begin where the participant’s insurance ends for any medical expenses incurred while at the site. If a participant does not have insurance coverage, Youth Unlimited’s insurance becomes the primary coverage. Submitting a claim does not ensure that the insurance company will pay the claim. Participants are not covered while traveling to or from the mission experience. Check with your insurance provider to verify your coverage in the state/province where you are traveling, and bring a copy of your insurance card.

What does a typical Serve day look like?

7:00 AM – Breakfast/Prepare Lunches 8:00 AM – Devotions 8:45 AM – Leave for Worksites 4:00 PM – Showers/Free Time 6:00 PM – Dinner 7:30 PM – Evening Session 9:00 PM – Small Group Discussion 10:00 PM – Snack and Free Time 11:00 PM – Lights Out

MORE QUESTIONS ANSWERED AT YOUTHUNLIMITED.ORG/serve/faq

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2015 worship & more

The Andy Needham Band is a new modern rock worship group from the Boston area. The group’s national debut, Lifted High, produced by GRAMMY Award winner Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay, Bebo Norman, Brandon Heath), is a combination of original proven favorites and fresh offerings. Needham and bandmates Joel Rousseau, Jonathan Mason and Andrew Picha deliver a smart and accessible modern worship collection.

John Eigege served as an intern at New Life Church in Houston, TX in 2011 while attending Calvin Seminary. He and his wife Chichi are now planting a church called Square Inch in the Midtown neighborhood of Houston. They are excited about how God will use them to live justice, love mercy, and walk rightly with Him.

Aaron Bart helps provide spiritual direction and leadership at Dordt College through overseeing Campus Ministries, teaching in the Theology Department and serving in the Andreas Center. He is passionate about creating stimulating environments for spiritual growth. He is a husband and father to four vibrant kids. He and his wife founded a non-profit in 2007 named, One Body One Hope.

The Skit Guys, Tommy Woodard and Eddie James, have been best friends since high school. Think of them as the wise guys in class who had everyone laughing and managed to make a career out of it. They’ve been teaching God’s word using comedy, drama and whatever category talking action figures fit into for over twenty years.

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Track options

Choose your experience for the week.

The Arts track emphasizes God’s love for creation and the arts which can be seen in those who have a passion for design, drawing, music, photography, acting, video and more.

Participants will learn the value of becoming co-creators alongside the Creator of the universe while exploring, expressing and living out their passion. They will have the opportunity to work with a wide range of artists in order to learn how to use their God-given talents for the glory of Christ.

The Leadership track challenges participants to grow as leaders through group discussions, activities, prayer and practicing spiritual disciplines. Most importantly, participants will learn the joy in sharing their story of faith with others and how the relationships they have with others and God can be connected and grown. They will be equipped to have a greater impact on their peers and spread God’s love to their friends, community and world.

The Service track makes Live It a “mission trip meets youth convention” type of experience where participants are introduced to the concepts of justice and missional living.

Participants will give of themselves to support and serve alongside their peers and leaders on various projects and restorative work for those in need. Projects may include tutoring, cleanup, building and helping out in urban and suburban communities.

The Athletics track allows participants to focus on how to use their athletic skill to reflect Christ’s love to all those they encounter through athletics. Through a variety of sports and activities, participants will explore ways to contribute to their teams while playing the roles of coaches, captains and players.

Most importantly, participants will discover the joy of serving God and others as athletes and as members of a team. youthunlimited.org | 21

Live It FAq Live It is a five-day event that engages with high school age students at their point of interests and passions. By pairing students with like-minded peers and adults, they will see how God created them with a purpose so much greater than self-gratification.

Students will learn how to use their interests to reflect Christ’s love and be challenged to return home and do the same.

By offering four different tracks: athletics, arts, leadership and service, students will recognize how each person comes to the table with their own personality, interests and God-given talents. They’ll discover it’s their uniqueness that helps create the body of Christ and makes us ready to spread his love in our world.

HOW DO I REGISTER? Step One: Reserve spots beginning November 1 by placing a Deposit of $50 per person. You will only need to indicate the number of youth and adult spots for specific tracks at this time.

Step Two: After you receive your Confirmation Letter, your group can then Register in full online by providing specific participant information.

DO I HAVE TO PAY IN FULL WHEN I REGISTER? You can register online and pay later.

Register by March 31 to lock in the Early Bird Rate. Final payment will be due by June 1.

WHEN DO I CHOOSE WHAT TRACK I WILL BE A PART OF? You will choose your track when a Deposit is made. Tracks are filled on a first come, first served basis. You may switch to a different track if space is available until June 15.

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WILL MY GROUP BE HOUSED TOGETHER OR NOT? Yes, your group will be housed together by gender. You can also make a request for a roommate when you register.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MORE INFO ABOUT THE EVENT? Along with information on the website, you will receive more specific information about a month prior regarding transportation and event details. You will also receive information from the Coordinator of the track that you will be a part of.

HOW MUCH DOES LIVE IT COST? Live It costs $425 USD if your registration is completed by March 31. Everything is included except transportation. After March 31, the price increases by $50 USD.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE? 7:00 AM – Breakfast 8:15 AM – Morning Session 9:00 AM – Track Time 5:00 PM – Dinner 7:30 PM – Evening Session

WHEN DOES THE LIVE IT EVENT BEGIN AND END?

9:15 PM – Youth Group Time

Check-in will begin at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, July 21. Live It will end with lunch on Saturday, July 25. All participants must depart the Trinity Christian College campus by 2:00 PM.

11:30 PM – Lights Out

10:00 PM – Night Options

T H E

2 0 1 4

Y O U T H U N L I M I T E D

THROUGH YOUR PRAYERS & PARTNERSHIP STUDENTS ARE CHANGING THE WORLD FOR JESUS CHRIST youthunlimited.org | 23

WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT OUR EXPERIENCES Serve

The Chicago Project & The Prairie Project

1,453

146

US Participants

795

107

Canadian Participants

658

39

Churches Involved

148

16

Total Participants

what an awesome time! our serve changed my life in the most positive way. I would do this whole experience again in the snap of a finger. The community and friends I grew close to I will never forget. – STUDENT

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1,599

TOTAL PARTICIPANTS AT ALL EVENTS IN 2014 2014 was another year full of Youth Unlimited faith-forming experiences that pulled students away from the busyness and temptations of everyday life and brought them to a place where they could focus on listening to, worshipping and serving Jesus. Time and again, we heard testimonies highlighting personal encounters with Jesus Christ and ways students are living for him. While we continue to celebrate the stories from 2014, we are in full anticipation for what Christ will do through the multiple Serve Sites and Live It in 2015!

2014 FAITH-FORMING EXPERIENCES 70% of total capacity reached!

Missions are not something you accomplish – they are lived. – Jerry Meadows

youthunlimited.org | 25

this past year 26 |FALL 2014

Students worshipped God with purpose Students dug deeper into God’s word Students saw a broken world in need of God Students used their talents for the glory of God Students entered into closer relationship with Jesus Students served communities across north America

Challenging youth to transform the world for jesus Christ

43,750

TOTAL HOURS OF SERVICE GIVEN

At Youth Unlimited, we believe that those who serve are blessed as much as those they come to help. Students heard powerful testimonies this past summer from individuals receiving their work, and students were able to catch a glimpse of how they fit into God’s overarching plan of redemption and

restoration. We also believe that the spread of the gospel is most effective when the work we do with our hands matches the love we express in our words. Through serving, students gained insight into missional living.

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GIVE A GIFT TODAY. CHANGE A STUDENT’S LIFE FOREVER! THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT CAN HAPPEN IN A STUDENT’S LIFE IS THAT THEY FORM A LIFELONG RELATIONSHIP AND COMMITMENT TO JESUS CHRIST. AFTER DECADES OF DOING YOUTH MINISTRY ALONGSIDE CHURCHES, WE KNOW THAT MISSION TRIPS AND CONVENTIONS ARE OFTEN WHERE STUDENTS DISCOVER GOD’S LOVE FOR THEM.

GI VI NG STU D ENTS TI ME AND SPACE

DONATIONS OF ANY SIZE MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR YOUTH UNLIMITED TO CONTINUE HELPING

ONE STUDENT SENT US A THANK YOU LETTER LAST SUMMER THAT REALLY HIT HOME. “THANK YOU FOR NOT LOSING HOPE IN OUR GENERATION,” SHE SAID. THAT GETS TO THE HEART OF WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO, AND WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP TO DO IT. THANK YOU ON BEHALF OF EVERY STUDENT YOU HAVE INVESTED IN OVER THE YEARS. GOD IS USING YOU TO MOLD STUDENTS INTO WHO HE CREATED THEM TO BE. PLEASE TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TODAY TO GIVE A GIFT THAT WILL HELP TO FURTHER THE EFFORTS OF OUR MINISTRY PARTNERSHIP. 28 |FALL 2014

STUDENTS GET THE TIME AND SPACE NEEDED TO ENCOUNTER THE MOST INCREDIBLE GIFT OF ALL —CHRIST’S LIFE-SAVING WORK ON THE CROSS.

SCAN TO D O N AT E T O DAY ! scan.me/xgw26h

Over $3,975 in scholarship funds were given this year. you helped 27 participants attend a faith-forming experience!

FINANCIAL REPORT MARCH 1, 2013 – FEBRUARY 28, 2014 REVENUE

EXPENSE

Miscellaneous 3% Individual & Corporate Donations 9%

$985,929

Church Donations 10%

Operations & Administration 12%

Participation Income 78%

Programs & Events 88%

$1,004,270 youthunlimited.org | 29

Dynamic Youth Ministries 1333 Alger Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507

PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Grand Rapids, MI Permit No. 931 PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

YOUTHUNLIMITED.ORG Helping churches challenge youth To commit their lives to Jesus Christ And transform the world for him

YOUTHUNLIMITED MAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION

IMPACT REPORT LOOKING BACK: 2014 MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS | LOOKING FORWARD: WHAT GOD IS DOING FOR 2015

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