engage autumn 2012

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ENGAGE AUTUMN 2012 / ISSUE 18 It’s been an Olympic summer! Not just because of a ‘small event’ that took place in central London but because we’ve seen God work in amazing ways in the lives of children and young people through the various experiences we’ve been running – as you’ll discover in this edition of ENGAGE. ‘Inspire a generation’ was the theme for the 2012 Olympics and I believe it absolutely lived up to this commitment. I was so moved in the opening ceremony when successful athletes from past years handed over the coveted responsibility of lighting the Olympic flame to a new generation of young athletes in training. What a great example to us all! And as we proudly watched inspiring men and women like Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis achieve their Olympic Golds, all across the UK and Ireland children and young people looked on and started to dream – “One day – I will go even further.” After all, that’s what it means to inspire a generation. Not that they will just take our place, but that they will go further than we were ever able. That our ceiling would become their floor. And that we’ll set the highest possible ceiling we can so that we inspire and challenge the rising generation to go even further. Edmund Hilary climbed Everest. Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile. Both men did something that everybody said was impossible. But their success inspired a new generation of men and women to do the same – and do it even better! So let’s all embrace that commitment to inspire a generation. Let’s make sure we’re not getting in the way of children and young people taking their place in God’s world. Let’s inspire them to lead and influence where they are right now. Today. Now that’s a legacy worth leaving. Matt Summerfield Chief Executive INCLUDED WITHIN… INSPIRE A GENERATION www.URBANSAINTS.org/engage “God helped me make a difference” - Page 06 “Why I enjoy volunteering so much” - Page 03 “I finally let God back into my life again” - Page 04 & 05 Helping young people live lives of faith, hope and love

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The latest newsletter from Urban Saints, packed full of stories and inspiration from around the network

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Page 1: Engage Autumn 2012

ENGAGEAUTUMN 2012 / ISSUE 18

It’s been an Olympic summer! Not just because of a ‘small event’ that took place in central London but because we’ve seen God work in amazing ways in the lives of children and young people through the various experiences we’ve been running – as you’ll discover in this edition of ENGAGE.

‘Inspire a generation’ was the theme for the 2012 Olympics and I believe it absolutely lived up to this commitment. I was so moved in the opening ceremony when successful athletes from past years handed over the coveted responsibility of lighting the Olympic flame to a new generation of young athletes in training. What a great example to us all!

And as we proudly watched inspiring men and women like Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis achieve their Olympic Golds, all across the UK and Ireland children and young people looked on and started to dream – “One day – I will go even further.”

After all, that’s what it means to inspire a generation. Not that they will just take our place, but that they will go further than we were ever able. That our ceiling would become their floor. And that we’ll set the highest possible ceiling we can so that we inspire and challenge the rising generation to go even further.

Edmund Hilary climbed Everest. Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile. Both men did something that everybody said was impossible. But their success inspired a new generation of men and women to do the same – and do it even better!

So let’s all embrace that commitment to inspire a generation. Let’s make sure we’re not getting in the way of children and young people taking their place in God’s world. Let’s inspire them to lead and influence where they are right now. Today. Now that’s a legacy worth leaving.

Matt SummerfieldChief Executive

INclUdEd wIThIN…INSpIrE A GENErATIoN

www.UrBANSAINTS.org/engage

“God helped me make a difference” - page 06

“why I enjoy volunteering so much” - page 03

“I finally let God back into my

life again” - page 04 & 05

S C O T L A N D S C O T L A N D

Helping young people live lives of faith, hope and love

Page 2: Engage Autumn 2012

ThE MorE ThINGS chANGE, ThE MorE ThINGS STAy ThE SAME

It’s great to hear about what’s going on through social media sites like Facebook and Twitter! Whether you’re involved with Urban Saints activities or in a group using Energize and the other Urban Saints resources, why not tell us what’s happening or even give us an endorsement?! (Either way we’d love to hear from you…!)

02

Ever since the first issue of ENGAGE, the heart of the publication has been telling great stories - stories of what God is doing in young (and not so young) lives; stories of faithful people giving their time, their money, their lives for young people. This issue is no different.

But since that first time, we have seen many developments on the way we share stories. We have websites devoted to storytelling, mobile devices, social media & more emails than you can shake a stick at. Postage has increased dramatically and this, coupled with a greater emphasis on preserving our natural resources, means that the traditional newsletter is becoming a rarity.

For many of you, this will be the last time you physically hold ENGAGE in your hands... But don’t despair! At Urban Saints we are more committed than ever to share what God is doing. Stories are what keep us going. They are the glimpses of His glory, which help us know we are making a

difference. They are the treasure we pass on to those who follow behind us.

The stories in this issue are just a taster of what is going on. In Urban Saints, ‘inspire a generation’ is much more than a catchphrase, it’s a lifelong calling. If you’re reading this, then we’re pretty sure it is for you too! Thank you for all you do - your prayers, your gifts, your time – and, in this time of change, don’t change!

paul windoENGAGE Editor

our dream: “To release a movement of radical young people, committed to taking the good news of Jesus Christ to every generation.”

our passion: “To help young people live lives of faith, hope and love through Jesus Christ.”

URBAN SAINTS Support CentreKestin House45 Crescent RoadLutonBedsLU2 0AH

Tel: 01582 589850Fax: 01582 721702Email: [email protected]

For the latest news and resources visit: www.URBANSAINTS.org

To connect with old friends go to: www.crusadersreunited.org.uk

Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/urbansaints

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/urbansaints

URBAN SAINTS is the operating name of The Crusaders’ Union, a company limited by guarantee and registered in England & Wales, company number 07771037, charity number 1144923 and in Scotland, charity number SCO39313.

Read the extended versions of these stories online at the Engage website. Scan this barcode with your smartphone to jump straight to it…

KEEp TAlKING!

“AMAzING TIME AT #SprEESoUThEAST – wAS ABSolUTEly AMAzING SErvING oN ThE SErvIcE crEw & MEETING So MANy NEw AwESoME pEoplE - ” @MclUclUc

“GrEAT orGANISATIoN, fUll of GrEAT rESoUrcES, IdEAS ANd INSpIrATIoN -” ANdy MElvIN

“God doING AMAzING ThINGS AT #BEThANyhp2012. TESTIMoNIES froM cAMpErS ToUchING EvEryoNE. SpIrIT IS AT worK. -” @frANcESTMyNorS

“ fEEl BrANd NEw, lIKE I’vE jUST BEEN BorN”. 10 yr old AT

@UrBANSAINTS cAMp AfTEr AddING hIS NAME To ThE croSS. -

@AdAMjSprATT

“ GrEAT rESoUrcES oN ThE ENErGIzE wEBSITE – UrBAN SAINTS do A loT of Good worK Up ANd dowN ThE UK –” TIM crowhUrST

GET coNNEcTEd – SEArch for ‘UrBANSAINTS’ oN fAcEBooK ANd follow @UrBANSAINTS oN TwITTEr…!

S C O T L A N D S C O T L A N D

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“Being involved in volunteering with Urban Saints is one of the most amazing things that I have ever been a part of. Each week I help with the 11-14 year old group, this means lots of fun (but slightly crazy) games as well as digging deeper into the Bible and what it means to be and live as a Christian today. Sometimes I find it hard, especially being asked questions about faith which I may be struggling through or seeing some of the other young people going through a hard time with their faith, but no matter what gets thrown at me I come away feeling an awesome sense of God’s presence and knowing that He has used me for His good. For the past two years I have been a Co-Leader of ‘Chattabox’; a holiday club for primary school children held each February. This has meant being on stage, singing, dancing and leading the activities. It’s very tiring but by far one of the best things I have ever done!”Being able to see the difference in the children, some of whom had never heard the Christian message before coming on the Monday morning to then seeing them praying and singing ‘Jesus You’re My Super-hero’ off by heart on the Friday evening in front of their parents has got to be one of my favourite memories. Knowing that God has used me to deliver His message to other young people is an amazing feeling, one that nothing else can beat; this, in itself, is why I enjoy volunteering for Urban Saints so much.”

hannah critchley, Groby (18)

I first started going to Crusaders 12 years ago! I always used to really enjoy it, and went weekly, moving up into our older group (called CruXtra). I was massively impacted by Spree each year, and this is where my journey of faith really began. The leaders gave up so much time for us, and they were such an inspiration to me, as they really lived out their faith.

2 years ago, I started going along as a volunteer leader. Then, as I was deliberating what to do during my gap year, I was offered the position of Youth Worker at Portslade Baptist Church. The end of my first year is coming up and has gone so, so quickly, but I’ve massively enjoyed it, grown through it, and deepened my relationship with God, and hopefully encouraged some of the young people too!

Some of the highlights this year have been our Youth Alpha course, which saw around 14 young people coming each week for a meal, before looking at an area of Christianity. We had some great responses, and we‘re setting up a small group to continue the young people in their journey with God. The team volunteering was incredible, and it was amazing to see God working through other young adults from different churches to reach out to the group. There was also a healing that took place, and some awesome testimonies!

There’s been tough times too, but God has been (and is still!) with us throughout them. It’s been such fun and a privilege to be a part of God’s work at Portslade, and I cannot wait to see what He has in store over the years ahead!

harry Kent, portslade Baptist church (20)

NoThING ElSE cAN BEAT ThIS fEElING

froM chIldhood To AdUlThood

BoTh ThESE STorIES fIrST AppEArEd, EArlIEr ThIS yEAr, oN ThE NEw UrBAN SAINTS “ThIS IS US” wEBSITE – A rEGUlArly UpdATEd SUpply of STorIES, TESTIMoNIES ANd rEflEcTIoNS froM AroUNd ThE MovEMENT: www.UrBANSAINTS.orG/ThISISUS

Hannah (left) at the Holiday Club

Harry, leading at his group

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“we took a team of 45 young people and leaders to Botleng, a black African township near delmas. The 10-day trip included house building for two families in the township as well as running a kids club for up to 165 children. The trip stretched the team physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually but we saw God working in amazing ways while we served.

We saw young people being transformed by God, changing their outlook on life and seeking God’s will for their lives. We saw young leaders growing in maturity and faith as they led their groups. We saw healing as our group brought deep wounds in their lives and laid them before God. We witnessed reconciliation in the communities we were working in caused by God leading us there.

For me there are so many highlights... The moment we handed Noma the key to her house and she just wailed in joy, the emotion overwhelming her... The sight of our team playing games, singing songs and sharing Jesus with 165 children... The evening when one young leader shared with me a deep personal wound which we were able to pray about and start, with God’s grace, to heal... Seeing all of our young people being transformed from self-centered western teenagers into passionate catalysts for change who want to serve God...

Thank you for making trips like this possible through your support. We are going to go back again in 2013, so please continue to support us in every way you can as we follow God’s lead in growing this life-changing, amazing experience for young people and their leaders.”

Mark ArnoldReBuild South Africa Team Leader

“In 2012, the ReBuild house-building mission experience grew dramatically. Not only did we run two weeks in Mexico, during the Easter holidays, but we also launched a brand new mission to South Africa… N.B. In 2013 we are trialling a new version for school groups, called Build Hope, so watch this space…”

“SUpErB TrIp; I wANTEd

SoMEThING ThAT woUld

chAllENGE oUr yoUNG pEoplE

SpIrITUAlly, phySIcAlly ANd

EMoTIoNAlly ANd ThE TrIp

TIcKEd All ThE BoxES” “INSpIrING, chAllENGING,

ExcITING, So worThwhIlE. ThE

BEST ExpErIENcE I hAvE hAd

oUTSIdE of GETTING SAvEd,

GETTING MArrIEd ANd ThE

BIrTh of My KIdS”

“IT hAS ShowN ME ThAT God IS All AroUNd”

“wE SAw pEoplE who hAvE NoThING, BUT ThEIr BElIEf IN God IS UNwAvErING; ThEy ArE A TrUE INSpIrATIoN.”

SPOTPantone 1797 CPantone Black C

PROCESSC=0 M=100 Y=100 K=0

C=0 M=0 Y=0 K=100

Page 5: Engage Autumn 2012

www.URBANSAINTS.org/engage

ENGAGEAUTUMN 2012 / ISSUE 18

ToTAlly WIREdTotally Wired is an essential seminar for all parents, church leaders, youth leaders and anyone who cares about young people and the technology revolution. This high quality, interactive, enjoyable and challenging evening is hosted by Matt Summerfield (Chief Executive of Urban Saints) and/or Chris Curtis (Chief Executive of Youthscape).

CAMBRIdGE City Church 18th octoberGlASGoW Cathcart Trinity Church 25th octoberWAlTHAMSToW St Mary’s Church 8th NovemberTAMWoRTH Coton Green Church 22nd NovemberSoUTHBoURNE St John’s Church 29th November

Cost – variousFor more information visit www.urbansaints.org/totallywired

All INClUSIvE? WoRkING WITH CHIldREN ANd yoUNG pEoplE WITH SpECIAl ANd AddITIoNAl NEEdSThis challenging and interactive seminar is unmissable for all parents, teachers, youth and children’s leaders and anyone who cares about children and young people with special or additional needs. Mark Arnold (Chief Operating Officer of Urban Saints) is your host for the evening and as well as having over 20 years youth work experience, is the father of James, a boy with Autism.

CHATHAM St Philip’s & St James’ Church 18th october BElFAST Knocknagoney Parish Church 1st NovemberlETCHWoRTH St Paul’s Church 8th NovemberdEEpING ST.JAMES The Open Door Church 29th November

Cost – variousFor more information visit www.urbansaints.org/allinclusive

doN’T MAkE HISToRy, CHANGE THE FUTURECan an event change the future? No. But people can. People just like you. Not convinced? Then join Matt Summerfield (Chief Executive, Urban Saints) and Ruth Hassall (Author of Growing Leaders) for a lively, fun and inspirational evening where you’ll dare to think again. You won’t regret it!

The brand-new event is aimed at adults and young people alike and every person who attends will be given a free copy of Matt’s new book:- “Don’t Make History, Change The Future”

Harborne St John’s Church 2nd december

Cost – freeFor more information visit www.urbansaints.org/dmhctf

N.B. More dates will announced during the latter part of 2012, so keep a look out for an evening near you!

UpCoMING EvENTS…

S C O T L A N D S C O T L A N D

Helping young people live lives of faith, hope and love

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yoUTHWoRk SUMMITA new kind of youthwork event – over 20 speakers throughout the day; with the opportunity to discuss and interact with other delegates… This is an event where ideas and stories change your world!

Urban Saints are proud to be part of the organising team for this unique event and delighted to announce that Tony Campolo will be one of the contributors on the day.

Don’t miss this!

Date: 18th May 2013Venue: Bethell Convention Centre, West BromwichCost: £35 For more information: www.youthworksummit.com

“Honest, challenging, thought-provoking, inspirational, spiritual, mind-blowing, deep, living, alive and ongoing. All in one at youthwork Summit!” – Andy

WHY NOT see what the Youthwork Summit has to offer by watching videos of all the talks from last year’s event…?!

www.youthworksummit.com/inspire

UpCoMING EvENTS…

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ENGAGE RESpoNSE FoRMUrban Saints complies with the Data Protection Act 1998. All data given will be held and used in accordance with this Act.

Please send me more information about

please Complete

Events

Act

pray

Give

Title First Name

post Code

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Address

Email

phone

Totally Wired

All Inclusive

Don’t Make History, Change The Future

Youthwork Summit

I would like a copy of Matt’s new book - please make a donation (see overleaf)

I would like more information about volunteering opportunities with Urban Saints

I would like to know more about ReBuild

I would like to find out about the Energize website

Please complete this form and return to Urban Saints Support Centre,

I would like to become a prayer partner with Urban Saints. Please send me:

The prayer diary Pray4Change by post

Prayer updates by email

I would like to make a donation (please see overleaf)

Page 8: Engage Autumn 2012

today in the past 4 years in the future

Please tick all boxes you wish to apply.

Gift Aid declaration – for past, present & future donationsPlease treat as Gift Aid donations all qualifying gifts of money made

Account in the name(s) of

Signed

donor’s signature

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originator’s Identification Number 8 3 7 4 5 1

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date d d / M M / y y

date d d / M M / y y

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ENGAGE RESpoNSE FoRM CoNTINUEd...

Urban Saints is the operating name of The Crusaders’ Union, a company limited by guarantee and registered in England & Wales, company number 07771037, charity number 1144923 and in Scotland, charity number SCO39313. Urban Saints comply with the Data Protection Act 1998. All of the data given on this form will be held and used in accordance with this Act.ENGAGE AUTUMN 2012.

I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6th April to 5th April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 28p of tax on every £1 that I gave up to 5th April 2008 and will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I give on or after 6th April 2008.

Notes: You can cancel this declaration at any time by notifying Urban Saints. If in the future your circumstances change and you no longer pay tax on your income and capital gains equal to the tax that the charity reclaims, you can cancel your declaration. Please notify Urban Saints if you change your name or address.

MAkE yoUR GIFT To URBAN SAINTS Go FURTHER

I would like to make a regular donation £

Monthly Quarterly Annually

[Reference Number for Office use only]

Instruction to your Bank or Building Society:

Please pay Urban Saints Direct Debits from the account detailed in this Instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this Instruction may remain with Urban Saints and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society.

opTIoN A - oNE-oFF doNATIoN

opTIoN B - REGUlAR doNATIoN [INSTRUCTIoNS FoR yoUR BANk]

£

£I would like to make a one-off donation of

Please fill in the following details of your credit / debit card:

[Shaded boxes Maestro only]

If you wish to pay by cheque please make payable to Urban Saints

To donate on line, go to www.urbansaints.org and click on ‘Donate’

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“ReBuild South Africa was by far the most life changing experience I’ve been lucky enough to have. As a teenager who hadn’t been to church in a while, the prospect of spending a week with a Christian organisation in South Africa felt rather daunting but still exciting, although I never thought it would have such a huge impact on me!

The most enjoyable part of the week was probably talking to the locals and the children. I’m still envious of their sense of community, and was amazed at how welcoming they were. Seeing how music and singing is such a big part of their lives, especially in worship, was inspiring. They had so much less than we did and yet were so much more thankful!

The testimonies given by many of the leaders and some of the local pastors made a big difference in my life and I finally started thinking about letting God come back into my life again. ReBuild gave me the opportunity to have some

really helpful and open conversations with people and a lot of questions were answered. I also saw Christianity from an entirely new perspective. Seeing how people lived and how much they loved God made me realise how great God really is. It’s actually quite hard to describe how much my heart has changed since but I now know He has a plan for me and I want to live my life for Him!

Two months later, I’ve found a church where I feel really welcome and have decided to join the CU at university. My prayers to grow closer to God have been consistently answered and I’m amazed at the difference it has made in my life.”

carys whomsley

“Being a leader on the ReBuild mission to South Africa was an unforgettable experience. We got to help change the lives of a family, in one of the poorest places on Earth, through building a home for them. Seeing the faith that these people have and just how loving, kind and caring they were, was really inspiring. It made me very humble and proud to be able to share this experience with them.”

craig white

Read more about Madailein’s experiences in Mexico this Easter on the Urban Saints blog,

This is US www.UrBANSAINTS.orG/ThISISUS-rEBUIld

I fINAlly lET God BAcK INTo My lIfE

ThEIr fAITh wAS hUMBlING

Carys

Craig, putting the finishing touches to the roof

“ I have been a part of helping to build His Kingdom” Madailein

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In June this year, Urban Saints partnered with folYOUTH to help run the 2012 Intents weekend in Norfolk. Around 70 people joined us for a wet weekend of camping on the farm and everyone seemed to have a great time.

I was particularly struck by the story of Selina and Michael who travelled all the way from a group in London to come on the camp on the farm. It was the first time either had been camping. Originally a larger group of young people were planning to come but the rumour somehow got round the young people (and was believed) that there were bears in the wood near the campsite and lots of people dropped out. Selina and Michael came because they weren’t afraid of bears!

They had a great time and were really impacted by the

teaching, with Selina making a response after Matt Summerfield spoke on the Saturday evening. One of her other highlights of the weekend, however, was “holding the chicken” and her ambition before leaving site was “to hold the duck”!

peter AndrewsEast Regional Director

“There were 30 of us on the first Voice Residential (a new creative arts holiday in partnership with Scripture Union and Voice Youth Choir and Orchestra), half of whom were completely new to Voice, but by the end of the week we were one big happy family. We had loads of fun playing waterpolo in the pool, competing in our Voice Olympics, going to Ingleton falls, watching movies, dressing up as superheroes, playing silly games and singing silly songs. I had created an arrangement of the ‘Glo’ album by Delirious especially for the week. We had rehearsals every day leading up to the showcase concert at The Grand in Clitheroe.

The concert was wonderful, a real triumph - performing 13 songs prepared in under one week was a remarkable achievement. There was such a sense of freedom of expression in the concert with everyone proclaiming the truths of our faith on the back of their own God-encounters and revelations during the week. God did some wonderful things in the lives of these young people. The one story that stands out is of a young lady who I have worked with from the very start of Voice. She is quiet and reserved, lacking confidence and feels intimidated by others. At the start of the week she was telling me how she never felt that she had ever had an encounter with God. I encouraged her that every

answer to prayer, every

moment of peace, every time of worship is an encounter with Him. Towards the end of the week, she came to us, in tears, saying that she had never felt so close to God as she had this week and that God felt more real to her than ever! God provided our every need, watched over our every step, inhabited our every moment and blessed every person. Due to demand from the young people, we are already talking about next year! I have always wanted to impact the lives of young people through ways that have eternal value. I praise God that He has presented me with these opportunities to do exactly that. To Him be all the glory!”

Simon SmithDirector of Voice Music

If yoU Go dowN To ThE woodS TodAy

ExpErIENcING A hEAvENly voIcE

MUCH OF THE WORK THAT URBAN SAINTS IS INVOLVED IN TAKES PLACE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHER CHURCHES, DENOMINATIONS AND ORGANISATIONS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONNECT WITH URBAN SAINTS IN YOUR PROJECT, WE’D LOVE TO SEE HOW WE CAN SERVE AND SUPPORT YOU!

JUST GET IN TOUCH AND LET’S SEE WHAT THE LORD WILL DO WHEN WE STAND TOGETHER, UNITED…

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There are now many ways you can help Urban Saints financially and some of them will not cost you a penny.

Every time you shop online you can support Urban Saints at no cost to you or us. With Give As You Live, thousands of top name brands including Amazon, John Lewis, Sainsburys, Tesco and M & S, have signed up to donate a percentage of every purchase made online. All you have to do is visit www.giveasyoulive.com/join/urbansaints and download their app onto your computer. Then every time you visit the website of a participating store, a pop-up will automatically ask you if you want to the store to donate to Urban Saints. Simply click ‘yes’ and Urban Saints will receive up to 6% of your purchase cost.

If you use the auction site, eBay, to buy or sell goods, you can now also donate to Urban Saints when you shop. You can either sell items on behalf of the movement or just add an extra donation when you make a purchase.www.urbansaints.org/ebay

wAyS To rAISE fUNdS for UrBAN SAINTS

GIve As You LIve

eBAYIf you want to make an online donation to Urban Saints, you can either go through our website www.urbansaints.org/donate or you can donate through Virgin Money Giving (the official sponsors of the London Marathon).

Any group activities or events for which you want to collect sponsorship can also be directed through www.virginmoneygiving.com

vIrGIn MoneY GIvInG

5 young people and 3 leaders were part of the Respond short-term mission team, leaving Scotland for Dunavatu de Jos in Romania this summer.

Over the ten days, they ran a kids’ club for 30 to 40 kids (basically every child in the village!), performed practical tasks where they were staying, such as painting and repair work, and visited a state-run orphanage in nearby Tulcea.

It was great seeing these young people grow in their leadership skills as they put their faith into action. Witnessing them rise to the challenge of organising and leading the kids club, was massively rewarding. At the orphanage, we found ourselves without translators and although at first, it was rather bewildering for everyone, the team really excelled themselves, engaging with the kids without words; most of them stating that this had been the highlight of the trip for them.

One team member told me that the hardest thing about coming home after Respond was “being treated like a teenager again”. Out there they had been given so much responsibility, running activities in a different language and culture and they all really thrived in the role. It was a big transformation and a privilege to witness!

charlie MorrisScottish Director

In July a team from Newtownards Urban Saints took to the skies and headed for Malawi for a 2-week mission trip. After more than 24 hours travelling they arrived, minus some of their luggage! Unfortunately this luggage contained most of what they needed for the kids club they would be running while they were away. Prayers were said and the team gave the problem to God and guess what?! The luggage arrived the day before club was due to start - God is truly amazing!

While away, the team ran a kids’ club each day for 700 kids from the surrounding area. They also helped practically around the local area, building a home for a lady called Costa. It was a special moment when the team were able to hand over the keys. They also painted a mural in the children’s ward of the hospital serving that area.

The Newtownards team came home deeply challenged to meet needs both at home and overseas; blessed having

seen God’s provision on numerous occasions during their mission; deepened in their faith and determined to make a difference where they are.

wilson BeareIrish Director

STop TrEATING US lIKE TEENAGErS!

ThE 700-STroNG KIdS clUB

Page 12: Engage Autumn 2012

The ever-popular Spree weekends are the highlight of the year for many groups. Loads of children and young people come to make first-time commitments to follow Christ and still more have a truly remarkable, unforgettable experience over the course of the Spree season! Here are a few tales from around the UK of what God was up to in 2012…

“2012 was not necessarily the best year for a first visit to Spree, at least from the point of view of rain and mud – but we went ahead anyway. We took 12 girls on our first visit to Spree, with our somewhat primitive equipment but happily waterproofed tents! They all had a whale of a time; thoroughly enjoying the activities on offer – especially the pool and the shooting. On the long, rainy Saturday afternoon they all occupied themselves with something – we were impressed with how the programme was constantly updated to take account of the weather. On Saturday evening all 12 of the girls stood to make commitments to Jesus, an incredible moment for me! They all want to come again and have already recruited 2 more to join them.

Since coming back I have had the girls round for Bible study once a week - they have all been praying and reading their Bibles more - and this has been really encouraging. But what was interesting was that when we were talking they spoke about since they had been to the group rather than “since Spree”.

This showed me clearly, possibly for the first time, that our week to week work does make a difference to their lives, little by little, and that Spree, excellent as it is, is the culmination of a lot of sowing and prayer..... and just the beginning! I can’t wait until next year!”

Steffi huxley

“I first began my journey with Urban Saints through my Church in Billingham, and grew up in the group, progressing to an assistant leader. In 2008 I experienced my first Spree; Spree in the Borders. I went as a member of the Service Crew, and thoroughly enjoyed it, despite the awful weather! Being in a team of young people like myself, all working together to serve each other and to serve God.. it was an amazing experience, and so encouraging; so far from the small group I worked with on a Friday night.

Since 2008, I’ve been a member of the Service Crew at Spree 6 times now, including Spree in the Borders and Spree North. Looking back on my years being involved in Urban Saints, and my time as Service Crew at Spree I’d never have thought that I’d be where I am now!

2012 was a big year for Spree, the first Spree North East, and my first year on Core Team! My role as Service Crew Coordinator was daunting, as it was a big step up from anything I’d done before, but I trusted God and it paid off! We had a brilliant team working on Spree North East this year, it was a great success and I was blessed by having an awesome group of Service Crew to look after! It was an amazing experience to see God working in my team as we all worked together to make the weekend a success. Looking at my team, I could see leaders of the future, and people who God will do great things through.”

Becky fox (20)

wE rEcEIvEd ThIS STory froM A lEAdEr who wENT To MIdlANdS ANd EAST SprEE:

“This was our first year at Midlands and East Spree. I was surprised to see just how many people were there, and how great the facilities were; it truly is not just your standard camping experience. The children laughed so much throughout the weekend. As a parent it was great to sit back and relax with a hot chocolate while watching your children roam around freely enjoying the wide variety of inflatables. The teaching sessions were also really interactive which kept them engaged and it was wonderful to watch them taking everything in.

Halfway through the weekend I received a difficult phone call from home and I broke down. One of the team members came over and led me into the Prayer Space. The team prayed for me and looked after me and then one person shared her testimony, speaking right into my situation that very moment. We all

prayed together and afterwards I just felt so relieved. The hour I spent in the Prayer Space offered me reassurance, peace of mind and, most importantly, hope; hope that what seems impossible is actually possible with Christ.

Spree was a fantastic experience for our children, but it was wonderful to also see how valued and loved we were as leaders and parents.”

SprEE

www.UrBANSAINTS.org/engage

“Becky (centre), with her Spree Service Crew”