The heart behind "Heart of Youth Ministry"

[Heart of Youth Ministry]

My name is Alyssa Launder and I was born and raised on the island of Kauai. I work with the youth at Calvary Chapel Kauai, and am extremely passionate about youth ministry. I remember how difficult it was for me to understand how important my relationship with Christ was at that time, but the one thing that stuck out to me, were my youth leaders. I was a really shy and awkward teen, but as alone and depressed as I might have felt, the care that they had for us, the time they took just to love on us, and encourage us made a huge impact in my walk with Christ and I’ll never forget what a turning point it was for me.

I’ve dealt with a lot of sadly common problems that many of today’s teens go through every day, and like me at first, they never told anyone what they’re going through, leaving them feeling like they’re all alone; that no one even knows what they’re going through or even cares – But through the grace of God, Christ helped me escape the lies of the devil and come out of these problems even stronger, into a rich and loving relationship with the Creator of the world, Jesus Christ, and I want to know how I can do more to encourage the youth of Kauai, or anywhere, and just tell them that it’s not hopeless, and that there are people who care about them, who have been through a lot of the same problems, dealt with the same issues, and really just want to show them the love of Christ. But more than anything share the gospel message with them, and encourage them to grow in a healthy Christian relationship with Him.

With that all said, I feel that God has put it on my heart to start a ministry where I can share that same love of Christ with the youth, so I’ve started working on ‘Heart of Youth Ministry’. A ministry where I can reach out and bless the hearts of the youth, like the name says. I’m in the process of putting together an official website, but for now I’ve set up some other accounts on Myspace, Facebook and MyCCM, just to start off. As I continue to develop them, I want them to be sites of encouragement, where they can put in prayer requests, find links to sweet Christian sites, find godly advice, and share with others the amazing things God is doing with my life. I don't know exactly where God will take this, but I pray He would use me in whatever way He intends.

I guess I’ll start out sharing some of the small goals I would like to immediately start for the youth that I’m involved with. I would be saving up and raising money so that:

1.) I can reach out and bless the youth by putting together and hosting (eventually island wide) monthly group activities, events and study groups to provide fellowship within our own youth group and other groups on the island;
[e.g. theme nights, movie nights, potlucks, worship, etc…]

2.) I can open up opportunities for our group to be able to go on mission trips, youth camps, conferences and other events that would encourage them to find out where God is leading them, and what calling or gifts that they might have, and be able to offer financial support and scholarships so that money isn’t a obstacle.

Finally, the main goal of Heart of Youth Ministry is to start a youth center on Kauai, open to any youth on the island. A place to keep the restless teens hopefully away from parking lost and beach parties, to a place where they can have a positive “cool” hang out center. I remember growing up in the church, and watching my parents teach as youth pastors. My dad would always tell me about his ideas for the youth, and how he wanted to do more. He would tell me about how exciting it was for him to see the huge difference their lives when he would simply loved on them, and how he really wanted to start a youth center; and I suppose that’s where some of my encouragement and inspiration has come from. I feel like it’s such a big project though. I’m a young youth leader. I feel like no one would take me seriously. But it’s so crazy, that I think if this is really what God wants, I know it will happen, and it will be such a miraculous thing that God will use it for His ultimate glory. See the funny thing about God is, He always takes the least of us and asks them to do what we see as impossible. Yes, I know it’s a big project, but with God, nothing is impossible. Isn’t He so amazing?

So that’s some of my story. I would love prayer, and encouragement from anyone who can help. If you know anyone who could help me with any of these project, it either being encouragement, tips/ideas, or through financial gifts - I'd appreciate it so much. Feel free to contact me with whatever questions you may have, and again, keep praying for me this new ministry that God has set on my heart. I know He will do amazing things. Thank you again and God Bless!

*[e-mail]
*http://myspace.com/heartofyouthministry

[RockitD]

God bless you in your endeavors. I have alot of business associates in Hawaii who are doing well financially. You may want to plug into them. Blessings.