Dear Family and Friends,
Two
years ago I began coordinating with Arabian Gulf Youth for Christ (AGYFC) based
in the United Arab Emirates. We dreamed
of having a youth camp in Bahrain. After
much hard work and planning, that dream became a reality. We had the first ever Desert Challenge youth
camp in 2012. The next year we had
another youth camp that was even better than the first. After the success of these two camps, AGYFC
began exploring the possibility of moving into Bahrain in a more permanent capacity. After much prayer and consideration, I have
decided to join them. This will be my
last year teaching; beginning August 2013, I will officially begin working with
AGYFC full time. Although I will be
employed with the organization in the UAE, I will be working here in
Bahrain.
In
addition to planning the Desert Challenge youth camps, I will be working with
local churches and youth groups. My goal
is to gather resources, train leaders, and develop programs that will support
and encourage youth ministry in Bahrain.
Ultimately we would like to create a youth center that would be
available to all the youth groups here.
Right now we are renting a floor of a villa that will serve as our home,
the AGYFC office, and a meeting place for various youth groups. In addition, Rey is developing a practice
room/recording space for local Christian artists and bands. We hope to make this facility open to any and
all groups in Bahrain.
One
of the challenges of this endeavor is fundraising. AGYFC is a nonprofit organization. That means that all expenses including rent
and utilities, my salary, and all operational and program costs must be raised through
donations. Donations can be made on a
monthly, yearly, or one time basis. More
details about donations will be available soon for those who are interested in
supporting this ministry. In the
meantime, we are beginning to set up the office and youth center. The space is unfurnished, so we are looking
for people who are willing to help with the furnishings. Some of the immediate needs are air
conditioners (window units), a bed, a stove, a dining table and chairs,
cupboards, and a desk. If you have any
items you are willing to donate or if you know people moving or selling
furniture, please let me know.
Please keep this ministry in
prayer. Thank you for your support.
Jena Phillips
36760819
