Quick update from the Dominican Republic – we just finished up hosting a Purpose Driven Youth Ministry Conference here for about 300 youth workers. Still processing it, but here’s a few thoughts in the moments we’re wrapping up:

1) It is amazing to praise God with Christians in another country. We’re thousands of miles away from home, but sing, praise and worship the same God. It is fun and powerful to be united in a few songs both groups knew this afternoon.

2) Youth ministry faces many of the same issues whereever you go. Some of the same questions we face in our church are identical to the ones youth workers internationally face. These youth workers are struggling to find volunteers, feeling the frustration of elders and knowing the limitations of budget.

3) The calling of the youth worker binds us together. We’re responding to the crisis together, all around the world. Students need Jesus, and the ones who do know Him need to be connected, grow and serve. We are part of a world-wide army of people serving students.

Powerful day.

JG