Musalaha and Youth for Christ have a vision to train youth workers, who will better serve the youth of their congregations, who will work together in planning youth activities across the country, and who – in the future – can train other youth workers. At the moment, the group is meeting monthly for training sessions, fellowship and encouragement. In the spring, we hope to begin planning an Arab-Israeli summer camp, and are excited about other possibilities of working together.
September 17 was the first session of training. To both Musalaha and Youth for Christ it was important to make it clear that these sessions actually fill a need; it should not be just formal training and teaching, but sharing and doing together. Carolyn, who was leading today’s sessions, started by stating that youth ministry in Bible times and until now has been done by ordinary people. So, during the day we shared a lot, personally, and referring to our service as teen leaders, and even though we didn't always understand each other we got a clear feeling of our common desire to become better leaders. The participants were all in youth leader positions at their different churches all over the country, and the topics are selected by them for each sessions. This time we talked and were taught about relational youth ministry and basic counseling skills. We were different languages and races represented, but while talking I wondered how similar the basic needs and values of young people are all over the world.
by Anna Margrethe Christensen