Built on the belief that the hope of children and youth living high-risk communities can be restored and their potential be released in Jesus' name through focused partnerships with local church and community organizations, YouthPartnersNET [YPN] launched its nationwide ministries July 1, 2003. With over 30 years of life-changing ministry as Compassion International's USA Ministry, YPN continues to partner with hundreds of local and regional organizations strategically targeting the development of three key areas: Networking, Education and Training.
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NETworking News from Eric Howard, Director of Outreach, Inc.
I heard a sermon recently by Chris Hill that got me thinking. Many times when obstacles present themselves in my life, I tend to try to get around it or avoid it altogether. Rarely do I look at the obstacle as a chance for growth or refinement. I am sure that I am not the only person that has ever thought, "Great, not another challenge!"
Very rarely do I look at them as a chance in God's plan to further me within the Kingdom. Even more seldom do I look at the obstacle and say, "What if..." Well, this question and the sermon by Chris Hill brought me to the story in Genesis about Joseph, specifically in Genesis 37-41. To briefly recap the story:
- The brothers of Joseph do not hate him initially because he is a dreamer but because of the favor that is upon his life. His dreams only acerbate their hatred.
- Joseph's interpreted dream is one in which his parents and brothers worship him. 3. Joseph's coat, a symbol of favor, is taken from him twice.
- Joseph deals with three initial trials: jealousy, isolation and profiteering - sold out.
- He receives a Ph.D. in slavery and servanthood, which prepares him for the palace.
- Joseph becomes successful, and then becomes attractive to the adulterous dreamer (Potipher's wife).
- Prison prepares him for creating and managing the "food penal system." It is a promotion phase in his preparation and not a punishment for his righteousness.
- Joseph comes into his destiny by interpreting another dreamer's dreams.
So what does this have to do with the "What if..."? What if Joseph had allowed depression to set in? What if he had decided not to operate at his highest level of slavery? What if he had settled for an adulterous relationship within another man's house? What if he decided not to serve others within the same prison, or decided to quit when the cupbearer did not immediately remember his aid? What if he had interpreted only his dream, but had no strategy?
Obstacles come and go but your outlook is everything. Outreach is in the same pattern as Joseph. Outreach is Dreaming Big to impact the community for Christ and transform the horizon in ministry and service provision to the youth that we serve.
Outreach needs your support and passion! Our dream is being defined and we need your help to make this vision come into reality. We need your help in time, talent and resources. Can you assist in helping our ministry overcome our limitations? Can you serve on one of the ad-hoc committees that help us serve the homeless youth community? If you can, please let me know. It is due to your support and prayers that Outreach is here today and impacting the youth we serve. Feel free to contact me at ehoward@outreachindiana.org"
(An excerpt from Street Beat, March 2004, a publication of YouthPartnersNET partner, Outreach, Inc.)
