Youth Mission International sends out 17 TREKers

ABBOTSFORD, B.C.

Early morning, Nov. 9, suitcases were collected, coffee was devoured, hugs were exchanged and prayers were offered as 17 participants in Youth Mission International's TREK program were sent to serve the next six months in Sao Paulo, Brazil; Bogota, Colombia; Phoenix, Ariz.; Calgary and Gleichen, Alta.; and St. Catharines, Ont.

TREK is an eight-month program that is committed to training young leaders for service. "Whole-life discipleship is what TREK is all about," said Randy Friesen, director of YMI.

The participants arrived at Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C. on Sept. 13 for two months of orientation that included prayer, Bible studies, challenges by guest speakers and service in local churches.

"Getting to know other young people with a vision and passion to follow Jesus with their whole lives has been extremely encouraging for me," wrote one TREKer.

All participants arrived safely at their ministry assignments. For the next six months, TREKers will be accountable to mentors who have agreed to be involved with the program. MBMS International is coordinating the international assignments. Canadian assignments are coordinated through the Board of Evangelism Canada; US assignments are coordinated by Mission USA. Most participants are from Canada, one is from California and one is from Japan. In May, the participants will return to Abbotsford for a debriefing session.

In its second year of operation, TREK is led by part-time director, Steve Klassen, who also works as a sessional instructor at CBC. He was assisted at this year's orientation by YMI alumni Sam and Heidi Dick, Liana Penner and Kevin Boese. Other local volunteers included Norm and Lori Nickel, Dean and Janine Richmond, Steve's wife Evy and his father Herb Klassen.

Youth Mission International

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