TREKers return with joy

Abbotsford, B.C.

TREK participants gathered in Abbotsford, B.C. May 1 for a week of debriefing. This year, 17 "TREKers" served on six-month assignments as volunteers under Youth Mission International. The teams worked alongside long-term ministries in São Paulo, Brazil; Bogotá, Colombia; Phoenix, Ariz.; Calgary and Gleichen, Alta.; and St. Catharines, Ont. The assignments were preceded by two months of discipleship training based at Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford.

Each team reported challenges, yet TREKers grew in their faith and many came closer to Jesus, some surrendering their lives to God for the first time. YMI Executive Director Randy Friesen and TREK Director Steve Klassen met with each team to identify highlights, challenges, disappointments and lessons learned. Participants noticed God's transforming work in each other's lives.

Later in the week, representatives from four MB agencies (Don Klaassen of MBMS International, Ewald Unruh of Canadian MB Conference Board of Evangelism, Henry Schmidt of MB Biblical Seminary, and Ed Boschman of Mission USA) interacted with TREKers, heard their stories and presented various options for further training and service.

Eight of the 31 TREKers from 1997-98 went on to study with MBBS (3 in B.C., 5 in Fresno, Calif.). Part of the purpose of TREK is to provide a stronger link between YMI and the long-term service agencies of the Mennonite Brethren Conference.

Both MBBS President Henry Schmidt and Steve Berg, pastor of South Abbotsford MB Church, spoke on "the potter's wheel" in Jeremiah 41, emphasizing the thought that God is shaping His people.

Thursday evening, TREKers shared their experiences to supporters, family and friends. Jill of the Calgary Team told the story of a nine-year-old girl who gave her life to Jesus. Ryan talked about a young man who was able to experience the love of God. Andrea, Becky and Robin testified to God's transforming work in their lives as they served. Ed Boschman led in prayer for TREK participants anticipating the next phase of their lives.

"My experience on TREK was a journey of spiritual growth in love, humility and sharing the gospel with boldness," said Len of the Colombia Team.

"It was awesome because it leaves me in awe to think about the way God moved at Copper Hills and in my own life," Lynsey of the Phoenix Team explained.

"My TREK experience in Brazil revealed to me that I want to be someone who is radically intimate with God, who hears the voice of God and obeys," responded Corina of the Brazil Team.

"TREK was a year of finding out who I am in Christ and learning how to have an intimate relationship with Him," said Thera of the Calgary Team.

On April 12, the YMI administrative committee met in Abbotsford to evaluate the TREK program. TREK was launched as a pilot project by YMI with the support of the Canadian MB Conference Board of Evangelism, Mission USA, MBMSI and MBBS. Representatives at the meetings affirmed TREK as an ongoing program of YMI and affirmed Steve Klassen as its director to continue to lead the program.

--Youth Mission International