A NEW YEAR!
James
The apostle Paul describes his relationship with the Philippian Church as a partnership in affliction, a partnership in giving and receiving, and a partnership in the Gospel.
Paul’s thank-you to the Philippians sees beyond their gift; it speaks of Paul’s special partnership with this church. The Greek word for “partner” is rooted in the word koinonia, which characterizes a deep spiritual bond—a kingdom bond.
Over this last month, we have experienced this koinonia-type bond with other local Christian organizations investing in this generation.
As you will hear, our partnership with the Girls' Brigade has enabled us to reach a significant number of girls and their leaders, helping the GB facilitate several conferences and leader training.
We were also blessed by the invitation to visit Reach Mentoring, an organization that mentors and walks with a significant number of young people across the province. We had the privilege of leading a devotional time together, providing 50 mental health packs for their staff, and equipping them with additional resources to support their work.
Our partnership with Sports Chaplaincy Ireland has also been a huge blessing. Not only are we able to minister to new groups of young people and help tend to their needs, but we are also seeing the fruit of kingdom partnerships working together. Within the last week, we have been so encouraged to hear how our workshops have helped pave the way for follow-up conversations with chaplains, who have also been supplying Bibles from Good News for Everyone to the young people—some of whom are asking their parents to read Scripture to them for the first time. Praise God.
We are so thankful for your support and prayers as we continue to serve and support this generation, building God’s Kingdom in partnership with others.
REBEKAH
One of my highlights this month has been our partnership with the Girls' Brigade. We held three conferences with multiple districts, allowing us to reach hundreds of girls across the country. God also opened doors for us to hold leader training at the GB headquarters, which was so exciting, as equipping leaders like this means the content can reach even more girls via leaders who have already built consistent and strong relationships with them.
January has also seen a new project for our media team in filming, editing, and producing our latest podcast series. Get Equipped aims to help parents, teachers, and leaders support young people with ill mental health, and we believe it will be a brilliant resource.
I have also been giving thanks for our team as we begin this new season, as we have such a servant-hearted group of leaders. We are so thankful for volunteers who run workshops so excellently.
As we look ahead, please pray that the partnership with the GB continues to flourish and that more opportunities like this arise. Please pray that the podcast content reaches the right people and that our team continues to grow in love together, with eyes fixed on Jesus.
CHRIS
God has been so good to us in Made For More in 2024, and I am so excited to see what He is going to do through this ministry in 2025!
At the start of this new term, we have been doing lots of workshops in primary school settings. This is such a brilliant opportunity to share truth and love with children at such a formational age in their lives. In one school, the teacher explained some of the difficult and challenging situations facing their pupils at home and in school, and it reminded me of the importance of what we do in equipping, enabling, and empowering children to understand their value and make good choices.
Please continue to pray for the children and young people we interact with. Pray for their minds and their lives, that they would come to know that there is a God who loves them and has a purpose for their lives.
Beth
This month, we had two students join us for alternative placement, and it was a delight! They brought a breath of fresh air throughout the office—I have absolutely loved it!
I have seen God’s hand over this time, as we began a new book study focusing on God’s will for our futures, a topic that is especially relevant as they approach the end of their time at university.
I’m reminded that God is in the details of everyone’s life, and I hope that as you read my update, you are also reminded that your life is in God’s hands!
JOHNNY
January has been a great start to the year. We’ve already had so many great workshops and spoken to so many young people. It’s such an honour to be able to do this for another year.
We’ve also begun our fundraising for 2025. We’ve entered 25 relay teams into the Belfast Marathon this year, equaling 125 people involved. It’s been such an answer to prayer to have so many people sign up to support us. God provides.
We would love prayer for this project, as there are so many people involved and a lot of moving pieces. We ask for prayer to know that God is in control and to hand this over to Him!
Thanks for your support and prayers!
