conversations from the couch

The conference team (Karen, Sherri and I) share office space with the incredible crew who run the Group Workcamp programs. It’s a great blend of personalities, and possibly the loudest and most energetic wing in the building. We spend a lot of time sharing stories and ideas, and recently dreamed up a little synergy with the National Youth Ministry Conference.

NYMC 2008 is taking place in Cincinnati this February, and the Group Workcamp Foundation also has a Week of Hope program in Cincinnati for 7 weeks this summer where they will partner with local service organizations and ministries to bring in Jr./Senior highers and adult volunteers for a community service missions program. This particular Week of Hope will focus on some homeless ministry efforts, creating “Hope Bags” with various items desperately needed by people in shelters.

With more than 2,300 youth workers coming into Cincinnati for the February conference we wanted to help with an authentic effort to support the mission happening in Cincinnati this summer. We contacted the Cincinnati ministry partners and came up with the idea of a collection center for needed items for the Hope Bags. You can find the list of items on the NYMC website–things like toothbrushes, Bibles, toiletries, etc.

Please take a moment to check it out, and consider rounding up anything you’d like to donate. Have the kids in your youth group organize a tooth-brush drive, or a church-wide Bible round-up. The Week of Hope team, and the Cincinnati ministry partners will be on-site at NYMC gratefully receving donations at a welcome booth near registration.