New Christian youth project in E Norfolk

Unite is the name of a new Christian youth project in East Norfolk aiming to get up to 50 churches working together. Matt Gooch reports.

 

Daydreaming is one of those things that can either get you in lots of trouble, perhaps at school or at work, or get you thinking in a bit of a different way and who knows where that could lead?

 

It all started on a Sunday afternoon after a typical Sunday lunch that left you feeling that you will need the use of a crane to get you out of armchair. In this situation it’s always best to fight through the pain and go for a gentle stroll on the beach. So that’s what we did. A group of us went for a walk on Winterton beach, this is where the daydreaming started.

 

Think of all the churches in this area that are all seeking the same goal of sharing the good news of Jesus. Think of all the people that would be involved in that. Think about all the resources that are shared by theses churches. Think about the energy, the vision, the passion, the love, the compassion.

 

Imagine what would happen if that was all put together. Imagine how many people could be reached with the gospel.

 

Well what if we could actually do that?, what if we combine all those elements, let’s say in a youth project? What if fifty churches stretching from Gorleston to Winterton and then out to Acle decided to partner together to create a youth project as never seen before?

 

What if we create a network of youth clubs, discipleship groups, social events? Could we arrange for the biggest Christian bands and speakers to come to our little corner of the world?

 

What if we set a target of communicating the gospel relevantly to every young person in the East of Norfolk? Well could we?

 

That’s where the dream started, I know it sounds big but why shouldn’t we as a Christian community think big, after all we read that we only need faith the size of the smallest seed, God is big enough to do the rest (Matthew 17:19-20 and Luke 17:5-6)

 

That start has led to several churches pledging their support to the project, a part-time project manager recruited and East Norfolk Youth For Christ being born. For a more catchy title we are operating under the name of Unite, after all that is the heart of the project

As a project we are committed to working hand in hand with local churches; equipping, supporting, encouraging, building on existing work and looking for opportunities to strengthen each other by working together. So watch this space!

 

I am very keen to meet up with church leaders and volunteer youth leaders to understand what is happening and to work with them to build a project for the future. If you would like to get to me first then please do, my contact details are below. Also look out for a catalogue of events to encourage excite and equip both Christian and non Christian young people.

 

What do I need? Well this list goes on and on, but primarily your support and you dreaming with me. We do need helpers, everything from young people to old people, from caterers to video technicians. I am currently particularly keen to find someone to help with publicity and marketing.

 

Of course we also need money, we are committed to be a professional project of excellence, so this costs. If you feel you can give some financial support then please contact me.

 

Above all pray for us. It’s something we can all do and is the most important. After all we are told if we believe we shall receive whatever we ask for in prayer.