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http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=502026548278816365&pr=goog-sl

LITTLE HARD TO READ THE TEXT - BUT HERE IT IS BELOW (YOU CAN SKIP THAT PART OF THE VIDEO AND VIEW THE REST)---- THANKS TO STEFFI SPEH, ONE OF OUR GERMAN VOLUNTEERS AND AMICUS GRAD FROM 1996 FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO!

INTRODUCTION TEXT:
Hello friends!
We are so thankful to give you a little insight into some of what God is doing here in our little corner of Germany through Amicus… This video is just a little snapshot into the lives of the German kids we minister to and the German leaders we serve.
Here is a little explanation of some of the footage you will see…

Young Life Camp 2006 – Rockbridge, VA.

In June 2006, we took 40 International Amicus students from Europe, and also 7 adult leaders to spend a week at Young Life’s Rockbridge camp near Washington DC.
This week, advertised as the “best week of your life” or your money back, is an amazing experience for all. We spent days in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains – living life to the full by participating in all the adventure activities offered at the camp.

Evenings are spent enjoying “club” where there is lots of loud singing, crazy games, fun skits, and finally a message from the camp speaker about the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. After club, we head back to our cabins where leaders process the message of the gospel with their campers, giving them a chance to ask questions and engage in a group setting.

In one week of club – we go through such concepts as the humanity and divinity of Christ, our need for God, the separation of Sin, Christ’s death on the cross, his resurrection, and how one can enter into a relationship with Jesus.
At the last club we have what is called the “say-so.” This is taken from Psalm 107:2 which says “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so” Here campers have a chance to make a public profession of a new commitment of faith in Jesus.

From our group of 40 we had 8 students who either stood up at the say-so to profess a new faith in Christ, or made that commitment during their exchange year.

Orientation Weekend Amicus class of ’07 –

This weekend is a part of the preparation process for sending over new exchange students. We spent this weekend retreat with 18 exchange students (from southwest Germany) who were about to get on a plane to the USA and meet their new host families for the first time. We had about 10 leaders who led small group and group interactions discussing the skills and attitudes they would need to succeed in their exchange year.

We also had “club” for 2 nights at the Orientation – and gave them a little introduction to Young Life and what they would encounter there. This is our first time upfront that we get to talk about who Jesus is and why is important in our lives – and that he has something very special for them during this year abroad! On Sunday morning, we also took them all to an International Church where they could experience what church is like in America before they embark.

This time is a great way for us to deepen the relationships between new students and their leaders. Leaders pray for and contact the kids who were in their small groups during the exchange year. Some of the leaders from this weekend will go as their leaders this summer at Rockbridge YL camp. This reconnects them in Washington DC with a familiar German leader, who they will share the camp experience with, and who will return home with them after their exchange year. German leaders leading German kids and discipling them back in Germany. That is our goal!


First Fridays Stuttgart

This is a “campaigners” or discipleship meeting we started last spring to create a place for returning students to experience a community of young Christians. We meet on the “first Friday” of each month for dinner in Stuttgart, then we head to someone’s home or meeting rooms in the city where we worship together, learn from the Bible, and experience fellowship. Many come from towns where there are very few if any young Christians their age. Many struggle making the transition back to Germany, specifically in maintaining their faith. Meghan and I are training German leaders who lead with us now and who will take over leadership and planning hopefully next fall. We have two small group leaders (Steffi for the girls and Michi for the guys). FF is always the first weekend of the month and small groups will meet usually in the third weekend of the month.

Young Life Reunion

This year we had about 50 friends (Germany, Belgium, US and Sweden) who gathered for a weekend in southwest Germany. We had about 30 European kids, 13 German leaders, and 7 US Amicus guests. The purpose of this weekend is for the kids to leave saying “I want to follow Jesus and I know how I can begin/continue following Jesus.” Meghan and I planned and led a team of 12 German leaders who pulled off the kitchen, program, and organization for the whole event! We had four “clubs” this weekend which were lots of fun – thanks to our great team of leaders. At the end of each club I (Matt) gave the message, and I spoke on Christ the Center of our lives, obedience, prayer, the Word, witness, and fellowship. We broke up into small groups after each club to discuss their questions and their experiences reintegrating into Europe – and how we could help them continue the journey with Christ where they are now. We had great discussions and a really sweet time in fellowship and worship. Best of all our German leaders have been pursuing and meeting with some the kids who came to the weekend, and discipling them.

This is just a little snapshot of a few things we are up to out here, and what God is doing in the lives of European kids and leaders through the Amicus mission.

I thank you on behalf of lost and broken teenagers on this continent, who now have a living relationship with Christ and a community thanks to your support.