Engaging teenagers for mission

In March, OM welcomed 90 volunteers and 140 teenagers from across the North Caucasus area to their first TeenStreet event.

“Local believers were very interested in this project, and we saw the need for ministry to teenagers there. TeenStreet is an outstanding event, which contributes to development of teenagers’ ministry,” said Michael* (Russia), the leader of TeenStreet in Russia.  

The conference was based on the book of Philemon and included seminars, workshops and time to have fun. Teenagers could learn something new, spend leisure time as they like and make new friends.  

“We talked about the importance of man, the importance of God in a person’s life, the importance of faith, the importance of a second chance. These were the topics that are very relevant to teenagers and respond to their needs,” Michael explained.

The most important decision

Several teenagers had been considering following Jesus Christ before attending TeenStreet, but this event was the final factor in their making the most important decision of their lives.

“I have been thinking about repentance for a long time, but something always stopped me,” said participant Natasha*. “At TeenStreet I realised that I want to draw closer to God and connect my life with Him. It was at TeenStreet that I experienced the love of God, I realised how He was guiding me and supporting me in difficult moments.”

During the event, 19 teenagers decided to become followers of Jesus Christ. “One teenager from our church decided to follow Jesus at this event,” said Andrey*, the pastor of a local church. “I know there were a lot of repentances, and this indicator is the most important. After TeenStreet, our church revived.”

A highlight for many participants was the ‘Museum’. Teenager Anna* said, “There was one wonderful place at the conference that was called ‘Museum’. There we could see an illustration of how a person looks for his significance in the wrong places — in family, school, social networks, work, church, in society. But a person finds his significance only in God.

“This moved me to tears, all that day and the next I have been thinking a lot about what touched me so much. One day there was worship night. I knew about God’s work, the sacrifice on the cross, but I realised all its seriousness and importance to me only at that moment.

“We were also given ‘Letter from God’, which included passages from the Bible. It all took shape in a text that said we are important to God and He loves us. This was a motivating moment to dedicate my life to God. Repentance was like a relief for me, but at the same time, there was an understanding that I was now decisively following Jesus Christ.”

The TeenStreet event in the North Caucasus inspired many teenagers to become engaged in ministry. “TeenStreet is a tool to mobilise teenagers, to involve them in ministry, mission and church,” Michael said.  

Churches in the North Caucasus were encouraged and intend to develop teenager’s ministry in the future. “Now we desire to expand the TeenStreet movement in the North Caucasus. We plan to organise not only conferences, but also training for coaches,” Michael added.

Into the community

Students taking part in the REACH training course supported the TeenStreet event. The students spent three weeks in the North Caucasus, where they helped at the TeenStreet event and organised other activities for young people in their own communities.

Liza* (Russia) was part of a team involved in ministry to teenagers and youth. “We organised youth club, built relations with local youth through board games, communicated with unbelievers, participated in Bible Study groups and church events and encouraged local Jesus followers to be involved in mission,” she said.

Teammate Vera* (Russia) said, “Organising youth club was a thrilling moment for us, as not all of us were engaged in this kind of ministry. We were very worried [beforehand] because teenagers would come to this event and we wanted them to consider it to be safe, trust the team that shares with them. We had never interacted with these teenagers, but we had to create an atmosphere of trust. Everything went well and we became friends with local teenagers, they even said that they were sad that we were leaving. We wanted to share more with them.”

With the youth of one of the churches, the students went onto the city’s streets to meet and build relationships with people. They were impressed by the openness of local people. Vera explained, “People who approached us were ready to talk with us. We invited young people to the youth club, which we organised the next day. We even doubted that they would come to our club. But praise the Lord, 10 teenagers, with whom we got acquainted during outreach, came to our event.

“Not all local believers knew about such ways of sharing the gospel, and for many it was something new. The youth club that we organised was the first in this city and local believers got experience how to work with non-Christians.”

Pray for those involved in TeenStreet around the world. Thank God for the impact it is having on the lives of young people. Pray that the seeds planted during TeenStreet events will grow and that the young people will feel confident and inspired to share their faith with their friends.

*name changed