What is JV?

It's probably a good thing I waited to write this part of the series (read the first part here). I had a bit of training at TCKompas and I think it will help me speak with more knowledge about the topic. :) Usually I write in a pretty airy voice... but this is a bit more formal and informative. I feel very strongly about JV and what they are doing in Europe. I hope when you read this, even if it seems boring, you will read it with an open mind and heart. This is what I am giving my life to these next few months and what you have supported me for! If you have ANY questions at all, please let me know and I will try to get them answered! (I mean, I hope this isn't too boring... I personally find it pretty exciting!) Josiah Venture, or JV, is an organization that was founded in 1993 by three couples. It is a movement dedicated to reaching the lives of youth (and others) in Eastern Europe. It is currently operating in 13 countries: Slovakia, Slovenia, Germany (focusing on the East), the Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, Latvia, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, and Albania. Each country has different needs, but they all fall under the JV umbrella. Each country has its own staff and Board of Directors and there are also people working for the organization as a whole. I am so fortunate to work with some amazing people this summer; I'll introduce them as I speak about them in my blog! The vision of JV is, "A movement of God among the youth of Central and Eastern Europe that finds its home in the local church and transforms society." I want you to take a look at that vision. Let's do what I do in school and break it up...

• A movement of God - this is not a stagnant ministry, God is on the MOVE here. He is working in cities and churches like never before! 
• Among the youth of Central and Eastern Europe - this used to just say "Eastern" and it has expanded. JV just added Germany and Hungary to the country list... this doesn't just happen!! God is present and people are seeking Him. 
• That finds its home in the local church - JV doesn't just go into towns and run camps. Instead, we partner with local churches (notice the word is plural?) The organization does a number of things with different denominations: Lutheran, Baptist, Bretheren, etc. JV believes that the churches need to be making a lasting impact on the people so when camps or tours are over, the church can still be sustainable. Cool? I think so! 
• And transforms society. - I have always wanted to work with an organization that is passionate about not only changing a few people's lives, but changing the world! This is a step! Changing an entire society?? It sounds so impossible, but in Matthew, Jesus said that if we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we can move mountains - so why not change a society?   Just a few more tidbits about the organization... its mission statement is, "To equip young leaders to fulfill Christ's commmission." We use a variety of programs to advance the movement of God, including: - Discipleship - I willl not be participating in either of the programs specifically designed for discipleship here (Elements and Turbo 316) but I will be discipling students at camp! - Evangelism - This is extremely important; less than one half of one percent of the people in most regions in Eastern Europe are evangelical believers. This is focused on by English outreach camps (like the ones I'll be working at), FUSION (music camps - NEW!), and Exit 316. - Training programs - These are varied throughout the year. I'm involved in a training program called the Summer Intern Program, but I also know, in Slovakia, they have specific training for youth pastors, amongst other programs! Well, that is honestly all I have for tonight. I have so much more to tell you, but not much time to write. I didn't think I was going to take my laptop with me to Banska Bystrica, but I think I may so I can catch up on some blogging on the train! << PS. I cannot remember who I was talking to, but I kept spelling it t-r-e-i-n... I apologize. That is the Dutch spelling and I kept thinking it looked strange, but couldn't figure out why. There you have it! Until next time, keep the faith! xx