Upper Canada Youth For Christ, serving rural youth ministries in Upper Canada by building relationships, sharing resources and following the pulse of God where it is already beating

Prayer: Why and How do I pray? Because of the bad weather 2 weeks ago we were not able to view the Alpha video about prayer.  We will do so this week.  Please pray the youth understand their need for communication in their relationship with God. Isaiah 55:8-9 This is a picture of Roger (Local Pastor) giving his testimony last week.  Hearing life stories about what God has done gives youth tangible examples that show how Gods works, and may work in their lives.  It is a great introduction to who God is. Last week when the group split off into smaller ones, I looked around and there was no need for me to lead.  Every group had volunteers and was engaged in insightful conversation.  This was a real "ah ha" moment for me. It is amazing to have God put people all in their place for a time and a reason.  I knew everything was as it should be, and in that moment, knew Gods delight in us.  Kids Choir began again this week.  We will be practicing for the "Made to Thrive " Performance coming to Prescott March 18th.  The opportunity for this little town to be influenced by this performance is great. We have also had parents want to to help with meals and cooking to accommodate this group.  Please pray for all the preparation both inside of people's hearts and the logistics of this event. Friday this week, in Prescott there will be a gathering of believers who serve or have interest in youth ministry. We will be gathering to build relationship with the purpose of collaboration.  There will be many different denominations, personalities, and "agenda's" present at this gathering.  Pray as everyone is focused on Jesus He will work out what needs to be done in everyone's hearts leading up to this time. Click here: "the Basis of Unity"

Upper Canada Youth For Christ, serving rural youth ministries in Upper Canada by building relationships, sharing resources and following the pulse of God where it is already beating On Tuesday night we will have a local pastor giving his testimony to the youth. There is power in hearing what God has done in other peoples lives.  Pray the youth will see how great the God they are learning about really is. Prescott Kids Choir has begun again. We will be joining a touring theatrical group of high school students in the performance Made to Thrive on March 18, singing two songs with them.  The hope for this performance is to have the youth and their families (and the Prescott community) hear the life changing message of the gospel, and enjoy the beautiful talent God has given the children.  Pray this event will plant seeds in the lives of those that come. We would love to have you attend, praying as the performance happens. All are welcome, free will offering will be taken up for the group on tour. We have secured a location, a band, and a handful of solid volunteers for the Holy Spirit weekend. Pray as we lead up to this time together that the kids have a longing for something more in their hearts, will recognize their need, and come to the Father. On March 4 those serving in youth ministry in Prescott and the surrounding area will be gathered to hear and share what God has been doing in and through their ministries. Please pray that hearts are prepared to yield to God and to one another, that we are unified in thought and action by Jesus Christ, and that God is glorified through this time we share together.  This is an exciting time, and we need your full prayer covering for this gathering, and the time leading up to it. Mission Trip... The group of youth YFC joined in September at St. John Anglican Church will be going on a mission trip to Cuba from March 9-16th. There are many ways to pray over a mission trip, and in the end it comes down to lives changed for the Glory of the Father.  Please remember the following youth that will be gone on this trip: Sarah J, Sarah S, Katie, Carolyn, Rae-Lynne, and Shyla.  The past two weeks have been a constant battle. As God blesses ministry, the attacks become greater. I have been trained well in how to recognize lies, and stand in the truth. Please pray for the guarding of my mind as ministry gains ground. (Ephesians 6:10-18) Hidden in Christ Jesus, Johanna

Prayer: Why and How do I pray? Tuesday night this week, the youth will be learning about what it means to pray, and how to pray. There needs to be a clear understanding of Isaiah 55:8-9, and the freedom we hold because of Gods ways being so much higher than ours. God's will is a tough thing for the human mind to grasp, for all of us.  Pray we will have the wisdom to answer the things that can be answered, and the courage and faith to wonder with the youth about the questions that are a mystery. Isaiah 55:8-9 Planning for the Holy Spirit weekend went very well this past week.  We are in the process of finding a youth worship band, and planning activities that will encourage the youth to focus their minds on God. Please continue to pray for the planning of this time together. Mark it, April 8-9, 2016. On March 18, we will be hosting the performing arts group Spirit Borne from Quinte Youth for Christ. Prescott kids choir will be participating in the show, and it is our hope that the youth participating and the families that come to see the performance, (which is free) hear the good news of Jesus, and come into a fuller understanding of what that means for them. Please pray for all involved and the planning leading up to this time. You are all invited to this event to be held at St Andrews Presbyterian church in Prescott, March 18 at 7 pm.

Week 4: Faith, How can we have faith?

"We can have confidence in our relationship with God because it stands firmly on the promises ofGod the Father, on the life, death and resurrection of Jesusand on the assurance that comes from the Holy Spirit." Tuesday we will explore where the youth are at in their relationship with God... and challenge them again to take a "leap of faith" and invite Jesus into their lives.

"Now faith isconfidence in what we hope for and assuranceabout what we do not see" Hebrews 11:1

We will be meeting with the Principal of South Grenville District High School Monday the 8th at 1 pm. The school is happy to have us during lunch hour, with the understanding that we will not promote any one religion. Our plan is to start a group called "Random Acts" to promote kindness. This group will also invite youth to the "Youth Answer" group on Tuesday nights. Please pray for wisdom, and favor.

The Volunteers from Alpha, will be meeting to plan the Holy Spirit weekend Friday February 12th.  We are looking into location, worship band, and food as I previously had written.  Thank you to those of you that responded to the food help.  We are looking at the weekend of April 8-9. Please pray for the prep going into this time, and for the actual weekend.

With Prayer we see the power of God at work on earth through his people. It is an honor that you would remember us weekly, in prayer. God will change lives as we are each diligent in doing what He has called us to do. Thank you for hearing the call to pray for youth in Prescott.  I am so excited to see where He will take us. God Bless!

Testimony Night

Testimony week... We have chosen to weave people's stories in with the Alpha teaching.  This week, one of our volunteers will be giving his testimony.  Please pray the youth see the POWER of Jesus in this life surrendered to Him. Last week when we were discussing how often the youth pray, and talk to God I was deeply burdened by some of the answers. Most of the youth said they talked to God 1-2 times a week.  (A WEEK) I know God longs to be in relationship with these guys, what Joy that could bring!  Please pray they would be given the desire to be talking to God more often. We are also in the process of planning a "Holy Spirit" weekend for the youth.  This time is important because it will give them the space, time, and atmosphere needed to thoroughly process and reflect on what they are learning.  Please pray for the planning of this.  We will also be looking for people to donate food for both dinner, snacks and breakfast if this is of interest to you. Thank you for being part of what God is doing with the youth in Prescott.  I cannot stress to you enough how important your prayer is for us during this time.