With Chris Zoephel | A Journey to East Africa

YAMIA is the youth and student ministries arm of the Anglican Mission in the Americas.

I wanted to blog about something that is not yet out in the open...but it will be soon enough.

I am leading a team of folks (some from our group here at yamia and some from Youth Specialties) to do yearly training for youth leaders in East Africa. That is, for Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Congo, Burundi and the Sudan.

More info will be coming, like dates and those who will be teaching etc...

As I sit here and type this I am stunned. I feel like I am actually having a surreal experience. I wanted to be the guy who was the best. I wanted to be famous. I wanted to be noticed, loved, approved...by others. Then the one who loves me the most. ..He...he began a deep, no, really deep and painful/joyous work. He began to rip that out of me. He began to transform me.

I am sitting here typing this years from the beginning of this work begun by the one who loves me. And it is surreal. Why? Because instead of a sense of accomplishment or pride I feel...thankful...and a lot of other stuff I suppose. Things I cannot verbalize. You know how that goes. I am thankful to have the opportunity to help and to serve and to know a God who loves me so much that He changes me for the better.

I love you Lord.

Labels: Africa, Training, Youth Specialties

Involved in Youth Ministry for over 10 years, Rev Chris Zoephel has worked with junior highers, senior highers and those who act like these folks both as a paid staff member and as a volunteer in churches and para church organizations. These days most of his time is spent chasing his son around, keeping his office somewhat organized and trying to point others toward Christ. Currently Chris is on staff at Immanuel Anglican Church in Destin, FL as the Pastor of Discipleship (which includes being a youth pastor). Chris also serves as Director of YAMIA for the Anglican Mission in the Americas.