Youth Ministry in Austria

Last month I was asked to lead a few of our team members to reach out to the youth/young adults in Austria, especially around Vienna. Immediately, God began to bring us many opportunities to serve the youth here. I attended a youth leaders meeting in January and found out that there are some really awesome people who love the Lord here and are trying to make a difference, but it is a slow and steady process in this land and these leaders are few and far between. We all prayed together and for one another, encouraging each other to keep reaching out to our Lord’s children here. Austria has one of the highest suicide rates and it is common among the youth here. We continue to battle a spirit of isolation in this nation.

One weekend our team spoke at a conference for youth leaders preparing to mobilize youth in Austria to go to Cologne, Germany for World Youth Day in August. I met some beautiful teenagers who seemed to hold onto every encouraging word I could give them about reaching out to their friends and helping them to know Jesus. This weekend really fired me up to continue to reach the youth in Austria. As we quickly approach the liturgical season of LENT, I have 2 big projects on the side of our regular team outreaches. Please pray for these projects!! I am helping to organize a performance called the "Living Stations of the Cross," which will be performed in the center of the town I live in. This could be HUGE in reaching the people of this city. Please pray that people are drawn out of their homes on Good Friday and that many people volunteer to put the performance together. Oh…and pray for me…I have never directed any type of theatrical performance in my life. I need all the grace I can get. I am also helping to catechize the members of the English speaking Church in Vienna called the Votivkirche. I looked forward to meeting this international community of young adults!! Come Holy Spirit and fill the hearts of the youth in Austria!!