MoTen Youth Leadership Forum
With the ever increasing growth of the Sidewalk Ministry in the Desert Southwest Conference, we have broadened our faith community - and our mission. As we enter into a deeper spiritual relationship with our youth, we have strongly been led to provide extra support and encouragement.
Many of our 12 - 25 year olds face difficult circumstances that extend beyond simply economic status. As an example, in 2002 a 12 year old named Bengi tried to hang himself when he learned that yet another member of his family would be incarcerated for multiple DUI offenses. Eighteen year old James met me in the streets in September of 2001 to escort me to his front door, which had been peppered with gunshots the night before. The next week a small explosive was placed in the family's mailbox. The stories go on and on.
I am grateful that the youth come to me. However, seeing them at Sidewalk and on the visitation route is simply not enough. We need dedicated time with the older kids, both to hear their stories, as well as to introduce them to cycle breaking behaviors that will lift them out of difficult circumstance. With this in mind, the MoTen Youth Leadership Forum was born.
MoTen Mission Statement
This newly created sub ministry of Sidewalk is designed to serve youth and young adults, ages 12-25 years old. Our mission statement reads,
"An experiential Christian gathering where youth explore personal development in the areas of leadership, communication and interpersonal relationships."
The forum is focused on developing personal skills in the following areas: personal development, leadership, interpersonal relationships, public speaking, anger management, conflict resolution, career studies, a charitable spirit and community responsibility. There is strong emphasis on high school graduation with the expectation that they will extend their studies. MoTen (do you know what MoTen stands for yet???) is a safe place where these young people can express their deepest thoughts - both fears and triumphs.
Mentors, guest career speakers, and funding is needed. Please call 602.266.6956 for more information.
"We have come together to explore
and develop our personal best with Christ at our center."