I have to admit that spending six years living and going to college in Idaho gave me a lot of respect and admiration for Mormon Missionaries. You know, the two guys in white shirts, black ties, and riding bicycles. You've got to admire that too, when you see them riding down rural roads in 100 degree heat.

I just came back from a ministry trip to Salt Lake City and praise God your gift this month didn't pay a dime for this trip to visit some new partners in Utah. You see, I'm also working with several other groups to help grow and train their urban church plants on this trip and they paid my way and expenses. Of course that doesn't mean we don't need your continued faithful support. It's just that when I can visit our partners and help someone else at the same time, that's good for His Kingdom.

So, back to why I admire Mormon Missionaries. First of all let me be clear I do not agree with or admire their theology. However I do admire their dedication and especially their young people who sign up for not just a week or summer but two full years of missionary work.  Can you imagine what could be done for God's Kingdom if our youth would sign up for two years of missionary work.

Well, we're not quite there yet, but Praise God for CityConnexx where we send young people on short-term mission trips in hopes they will find a burden to give their lives and hearts for missions full time as missionaries in America's urban jungle. Last spring I recruited one young women while speaking on a college campus and she was a great help this summer to one of our partners. I hope to recruit a few more urban missionaries when I speak at two other college campuses next month and last month at a local Christian High School.

In Salt Lake City I met with several street ministries that are doing some incredible things. They were reaching into the heart of poverty and homelessness like I've not seen in a long time. I saw Jamie and Dena greeting and meeting
everyone they met on the streets. I had the honor of worshipping with them on
 
Sunday in one of Salt Lake City’s transitional shelters. I saw Grantley and his wife, both of whom were raised in third world countries, working with Sudanese and other refugees.

Salt Lake City hosted and housed the Olympics last time around and made a very nice profit from it. In the meantime, folks like the Yagges and Martelley's continue to love and care for the outcasts of society. They minister love, compassion and transformation. That's what CityConnexx and YPN is all about. We're also bringing teams to the next Winter Olympics in Vancouver B.C. where I helped out last month.

So, come join us either in Salt Lake, Vancouver or several dozen other cities across the country. But you don't need to bring your bike or your black tie. Just bring your heart of compassion and love to heal a hurting world.

For Him and Them,

Dean Cowles
YouthPartersNET
President

LIVE COMPASSION!

Your Donations at Work:

The Community of Adsideo in Portland, OR is a new YPN ministry partner that provided wonderful outreach projects for our CityConnexx groups this summer.  Throughout the year they have two children and youth programs that serve the at-risk kids in their neighborhood.  The House of Ramah is a youth advocacy house where those that live there volunteer to work with the neighborhood kids on a weekly basis through activities that provide opportunities to reach out relationally and spiritually.  Adsideo Kids is another program that includes Sunday gatherings and daily mentorship activities.  We are excited to provide a grant for both of these community outreach programs.

Prayer Request:

Josh asked that we pray for his mom who is expecting a baby.  The staff also asked that we pray for the leaders who are involved in these kids’ lives on a daily basis.