Nigerian Riots - Pray!

After the Nigerian incumbent president, who is a Christian, won the election the Muslim opposition started rioting.  Burned corpses with machete wounds lay in roads and smoke rose above this city where rioting broke out again this Tuesday.  The Muslims were angered by the announcement of the Christian incumbent winning the election.
Please remember the Christian Nigerian people who are in danger.  Pray for their protection and that they will be so blessed that the people around them will be amazed and ask them "What is the reason of the hope that is in you?" and  "What must I do to be saved?"

Turmoil & Heartaches Worldwide – What's Happening!

Turmoil & Heartaches Worldwide – What's Happening!
Japan's earthquake and Tsunami is the world's costliest natural disaster.  Residents were warned not to give babies tap water because of radiation leaking from the nuclear plants and produce is also affected from these areas.  Also in Tokyo there has been some increased radiation registered.
Unrest in the Middle East:  There was a bus bombing in Jerusalem Wednesday just a few hours after militants vowed revenge for deadly Israeli raids on Gaza.
While in Libya just the U.S. role in Libya costs hundreds of millions so far in an international assault to destroy Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's air defenses and save rebels from likely defeat, Gaddafi's tanks and forces resume their attack on the rebel-held town of Misrata, moving back onto the offensive just hours after Western strikes silenced their guns.
Then In Syria president Bashar al-Assad made an unprecedented ledge of greater freedom and more prosperity to the Syrian people on Thursday as anger mounted following a crackdown on protesters that left at least 37 dead.
Thursday night in Myanmar there was a 6.8 - magnitude earthquake that struck in Northeast Myanmar shaking buildings as far away as Bangkok, Thailand.  One person was confirmed dead from the quake.
Hey! Do you think it could be the signs of the times?  Let's continue to pray for the safety of the Christians, Hope to flourish, that many would come to know the Lord at this time and ask ourselves what we can do to help.

From Libya To Japan - News and Prayer Requests!

There are several things happening today that require our prayers from Japan to Libya.  In Japan while they are still fighting the problems at the nuclear power plant sites officials have found that radiation contamination has now entered the food chain.  On another front French warplanes have now fired the first shots the broadest international military effort since the Iraq war in support of an uprising that seemed on the verge of defeat in Libya.
A warplane from France opened fire on a target in Libya today, opening the coordinated international campaign to prevent strongman Moammer Gadhafi's forces from crushing an uprising.  U.S missile attack on Libya prepared, but the American ships and aircraft stationed in and around the Mediterranean Sea did not participate in the initial French air mission Saturday.  There are many people in Libya that have been affected or killed by mercenaries or the forces loyal to Gadhafi.
The first signs that contamination from Japan's crippled nuclear complex has seeped into the food chain as officials stated on Saturday that radiation levels in spinach and mile from farms near the tsunami-stricken facility exceeded government safety limits.  Many areas of the northern coast need assistance as the full extent of the missing and loss of life continue to rise.
Please pray and ask the Lord what He would have you do!

I Am Thankful but Yet Hurting!!!

In watching the news around the world I realize how blessed we are in the USA.  But, yet many of us are full of worry or anger because of the downturn of our economy, loss of investments and so forth.  I am so thankful for the Lord's protection, health, provision and His amazing Salvation!  Can we take the time to look outside of our own world and cares and  pray for those who are going trough so much around the world, from the conflicts in some of the Arab nations and brutality in Libya, to the horrific earthquake and tsunami Japan, as well as, the very real fears of two nuclear meltdowns in their power plants.
The nuclear emergency after the deadly quake and tsunami is finding the Japanese worker battling to try to stop the meltdown of two reactors.  While in the northeast coast of Japan it is feared that over 10,000 people are feared dead after the quake and the 25 to 30 foot tsunami that followed in these villages. I have heard that one man was found today clinging to the top of his destroyed home 10 miles out in the ocean.  As we pray for those who have lost loved one, for those who are yet to be rescued and for the several emergencies with Japan, let us remember to be thankful for what 'we' have.
As the fighting in intensifying in Libya, let us be thankful for the peace and safety we do have as we pray for the  people in this war torn nation. Even at this very moment the Libyan forces are drawing closer to the main opposition-held city of Benghazi.  Let's pray for the safety of the Christians living in this country and for the revelation of Jesus Christ to those who do not know Him.  Many have went off into eternity.  Do they know the Lord?  Has someone told them about Jesus?  Pray to the Lord of the  harvest to send forth laborers into the harvest fields.

Japan Nuclear Power Plant - Frantic Efforts to Avoid Meltdown

Continue to pray for the Japanese people.  The magnitude of this disaster in beyond what I can wrap my mind about.  Earthquake and aftershocks, Tsunami, and now explosions at one of the nuclear power plants.  Frantic efforts to avoid a meltdown are now taking place.
While we are here in our homes in relative safety it's almost like it's unreal and one of the latest disaster movies that so many of us watch, but this is real!  People have died!  Families are without homes, cars or even a job now in some circumstances.  Food and clean water are in short supply in the effected areas.  It's my prayer that through all of these events, that many will find comfort, refuge and peace in the midst of the storm by clinging to the Rock, Jesus Christ.  Also it's my prayer that many of us will be the hands and feet of our Lord and help in any way we can as we pray for them.
Power plant youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBZQZToDpXo

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE JAPANESE PEOPLE! EARTHQUAKES / TSUNAMI!

I wanted to write a quick prayer request to remind us all about the events that took place not long ago.  There was a huge earthquake in Japan with several aftershocks; then a second earthquake in a different area of Japan as well.  Between these two earthquakes and aftershocks there have been several people killed. Also, this first earthquake triggered a tsunami, tidal wave, which swept across the Japanese seaboard.  There has been enormous damage and more loss of life.  Please pray for the people who are Christian for their safety and peace in the midst of this devastation.  But also pray for the many people who do not know the Lord, to look for answers in our Savior, that the Lord would reveal Himself to them in a marvelous way.  

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST! HAITIAN PASTOR

I wanted to post a special prayer request, on this Thanksgiving Day, for Pastor Michel Ilbert Leblanc who lives and ministers in Southwest Haiti in a village near Torbeck.  This is one of the pastors and in the area we worked with this past summer.  From what I understand from Pastor David is that Pastor Michael is very sick and under much persecution.  From personal experience in working with this pastor I wanted you all to know he is a great example of the shepherd caring for flock.  He continually rises early to tend to his fields and work, works with the people throughout the day and late into the night ministering, praying for and waging war with the spiritual forces in the area.  I was extremely impressed with the hardworking humble spirit about him.  Please make it a matter of prayer to specifically prayer for Pastor Michael Ilbert Leblanc, his family and the church there in this village.  Pray for his complete healing, renewed strength and for the Lord to encamp and place a hedge around him.

What Are The Initial Steps I Should Take For A Missions Trip?

Initial Steps and Preparations For Your Missions Trip

I wanted to provide you with the Initial Steps for you to get started on the process of preparing for your mission’s trip.
The process is as follows:

1. Please download proper application.
1. Download the appropriate YQI application,for you as an individual or group, for all the trips except the Jamaica trip.  We will provided you with the Jamaica application at your request.   For domestic missions trip we will provide some different instruction once you contact us.
2. Please fill out the individual or group application and include a recent picture.
3. You may pay for your individual or group registration fees online at this location.
1. If you are interested in signing up or to get more information on your specific area of interest please follow the links below.  To pay for your registration fee online or download your specific application go to the following locations.  On the left hand side is the payment button for the registration fee.  If you are interested in another team Contact Us with your request. Go To Mission Trips or Volunteer Trips Abroad
4. Please Email the application and picture to us at info@youthquests.com or mail it to Youth Quests, 13835 N. Tatum Blvd. #146, Phoenix, AZ.  85032
5. If you haven’t done so already, as soon as your are able to, please send a digital photo of yourself to this us by email.  Please make the file name of the picture your name.  We will use this for a support letter for you
1. Please download the YQI policies.
6. As soon as we receive your registration fee we will be providing you with more information and instructions for the particular team of your choice.
7. Now please take time to read about Preparing For Youth Mission Trip and Expenses.
8. In enough time prior to your teams departure start and complete your Missions’ Bible Study and Training.
9. Other training and preparation materials will be posted on your private teams pages.

Go to the Mission Trip News and our Facebook Misson’s Page.

God Bless and we look forward to meeting you soon,
Youth Quests International

A Florida Pastor States He Would Publicly Burn The Quran - Is that a Christian Act?

Today was the day this pastor was to burn the Quran.  After many news reports on the web, TV and in print regarding this intent the following news report came out on Yahoo News:  "NEW YORK – A Florida pastor says his church will "not today, not ever" burn a Quran, even if a mosque is built near ground zero.
Pastor ***** ***** had threatened to burn the Muslim holy book on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks over plans to build an Islamic center near where terrorists brought down the World Trade Center nine years ago.
He flew to New York and appeared on NBC's "Today" show. He says that his Gainesville, Fla., church's goal was "to expose that there is an element of Islam that is very dangerous and very radical."
He tells NBC that "we have definitely accomplished that mission." He says no meeting is planned with the imam leading the center but he hopes one will take place.
A "Burn a Koran Day" banner outside his church has been taken down." 
(Copied from: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/quran_burning)


I have been very concerned over this news regarding these statements and actions.  I have been concerned for our missionaries and indigenous pastor who are laboring in harms way and the needless risk that has been placed upon them.  I know I have been praying that this would not happen, but I wanted your opinions on what you think is right?  What do you think is Christian behavior?  And I also wanted to ask you to pray for us as a nation, the Christian missionaries or even people taking short term mission trips, which are diligently working to share the Love of Christ to a lost and dying world.


Before you answer lets look a few scripture from the Word of God in light of a Christian.  The word Christian means to be like Christ.  (Wikipedia states: The Greek word Χριστιανός (christianos) -meaning "follower of Christ")
(Heb 12:14) Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Gal 5:19-26 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Mat. 5:9  Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
John 3:16-17  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Mar 12:30  And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 
Mar 12:31  And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
1Jn 4:18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 
1Jn 4:19  We love him, because he first loved us. 
1Jn 4:20  If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
Jesus condemned religious intolerance.  When He and His disciples entered a Samaritan village, and the Samaritans were less than hospitable, James and John told Jesus they wanted to call down fire from heaven on the whole place (see Luke 9:54).  Jesus flatly rebuked them, saying "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them." (v.55-56, NASB).


God is Love!  What is love?  What is the opposite of love?  Many people would say hatred, but it's really selfishness.  Hatred comes from the root of selfishness.  
Now I ask you these questions:
Was this act out of love or selfishness?
Do you think this mans actions and words promote peace, love and joy?
Do you think this mans actions and words will draw the lost to Christ or drive them away?
Do you think these actions and words promote peace or discord?
Do you think these actions and words endanger unnecessarily the lives of our missionaries on the mission fields?
This pastor was saying, just a day or two previously even though much of the churches congregation leaving the church, that he was going to go on with this and burn the Quran no matter what and today stating that "his church will "not today, not ever" burn a Quran, even if a mosque is built near ground zero"… and says that his Gainesville, Fla., church's goal was "to expose that there is an element of Islam that is very dangerous and very radical."  I ask you what is it when someone states one thing, then says that he was not going to do it?
Is this the behavior of someone who is to be Christ-like?


What does the book of wisdom, Proverbs, say about someone who stirs up strife and contention?


Let’s pray that there will some confession of wrong and asking for forgiveness instead saying that he never intended to do this act.


Let’s pray that the people of the world who are lost will see the love of Christ in us who really are Christians and know that everyone calling themselves a Christian may not be Christians.


To conclude let us take these scriptures to heart and live them: 1Jn 4:7-8  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Piura and Cuidad Noe, Peru Medical Mission Trip

This is your chance to make a difference in the lives of the Peruvian people!

Peru ranks amongst the world's amazing centers of historic civilization. They continue to fascinate travelers and archaeologists alike. Peru can be found in the west central section of South America and is particularly a nation of geographical and cultural contrast. Peru is the 19th largest nation on the planet and is bordered north by Ecuador, to the south by Chile and Bolivia, towards the east by Columbia and Brazil and also to the west with the Pacific Ocean. Peru is a unique country as a result of the climatic, natural and cultural difference of its regions, which consist of coast, sierra and jungle.

Peru is populated by over 23 million people, largely descendents of Spanish settlers as well as native Inca and pre-Inca civilizations. Currently there are three national languages: Spanish, and the native Quechua and Aymara, reflecting the native Indian and Spanish origins which cultivate modern Peruvian society.

The main purposes of this mission trip is medical missions and work on a local construction project. You will have many chances to evangelize among the local people and youth of the community.  Throughout your stay in Piura you will have the opportunity to be a blessing to many by the work project you will be completing or the medical missions outreach in Cuidad Noe (City of Noah). You will come in contact with many children at our hosts training school and church. You may also have the privilege of evangelizing in the nearby villages, bringing hope to the lost as well as being an encouragement for many others.  There will be countless opportunities for ministry and spiritual mentoring in your leisure times and social activities.

Go here for more information on this Peru Medical Missions Trip that is starting on Jan. 3rd of 2011 or to find out more about planning a Group Mission Trips go to Youth Quests International

Youth Quests International - Quarterly News Letter Aug. 20th 2010

Missionary News with

Youth Quests International & John and Becky Andrews

We wanted to share with you the blessings resulting from the help you have given in supporting this ministry and the missionaries who went this year.

Php 1:3-7 I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you, always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy, for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace.

1. Youth Quests sent support funds to Western Kenya twice in the last few months to help with the pastor and congregation who were in a condition where many were starving.  This church ministers to many in the area; reaching out the widows, orphans and refugees from Northeast Uganda which are called the “Invisible Children” and adults fleeing the violence.     Link to Testimonial
2. Youth Quests International sent support funds to help with the pastors in Haiti this spring helping them buy food and things due to the increased costs of food and supplies from the earthquake.      Link to Testimonial
3. John took a trip to Haiti with four other pastors in the spring to assess the area for needs and ministry opportunities for the two teams going down this summer. Special meetings were held at that time also.
4. Haiti Missions Trip  Group I The team worked on some crucial improvements for the teams who will be doing follow up work on several projects. They were involved in ministry to the local children and people ...     Read More and View Pictures
5. Church Group Missions Trip to Haiti  Group II
   Besides starting the building project for the sustainable agricultural project, the team had the privilege of showing the Jesus Film in Creole and handing out tracts to the local people wherever they went...     Read More and View Pictures
6. Youth Group Missions Trip to Piura, Peru      
   After a welcoming time, and service we were ready to get to work.  During our evangelistic missions trip to Piura, Peru we had the privilege to build three additional rooms on a church member’s home.  Now they have about five rooms instead of one for a family of seven...     Read More and View Pictures
7. Church Group Mission Trip to the San Carlos Indian Reservation
   The team of 33, mostly teens, from Sierra Vista United Methodist Church in Texas, joining Youth Quests International, worked on some crucial and much needed improvements.  The church had leaks in the roof resulting in damage to the ceiling within the church. Funds raised for the project along with the church's finances and tribal donations worked together to purchase materials for the group to do the renovation...            Read More and View Pictures

Please follow our Blogs and visit the Youth Quests website.  Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated.

God Bless You,

John and Becky

How can I Support a Missionary?

You Can Definitely Support A Missionary!


The entirely obvious ways of supporting missionaries is definitely through your prayer for missions as well as giving, however there are definitely more options everyone of us have the ability to utilize your own gifts in sending and supporting missionaries.


Missionaries really rely upon the support of people to succeed in their designated fields of service. Missionaries need monetary support in addition to encouragement from their own supporters to stay on the mission fields.


Step One   Get Information and Facts:


The initial step is you must learn just as much as you possibly can about the missionary you intend to support. You can not help them if you do not know them. Find out about their particular story. Just what was it basically like growing up? When did they come to a decision to become a missionary? If they're married, discover how they met their partner and just how they recognized that missions was for them. You should also inquire about their particular ministry. Exactly why did you choose the country where you serve? What exactly are your strategies to reach people? What are also the challenges you encounter, as well as what blessings have you experienced? The more knowledge you have, the more effective it is possible to support them.


Step Two   Gain Awareness:


Put together the details you have gathered through interviewing the missionary, as well as share it with other people. Create a scrapbook or even a power point presentation. Coordinator a supper party using a mission theme and share exactly what you learned about the missionary. Become active within your church, as well as make the most of teaching opportunities to present their particular ministry to a greater body of supporters.


Step Three   Write Personal Letters:


Become a penpal to your personal missionary. Write on a regular basis as well as developing a relationship. You will end up suprised just how much this will mean to them, and perhaps more surprising, will likely be just how much it means to you. Avoid using e-mail as the simple method. Send actual letters in the mail. Keep in mind, they could reside in an area in the world where they do not receive very much correspondence. Make it unique that they recieve something regularly from you.


Step Four   By Sending Care Packages:


Send out random care packages to your missionary. Inquire further concerning what they would really like from back home. Perhaps it is that particular candy they love and can't seem to buy in the country where they minister. Surprise them with things that you believe they may enjoy. Additionally, some great tips are newspapers or magazines which will provide them with something to read as well as enable them to get caught up with current events back home.


Step Five   Pray Regularly for Them:


This really is, I really believe, the very best detail that can be done to support the missionary. I do believe in the power of prayer understanding that God will make use of you personally as a support system on their behalf in prayer. Make sure to frequently ask them what they need prayer for. Additionally, why don't you host some friends for a prayer time specific for the needs facing your missionary.


Step Six    Go Visit Them:


This may seem to be crazy, nevertheless determine to pay a visit to your missionary on the field and find out personally exactly what every day life is like in their shoes. Take a short term mission trip to help with work projects or ministry by yourself or better yet with a group traveling to the mission field to help and encourage the missionary and the local people they minister to. You will end up changed forever, and along the way, you'll have encouraged your missionary tremendously. Missionaries enjoy having their supporters come and take part in their ministry.


For more information on Missions, Mission Trips or to find out where you may help go to Youth Quests International

Christian News from Bhutan, Testimonies and Prayer Requests

I am very happy and very thankful to bring you some news from Bhutan, a country closed to the gospel of Jesus Christ and to most outside influence.  Also I wanted to direct you to a few prayer requests from a pastor in this country.

• Here is a testimony from a seventy-eight year old man who lives in one of the most isolated part of Bhutan.  He has a wife of seventy and has eight children, twenty-two grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.  He was born as Hindu, grew up as a worshiper of dead spirits of ancestors.
  In 2008, the pastor in this area met this Bhutanese man and shared the gospel.  He was astonished to hear about Jesus.  He accepted Christ as his personal Savior and Lord.  Today, he worships the living God along with his entire converted family members.  Despite threats from the local government, the Sunday worship is conducted at his house each Sunday.
  
• Here is another testimony of a local Hindu religious priest.  He had been successful in influencing he entire village to a sect of Hinduism.  The pastor met him in 2009 and shared about Jesus Christ.  He gave up his religion and accepted Christ as his Savior.  He, now serves as a preacher and pastor of a local church.

To pray for these people and the pastor’s urgent prayer request for his family click on this prayer request link: Missions Prayer Focus: Bhutan Pastor and His Wife In Need of Your Prayers

To find out more about missions or how you may help go to our Christian Missions website or contact us at the Youth Quests Social Network.