A letter from Doug Baker serving in Northern Ireland
September 2014 - YAV 20th Anniversary
In 1994 I placed two PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteers with the Bridge Community Project in a low-income area of Belfast. Since then 127 additional YAVs have served in Northern Ireland in 18 congregations and some 20 different community-based ministries. We recently held a celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of this program.
What a night! Over 100 current and former supervisors, work colleagues, host families, and others who have benefited from and supported those volunteers gathered for a service of thanksgiving and celebration. Richard Williams, PC(USA). Coordinator of the YAV Program worldwide; Amgad Beblawi, PC(USA) Area Coordinator for Europe and the Middle East; and I—along with several past volunteers who joined us by video link—expressed our thanks to those present for all that they have contributed to the lives of the volunteers and of the PC(USA). Several of the supervisors shared what they had learned themselves from having volunteers and thanked the PC(USA) for investing in the lives of thousands of people in Northern Ireland through those volunteers. Together we thanked God for the privilege of being a part of what has happened in and through the lives of those volunteers both during and after their year of service.
Prior to the event I contacted the YAV alums and invited them to share brief reflections on their experience and how their year of mission service has informed what they are doing now. Let me share a sample of their responses:
“When I went to Belfast as a volunteer I hoped at least one person would be changed as a result. That person ended up being me.” Rev. Corey Nelson 1994
“Service as a YAV taught me that Christ’s resurrection is experienced in communities that express God’s love across human barriers. That resurrection is most tangible where the barriers are most cruel.” Doug Keehn 1995–96
“Being a Young Adult Volunteer was an integral part of my faith journey and contributed to my responding to a call to serve as a teaching elder in the PC(USA) and launching a mission ministry focused on spiritual growth through relationship building and advocacy.” Rev. Dana Jones 1997–98
“The experience of living in intentional community and engaging in community work deepened my commitment to God and to the church. That commitment has played such an important role in making me the person I am today.” Jill Duncan McLeigh 1998–99
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Wendy Neff is one of many who know the YAV experience shapes how they do ministry today)
“I learned in Belfast that ministry is all about relationships. It taught me the value of visiting with members of the church I serve today, not just when they are sick or in need, but in ordinary times too.” Rev. Wendy Neff 1999–2000
“My YAV time was life-changing. I signed up to experiment with full-time ministry to see if it suited me. I entered seminary immediately upon returning home and have been ordained and working as a school chaplain for the last nine years.” Mike Moffitt 2000–01
“The experience of reliance on God when I am outside my comfort zone continues to shape my ministry in important ways. Watching Doug support us during the year provided direct understanding of the importance of mentoring for young adults. I would not be the leader I am today were it not for this experience.” Rev. Kate Smanik 2001–02
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Brenton Thompson is one of over 30 former Belfast YAVs now serving as pastors in the PC(USA)
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Her YAV year helped define her vocation for Marie Kessler
“The most impactful lesson for me was the importance of relationship in ministry. I worked alongside others who got to know each youth who entered their doors. They loved them even when it was hardest to love them. I am grateful for the opportunity to see the hospitality of Christ lived out and see myself now as a pastor in the church, working first to build relationships.” Rev. Sarah Cooper Seawright 2002–03
“Seeing the importance of the church’s engagement in society and the necessary work of community groups continues to shape the way I approach ministry. Struggle and strife, love and forgiveness, hope and understanding—these are the things my YAV year illuminated for me.” Rev. Brenton Thompson 2003–04
“My time as a YAV helped me view my work with community-based groups as the way I contribute to the world. Working with others to seek social justice is my vocation.” Marie Kessler 2003–04 and also Tucson 2004–05.
“The YAV program gave me and continues to give me hope for the church. Now I am passionate about equipping congregations for the work of justice, compassion and proclaiming the good news.” Rev. Christine Coy Fohr 2005–06
“As a YAV I learned how to be more present with others, listening to their stories and sharing my own to find places where we can learn from their intersection and deviation. Now as a fourth-grade teacher I incorporate class meetings and provide in the words of one child 'a safe space where I can bring my worries.' In their chaotic worlds they learn a pattern for conversation and for being in relationship that will, hopefully, bring a glimpse of what God intends for this world.” Lauren Simmons Slingerland 2006–07
“My year as a YAV influences the work I do every day with a nonprofit that provides housing for disabled veterans. My passion for helping them started in Belfast working in a war-torn community searching for peace.” Melissa Wheeler 2007–08
“I view my faith and the world differently because of my time as a YAV. I live more simply. I am more concerned about how my choices affect the world around me.” Jessica Crossan 2008–09
“Serving as a YAV helped put me back on path to a relationship with our Lord. It also opened my eyes to the struggles of people not only in Belfast but globally.” Nathaniel McQueen 2009–10.
“During my YAV year I learned the importance of being over doing; loving my neighbor often began with being present over a cup of tea. I gained a new understanding of how God is calling the church to seek justice and reconciliation, particularly by being present with those who are in need. “ Rev. Miriam Foltz 2010–11
“Throughout my YAV year I learned how important it is to be there for others, how much it means to carry others and to be carried when we’re struggling.” Patrick Harley 2011–12
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Like others TJ Piccolo has found joy in serving
“Countless places in the world have rough struggles with no end in sight. Being a YAV taught me that God is present in those places, God puts people there who care, and that good things happen even in the bleakest of predicaments. God will always have a plan and I will always have hope.” TJ Piccolo 2012–13
Five new volunteers have completed their first month serving and learning in Belfast. Please remember Suzanne Huffine, Will Massey, Risa Rylander, Allison Stewart and Keith Thompson in your prayers and follow their experiences at www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/yav/yav-stories/
Please also remember Elaine and me as we seek to support them during their YAV year. Finally, think who you should be encouraging to be a YAV in the future!
Faithfully yours,
Doug Baker
The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 309
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