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Generation Why?
Though many young adults in the United Kingdom have written off Christianity because they’re tired of the rhetoric about sin and the hypocrisy they’ve seen in the church, they’re noticing something different in online forums: clear action grounded in the message of Jesus. Nafziger sees each article posted and the ensuing conversations as “potential seeds in someone’s mind that may blossom and grow into something new and exciting.” Sometimes these relationships are strengthened in person as groups come together to pray or take other action for their beliefs. Because of this focus on relationship, it's no surprise that millennials are concerned with justice issues. Mennonite Voluntary Service participant Fjaere Harder said that it’s impossible for her to separate human need from what Christ calls her to do. She volunteers for the Asylum Seekers Housing Network, a ministry of North Baltimore Mennonite Church. "Jesus" mission was to empower those who didn’t have power and to speak out against injustices for people who couldn't speak for themselves," she said.
Tonia Martin, personnel counselor and MVS unit administrator, said creating community while caring for the disenfranchised is typical of young adults volunteering in Christian Service programs. "They see that their value in a community is just being a genuine, caring part of the community—walking with people, sharing their journey, and sharing Christ along the way," Martin said. While Martin said While Martin said the downside of millennials’ focus on relationship is that they can
be hesitant to share their faith verbally, they are in it for the long haul. Mission-minded millennials want to make service their vocation, be it in public policy, social work, education or environmental science, because they’re dedicated to a trend that’s been passed from generation to generation over two millennia — following Jesus. back to page 1 | 2 Also in this issue: Features Highlights Highlights |
$25 pays for the books used by one DEO participant in the discipleship-training phase of this service program that helps youth discern God’s call on their lives.
