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 YES is part of Discipleship Ministries, the short-term training and sending department of Eastern Mennonite Missions.
What is YES?
Could you tell me more about the three phases that YES participants experience?
Can I do this as a college student?
Is YES expensive?
Can married people apply?
Who can be part of a YES team? Do I have to be Mennonite?
How do I find out more?
Q: What is YES?
A: Youth Evangelism Service (YES) provides opportunities for young adults (ages 18-30) to grow spiritually through an intensive, cross-cultural missions learning experience. YES happens in three phases. You begin by living in community with other YES members for the Discipleship Training Phase. Then you serve cross-culturally on a team of four to six in the Outreach Phase. Upon your return, you and your team take part in a re-entry/closure time during the Post-field Training Phase.
Those who participate in YES usually return equipped with a greater understanding of the world and their place in it, a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, and life-changing ministry skills.
Q. Could you tell me more about the three phases that YES participants experience?
A: In the Discipleship Training Phase, you will live at the Harrisburg Discipleship Center with other participants for eight to ten weeks.* The primary goal of this phase is to grow in your relationship with God, grow as a member of a team, and to be prepared to serve and live in a cross-cultural setting. Your activities will include teaching sessions, worship, prayer, community outreach, ministry, and physical work. Practicing spiritual disciplines will increase your sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Reaching out to the surrounding urban community will increase your ability to share the love of God through daily relationships. This training is transformative! Be prepared for God to change and shape you.
You will also be equipped with a vision for the global mission of the church. Your team will prepare for service by learning language and cultural skills appropriate to your outreach country.
Teaching sessions include the following topics:
• Identity in Christ
• Worship
• Holy Spirit empowerment
• Living in a world of need
• Mission vision
• And much more!
*Some particular teams do most of their training at their field location, rather than at the Harrisburg Discipleship Center. We’ll let you know if a team you’re considering is one of these.
During the Outreach Phase, teams serve in a cross-cultural setting for five to eight months, depending on the location. Teams serve in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. We work to place you in the country of your choice, but we also consider factors such as the male/female ratio, personality characteristics, skills, interests, life experiences, and the needs of the location.
Our YES teams have a variety of living arrangements including host families, shared team apartments, or dormitory settings. Teams may be involved in English teaching, local church work, relationship building, discipleship, community development, small group leadership, orphanage work, and construction projects. To see current opportunities, visit emm.org/yes.
In the Post-field Training Phase, teams return to the Harrisburg Discipleship Center for two weeks. This period provides an opportunity to bring positive closure to the YES experience, and it prepares you to re-enter your home and church life. It also further equips you for future service as a global Christian.
Q: Can I do this as a college student?
A: Absolutely! Some Mennonite colleges and universities may even offer college credit for a YES experience; contact EMM at 717 898-2251 or e-mail Sherrie Ober for further information. Other schools may also grant credit for participating in YES.
Q: Is YES expensive?
A: The YES program costs less than half of the tuition at a private college and costs less than many comparable mission programs. Church and family members often want to support young people in this kind of experience. We will work with you to develop a plan for raising support.
You will gather a small team of friends and family, called a “Care Team,” to provide emotional and prayer support for your assignment; this team will also help you raise the funds you need for your assignment. We require that 50% of your support be raised or pledged by the beginning of training and that 75% be raised or pledged by the end of discipleship training.
Q: Can married people apply?
A: Yes. We recognize that couples need time for themselves, so there are guidelines in place to preserve that relationship throughout the course of the YES experience.
Q: Who can be part of a YES team? Do I have to be Mennonite?
A: Anyone aged 18-30 who has a relationship with Jesus Christ can apply. YES is open to all denominations. If you think you may be interested, the first step is to talk with your parents and your pastor. Then contact EMM at 717 898-2251 or e-mail Sherrie Ober.
Q: How do I find out more?
A: For more information, contact EMM at 717 898-2251 or e-mail Sherrie Ober. You can also apply here.
YES has discipled thousands of young people since 1980. Discipleship Ministries believes that the power to change the world comes from a living relationship with God. For that reason, we exist to inspire, equip, and mobilize short-term workers who will commit their lives to sharing the transforming grace and power of Jesus Christ with the world.
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Meet the Associate Director of Human Resources for short-term placements
My name is Sherrie Ober. I am available to help you explore short-term service opportunities with EMM. Contact Sherrie Ober
Ready to apply?
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