"go ye into all the world..."

Since the 8th of July I've been in Toronto, Canada, participating in the Orientation for Global Ministry Conference, sponsored by the Canadian Churches' Forum for Global Ministries. I'm here because I am partnering with the Episcopal program called the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC). Since I am under 30, YASC is helping me participate in global mission, which is part of my position as Assistant for Mission and Youth at my church.

I will admit that I initially was not looking forward to the training, but now that it is almost done, I can honestly say that I am really glad that I came here. I have appreciated meeting people from all over the states (and Canada!) with different backgrounds, ages, life experiences, and denominations (Lutherans and United Church of Canada), while learning about what it means to be a missionary. But the most amazing thing for me has been to meet people my age who are intentionally embarking on transformational experiences. Pretty much everyone else in the conference (other than me) is going for at least one year, which is a huge commitment (how many of us would be willing to do the same?). I've written about this before, but I feel that it needs to be mentioned again: I continue to meet young adults who do not display the stereotypical attributes of laziness, apathy, and entitlement that are so often associated with my generation. Perhaps I'm merely surrounding myself with incredible people, but maybe (just maybe) the stereotype does not fit. I'm honored and humbled to be among incredible people who are discrediting the single story and adding new chapters to what it means to be a young adult today.

candid shot of YASC and other Episcopal missionaries

(photo by Jason Sierra)