2011 has been an exciting year for Thirteen Three. We have connected with thousands of youth and seen many inspired to passionately support their persecuted brothers and sisters. We have so much to thank God for!

Sharing Your Faith in a Dangerous Place

In June, we invited Pastor Victor from Malaysia to be our guest speaker for two Youth Events – Sharing Your Faith in a Dangerous Place. Victor is an evangelist who has a covert ministry sharing the Gospel with Malay Muslims. He shared a challenging message of devotion to Christ and encouraged us to be bold as we represent Jesus in our local communities.

I had the most amazing and challenging night hearing from Pastor Victor, a persecuted Christian living a radical life for Jesus! – Comment on Thirteen Three’s Facebook Page after the Event.

Such a challenging night! A challenge in how we share our faith and the Gospel message to others! Christ’s love for us all is a love that I cannot keep for myself! It’s a message that has the power to save! It is the way to eternal life – Comment on Thirteen Three’s Facebook Page after the Event.

1050 youth attended the two events hosted by the youth groups at MBM Rooty Hill and Menai Anglican Church. It was fantastic to partner with these youth groups and see the youth serving on the night – they ran a canteen, organised sound, lighting and multimedia, led the worship session and made sure everyone felt welcome. $3500 was raised to support underground Bible school students.

Our project goal this year was to raise $30,000 to support underground Bible school students in Vietnam and Burma. So far we have raised $44,606.36, almost 50% more than our original target! We are praying for God to provide $50,000 by the end of 2011.

We love what’s happening with Thirteen Three…our hope is to see people equipped and supported to take the Gospel to their communities in Vietnam and Burma – Matt Sparks, Youth Pastor, MBM (host of Thirteen Three Youth Event)

Youth Ambassadors

I love seeing Australian youth challenged in their faith as they hear the incredible true stories of persecuted Christians. God is using Thirteen Three to mobilise a generation who are unashamed of the Gospel and committed to living radically for Christ.

One 15-year-old, David Low, walked over 400km from Taree to the Blue Mountains aiming to raise $10,000 to help Voice of the Martyrs train the underground Bible school students. David’s initiative inspired people of all ages to support persecuted Christians. He raised over $26,000 and received international media coverage for his walkathon.

David is not alone. Thank you also to Marshall Law, Bec Sparkes and the 11 youth groups who have found creative ways to sponsor the underground students.

I thank God for each person, youth group, church and school who has committed to be BOUND WITH THEM through prayer, advocacy, speaking up, giving and fundraising. It is a privilege to be on this journey together. Thirteen Three would not be possible without you!

I’m so encouraged by the work of Thirteen Three. They are doing an amazing job at encouraging youth ministries to stand with and be encouraged by our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world – Dave Miers, Youth Pastor, St Faith’s Narrabeen

A Look Ahead

We are trusting God to continue growing Thirteen Three in 2012, building on the energy and momentum we have seen so far. Here are a few things you can expect in 2012:

• Youth events across NSW focused on the theme Unashamed featuring a special project to equip persecuted Christians to share the Gospel in Colombia
• Exciting initiatives to mobilise and support Thirteen Three ambassadors who want to do MORE to support persecuted Christians
• New opportunities to sponsor underground Bible schools students in China and Indonesia

Please pray for me and the Thirteen Three team, that God will continue to work through us “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20) for His glory.

BOUND WITH THEM!

Brad Konemann
Youth Director | Voice of the Martyrs

Thirteen Three is a youth initiative of Voice of the Martyrs Australia. It is inspired by Hebrews 13:3, which says, “Remember the Lord’s people who are in jail and be concerned for them. Don’t forget those who are suffering but imagine that you are there with them.”