Grounded Hope Conference
The Youth for Christ EMENA Area conference in Albania in October, 2024, brought together a community of more than 100 dedicated individuals from across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. In his opening remarks, Edward reflected on the theme of “Grounded Hope” from Psalm 1, emphasizing the importance of staying rooted in God’s Word. Each morning started with worship, led by a local Albanian team.The teaching sessions that followed, delivered by esteemed speakers like Kosta Milkov and Rouba Yammine, provided spiritual nourishment, offering biblical insights on how to stay grounded in hope despite the uncertainties in our world today. Workshops covered a range of topics from effective communication with youth in different cultural contexts to trauma-informed care and leadership development.
One particularly moving moment was the group prayer session, where leaders prayed for their ministries, their nations, and the young people they serve. The conference ended with a time of celebration, including a special farewell for Edward de Kam and Allan Grier, both of whom have made significant contributions to Youth for Christ over the years. It was a bittersweet moment but one filled with gratitude and anticipation for the new leaders who will continue the mission of reaching young people with the Gospel.
The new EMENA Area Director: Marieke Klaasse
The Dutch EMENA foundation is continuing under new leadership. We are grateful for this, as it helps ensure a smooth handover.
Dave Brereton: ´I am deeply grateful for the leadership Edward de Kam has shown throughout his many years as the EMENA Area Director. After 30 years of dedicated service with Youth for Christ, Edward has decided to retire at the end of this year. Over the past year, I have prayed for God’s leading and provision for a new Area Director. I believe that the Lord has led us to Marieke Klaasse.Edward recommended her for the role and I have consulted with the Area Leadership Team and the Youth for Christ International Board of Directors. This appointment has also been ratified by the National Directors of EMENA.
Marieke has accepted this new role and the plan is for her to start January 1, 2025. Marieke has been actively involved in ministry since 2007. After a decade of missional pioneering work in the Dutch and Scottish church, she joined Youth for Christ, where she currently serves as the acting Regional Director of Western Europe, the coordinator for EMENA Young Leaders and the Director of SuperWoman worldwide. Additionally, since 2010 she has operated her own small business in the Netherlands. Marieke is married and a mother of two girls.
Marieke: “I feel incredibly honoured and humbled to have been given the position of EMENA Area Director. Working alongside Edward over the past few years, I have learned a great deal about what servant leadership means, and I look forward to applying that knowledge, along with my expertise, to strengthen the Youth for Christ ministry in the EMENA Area and worldwide. I thank God for the remarkable Area Leadership Team with whom I will be working and for the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from my colleagues on the World Leadership Team.” Please pray for Marieke as she takes on this role.