Worthing craft fair with live music supports Youth With A Mission volunteer
A Worthing man with a mission is raising money to help fund the next step in his journey helping young people across the world.
Alan Dienst has recently returned from a life-changing trip to Costa Rica, where he served with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), visiting schools to mentor young people and offer positive alternatives to gang culture and crime.
He also worked with his YWAM team in Miami, running food bank distributions, street outreach, church services and youth nights.
A member of New Life Church in Durrington, Alan is now preparing for his next volunteer deployment, a three-month placement with YWAM Harpenden.
Alan said: “Because YWAM operates on a 100 per cent volunteer model, missionaries receive no salary and must raise all their own funding to cover basic living expenses, food and housing, and courses, as well as money for flights and outreaches. I am currently reaching out to our local community to help make this next phase of youth mentorship possible.”
A community craft fair was organised at the Old Songs Home, in Gratwicke Road, Worthing, on Saturday, August 8, featuring local crafts, homemade cakes, drinks and live music. Proceeds from all stall fees are going directly towards supporting the mission and Alan said he was pleased to raise £480.
Alan said: “Over the past six months, I’ve been serving abroad with YWAM. During my time in Costa Rica, I visited local schools and churches, where we worked with young people and communities. We did some practical work, too. In Miami, our team worked alongside local churches running street outreach and food banks and whatever they needed help with.
“In September, I am stepping out in faith again for my next deployment – a three-month immersive programme called Neighbours & Nations, based out of Harpenden. Through this course, I will be travelling across the UK and Europe to serve in schools, universities and youth camps with God.”
Neighbours & Nations is a touring ministry, sending travelling teams of young missionaries to partner with local churches across the UK and Europe. Alan will receive training in evangelism, leadership and ministry skills, and will complete a practical mission assignment in mainland Europe.
Visit www.gofundme.com/f/alans-next-chapter-with-ywam-neighbours-nations-school for more information and to make a donation.