Youth Congress’ Project 22:39—The ninetyandnine Interview

Youth Congress’ Project 22:39—The ninetyandnine Interview

Interview by Kent d Curry

Youth Congress isn’t just about making a pit stop into a city for 3 days of worship, and then racing back home. Thanks to Project 22:39 (the enactment of Matthew 22:39), Apostolic young people have the chance to enact real change in a city (this year it was Nashville) by working in homeless shelters, cleaning parks, and sharing the Good News.

ninetyandnine.com wanted to find out what went on Friday afternoon, August 7, so we talked to Project 22:39 Coordinator Heidi Urshan about what happened.

---------

90&9: You’re based in Cincinnati. How did you end up as coordinator for this outreach mission in Nashville?

HU: Back in the summer of 07 my husband told me about Project 22:39. I was so excited to hear that the GYD had added such an incredible event! I immediately called Bro. Wayne Francis and offered to help in any way I could. So, when the call came earlier this year to coordinate Project 22:39 in Nashville it took all of 10 seconds to agree. I am so appreciative to Bro. Shay Mann and the Youth Division for allowing me this wonderful opportunity to continue the work that they have already started.

90&9: What were the planned missions for Project 22:39?

HU: Our mission for Project 22:39 Nashville was to show God’s love in a practical way to the city of Nashville. We wanted to come and not just take, but to give back to our host city. And, we were hoping that the concept would be grasped by the students to go home and carry out the mission to love thy neighbor from Matthew 22:39. It doesn’t have to be a huge organized event in each city, but as an individual we can live the commission out in practical ways.

90&9: Were you given a mandate on what missions to pursue? How did you come up with that list?

HU: Actually, yes to a degree. Christie Ponjican coordinated the first Project 22:39 in Charlotte, NC. She did an incredible job organizing and impacting the city. She carved out the path for future NAYC Give Backs.

So, I was asked to do similar projects that she had already incorporated in 07. I then looked for other opportunities in Nashville that I presented to Bro. Mann and Bro. Francis. They also added another layer to the Project to passing out Touch Point Cards with the Nashville churches on them and also promoted the idea of bringing Bibles to be distributed.

90&9: How many Apostolics participated?

HU: Roughly 600.

90&9: What was your biggest challenge in handling this?

HU: Well, like anything, it is challenging the first time that you do something. I did find that the city of Nashville has an abundance of volunteers and volunteer programs in place. I applaud the city for this! I talked to a student pastor from Nashville and he explained to me that you have to request a year in advance to volunteer at the Nashville Rescue Missions. So, clearly, when you have thousands of students from across America coming for a project like this, we had to be innovative.

90&9: Can you share some success stories with us?

HU: Wow! Where do I start? No really, where do I start?! Would it be the homeless man that was touched by the prayers of the young people or the young people who were touched by the homeless man? He had given up on life and had considered suicide. The group was able to minister to him and are staying in contact with him and connecting him to a Nashville church. He was truly touched by the time they took with him by ‘being the church’. The student pastor said the kids will never be the same.

We were also able to work with Youth Villages, Nashville, which is an organization that works with foster children and troubled youth. We were able to pack backpacks for them with school supplies. Natalie Lucas, my contact from Youth Villages, said what usually takes them days only took hours and they were elated. It was so cool to see the students taking ownership of the project. One tough-looking guy was stuffing a girl’s backpack and when he was handed a pencil case to put in it he stopped and said “No, I think she would like the pink one.” He had never met the girl that was going to receive this backpack but he had caught the true concept of Project 22:39 to ‘love thy neighbor’.

Project 22:39’s MySpace address. We also have a Facebook Group and Twitter account and I hope everyone feels welcome to leave their stories and pictures from their experience in Nashville.

90&9: Was there anything that didn’t work as well as you’d hoped?

HU: What do you say when you open the trailer and find that your Project 22:39 booth is crumbled like feta cheese. We transformed into party animals working all night rebuilding, repainting, and keeping the mission in mind and seeing sides of each other that we’ve never seen before. Thanks Nate Wilson, Timmy D, and Joel! Who knew Wendy’s would taste so good so late!

90&9: What were the local/national church reactions to Project 22:39?

HU: Generally, positive. I’ve already corresponded to emails from churches asking for more details on how to continue Project 22:39 in their cities. I would think that any apprehension to this project would simply be from unfamiliarity of its concept. It is just one arm of the church in reaching to a hurting world.

90&9: Are there plans for the local churches to continue what Project 22:39 will start?

HU: A letter is being sent with a list of the contacts that we made in Nashville so that if they want to incorporate it in their outreach missions it is available to them. One of the student pastors that I spoke with already is actively involved in volunteering with Nashville’s non-profit organizations.

90&9: What's the biggest motivating factor to continue to be hungry to help the poor?

HU: You know, it is really hard to put into words. Once a person is able to experience selfless giving it leaves you with the hunger to just keep on giving. After you are exposed to the real raw needs of people, both physically and spiritually, it leaves you with a deep aching desire to just keep on giving and helping.

Watch the Official YouTube video. (Video by Nate Wilson. Pictures by Steve Shaeffer.)

ninetyandnine.com

---------

Kent d Curry is an executive editor of ninetyandnine.com.