I can honestly say I’ve never walked into a meeting of international missionaries to cheering and dancing, but that is how the i100 started and the energy did not dissipate over the course of the weekend.
Growing up in the 1990’s meant experiencing the world of missions through slideshow presentations at church to the musical stylings of Steve Green’s “People Need the Lord.” I always enjoyed these stories of God’s work throughout his kingdom, but had only ever met a few missionaries in person.
When my friend, Christy Sneed, asked me at the last minute to be her plus one at the i100 event in the Dominican Republic, I said “yes,” not knowing what to expect. In fact, I wasn’t even completely clear on how the i100 was a part of the ministry. After an immersive weekend, I came away with a clear understanding of what Young Life leaders are doing around the world, and a better understanding of how I can partner with them.
My weekend with i100 changed so much…
What is i100?
i100 is a group of Young Life International staff coming together and committing to learning together for a five year timeframe. It's an intentional program with a global focus to build up leadership locally. i100 is also a rich opportunity to learn from other leaders similar to you, but from other culturally contexts. For example, Tanzanian staff are talking and learning together with European staff, Asian staff, and Latin American staff. We're learning from each other and casting vision as Young Life becomes a much more diverse ministry.
Watch this video to hear even more about this program:
In fall of 2024, i100 met together in Dominican Republic with international staff from all over the world. This was more than a standard missions retreat or conference, it was a learning experience for 100 (actually closer to 125) Young Life leaders from around the world.
No Bystanders at i100
As a partner in ministry, I wasn’t a bystander to this event for ministry leaders, I was included in the conversation. This year’s meeting was focused on fundraising. As a small business owner, I actually had something to contribute. I did not expect to put some of my skills to use. I was able to demystify some of the international leader’s questions surrounding fundraising with US donors. There were questions about emails, expected response times, rejection, and how best to follow-up with donors.
They weren’t the only ones who were educated; I learned so much from them. I came away with a better understanding of how ministry works around the world. What works in Kenya, doesn’t necessarily translate to Albania and vice versa. Hearing how they build community and connection within their culture was fascinating—and a good reminder that while the core of Young Life’s ministry is the same everywhere, yet the path to those connections varies.
In fact, I’m still thinking about the challenge Yousef Khalil gave the first night I arrived. Based in the Holy Land, he shared what it is like to be a Christian in Palestine and ended the night holding up the hand of his brother in Christ who was of Jewish descent.
God’s kingdom is the one that matters.
Inclusive Ministry on a Global Scale
I was once again exposed to one of Young Life’s biggest strengths: they make everyone feel included in the ministry. I have never attended a Young Life event where I did not leave feeling welcomed and loved.
Sitting from the comfort of my desk is a far cry from the work the i100 leaders and international staff are doing in their communities, but now I know better how I can be a part of their ministry. I’m left considering how I can partner with those I met in specific ways to assist in their needs. What my American mind thinks is the best help isn’t necessarily what is best for someone a world away.
There is so much we learn by engaging together, breaking bread together, and listening to each other. While I’m sure there is extensive programming and strategy that goes into i100 and how it’s fueling international ministry growth, the best part was truly simple: being together with others who we can learn from.
Written by Keri Lumm, Friend of YL, Writer, Speaker, Mom, & more
