Our Latest Update

“NEW” News!

Behind the scenes, we have spent the last six months laying the groundwork for a new initiative which we feel will develop into our life long contribution to changing the world. It is so exciting to finally be able to send you this update!

In 2004 we joined Youth With A Mission and almost immediately we were invited to coordinate major global projects. Our first YWAM project was “50 Days of Prayer” which became the largest single event in YWAM history. Our second YWAM project was to coordinate the development of a global coordinating system called “4K” which is currently being used by a network of over 200 international Christian organizations.

“Connecting People”

Building on the success of “50 Days” and “4K” our new initiative is “Connecting People” With “50 Days” we connected thousands of volunteers in a global grassroots event.

With “4K” we connected hundreds of organizations with information and technology. “Connecting People” brings both dynamics together. “It’s ALL about relationships.”

Our vision is to make the world a better place… By developing a global platform for connecting people with opportunities and resources, to implement solutions to global challenges related to survival… (food, water, shelter, healthcare, safety, security, etc) and sustainability… (justice, education, access to resources, environmental issues, etc).

Using research, networking and leadership development, “Connecting People” provides understanding, connectivity and empowering to produce positive social change. There are enough people and resources for every challenge; they’re just not connected… yet.

NINE70

As a first step towards implementing this vision, we have accepted the responsibility of overseeing discipleship, outreach and leadership development for NINE70, a college ministry of 300 at Colorado State University. This leadership position came with an invitation to become “resident YWAM missionaries” at Timberline Church in Fort Collins, Colorado. This is an amazing “grassroots” opportunity for blending local and global outreach while providing a context for refining our “Connecting People” projects.

YWAM

We have started a new YWAM entity in order to develop “Connecting People” while we continue to be involved with research, networking in the Body of Christ and building YWAM communications teams around the world. This new configuration is an experiment in bridging between local church ministry, campus ministry, missions, university programs and humanitarian relief. “It’s ALL about relationships.”

Progress

Over the last six months we have developed the foundational elements of “Connecting People” and we are ready to start sharing it publicly. We chose to share our plans with you first as a way of saying, “Thank you” for all of your support. We hope that you are very encouraged by what your support has been helping us to accomplish.

Here are some of the significant milestones in our journey:

Ø We have studied global trends and challenges to make sure that our initiative is necessary, viable and relevant to what is happening in the world today.

Ø We have developed an initiative with clear concepts and goals.

Ø We have developed a comprehensive plan for our initial implementation.

Ø We have developed an international network of people, opportunities and resources to work with in developing case studies and pilot projects.

Ø We have started a new, non-profit entity in partnership with the YWAM International Communications Network.

What’s Next?

Here is what we are working on right now:

Ø We are preparing to move to northern Colorado.

Ø We are developing a public communications strategy and portfolio.

Ø We are looking for a facility in northern Colorado for our new YWAM entity.

Ø We are recruiting 6-10 YWAM team members to work on international communications, research and networking projects.

Ø We are developing a fundraising campaign and researching funding options.

Ø We are building discipleship and leadership development materials for NINE70.

Our Financial Needs

In order to continue moving forward, we have to have personal and ministry resources. We are currently raising a budget of $5,280 per month for our family’s personal support. Once we have completed our personal budget items we will need to raise support to cover our ministry expenses, investments in infrastructure (office space, office set-up, computers, vehicle, accommodations, deposits, etc) and each of the projects.

Your Opportunity

We would like to ask you to consider joining us in this adventure.

Is there an issue or global challenge that you are really passionate about?

Do you have special talents, abilities or expertise? Could you donate time or resources?

We would love to help you connect to opportunities or resources that will help you make a significant difference.

Please consider supporting us financially, on a monthly basis and/or with a one time gift.

(Our budget is very close to the national average. If 100 people invested 1%, 50 people invested 2% or 33 invested 3% of their income in our ministry, our goal would be met.)

We need to raise our personal and ministry budgets as soon as possible. For more detailed information about budget items or any other questions please contact us at: dustin@ywam.org or call us at (808) 989-4706.

Thank you so much for all you do! We appreciate you and look forward to working with you to make the world a better place!

Dustin and Denise Barrington