Special Projects
Empowering the Next Generation: Mien Youth Leadership Training Project
Introduction:
In a world rapidly changing and increasingly materialistic, the Mien Youth Leadership Training Project emerges as a beacon of hope, seeking to nurture and empower young leaders within the Mien Christian community in Vietnam. This initiative, a collaboration of passionate organizations and individuals, aims to equip these young minds with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the challenges of modern society while staying true to their faith and roots.
Project Vision:
Our project is a carefully crafted, four-year journey (with a potential extension to five years), designed to train aspiring youth leaders from various Mien churches across Vietnam. The inspiration behind this ambitious endeavor came from the leaders of the Evangelical Church of Hanoi and the Mien Christian Fellowship in North Vietnam.
Training Methodology:
The training will be an engaging blend of in-person and online learning. Each year, two seasoned instructors – one from the United States and one from Thailand – will conduct face-to-face sessions twice, complemented by monthly follow-ups via ZOOM and email.
Participant Profile:
Our participants are selected youth leaders from local Mien churches, identified for their commitment and potential by their pastors. In a groundbreaking move, this program encourages the participation of both spouses, recognizing the invaluable role of partnership in ministry. These leaders are eager to extend their impact, reaching beyond their local communities to neighboring provinces.
The Urgent Need:
The Mien churches today face a critical challenge – the allure of materialism drawing young adults away from their faith and communities. The pursuit of material wealth often leads them to unknown, sometimes dangerous paths, including migration to cities, and in extreme cases, falling prey to exploitation. This exodus not only deprives families and churches of their youth but also creates a void in future church leadership.
Project Goals:
1. Training Future Leaders: Equip young leaders with the skills to share the Gospel and fulfill the Great Commission.
2. Strengthening Communities: Encourage the return of these trained individuals to their local churches and communities, reinforcing the church's presence and influence.
3. Creating a Safe Haven: Offer a supportive environment where young adults can find purpose and meaning without succumbing to societal pressures.
Project Partners - This project is a synergistic effort involving:
1. Mien Family for Christ (MFFC), Seattle, WA
2. Mien Evangelical Church (MEC), Tukwila, WA
3. Mien International Enrichment Network (MIEN), Kent, WA
4. Far East Broadcast Company (FEBC), Chiang Mai, Thailand
5. Mien Christian Mission Fellowship (MCMF), Richmond, CA
6. Mien Christian Fellowship, Chiang Mai, Thailand
7. Vietnamese Evangelical Church of Hanoi, North Vietnam
8. Mien Christian Fellowship, North Vietnam
Leadership and Commitment:
Our team is led by Dr. Youd Sinh Chao (MFFC), Mr. Jeff Thungc (MIEN), Mr. Noppakhun Prasobkiatkit (FEBC), and Pastor Laai Jiem (Mien Christian Fellowship, Thailand). These leaders, committed to the cause, are contributing their expertise, time, and resources voluntarily.
Training Timeline:
The training is set to commence in August 2024, with semi-annual in-person sessions in Hanoi and monthly online meetings.
Funding Needs:
The estimated annual budget is $31,240, covering laptops and software licenses, meals, training materials, and transportation scholarships for the first year. Each of the three remaining years would be $10,400.
Breakdown of Expenses:
- Laptops and Software Licenses: $20,000
- Meals: $7,840
- Training Materials: $2,400
- Transportation Scholarships: $1,000
Current Funding Partners: $16,000
- Mien Family for Christ: $5,000
- Mien Christian Mission Fellowship: $5,000
- Mien Evangelical Church: $5,000
- Saan and Cindy Saechao: $1,000
Your Role in Shaping Futures:
We invite you to join us in this transformative journey. Your support will not only empower these young leaders but also contribute to the preservation and growth of the Mien Christian community. This is more than a project; it's an investment in a future where faith, community, and leadership thrive together.
Let's Forge the Future Together!
In the words of the Mien proverb, “Daav hlieqv oix zuqc bangc jorm” – "An iron can only be forged when it is hot." The time to act is now. We have the vision, the people, and the passion. All we need is your support to make this a reality.
Together, we can help shape a generation of leaders who will carry the torch of faith and community into the future.
Join Us in This Noble Cause:
Please consider partnering with us for this great cause. You can easily make contribution online via this link.
Mien Family for Christ is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax deductible.
With your help, we can turn this vision into a vibrant reality. Thank you for considering supporting the Mien Youth Leadership Training Project.
For further inquiries, please contact Dr. Youd Sinh Chao at youdsinhchao@gmail.com; 206-369-5386 or 11029 Cornell Avenue South – Seattle, Washington 98178.