Making Christ Known Through Youth Challenge
 "If we are to take seriously the responsibility of
following up the children to whom we are taking
the Gospel, here is a ministry which must be
developed."
These were the words of Roy Harrison (CEF
European Director) speaking earlier this year at the
European Conference about the need and the
importance of developing the Youth Challenge
ministry in Europe.
Almost two years ago we were approached by the
European Field Council and asked if we would take
over from Philippe and Joanne Mayhew as the
new European Youth Challenge Coordinators. At
that time I was serving as Associate Pastor in
Portadown Baptist Church and although we were
happy in the work there, we sensed that God was
calling us to a new ministry. So after many months
of deputation and practical training, in July, we
moved to the SW corner of Germany near the
French and Swiss borders.
 I was saved at a Holiday Bible Club aged 7 (under
the ministry of the late Peter Taylor, former North
Armagh local director). I grew up through the Good
News Club and Youth Challenge ministries (under
David Irwin). So I am not only very familiar with the
work of CEF, but I am personally convinced of the
need to evangelise children, to follow them up
through the JYC and SYC ministries and to see
them integrated into local churches. Some of you
will remember that I served in the (Holderbank)
printing department at Kilchzimmer from 1992-96.
Then when I studied at Brake Bible College in
Germany (1996-99) I met my wonderful wife
Claudia who is from the north of Germany and we
married shortly after graduation.
 As a family we have settled well in our new home
in the town of Binzen. Joel (6) and David (4) have
made new friends and they are both enjoying
Kindergarten. I work mostly from my office at home
and regularly make the 40-minute journey to
Kilchzimmer. We have joined a small church in a
nearby town and have helped them start a meeting
for the 11-15 year olds. We now have a group of
around 12 meeting every 2 weeks. Thank you for
your prayerful interest and support for us.
You can
find out more about the Cousins by going to www.thecousinsfamily.org
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