Working together for young people
Attendees gathered at Newclose Cricket Club on the Isle of Wight for the Chapter’s Brunch. Where they enjoyed fellowship and heard from Peter Herman, Newport Area Youth Worker with the Newport Youth Project.
The event provided an opportunity to learn more about the groundbreaking work taking place among young people across the Island, through the Newport Youth Project. A partnership between local churches working together for Christ. Supported by Isle of Wight Youth for Christ and volunteers from different congregations. The project exists to support existing church youth ministries and create opportunities for young people aged 10-18 to encounter Jesus.
Peter's Faith Journey
Peter shared his own faith journey, expressing his gratitude for having grown up in a Christian family. Born in Cambridge and raised in Ely, he explained how his mother led him to Christ when he was just four years old and how he renewed his faith at the age of six. Following several family moves, Peter eventually settled on the Isle of Wight.
After leaving school, Peter spent a year with a missionary organisation sharing the Gospel. Before he went on to study Graphic Design at Solent University.
Despite considering himself naturally shy, he spoke of how God had given him a desire to be bold in his faith. This led Peter to his present role as Newport Area Youth Worker.
Reaching, Discipling and Developing Young Leaders
During the question and answer session, Peter explained that his ministry focuses on three groups of young people.
- The first are those who do not yet know Jesus, with relationships often built through games and activities.
- The second group consists of young Christians whom he disciples and encourages in their faith.
- The third are emerging Christian leaders whom he is helping to equip and train for future ministry.
Those attending were encouraged by Peter’s passion for reaching the next generation and by the partnership between churches that has made the work possible.
Reaching, Discipling and Developing Young Leaders
Copies of The Happiest People on Earth were presented to first-time guests, Voice magazines were also available.
One particularly encouraging connection saw neighbours attending for the first time meeting. They attended with chapter member Trevor Vellacott, whose autobiography, The Things That Are Unseen, has since been shared with them.
Although several people who had booked were unable to attend, each expressed their disappointment in missing the event. As well as confirming their continuing interest in the chapter’s events.
The chapter is grateful to Peter for sharing his testimony and insights into the Newport Youth Project. We look forward to continuing to support and pray for this important work among young people on the Isle of Wight.
One of the themes that emerged from the morning was the importance of Christians working together, to be a light in the darkness for people of all ages. Through the Newport Youth Project, Peter and his team are providing a powerful example of how churches can unite to help young people meet Jesus.