Youth Encounter is partnering with Orphan Grain Train (OGT) and Give a Kid a Backpack (GAKAB) to assemble school supplies in backpacks to be shipped to developing countries worldwide. Across the globe, thousands of children are unable to go to school because they lack the necessary supplies. OGT and GAKAB have contacts in over 50 countries who will help ensure that needy students receive the hundreds of backpacks that will be assembled at EDGE this summer! When the need around the world seems too great, take part and make a difference. You can find out more about OGT at ogt.org and GAKAB at givebackpacks.com.

Socks for Soul was such a huge success last year that we are doing it again! Over 1000 socks filled with travel size toiletries were donated to a men's homeless shelter last summer thanks to your amazing donations! This service project is fun and really easy to do, so start gathering new tube socks and travel size toiletries so we can pack them on site in the summer of 2007.

Businesses, organizations and churches around Kansas City need our help and we will answer the call! Monday, July 23, all EDGE participants will scatter around the city to do our part to clean up, say thank you, and share Jesus with those with whom we come in contact with. A list of participating companies will be posted as they are scheduled. Registered churches will be notified of their service project site at least one month prior to the event. Contact information, directions, and a list of supplies will be given at that time. Each service project will also be given a volunteer team leader.

Deciding on whether to do Edge or a mission trip? Come and do BOTH! Youth Encounter is partnering with Habitat for Humanity and local churches to provide an inner city mission trip experience for those who wish to participate. This is the perfect way to conclude a training event focused on our response to faith and how to share that with others. Habitat is a free volunteer opportunity and all churches will be housed in local churches, so the only cost to budget for is meals and transportation. Participants that choose to continue their Edge trip will stay in Kansas City for three extra days, get an afternoon of site seeing, two full days of work and evenings can be spent doing group building, or ministering to the homeless. Devotions and lodging are provided by Youth Encounter, but bedding, towels, meals, and transportation are not. If you are interested in participating, please check the appropriate box on your registration form. The Edge experience will encompass an entire week for those who participate in the optional mission trip. Once sites are finalized with Habitat, host churches and site address will be posted here. For more information please contact Dani Tietjen.