Norwich Youth for Christ is facing a shortage of host homes for young adults who are taking part in its gap year programme from this September and is appealing for new hosts to come forward.
Every year young adults give up a year of their life to serve young people by joining Norwich Youth for Christ (NYFC) in their work whilst growing in their faith and learning skills in youth ministry – often making a big difference in their own lives.
Marcos Neira (pictured) is one of those people. He had previously struggled with his education and didn’t finish his GCSEs due to illness. It was therefore a big step for him to move from Shropshire to Norfolk and do the programme with them.
Marcos said: “For the last two years with NYFC, I have been involved in running school Christian Unions, afterschool clubs, online youth groups, and groups in rural areas. I was initially hesitant and unsure of my abilities in these new contexts. Working with the team in this has been vital, as its allowed me to ask questions to those with much more experience than me, provide different perspectives, reflect and grow, whilst journeying with them as well.”
Marcos described his time as the most “foundational years of my life” and has recently been accepted onto a theology course with Moorlands Bible College.
Marcos’s story is not uncommon. Those that serve alongside the charity often go on to paid church leadership roles or further ministry training.
But finding places to stay is becoming increasingly hard. Nick Blanch, NYFC Director, said: “Its tricky to understand why we have struggled with this recently but I don’t think COVID helped. During lockdown, we were encouraged to hide away so much and I think that mentality has lingered. It’s a big ask to have someone in your home but I believe it’s a great way to demonstrate God’s hospitality and be part of the transformational story, both in the student’s life and also by extension, in the young people they serve.”
NYFC will be welcoming the next placement in September and as yet do not have anywhere for them to live. They can provide £40 per week to the host towards the student’s living costs and will be available to support hosts with any issues that arise.
If you could consider hosting someone or want more information about the scheme, contact Nick at [email protected]
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