A great youth worker died on April 29th. His name was Roy Burrows. I never met him but when I read about his death it immediately gripped my heart. I thought, “He’s one of us, a youth worker, a person who loved Jesus and committed his entire life to teenagers…I want to do something—I want to do something big.” Roy had been diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier in April, and went in for surgery on his 50th birthday, April 25. He never regained consciousness.

From what I understand about Roy he had quite a heart. He leaves behind a wife (Lynda) and two children with special needs (who he and Lynda adopted from a Mexican orphanage). His girls are 14 and 11 years old. You can read more about Roy’s life at http://youthworkers.net/index.cfm?page=roy

I really feel led to rally around Roy’s surviving family. Would you prayerfully consider joining me? I thought it would be great to get the extended body of youth workers to express care and thankfulness to this family. I want to send a bunch of money to this family and say, “A lot of youth workers throughout the world are thankful for people like your husband and your dad. We know what it’s like to worklong hours, teach teenagers about Jesus, and be in the ministry. We also know your husband and dad is in a better place now and we want to help you keep going, pay for medical costs, and continue to provide for your special needs. As youth workers, we want to say thanks for supporting youth ministry through your husband and dad.”

Would you consider joining me in this effort?

The team at Simply Youth Ministry has committed, both as a company and as individuals, to match the gifts that come in from our e-mail list (up to $15,000). Roy’s wife and kids don’t know me, they don’t know our company, and all the money will come as an anonymous gift from youth workers throughout the world.

I’ve never done anything like this before and honestly, I don’t know if it’s a God-thing or a guilt thing. But, I’ve learned over the years to follow God’s leading when I feel it and this is one I feel the need to rally the troops. I don’t know what the connection was when I read about Roy; youth worker, middle age, children the age of my children, a lifer in youth ministry…I don’t know. But, I wanted to invite you into the joy of giving with me to a family in need, with special needs.

Here are four ways to give where we will match the amount:

1. Purchase as many $25.00 contributions as you feel led. Click here for more information on how to make this donation.

2. Send a check to our office (address below).

3. Call our office and use your credit card (phone below).

4. Send your money directly to the National Network of Youth Ministry (where Roy worked)…and indicate that you’re on the Simply Youth Ministry e-mail list and we’ll match your amount.

Thanks for considering your part to help this youth ministry family.

My prayer is that you’re enjoying ministry this summer and somewhere within the pace, you’re finding time to focus on what’s really important. Our life is but a mist…cherish your family, draw close to God, and serve him faithfully. What a call!

http://www.simplyyouthministry.com/community-articles-doug-s-thoughts.html