International Youth Forum Cancelations

Acting on the recommendations of Apostles Carlos Enrique Mejia, Rick Maupin, and Bunda Chibwe, the World Ministries Coordinating Team canceled International Youth Forum (IYF) events scheduled for Honduras and Malawi.

Youth and leaders in Carlos’ field said they preferred the US$200,000 World Ministries funds committed for these events go back into the budget. Carlos said, “We are very aware that by canceling IYF in Honduras and Africa, this money will not go specifically to our fields. But we do believe this money can help reach the goal of saving $4 million.”

The church’s commitment to youth around the world is a high priority. Four IYF events were planned for 2009. IYFs in Bangkok (May 24–30) and the United States (July 21–24) will continue as planned. Honduras and Malawi events were not far into the planning stages. Bangkok is the earliest IYF and is well into its preparations. The USA IYF will mainly be funded by registration fees.

Learn more about IYF at www.CofChrist.org/iyf. Read more about World Ministries budget reductions at www.CofChrist.org/worldministries/update/reductions032509.asp.