Ywam partners with YMCA Derbyshire running a weekly coffee bar outreach to the residents, predominantly young people 16-25yrs. During this time we also involve residents in creative workshops such as cake baking or painting & card making. At the heart of this is relationship, listening to their stories, believing in them, encouraging them to ‘hope and purpose’ for their lives however small that step. Within that we talk honestly about the hope that we have in our relationship with Christ and how that shapes us; who we are, what we believe, our life values, the way we live. In a world full of questions and hungry for integrity, they listen.

In 2007 we met a young woman, confused, little sense of value, lacking in confidence. She engaged in some of the training courses offered by YMCA and alongside that, week by week, we became friends. She never missed our visits, by Christmas we were able to give her at her request a bible. She enjoyed being part of our team, serving drinks and washing up. Her confidence gradually grew and by autumn 2008 she progressed to full-time work and a flat of her own. We invited her to be part of our team and she now helps out weekly with us. She has made a decision to pursue God and is settling into a local church. There is so much opportunity for growth – we have been asked to raise teams to facilitate the coffee bar daily! In addition we have many opportunities to develop 1:1 friendship/discipleship outside of the coffee bars, precious time invested in lives really does allow Jesus to transform hearts and empower these young people to begin a journey of living life to the full.