A student at the University of Chester is looking forward to taking a break from his studies to complete a gap year working in some of the world’s most impoverished communities.
Jonathan Franks, who studies Graphic Design, is currently raising money to enable him to complete Youth With a Mission’s (YWAM) Global DTS programme from September 2009 until February 2010.
Founded in 1960, YWAM International is one of the largest Christian missionary organisations in the world, operating in 900 different locations and about 160 nations. More than 19,000 students train with it annually.
Jonathan’s gap year would involve an initial training and study phase at YWAM’s base in Derby, followed by an outreach period which would see the 22-year-old spend time in East Asia on different placements, including teaching, helping those living on the streets, building projects, and supporting those most in need.
Jonathan, who comes from Leicester, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for me to be able to put my beliefs and passions into practice. One of my biggest passions is to serve those who are not served, and to pick up those who have no-one to pick them up.
“There are many sad things that happen in the world, and this is my chance to see change happen that brings hope to people’s lives. The gap year will also help me develop many life skills such as team work and leadership, which will be transferable to anything I do in the future.”
Jonathan, who is a member of the University’s Christian Union, needs to raise around £4,000 to pay for his gap year. To support him, email jonathan.franks@hotmail.co.uk
