In many countries around the world there is a "population bulge" of younger people. In fact, today more than 50 percent of the world's population is now under the age of 25. Because of realities such as broken families and secularism, many of these young people receive little moral or spiritual education in their homes, and their values are often shaped instead by potentially negative influences such as the media, music, or their peers.
As part of a global strategy for reaching youth, Lutheran Hour Ministries offers Project JOEL in a growing number of countries. The name JOEL stands for "youth with a free spirit," and the program is designed to provide youth with biblically-based guidance in making healthy lifestyle choices. Project JOEL has been integrated into school curriculum in some countries-particularly in Latin America-but it also supplements its educational content by incorporating opportunities for holding sporting and cultural events.
LHM recently celebrated the 20-year anniversary of the program's launch by hosting the first meeting of the Promoters of Project JOEL at its Christ for All Nations office in Panama City with LHM ministry representatives and church leaders. During the two-day meeting, attendees talked about the history and development of Project JOEL, presented the work done in each of their countries, discussed the program's vision, and shared the issues and challenges that each country faces in working with schools and communities. They also heard a powerful testimonial from Griselda Aguilar, a volunteer and contact of Dios es Grande Lutheran Church, and learned about Project Timoteo, a new program being used by LHM-Panama to reach out to children and integrate them into the church.
Since its introduction by LHM-Panama in 1996, Project JOEL has been recognized by the Ministry of Justice in Panama and Guatemala for its positive impact on youth. In addition to its use in Latin America, the program has been adapted for implementation in other ministry centers around the world.