Many communities have asked our office about possible programs, movements or ministries that we could involve the middle school youth. The challenge presented to us was how we can get youth who are younger than fifteen years old involved. The International Emmaus and Chrysalis Office is pleased to announce a partnership with a new weekend for spiritual formation called Discovery. Discovery is a mid-high weekend held in your local church with senior highs and adults of the local church as the leaders. The Upper Room attended the first Discovery weekend in 1998 and from the start knew it was a ministry to support. As Discovery has grown through the years it is very clear, God is blessing the youth of the churches through this weekend for spiritual formation. We are excited about Discovery for many reasons. We now have a way to reach the younger students and their families for Christ. Discovery also trains senior highs of the church to share their faith, give talks, lead disciple groups and become disciple makers. Discovery also gives the entire church family a three day weekend for spiritual formation.

Through Discovery, over 300 youth have been baptized, thousands have reaffirmed their faith, and dozens have answered the call to the ministry. The weekend has been held in 120 churches in 17 states and two countries. We hope you will pray about bringing this ministry to your local church.

More information on Discovery can be found on their website, www.discoveryministries.org and the Discovery Kit can be purchased by visiting the website and clicking on the “Get Started” tab or by calling Rev. Melody Traylor, the director of Discovery Ministries at 205-657-0593. If you mention that you are involved in the Emmaus or Chrysalis movements to Melody or click on the Emmaus/Chrysalis selection online, you will receive a 10% discount on your Discovery Kit.

Rev. Melody Traylor is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. Rev. Melody Traylor and Discovery Ministries were recently named winners of the clergy Denman Award for Evangelism for the North Alabama Conference. In the announcement, it was stated that, “Discovery is leading youth and adults to Christ through a youth weekend for spiritual formation. Discovery has been held in over 120 churches over the last 11 years. Hundreds of youth have been Baptized through the ministry. Thousands of youth and adults have made a reaffirmation of faith, dozens have answered the call to ministry and over 30,000 people have attended the weekend.” Take a moment to call or visit the website.