Deep Gladness

​“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” — Frederick Buechner

​My deep gladness is lived out at Raleigh Youth Mission (a part of Youth Mission Co).  I began this past August as the Director of Raleigh Youth Mission and in this short time I have experienced pure joy!  I have experienced the joy of numerous agencies that are meeting the needs of those who are experiencing homelessness in Raleigh, NC – filling those gaps that enable them to move through their struggles and temporary situations with dignity and with hope.  I have experienced the joy of young people who become aware of the issues that surround homelessness and the complexity of it all – and not becoming overwhelmed but rather come to an understanding that they can make a difference in the lives of others.  And I have experienced joy to work with a staff that has a passion for youth and for justice systems that give all people an opportunity to flourish – who have the ability to look forward and ask “How can we meet the needs of those we serve with innovation and creativity?”

​Youth Mission Co is a ministry that connects deep gladness with the world’s deep hunger – a ministry where we meet God face to face in the lives of those we serve.  This is not just another mission trip – this is an opportunity to live out the Word of God in our everyday lives, as we challenge our groups to go back and serve in their communities – partner with agencies that exist in their hometowns and see where God is already at work in their midst. Youth Mission Co is a ministry that allows us to all come together to share in our gladness, for our souls to be nourished and our hungers to be satisfied! Come and share with us!

​Rev. Linda Harding is the Director of Raleigh Youth Mission.  She is a pastor in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and has served churches in Virginia and Colorado.