YWAM Paris Connect challenges believers everywhere with the launch of its Joyathon

FAITH NEWS SERVICE – No matter what our circumstances are, we can still #choosejoy

Everything in the world has changed over the past couple years. The COVID pandemic has touched every area of life, as hundreds of millions of people have been infected, and millions more have died. With new restrictions, life as we know it has changed. People are isolated. Loneliness and hopelessness have impacted people in virtually every country. In the midst of this shift, political rifts have deepened divisions. Now, more than ever, ideologies and worldviews have collided, moving people further apart, further away from understanding.

Yet, despite these things, one thing is for certain: No matter the things going on around you, you can still choose joy.

That’s the message from YWAM Paris Connect, a missionary training campus in Paris, France. This year, the campus is challenging believers and churches around the world to join them in choosing joy by joining the Joyathon.

Similar to a walkathon – the Joyathon invites people to register, form a team, and reach out to people for support. However, the Joyathon has a twist: instead of simply walking or biking, participants can choose any activity that brings them joy.

All proceeds benefit YWAM Paris Connect’s campaign to purchase a second building this year, and the campus has secured a $100,000 matching gift so every donation will be doubled up to that amount.

But the Joyathon is more than a fundraising event. It’s a message of hope that the world desperately needs to hear right now.

“What we wanted to do is remind people that joy does not come from our circumstances, but comes from our relationship with the Lord. This is an important message that the church has been entrusted with, and it needs to be shared at this moment in history.”
Adam Thompson, YWAM Paris Connect Campus Leader

YWAM Paris Connect is challenging churches, Christian organizations, and believers around the world to embrace the joy found in Jesus by sharing this important message and joining the Joyathon.

“For too long, we’ve focused on the condition of the world around us. Change begins with us,” Thompson added, “and the Joyathon is our chance to share this message of hope. And it’s really simple: everyone has something that brings them joy, whether it’s baking, going on a hike, or playing a sport. That means that everyone can participate. And as you’re reaching out or doing your activity, it’s the perfect opportunity to talk about our eternal joy – the joy we have in Jesus.”

YWAM Paris Connect hopes this campaign will prompt people to remember where their joy is found, and the organization is sharing scriptures on social media regularly with the hashtag #choosejoy to prompt people to reflect on this. The Joyathon runs from November 1 – 30, and you can find out more information, or join the effort by visiting www.joyathon.org.

“At this uncertain time in history, people of faith need to take a stand against the mainstream narratives, and to remind our families, our friends, and our communities that we have an eternal hope that is available to them too.”
Adam Thompson, YWAM Paris Connect Campus Leader

YWAM Paris Connect purchased their first building in June 2021. The Joyathon and
a $100,000 matching grant supports their efforts to purchase a second building adjacent to their current property.

Contact: Derrick Rhayn, YWAM Paris Connect, derrick@ywamparisconnect.com, +33 (0)7 66 14 85 41

For more information on YWAM Paris Connect please visit www.ywamparisconnect.com