// WHO WE ARE
Empowering Leaders, Influencing Culture, Delivering Hope
United Youth Outreach is a missional & evangelistic youth outreach ministry
• Identifying, equipping, empowering & sending missional leaders who impact today's youth with the Gospel
• Reaching Canada region by region
• Developing ministry leaders and teams for missional ministries
United Youth Outreach fulfills its mission through
- Working with churches, missions, organizations and youth outreaches
- Training and placement of leaders who are initiating new youth programs and outreach ministries
- Resourcing schools
- Discipling students
- Evangelistic outreach
Core Values
1. Alignment with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God – We seek relationship with and empowerment from Holy Spirit; we look to Him and His Word for wisdom, direction and help.
2. Evangelism Always – We believe our role is to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
3. Holistic People - We believe that healthy individuals are an end in themselves, but also help to make a successful organization.
4. Servant Leadership – Just as Jesus came to serve us; our role is to lead by serving everyone around us in a loving manner.
5. Strategic Thinking – We desire to count the cost before tackling a project and believe that God calls us to be good stewards and strategic in our planning for the future.
6. Humility – We strive to learn, grow, dialogue, and serve together; giving honour and preference to one another as we recognize Christ at work in each other. We know that we all have room to grow.
7. Apostolic Innovation – As directed by the Holy Spirit, we will strive to accomplish the vision God has given us. We will take risks, be cutting edge, try new things, be willing to fail and push ourselves into the unknown.
8. A Good Story – We believe in storytelling. It’s powerful, gives glory to God, and gives encouragement and permission to the hearers to step out in faith into new things.
Statement of Faith
1. That the Bible is the inspired, infallible, authoritative written Word of God.
2. In the eternal existence of one true God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. In the Saviour of men, the Lord Jesus Christ, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, very God and very man.
4. In the creation, test and fall of man, as recorded in Genesis; his total spiritual depravity and inability to attain to divine righteousness.
5. That forgiveness of sin and eternal life is freely offered to all by our Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation of sinners is by grace through faith alone, in the perfect all sufficient work of Christ, who died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day for our justification.
6. In Water Baptism of believers by immersion in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7. In the Baptism with the Holy Spirit as an experience subsequent to salvation with the scriptural evidence.
8. In the gifts of the Holy Spirit as enumerated in the book of Acts and the Epistles.
9. In the Lord’s Table as a memorial for believers.
10. In Divine Healing as practiced throughout the New Testament.
11. In the eternal life of the believer and the eternal punishment of the unbeliever.
12. In the Spirit-filled life. The Holy Spirit is the catalyst for sanctification and seeks to produce His fruit in the believer’s life as their minds are renewed and they are conformed to the image of Christ.
13. In the personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ for His Church.
14. In the sanctity of marriage, as a life long exclusive commitment between one man and one woman.
Administrative Team
Ben Kostamo
Minister of the Gospel, Executive Director
ABOUT BEN
Position held:
Executive Director
On a weekend:
I am most likely preaching to youth and congregations or traveling with my wife or a team to minister. We challenge people to know Jesus as Saviour and Lord and to share their faith with others.
Education/Programs attended:
4 Year Diploma of Ministry – Christian Ministry Training Centre 1993-98
JIBC (EMR certification and license 2005)
Summary of Work Experience:
United Youth Outreach: 2009- Present
BC Ambulance Service: 2003 – 2010
Tumbler Ridge Christian Fellowship (BC): 2003 – 2009
Peace Valley Community Church (Hudson’s Hope, BC): 2000 – 2004
Gateway Christian Ministries and Christian School: 1994 – 2000
Favorite book of the Bible/Bible verse:
John – the Gospel
Favorite band/artist:
I have eclectic tastes
I am passionate about:
Jesus, my beautiful wife, our family, our ministry to the youth, art, gardening, and travelling
The most exotic place/country I’ve visited is:
Zambia, Africa ( I saw wild hippos, a chameleon, a civet, monkeys on my roof, and dead cobras)
The weirdest food I've ever consumed:
Alligator or tarantula meat (it’s a toss-up)
Favorite summer activity:
Hiking and swimming in the mountains or at the coast
You can email Ben at:
ben@unitedyouthoutreach.ca
Kathy Swinton
Financial Administrator
ABOUT KATHY
Position(s) held:
Financial Administrator
On a Monday evening, I am most likely studying the latest Beth Moore Bible Study with a Women’s group at church
Education/Programs attended:
I completed 2 degrees:
BEd – University of Alberta, Edmonton in 1986
BRE – Canadian Bible College, Regina (aka Ambrose) in 1995
Summary of work experience: I taught early Elementary grades in Christian schools in Ponoka, Lacombe, and in the Philippines at a New Tribes Mission MK school. Then I went on to be married, raise 4 children (3 boys and 1 girl) as a stay-at-home mom, and do bookwork for our multiple home-based businesses. My kids, who are all teenagers now, are into various sports (Volleyball, Basketball, Rugby, Soccer) and keep me entertained with their games. Rugby has become my favorite sport to watch!
A super fun fact about you: I crochet necklaces (the latest craze) and sell them at Christmas craft sales.
I am passionate about: teaching the Bible and discipling upper Elementary-aged children in the Sunday School setting
Favorite summer activity: I love driving through the mountains and other rural settings and admiring God’s beautiful creation.
Fenan Demisse
Programs & Office Administrator
ABOUT FENAN
Position held:
Programs and Office Administrator
On a weekend:
When I am not studying, I enjoy going on walks, reading books, and watching funny shows or movies
Education/Programs attended:
Currently completing a Bachelor of Business Administrator degree at Mount Royal University
Summary of Work Experience:
I have been volunteering for several years at Selihom Gods Church, working with youth and kids to build their relationship with God. I am currently working as Programs and Office Administrator in my employment while continuing to volunteer in youth ministry. I am passionate about helping youth step into leadership and grow in their faith.
A super fun fact about you:
I moved from Ethiopia to Calgary when I was little, and now I can speak 3 languages;Amharic, English, & Oromo.
Favorite book of the Bible/Bible verse:
Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
I am passionate about:
The abundant love we receive from Jesus, and I have a huge desire for everyone to experience it.
Favorite summer activity:
Road trips and getting to spend more time with my family and friends.
Board of Directors & Advisors
Grant Galpin
Michael Wind
CHAIRMAN
Dennis Heppner
Interested in joining the United team?
See our jobs page
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