Daily Inspiration: Meet Amy Young

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Young

Hi Amy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Colorado native who lived in China for 18 years. I was with a Christian organization that taught English to Chinese university students. I’m happy to share more about my time in China, but why I include it here is that living outside of the US for so long set me up to help others who live outside of their home country. When I moved back to the US online communities were just starting and with two friends we founded an online community for cross-cultural women called Velvet Ashes. After five years it was up and running and I handed off leadership and moved on to my next (and current) adventure. I started Global Trellis in 2019 and like a trellis supports a plant, we support Christian cross-cultural workers so they can grow where God has planted them. We have articles, workshops, courses, and cohorts that cover a range of topics. For instance, recently we conducted a survey about sexual harassment experienced around the world. In December we designed an interactive Advent Calendar. That’s just a small sampling to show the variety.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some of the struggles have involved changing the thinking in the Christian ministry setting of wanting everything for free to being willing to pay for resources. I believe that if people pay for something, they value it more.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve also written six books :). I was a teacher before I moved to China and see my writing and Global Trellis as a different venue to teach. People who know about things have options and agency. People who are uneducated or undereducated are either trapped in doing things they way they always have. I love learning and helping people feel resourced to face the challenges and opportunities life may throw at them 🙂

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I believe we’re going to see digital resources be used more and more for education and training so that in-person events can focus on connection and community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://globaltrellis.com
• Instagram: @global trellis
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlobalTrellis/
• Other: https://globaltrellis.com/podcast/

Image Credits
Amy Young