Our partners
east to west works in partnership with other organisations and agencies to carry out the vision we have to bring hope to young lives.
Urban Saints
east to west partner with Urban Saints in a number of initiatives. These have included hosting the Totally Wired training seminar and leading their Midland SPREE Youth Weekend.
Here are a few quotes from those attending the Spree 2008 camp:
"It's a joy to partner with such a passionate and committed organisation."
"We thought it was TRULY FANTASTIC."
"A most memorable weekend and we're definitely coming again next year with a much bigger group."
"We felt theÊweekendÊ particularly benefited from the following: good value for money, responsible and relevant teaching presented in fun yet pertinentÊways, lively worship, brilliant activities, clear arrangements/good organization, excellent site, balanced program. All in all, aÊsuperb event!"
"Thanks for a wonderful weekend.Ê We all enjoyed it very much (my private bed made all the difference to my sleep!)Ê Several of our kids made responses in the meetings and all were stretched physically and socially in ways that really excited me."
Surrey Youth Focus
One of Andy's roles is to Chair the Faith Forum for Surrey Youth Focus (formerly Surrey Council for Voluntary Youth Services). The Faith Forum is a gathering of all organisations who deliver youth work from a perspective of faith in Surrey. This gathering has raised the profile of the faith sector and is used effectively as a way to network these organisations together.Ê
"The tales I was hearing about a special sort of working with young people prompted me to want to go and see what was happening in Staines. I was greeted by a larger than life bouncy Geordie who had a real heart for young people and an appealing irreverence for much of what passed for convention. He was passionate about what he did ,the help he could offer young people, and all of this deeply grounded in his faith. I was delighted when he agreed to take on the chairmanship... he speaks at a number of events extolling the virtues of the faith forum, its opportunities and relevance to young work and young people. His charming, witty and commonsense style has meant that he has been asked to speak again, he had some significant members of the youth work leadership in the county approach him for more information, and he has not disappointed. Meetings chaired by Andy are bright and proceed at a pace and his ideas keep coming so that everyone feels included and able to share the optimism he projects."
David Cox, CEO (retd) Surrey Council for Voluntary Youth Services
Spring Harvest
east to west has been in partnership with Spring Harvest since 2003, delivering youth programmes, seminars and Bible teaching in both the 11-14 and the 15+ age groups. It is a real privilege for the team to be involved in such a large and vibrant festival where we have the opportunity to invest into hundreds of young lives.
"Event based youth programmes, such as the Spring Harvest, are as tough a location as any for youth ministry. In a narrow timescale, with over 500 diverse young people, who are mostly strangers to each other, the task of developing a temporary community and leading this as a Ôworshiping community' is a challenge. It requires a talent to observe what God is doing, keep an eye on how the culture of the group is developing and steer individuals responsible for teaching, worship and event management in how best to minister in these circumstances. Fortunately for us, in Andy, we have such a leader. Andy has the ability to relate directly to the young people in the programme, sensitively lead a team of varying experience and effectively manage the complications of a media and music driven youth event. Beyond this, his appreciation of the need to be a spiritually attuned leader is also evident in both his personal preparation and mid-programme improvisation! He also bought his entire team sherbet Ð which must mean something, I'm sure!"
Nick Shepherd, Spring Harvest Event Leadership Team
Speaking engagements
Over the years east to west has been involved in a large variety of speaking and preaching engagement. In particular, Andy Burns has been the main Bible teacher in the 15-18 venue at Spring Harvest, as well speaker at youth camps and evangelistic events. In more a local setting, Andy is regularly preaching at churches and youth celebrations, as well as leading and delivering training and theological reflection on youth ministry. It is a real passion of Andy's to verbally communicate the hope that comes from the Christian faith.
About Andy Burns
Andy is the Director of east to west trust and is passionate about 'bringing hope to young lives'. He is married to Catherine and is the dad of Elijah and together they enjoy spending time in the mountains and in the local curry house. Andy is originally from Middlesbrough and is a supporter of the local football team. Curiously, he was once the star in a Bollywood TV advert.
Book Andy to speak
If you would like to book Andy to speak at an event, youth camp or training seminar then please click here to contact him. Although east to west don't charge a fee for speaking and preaching engagements, please be aware that preparation, delivery and travel will incur costs. If you would value information to help with budgeting for an event or camp, please ask.