Called

Do you remember when you first had that moment when you knew God was calling you to do something for him? It may have been a simple friend telling you should do something, or it may have been a big time speaker that challenged you to do it, so you did. The reason I ask is because, one of my high schoolers used the word "called" about his life. Let me explain...

Trevor is one of those guys that you wish you were like in high school--the strong Christian, great friend and athlete, just an all around great guy. The other night we were hanging out at my house, just shooting the breeze and we were talking about the youth ministry and stuff. He comes on Wednesdays to Third Race, but on Sundays he stays at his home church. I thought it was because his parents wanted him to stay there, but he said that he feels "called" there. He helps out with his small youth group and tries to make an impact with them. He recognizes that it is hard. He doesn't fit in with them, but he still tries.

What blew me away was that he used the word "called." It is not frequent that you meet a high schooler who uses that word about their position in life and who is willing to forego what he would rather be doing to do what God has called him too. He admits that he wants to come on Sundays, to participate in our D-Groups, but he feels called to be at home. How awesome is that! It is my prayer that God will use me, my talents and passion for youth ministry to raise up more Kingdom workers like Trevor.

Kingdom Worker Challenges

The last night of CIY, the staff put out a challenge. Each student was given a card in an enclosed envelope. The challenge was that the students had to do whatever was written on the card. There was no obligation to do open, but the understanding was if you opened one, you were committing to accomplishing the task on the card. Some of the challenges are hard and can't be done my oneself, others are easy to do and don't need a lot of planning. The purpose of these was not to see failure, but to see a community of believers gather around one another and accomplish the task together. Here is a list our students and their challenges...

Jessica Lueckenhoff----to go on a mission trip and encourage a missionary on the field

Kaleene Lanham----Find a church and get plugged in before September 15

Kristi Whitcomb----Build a playground in the community where you live

Aaron Jamieson----Take a religion class and get a discussion started on Christianity

Maranda Johnston----To collect and distribute 500 coats/hoodies

Jordan Bailey----Teach a child something you do well

Breanna Miller----Skip a school dance and use the money that you would use and help a girl that you know wouldn't be able to go otherwise

Stephen Nunley----To collect 500 turkeys for Thanksgiving

Trevor Shumaker----Fast one meal a week at school and pray for teachers and students

I thought I should do a challenge too since I was asking them to do one...my challenge is to fast every Wednesday for a school year and spend time praying (this is ironic since we have Wednesday night meals at Third Race)!

This fall should be interesting and exciting to see these challenges start to take place and to see life change start to happen.

The Gospel Realized

It is that time of the year again. Time for student ministries to pick up in full swing and for students to start returning to school. As I prepare for this fall, I can't wait. It is going to be a great time of learning what God has planned for our lives and where he is leading us. We will be spending the whole semester focusing on the Gospel of Mark. The series is going to be entitled "The Gospel Realized."

We are going to spend 16 weeks studying and learning what the gospel truly is and what God wants for the students lives. I anticipate there will be some intense weeks and some lighter weeks, but God is going to be moving and I can't wait to partner with him to see life change.

As comes the territory I am struggling with finding youth sponsors who can commit more time to the ministry then they already do. It is hard, but I know that God is a God who provides and in his timing he is going to provide us with the sponsors that are needed. I have some in mind already and hope that they will be interested. God only knows. Please be praying for the ministry and for sponsors. The ministry can't survive on my efforts alone.

Back to Mark...This week I hope to start planning out the specifics of the lessons. I know that I will be focusing on one chapter a week. I won't be able to cover all of it, so in D-Groups we will cover the rest in a group driven bible study. This will be the first time that I have studied this gospel, so it should be great. Please be praying for my studies and preparation that I can bring the gospel to the students in a way that they can hear and understand.

CIY MOVE Video

Here is a video of summer conference! We had a blast. We took a total of 10 students and God was definitely moving among his people. Some real life change happened and God is moving...watch and enjoy!