Saturday, February 6, 2010

Young People Need Our Love

Last Sunday morning, January 31, we had eight young people singing in our worship service. Wednesday night I talked with one of the girls who came down front at the invitation time to say she wanted to join our church. She is twelve years old. She comes to church without either of her parents. Our youth group gives her a feeling of acceptance.

As I walked into the youth room in the A-frame to find her, I noticed that there were at least four new young girls there whom I did not know.

Here are some of the thoughts that came into my mind: Why are these young people coming on Wednesday night in such numbers? And what are we being called to do to care for them? What is God doing? Are they learning here at New Hope that God loves them and has a purpose for their lives? Can they grow up to serve God when they have very little encouragement from their parents to continue in church? How can we help them to be growing disciples of Jesus Christ?

I am thankful for the work that Cheryl Secunda, our Director of Children and Youth Ministries does to bring in young people. God seems to be sending us young people between the ages of 11 and 14. How can we join God in what God is doing? How can we provide spiritual care and guidance for these young girls and boys?

When you pray, please ask God to send us the leaders and the healthy, caring people we need to show these young people that their future as Christ followers really matters to us. Ask God to help us to find ways to give them the care and the guidance they so much need. Do you see what I see?

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