WEEK FIVE

This week was so much fun! We had our meeting at Matthew's house and we talked about the kids that were in our group. After we each went through the discussions that our tables, Matthew had us watch a music video by Casting Crowns. It was called, "Does Anybody Hear Her" and was very moving. It talked about the church today and people falling through the cracks. One of the main symbols the song used was about being a shadow of our steeple. After we watched it, we went into a pretty deep conversation about what we thought about the church as it is today.
The part of the week that was really exciting was Thursday night. I was able to have two of the girls I am mentoring to come and hang out on campus for a few hours. One of the girls spent the night. Hannah and Tamara are their names and it seemed like they had a fun time! I talked with them about starting a small gropu with my roomate, Bethany, and they were very excited about it. There are five girls in all that we are hoping to have in the group and are hoping to meet with them tomorrow on Wednesday. I am very excited about this and can not wait to see what the Lord does in their hearts and lives. I do not believe any of the girls have a strong walk of faith, so your continued prayers would be much appreciated! Thanks again!

WEEK FOUR

This week was super exciting. Wednesday night we had our weekly meeting with Matthew and all of the studentst that are working this semester. It was really fun and we were able to go around the circle and see how the small group time of the last youth meeting went. Although the meeting lasted forever :) I decided that I really like all of the people that decided to choose Lakeview.
The super exciting part, however, happened at youth group on Sunday. I have personally, been feeling a little discontent with my life lately..that is until Sunday night. I was told by Matthew that there were a few girls in the group that he really thought I could connect with. The two happen to be athletes and were there on Sunday. They were in my small discussion group afterwards and I really felt like I connected with them...which made me even more excited. I honestly can not wait to see what is in store for this year with these girls. I remembered why my passion is for teens. I instantly wanted to help these girls find Christ and love Him with their whole hearts. I know, now, that it was no mistake I am here during this time. I hope and pray that I can make a lasting impression on these girls, not because of who I am, but Who is in me. So..if you are taking time to read my blog for this week; would you mind saying a quick little prayer? Pray that I have wisdom in dealing with these girls and for their hearts to be sensitive to Him. Thanks!

WEEK THREE

This past week was full of things to do. Sunday night at youth group was supposed to be a big night for the youth group as a well-known speaker came from Kingdom Builders. However, there were not as many kids there as we would have liked. Nevertheless, in retrospect, the core group of youth that were there was exactly what the Lord had in mind. During the talk, I got the sense that the Lord really wanted me to tell the girls that I wanted to be here for them. I really felt led to give them my number and email just to act as a sounding board if they needed one. This all said, I realized Sunday night that there is so much more to youth ministry than just leading youth. The Spirit still continues to work on the leaders as well.
Also this week, we had a meeting at Pastor Matthew's house to discuss different dates as well as this upcoming Sunday. I was the one he gave a bunch of the techinal and organizational stuff..which was fine with me. I was told to create an excel list and email it out to some of the other guys in the youth group. This was actually kind of fun and made me feel a little important. This really showed me how much organizational and managing kinds of things really goes into the ministry. This was one time of just a few that I have been able to see this firsthand.

WEEK TWO

This past week was extremely fun for me to experience. After church on Sunday morning, I went to CiCi's pizza because the youth group was doing a fundraiser there for their mission trip. They were clearing off tables and getting refills for people. I walked in unsure about what I was going to be asked to do and wondering if I was going to get to know any of the youth. However, both worries were soon gone. I began helping clear tables off and refilling drinks while carrying on conversations with some of the kids. It was the beginning of a great semester with them. I was able to demonstrate service but was also humbled and taught by the same people.
After CiCi's, later that night was regular youth group. It was a good night as well. Pastor Matthew talked with us "staff " about what he wanted us to be doing over the next few months and also told me that I would be helping out with a small group of girls. This got me really excited! He also explained that he really desired us to see this semester as more than a grade...but to see it as an opportunity to really begin the ministry. Overall, my spiritual life this week has been great, thanks to the 21 day challenge...and I can really begin seeing the parallel. This week, like last week, made me really anxious and excited to see what the weeks to come bring.