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I entered youth ministry in April of 1989. One of the most exciting areas of Church exists within Student Ministry. I read a research paper in 1977(yes, I was around then) that stated the number one place where teens are the most bored was Church. Yes, it even beat out Western Civilization and Study Hall in Jr. High, so I set out to change that statistic. It took all of 1 Sunday to make me realize that I was in over my head. Never in my wildest imagination did I think that hanging out with other peoples teenagers would be so difficult. The first project the pastor gave me was taking 25 teenagers to Siloam Springs for camp. Wow, what a way to get broke in. Go back with me if you will to that place, ah the summer of '89. Hot, that is what I remember most. About 185 degrees and no A/C. Remember I am 19, my counselors are old people, probably 40 or so. Within a day everyone hates being there. The camp director broke into our cabin, opened all of our suitcases, and confiscated all of our water balloons and shaving cream and all of this on our first day. It is now Tuesday, and things look better, the high is only 101, and not a cloud in the sky. We eat the eggs that are made from powder and water, mixed with something, orange juice with no oranges in it, and milk made from powder, tasty, with bacon, not made from pork, can you smell it yet?
We left back to our cabin for Meditation and quite time to reflect on the day. Suddenly, noise, lots of noise. Screaming, lots of Screaming. Yelling, lots of yelling. Fighting, lots of fighting, did I mention there was fighting. Cursing, lots of cursing. As I awoke from my prayer, pushed open the screen door to find my other guy counselor in a fist fight with the camp director. (all names are withheld to protect the innocent) 2 old fat guys punching, cursing, hitting each other with their walking sticks. As I grabbed my counselor, the care taker of the property grabbed the director, still swinging as we separated them. A large crowd of teens looked on with Shock and Awe. (Now you know where that phrase came from) sadly students had to see grown men not acting like the Christian men they claimed to be. That moment forever impacted the way that I would view my ministry. 16 years have passed and I still remember the looks of disbelief on those faces of those young teenage boys.
Now I see tears of joy and happiness as a student accepts Christ into their life, and then to see them minister, we go almost monthly to talk and visit with the homeless, not just to take food and clothing to them, but to listen and share dreams and ideas and prayer with them. I believe that this generation of students will become the most vocal about God, and his love for mankind. You, yes you, have the greatest opportunity since the beginning of time to impact this world for Jesus Christ. Will you stand with me and countless others to fight for the souls of man in order that they may experience the love that Christ expects us to demonstrate each and everyday to a hurting world? Hurry, the clock is ticking. Thank you Lord for 16 glorious years of working with Students.
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