Long, fun, tiring weekend
We had a very good ministry weekend. It started with a jr. high retreat out at Cascades Camp. It was our conference wide jr. high retreat, so about 300 jr. highers were at camp. Our group was a blast. We brought 12 students, and spent a great time searching for treasure (pirate theme), and had an amazing small group time. There were many times for our group to break up after the message times. Saturday night we chose to stay as one group and it was an amazing time. The talk was on the verse ask and the door will be opened etc... and we talked a lot about how we don't see God answer prayers, and the students really opened up about things that were painful for them, parents not going to church, relatives dying, ben leaving, and we talked about how we saw God through those difficult times. We then talked about what are the "treasures" that we focus on instead of the "ultimate treasure" who is Christ. That group was probably the highlight of my weekend. It's always great to hear what our students are thinking.
Another highlight was watching another group worship. ONe of the churches brought 3 students who were deaf. It was an amazing thing watching 12 and 13 year olds worshipping Christ by signing. It was awesome to see everyone being together in worship.
Then last night was sr. high youth group, and everything went really well. Played a fun low key game I'd never played before, and my message went well also. It was a very long but very good ministry weekend.
This week is pretty busy as I head to Portland on Friday. Also to update our 7th, 8th, and 10th grade girls small groups kick off this week and our 9th girls and 11-12th boys kick off next week, and we arecontinuing to wait to kick off the other ones. i really feel God calling me to not have a small group and enable myself for some more one on one discipleship and other roles, so I will not be filling one of the holes, and am continuing to trust God for those groups.
I don't know how much to post or how to put this, but please pray as I am dealing with a situation involving an adult in which I could definately use prayer for the right way to handle the situation.
Brad
posted by Brad @ 1:29 PM
3 Comments:
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Hey Brad!
Thanks for the up-date, will continue to pray for you and all the details of it all. Especially will be praying for the adult situation. Adults are part of youth ministry and they are an important aspect of the ministry as a whole.
Jan A.
Ps. 23
Brad,
Glad the JH trip went well - thanks for telling us about it! What a great chance for you to hear what the students are feeling and see the growth they are having evidenced by them opening themselves up to each other by sharing their struggles and concerns.
Being bold in honestly admitting that we struggle and need help is a great step toward allowing God to use others to minister to us.
I pray that God meets the needs of each one of the 12 who went in miraculous ways.
One of these days I'll get to Portland! Can you believe it's been 3 months! I'm having withdrawals.
Sounds like not leading a small group and being available for one-on-one discipleship is a great idea.
Until next time, Kellie
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