What a world we live in! As we all know, it is summer, and it’s pretty normal for summer to feel weird and different as people are traveling and heading out on vacation. Students are generally slowing down and sleeping in and staying up late.
Summer is usually filled with bike rides, hikes, video games, late nights with the bonfires, and family time.
This summer is obviously different. The news of our local schools staying closed for the start of the fall has been discouraging, to say the least. I wanted to offer a few pieces of encouragement and challenge to students, parents, and (future) adult volunteers for our youth ministry, so that you can persevere through whatever this next year has for us.
To Students
What a bummer! Sure, it was cool not having to go to school last year for a few weeks, but now it’s just weird. I’m sure that for some of you, it’s really discouraging to not get to go back to school. Some of you are missing part of your senior year, and I can’t imagine how difficult that must be.
I know you know this, but you are not alone. You have Jesus with you constantly. When you feel alone, or worried, or anxious, or happy, or just meh, remember that you are loved and have a purpose. Hold fast to Jesus and we will get through anything.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
PHILIPPIANS 4:6
To Parents
I can’t imagine the stress you are under. I don’t want to pretend to know all the right things to say. But what I will say is that God has given you the awesome blessing of creating and caring for another life. And you aren’t meant to do it by yourself. You have a community to help. The Body of Christ is here for you—here to walk through this difficult time together.
But like all things, it takes effort. Dive deep into community with other believers. Start with the other parents of youth group or the other families at LifeWay. If you don’t know another parent, let me know! I’d love to introduce you. You don’t have to parent by yourself. Go through life in community with other believers and we will get through anything.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…
HEBREWS 12:1
To Adult Volunteers (Present and Future)
This is such an important time in the life of students and families, and they desperately need your support. Start by praying for them.
If you are already a leader in our youth group, start praying for the students and families in your small group.
If you want to be a leader this next year, start praying for the students you will get to know.
If you have no clue where to start, start praying for our youth ministry in general! Pray for wisdom for yourself and the other leaders, and for motivation and courage to pour into these students and families. Help, be there for others, and we will get through anything.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
GALATIANS 6:9