Today wasn’t too bad in the morning. Church was fine, and Pastor Ed gave a very good sermon. I came back home afterward and practiced making bread, which turned out ok, but not quite as light as I would have liked it. I then took a nap so as to be awake for the youth night at 6:30. The youth night was an absolute disaster; although I don’t know if something that doesn’t really happen can be a disaster. Nobody came except for Mark Stokes, who showed up at 6:45. We watched a movie and chatted for a bit. I gave up at about 8:30. It was very depressing, to have blatant proof that I’m not having much of an impact on any teenagers here. I’m going to email the events list out to everybody in Riggins that I’m facebook friends with and hopefully somebody will show up for our hike on the 18th. Please be praying for my spirits, that I don’t get discouraged. Please pray for the spirits of the kids here. I need some sort of breakthrough with them that will only be achieved through prayer. Please PRAY. That’s all for today.
Stephen!
ReplyDeleteFirst, yes I’ll be praying for you!
Second, a word of advice! Don’t be discouraged, in fact, I am very encouraged (but understand how/why you may feel down). I’m encouraged because as I read your blog I have felt like I’ve been watching the original “Karate Kid” (if you haven’t seen it, go watch it now)!
Everything that you have been doing thus far has been a giant life-lesson! Jim has been a masterful teacher as you’ve been going around serving the people of Riggins. Much has been accomplished. One thing that REALLY stands out, none of these things you’ve done with Jim have had anything to do with drawing in a crowd. All of it has been about serving the people and being in relationship. What if this were your approach to Student Ministry?
Rather than being down about who wasn’t there, celebrate Mark and his being there! Now, go find the students where they are. Get to a baseball game because that student is playing. Go to the coffee shop/restaurant and study while another student works. Maybe you even want to go bail hay with the student who is working the field.
I understand the need for events, but don’t think students will just show up. Relationship is what matters most, not numbers. I pray you see each soul, not a number! Go serve. Go see. Go be with them!
I’m stoked for you bro.
As an FYI, this is a message that MANY youth leaders need to know/understand. Too many of us hide behind events and hope people will come to us! Jesus taught us to go to them!
Praying for you!
Grace, Brian
A couple of thoughts...
ReplyDeleteOne of the first events I held for the Sr. High kids was a pool party at the Koinis's. One student showed up and she left after about 30 minutes when she realized how lame our party was. I thought I had killed the youth group. But the only thing that was killed that night was my ego, which needed to die.
Which leads me to my next point. It's only through complete reliance on God that your ministry will be effective. You are right to ask for prayer, as it is your greatest weapon.
I totally agree with Brian, don't be discouraged. Keep building those relationships. Don't get too fixated on events. Sometimes they can be great tools for ministry, but they can also lead you to boast about numbers, or in your case discourage you. Just focus on loving those kids.
I'm praying for you brother! Keep up the good work!
Rob