Skip to main content

Final Youth Cell.......

So tonight was the last youth cell for the academic year, but also the last youth cell for me as ministry apprentice. I found it tough to say the least; which is strange because I will still be around just not in my role as apprentice.

Anyway, I had planned the session on evangelism and being comfortable to talk openly with other people about God whether a Christian or not. However we didn't look at this whatsoever!!!!

Yesterday I led the Sunday group and we looked at names of Jesus and the characteristics Jesus had. We listened to the song Peacemaker by Greg Ferguson and individually wrote the names and characteristics that we perceive Jesus to be and have. This group aged 11-15 did better than I could have ever imagined. Their honesty was abounding and their answers humbling. It was a real witness to me as a youth helper to see how much they have learnt and grown in such a small space of time. Amongst the words appeared shepherd, defender, protector, guider, saviour, sovereign, comforter, supporter, best friend; to name but a few. My challenge for them this week was to take on board some of the characteristics of Jesus; to be patient, kind, loving, generous, peaceful and to be like this to other people.

Tonight I really felt a sense of checking on progress with this and actually seeing how much they had taken on board. The discussion then arrived at thankfulness. If people are positive to us, if people love us and care for us, how does it make us feel? Are we thankful to/for them? I really felt God touching me and asking whether we are thankful to Him. So I asked that question. Are we thankful and appreciative to God for all He is and all He does? I know I am not as thankful as I should and could be. This then enabled me to thank the youth for all they have done and been for me over the last 11 months.

As a group we spoke about positive behaviours being infectious. If someone is kind to you, you then have this real urge to be kind to another person. We said that was the same with smiling. If you smile at someone, they then start to smile, they themselves pass it on to someone else and the chain continues.

It truly was a stunning time with some beautiful young lives which are visibly being moulded and shaped by God. It has been a true privilege to be able to witness this part of their journey.

Comments

Wings of Eagles said…
Don't underestimate the value of the part you have played in their journeys. They love you Em and I am sure truly value the input you have in their lives.
Take care.
P xx
1 July 2008 at 17:13
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Christmas is approaching........

Today we put up the church Christmas decorations which was so comical, we had such a giggle and really enjoyed ourselves. It wasn't until I got home that it sank in - it is almost Christmas. Can you believe that we are already in December? Chris and I led our last youth cell till 2008 this evening and it was hilarious with the kids. They are just the greatest bunch of young people anyway, but playing games such as twister with them was just side splitting! Talking to them about Christmas and this time of year was just so thought provoking, they say what the usual teenagers say (actually what the majority of people say!) how they're looking forward to the food, presents and dressing up, on the other hand just simple comments like 'I am looking forward to the carol service', 'I am looking forward to spending time with my family' and 'I am looking forward to spending time away from the commercial Christmas' (how huge is that for a 13 year old to say!!!) Com...
1 comment
Read more

Peacemaker..........

Tonight we took some of the youth to hear Tony Anthony speak. It was truly inspiring and moving. I know the youth loved it and lapped up every second available to them, so much so they all have his book 'Taming the Tiger' and want to talk about what was said at youth cell this week. After such a powerful session I wanted to go and wind down and just spend some time out, not doing anything except exsisting. So I took a slow drive down to Southend, my intention to take a walk along the sea front and just breathe the air available. I parked up overlooking the sea and just thought. I had no real train of thought or specific prayer points I wanted to cover. I just let my mind and God's words lead me. I then put on the most stunning CD a beautiful friend did for me. The song 'Peacemaker' by Greg Ferguson started to play. Each word in the song is so heart touching and thought provoking - it is just a truly magnificent song. Just to ease your minds I did manage to drive h...
Post a Comment
Read more

A Fathers Love.............

How far does a father's love stretch?   Is your father's love conditional or unconditional? What do you know will push father to the realms of unforgiving? The film 'Father of the Bride' sees a Dad so devoted to his daughter he will try and do anything to keep hold of her, to stop her growing up.  He tries anything to make sure he doesn't have to giver her away to another man.  Then when he knows he has to let go you see his heart break - lovingly break within the church as she is getting married - but break nonetheless.  You see that a phone call of reassurance and love makes him realise that his daughter will forever be his, she will always be his little girl. John Q is an amazing film that shows the true lengths a dad will go to for his child.  Knowing he cant pay for his child's life-saving surgery he takes the hospital hostage in a bid to save his son.  A father's love that is unconditionally and powerful.  A man that will go to any lengths including cr...
Post a Comment
Read more