Six years ago I responded to a call from the Lord to move to Minnesota and assume
the responsibility of Youth Pastor at Trinity EFC. During my first month there I recognized that fact that we had a very “energetic” 8th grade class. One of my first jobs was to find a teacher for the class because at the time there wasn’t one. Finally, at the 11th hour, the father of one of the boys said he would teach the class. I knew this was going to be one of those challenging groups in the youth ministry.
As the years went on I was not wrong about the challenges. They were a challenge, to me and to every youth leader in the ministry. We prayed earnestly for this group, we had people very frustrated by this group, but these guys continued to come. As they grew and got into high school, their energy was now getting them in trouble. Parents were getting concerned now as well and people in the church were talking about this group of guys. But they continued to come and continued to sit under the teaching of the Word of God. Would anything stick? I prayed it would.
Two years ago I saw some small breakthroughs. After a weekend retreat, some of these guys desired to have a small accountability group. So I started meeting with them. We met for a while but shortly thereafter I resigned from the church, never really seeing any growth in these guys.
During the last year I have received a couple e-mails from 2 of these guys telling me how God has turned their lives around. Another one is currently dating my niece and I have seen a change in him as well. God is faithful. In fact, this year Vicki and I are heading up an internship program here at AIM to work in our Admissions department helping get kids out on the mission field and 2 of these guys have applied to be part of the team! Unbelievable. The guys who presented the most challenges to me in 20 years of youth ministry have been transformed and are now asking to come and serve under our teaching and leadership. God is amazing!
I am really excited about this internship. I am excited to disciple these guys now that they want the discipleship. I love to see God at work!
PRAISE THE LORD!!! MANY OF THE STUDENTS YOU AND VICKI HAD ARE NOW WALKING WITH THE LORD AND ARE BRINGING OTHERS TO CHRIST. YOUR TIME AT TRINITY WAS SO FRUITFUL AND GOD HAS HONORED YOU IN THE FACT YOU NOW CAN WORK AND SEE MANY OF THEM GO OUT AND REAACH OTHERS AND YOU STILL HAVE SUCH AN INPACT ON THEM YEARS LATER. GOD IS GOOD!! THANK YOU FOR THE WAY IN WHICH YOU MINISTER TO OUR YOUTH STILL.
Thats a great story. That sounds like me and the boys, about time that high school we really started to change that energy into spiritual energy we decided this energy was a gift from God so we dedcided to use it for the God. With every Gift we have a choice use it for God or use it for the Devil. I hope these boys Continue to use it for God, that spiritual energy is contagious
Isnt it so true in the land of youth ministry that the fruit of oyur labor is difficult to see in the short term. However, if God revealed the fruit right away to us, we would probably take all the credit. Keep plowing those fields my friend and labor on! It is never in vain!!
I agree with Pam!
You guys did amazing things at Trinity.
I know that Seth is very excited to begin this new chapter in his life working for AIM!
Thanks for giving him the opportunity to do so. The Lord can take any person and any situation, and turn it for His glory. He is an amazing God!