Hello,
Here are some things on my mind:
Culture
I was talking to my friend Richard the other day and we had a fascinating discussion on youth ministry and the youth culture. We were discussing how it is that we need to dive into what amounts to a completely different culture in order to have a voice with today’s youth and that sometimes we fall into thinking that the goal is to “save” these kids from their culture because it is different than mine. In fact, the goal has always been salvation from slavery to sin. So we have to ask ourselves what parts of the culture lead us to that slavery and away from God as opposed to what parts of the culture are a part of the beautiful freedom that God has bestowed on us to define ourselves in ways of our own choosing.
This is a very interesting question and one not easily answered, but I want to be one who protects the culture of those who come to me even if I don’t understand it sometimes. I do think that this is part of being a good steward of all that God has put in my hands to take care of.
Sportsmanship
As basketball club continues to grow, there has been an interesting development. Originally this was designed around kids who all play basketball competitively. Lately, many kids have wanted to come who are younger and less skilled than the first group of kids. This has been a challenge for many of the skilled players because they have been forced to play a different brand of basketball. Many of the early kids have stepped up and been great sports taking the younger ones under their wings guiding them gently in the process. Thank God that he is working in and through these young men and that he is bringing kids to club who want and need attention from the older kids. Please pray that their patience and concern won’t run dry. Pray that they will see the value that they are to these younger kids and that the younger kids will see what God is doing through the older ones.
Prayer Requests
Pray that hearts of each of the kids that comes to club will grow into deeper and more meaningful relationships with Jesus
Pray that God would continue to provide for Campus Life’s needs
Pray that the community of Phoenix and Talent would be turned upside down for Jesus
Pray for the parent of all the kids who come that they would be spirit-led in their parenting
Pray for me. Pray that I would always be quick to respond to God’s will and faithful to see through in every area of ministry and life.
Thanks and God Bless
Isaiah