Are We Successful?

One morning this week I saw one of our 2nd grade MYC Club boys at the doctor with his mother. When I asked them how he was doing, his mom answered that he wanted to go back to school after his doctor visit so that he could go to MYC that afternoon. It's encouraging to hear that kind of feedback. It helps because it isn't always clear how to define and measure success in a ministry to children where relationships are emphasized.

Occasionally we are asked if we are successful here at MYC. Before I can answer I always need to first ask how should we define success. Is it how many donations we receive? Is it how many kids we serve? Is it counting how many kids make a commitment to follow Christ? Is it about making a positive difference in the lives of children or in the community? How long should “success” take?

We have seen our share of disappointments. A family we have come to know moves away and we lose touch. A girl gets pregnant. Boys lose their temper or fight. Someone gets arrested or suspended from school. Kids reject Jesus' sacrifice and example, or a spiritual commitment fails to translate to Christ-like behavior. Kids lie to us or talk about risky behavior on Facebook.

These kids and their families are facing some serious barriers to what we in America or even in the church call success. Parents ignore God's design for the family and the children pay an awful price. “Friends” put pressure on them to make stupid choices. The neighborhood is a negative environment. The government subsidizes poor choices and encourages dependence on government instead of faith in God. Entertainment is perverted and violent. Hormones are raging. The pop culture says “It's all about me!” There are few jobs here. Hate and anger are common in many of these families. Our kids act as if they are deaf. We have limited time with them at MYC.

We see some encouraging signs, too! Kids return to MYC year after year, and even stay after high school. Parents trust us and send younger siblings. Parents who were themselves involved in Mission youth activities 10 or 20 years ago are making sure that their kids are involved in MYC. These parents have good memories and built relationships with MYC staff and want their kids to have the same opportunity. There are school successes. Kids want to volunteer or be MYC leaders. We see better behavior in MYC kids when compared to new kids or non-Club members at church, Camp, or school. The Timothy Project discipleship group continues. Relationships are built. We have a consistent, dependable, loving staff. The only age we recruit is 1st grade because there is a waiting list for kids to be in MYC in the other grades. Many of our kids attend church with staff. We see growth in our long-term kids, such as unselfishness, controlling anger, or spiritual maturity. Most Youth Enterprises graduates have jobs. We get to be involved in our kids accomplishments and milestones. Kids and families come to us for help outside of MYC. Kids develop new skills. We have our first Eagle Scout. There is personal growth in the staff. Attendance in MYC is high. God meets the needs of MYC as we strive to meet the needs of our community.

Are we successful? Ultimately God will be the definer and judge of that. We are responsible to be faithful and good stewards of our time, resources, and gifts. We are trusting in God for the results, and we praise Him that He is trustworthy to keep His promises.