Don't Listen to the Lies
Last week we took our MYC high school club kids to a local church to watch “To Save a Life.” This is a movie for adults and teenagers that deals with serious issues such as honesty, friendship, drinking and drugs, pregnancy, and especially suicide. The next morning a high school boy from our church killed himself at his home. He was not in MYC Club but some of our kids knew him from school or the band, bowling team, or church youth group. He even had gone with the youth group to our camp the previous day as part of a volunteer work project. Debbie and I know his mom and his older siblings from the years we spent as youth sponsors in the youth group, but we didn't really know this boy.
I won't pretend to know why he made this choice or what he was thinking, but I do know that he must have been listening to Satan's lies. Satan's lies come through music or other entertainment media, from “friends” or sometimes even from family, from society, advertising, or even from school, from false religions or philosophies, or sometimes just directly into our minds in the battle to influence our choices. There are some horrible lies out there which are meant to manipulate us, keep us from knowing and understanding our value and purpose, or even to destroy us. Evolution is a lie that tries to convince us that we are just random accidents with no meaning, value, or purpose. The boy who killed himself in “To Save a Life” believed the lie that he was unimportant. Advertising and entertainment lie to us about how we should look, dress, act, or feel,and try to tell us that we don't fit in if we don't comply False religions and cults lie to us by telling us that God could not have come to earth as a person, or didn't die for our sins, or doesn't know us individually and love us unconditionally.
How can we know if Satan or his servants are lying to us and trying to manipulate us? The best way to know for sure if something is a lie is to know the truth. We find the truth in God's word. The truth is that we are all unique creations of God, and that He made us all different but loves us all the same. The truth is that we all have a purpose, meaning, importance, and value. The truth is that God loves us enough to send His own son for us, to forgive us, and offer to adopt us into His family. The truth is that God has gifts and talents for all of us to be used for His people and His glory. The truth is that God wants a relationship with us and that we don't have to earn our way to heaven by following rules or doing good. The truth is also that Satan hates us and works to drown out the truth by surrounding us with lies or tricking us by taking part of the truth and twisting it into a lie. The truth is also that if we spend the time God has given us listening to the wrong music or the wrong peers or even our own wrong thoughts that we can be tricked into thinking that we don't matter to God or other people, and that the answer is in destructive choices like meth or perverted sex or money or even suicide. Please don't listen to the lies!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
How Long Do You Think You Can Do This?
How Long Do You Think You Can Do This?
“How long have you been working with kids?” “H ow long do you think you will be able to do this?” “Do you think you will ever retire or do something else? I get questions like this every once in awhile. A few times the questions have come from kids, but usually they will come from an adult who can't imagine working with rowdy kids, or who used to be one of our rowdy kids.
My first experience with kids was in Chicago in 1977 as a volunteer at a neighborhood youth center while I was a student at Moody Bible Institute. I was still a rowdy kid myself. The answers to the other questions are more complicated. Debbie and I want to work with kids as long as we believe God wants us to be in this kind of ministry, or until He has another purpose for us to fulfill. I've decided on a test which I believe will show me when it's time for a change. I've asked Debbie to help watch for such a moment, when I act like I'm too tired or burned out to go on, or have simply lost my mind. Here is the simple test: When the time comes that I see or hear a child do something with my own eyes or ears, and the child tells me that he didn't do it, and I believe him, then it is time to retire from youth work and move on.
Apparently there are a few kids who think I have already lost my mind. They act like I will believe what they say over what I see with my own eyes. Last week I heard a boy call another boy an offensive racial name. (Both boys are black.) When I confronted him for his rudeness, he absolutely denied saying it, even though I saw him and heard him myself. Then, instead of an apology to the other boy, he became angry and aggressive to the point where he had to leave early. It isn't surprising to see this behavior. They see their parents, sports and entertainment “heroes” and politicians set the pattern: deny reality to push their agenda, and then get angry and ridicule those to whom they should be apologizing. I passed my test again, so I'm not ready to retire. The Bible teaches us to walk by faith and not by sight, but this applies to God's promises, not to a kid's lies or a politician's talking points.
“How long have you been working with kids?” “H ow long do you think you will be able to do this?” “Do you think you will ever retire or do something else? I get questions like this every once in awhile. A few times the questions have come from kids, but usually they will come from an adult who can't imagine working with rowdy kids, or who used to be one of our rowdy kids.
My first experience with kids was in Chicago in 1977 as a volunteer at a neighborhood youth center while I was a student at Moody Bible Institute. I was still a rowdy kid myself. The answers to the other questions are more complicated. Debbie and I want to work with kids as long as we believe God wants us to be in this kind of ministry, or until He has another purpose for us to fulfill. I've decided on a test which I believe will show me when it's time for a change. I've asked Debbie to help watch for such a moment, when I act like I'm too tired or burned out to go on, or have simply lost my mind. Here is the simple test: When the time comes that I see or hear a child do something with my own eyes or ears, and the child tells me that he didn't do it, and I believe him, then it is time to retire from youth work and move on.
Apparently there are a few kids who think I have already lost my mind. They act like I will believe what they say over what I see with my own eyes. Last week I heard a boy call another boy an offensive racial name. (Both boys are black.) When I confronted him for his rudeness, he absolutely denied saying it, even though I saw him and heard him myself. Then, instead of an apology to the other boy, he became angry and aggressive to the point where he had to leave early. It isn't surprising to see this behavior. They see their parents, sports and entertainment “heroes” and politicians set the pattern: deny reality to push their agenda, and then get angry and ridicule those to whom they should be apologizing. I passed my test again, so I'm not ready to retire. The Bible teaches us to walk by faith and not by sight, but this applies to God's promises, not to a kid's lies or a politician's talking points.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
They're Back Again
Kids Clubs here at MYC are as full as I have ever experienced, with short to very long waiting lists in every age group. Even our high school club, which in the past has been the only club without a waiting list now has kids who are waiting to get involved. A few of our current MYC Club members are new, and a few others have been to our summer camp or previously have been on our waiting lists, but the great majority of our kids were with us last year. Many have been with us as long as I can remember. There are now kids in high school who were in intermediate school when Debbie and I began our work with MYC. All of us who work with kids here at the Mission believe that the strongest reason for kids returning to camp and club year after year is the relationship. Not only do we work with most of the same kids and familes year after year, but we have been blessed with most of the same staff and volunteers year after year, and this greatly helps with building relationships. The need is great, and our relationships with these families are key to meeting the needs. Some of our kids represent the second generation of camp and club attendance for the family. Yes, these kids can drive us crazy, and not every moment is enjoyable, but we do enjoy seeing them and getting to know them year after year.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
They Are Coming!
There are thirteen of them. They will be loud. They don't know our rules. They don't listen well. They are easily bored and easily distracted. They don't know how to play our games. They have short attention spans and small bladders. They outnumber us. They are waiting. And they are coming!
You're right if you think that they sound pretty intimidating; maybe we'll even admit a little scary. What am I talking about? If you know kids, you may have already figured it out. I'm talking about our newest class of 1st graders here at MYC Club. Each July, we give a chance for kids who may want to be in MYC Club during the school year to have a head start by joining Summer in the Son, which is our summer club program. In May, we give applications to kindergarten students who have been identified by the teachers as having a need for MYC and who could benefit from Club next year. The teachers may have noticed early behavior issues or inadequate families or simply kids who could use some attention, some structure, or some relationships with loving adults.
This year we have thirteen of these little ones. This is the biggest number of kindergarten graduates to begin Summer in the Son in the five years I have been involved with summer Club. Six of them are enthusiastic younger siblings of current MYC kids. This tells us that their older brothers and sisters have enjoyed Club and that their parents are trusting us with the little ones as soon as we can get them. Some of these kids have been asking and waiting to come to MYC since they have been watching brothers and sisters and cousins come to Club. Seven of them represent new families for MYC and a new opportunity to build relationships with families who recognize MYC as a way to meet the needs of their kids. We thank God for the chance to serve Him by serving these kids and their families.
Yes, it is a little intimidating. We will need a lot of energy, patience, and love. Please keep us in your prayers. All of our kids are challenging, and a large number of new kids at the same time can be overwhelming, but also remind us to look to God for the strength, love, and wisdom we will need. These kids are everything described in the opening paragraph, but even more so they are God's creation who God loves and for whom God has a purpose. God isn't scared. Bring them on!
You're right if you think that they sound pretty intimidating; maybe we'll even admit a little scary. What am I talking about? If you know kids, you may have already figured it out. I'm talking about our newest class of 1st graders here at MYC Club. Each July, we give a chance for kids who may want to be in MYC Club during the school year to have a head start by joining Summer in the Son, which is our summer club program. In May, we give applications to kindergarten students who have been identified by the teachers as having a need for MYC and who could benefit from Club next year. The teachers may have noticed early behavior issues or inadequate families or simply kids who could use some attention, some structure, or some relationships with loving adults.
This year we have thirteen of these little ones. This is the biggest number of kindergarten graduates to begin Summer in the Son in the five years I have been involved with summer Club. Six of them are enthusiastic younger siblings of current MYC kids. This tells us that their older brothers and sisters have enjoyed Club and that their parents are trusting us with the little ones as soon as we can get them. Some of these kids have been asking and waiting to come to MYC since they have been watching brothers and sisters and cousins come to Club. Seven of them represent new families for MYC and a new opportunity to build relationships with families who recognize MYC as a way to meet the needs of their kids. We thank God for the chance to serve Him by serving these kids and their families.
Yes, it is a little intimidating. We will need a lot of energy, patience, and love. Please keep us in your prayers. All of our kids are challenging, and a large number of new kids at the same time can be overwhelming, but also remind us to look to God for the strength, love, and wisdom we will need. These kids are everything described in the opening paragraph, but even more so they are God's creation who God loves and for whom God has a purpose. God isn't scared. Bring them on!
Friday, May 28, 2010
You Make Me Want to Get Maried!
Debbie and I have known “Ivy” for the four years we have been involved with MYC Club. She uses two different last names because of her confusing, complicated family. Her little brother has a different last name, which isn't the same as mom's last name One brother has been in prison for a violent assault. Another brother openly displays “sexual orientation” issues. It's safe to say that the families who work at MYC are not what she is used to seeing at home.
Earlier this month Ivy was working with Debbie at Youth Enterprises, which is our job program for high school students. The subject of conversation was work related, not about relationships or marriage. Seemingly out of nowhere, Ivy said, “Ms. Debbie, seeing you and Mr. Mark makes me want to get married!” It really wasn't out of nowhere, though. She has been watching us and listening to us as we relate to each other while we work with the kids.
It isn't by accident that we have married couples working at MYC, because these kids need role models who display the fruit of God's spirit through their marriages. This hasn't been the only time the subject of marriage has been brought up by the kids. One boy told Greg that watching Greg and his wife made marriage look like fun! Some girls have asked me if Debbie and I ever argue. (Of course, I tell them that Debbie and I have disagreements whenever Debbie is wrong about something.) It's encouraging to know that the kids are watching us and learning from us. It's also a little scary, knowing that you are being watched, but that's a part of building relationships and a reason to pray. We also pray that these kids can break the cycle of destructive family lifestyles which have caused them to be at risk and need us.
Earlier this month Ivy was working with Debbie at Youth Enterprises, which is our job program for high school students. The subject of conversation was work related, not about relationships or marriage. Seemingly out of nowhere, Ivy said, “Ms. Debbie, seeing you and Mr. Mark makes me want to get married!” It really wasn't out of nowhere, though. She has been watching us and listening to us as we relate to each other while we work with the kids.
It isn't by accident that we have married couples working at MYC, because these kids need role models who display the fruit of God's spirit through their marriages. This hasn't been the only time the subject of marriage has been brought up by the kids. One boy told Greg that watching Greg and his wife made marriage look like fun! Some girls have asked me if Debbie and I ever argue. (Of course, I tell them that Debbie and I have disagreements whenever Debbie is wrong about something.) It's encouraging to know that the kids are watching us and learning from us. It's also a little scary, knowing that you are being watched, but that's a part of building relationships and a reason to pray. We also pray that these kids can break the cycle of destructive family lifestyles which have caused them to be at risk and need us.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Eagle Scout from MYC
Monday May 10, MYC Club senior Antwan Howard was honored in a special ceremony at the Youth Center for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He is a member of Scout Troop 380, which meets at MYC Wednesday afternoons, with Bart Williams as Scout Master. We are excited because Antwan is the first Scout from our troop to earn Eagle Scout.
Antwan comes from a loyal “MYC family”, having followed his older siblings by being involved in MYC Club since primary school. He has also been in Youth Enterprises through high school and in the Scout Troop since fifth grade. His Eagle Scout project was the Forked Deer River Trail. Antwan, with help from the rest of our Troop and others in the community, cleared and marked a trail alongside the north bank of the river. The trail is for the enjoyment of those who like walking or enjoy nature, and will be part of what we hope someday to be a trail system or riverfront park. The trail begins west of the Mission, where the clearing meets the woods along the river behind the Farmer's Market. It follows the river and then to some ponds and up to the levee. MYC Club kids and others have already enjoyed the trail, and Antwan invites you to try it out for yourself! Just look for the signs or ask one of us.
The Scout leaders, MYC staff, and Mission staff are all proud of Antwan. Few Scouts anywhere have the determination to earn the highest rank. He never quit or used any of the convenient excuses available to him, such as poverty and little parent involvement. He instead has shown what our kids can accomplish with the desire and some encouragement and help from caring adults. Antwan's attitude and accomplishment has been a blessing to us and we pray for God's blessings for him as he enters the next season of his life.
Antwan comes from a loyal “MYC family”, having followed his older siblings by being involved in MYC Club since primary school. He has also been in Youth Enterprises through high school and in the Scout Troop since fifth grade. His Eagle Scout project was the Forked Deer River Trail. Antwan, with help from the rest of our Troop and others in the community, cleared and marked a trail alongside the north bank of the river. The trail is for the enjoyment of those who like walking or enjoy nature, and will be part of what we hope someday to be a trail system or riverfront park. The trail begins west of the Mission, where the clearing meets the woods along the river behind the Farmer's Market. It follows the river and then to some ponds and up to the levee. MYC Club kids and others have already enjoyed the trail, and Antwan invites you to try it out for yourself! Just look for the signs or ask one of us.
The Scout leaders, MYC staff, and Mission staff are all proud of Antwan. Few Scouts anywhere have the determination to earn the highest rank. He never quit or used any of the convenient excuses available to him, such as poverty and little parent involvement. He instead has shown what our kids can accomplish with the desire and some encouragement and help from caring adults. Antwan's attitude and accomplishment has been a blessing to us and we pray for God's blessings for him as he enters the next season of his life.
Something to Celebrate
They are the children of an addicted mom and a father who is isn't involved in their lives. A sister and brother who have often been moved between relatives or have been with mom in whatever was her current living arrangement. They learned to fend for themselves and look out for each other.
First, they came to Club and Camp, and for four years they have been involved with MYC as consistently as their chaotic life will allow. Then, last summer they were two of the MYC Club kids who came with Debbie and I to VBS at our church. Next, they started coming to church with us regularly on Sundays and Wednesdays. Early this year, their mother began to join her children with us at church. Everyone at church made her feel comfortable and welcomed her. The Spirit of God was working all of this time. Now, she has a personal relationship with Jesus! She shared in church her decision to accept Christ and be baptized. She shared a testimony during her baptism, in front of her kids, including repenting of mistakes. Now we all have a miracle to celebrate! Luke quotes Jesus saying that the angels celebrate when a sinner repents, and I believe that so should we/
Reaching parents isn't even included in our written MYC Mission Statement. However, serving the needs of the whole family because of Christ is what the we at the Mission strive to do and what we as individual Christians have been called to do. Now, this mom wants to become a better mom and is already being a better example for her kids. There is no guarantee that it will be easy for her, but now she has the Spirit of God, the church, and those of us here at the Mission and MYC to support and encourage her. We can't take credit for this miracle in this family; God has used many of His people to do His work. Everyone who supports or volunteers in the Mission's youth programs has had a part in this transformation. We invite you to celebrate this new member of the family of God with us! Thank God for His work with this mom and for meeting the needs of these children and for answers to prayer.
First, they came to Club and Camp, and for four years they have been involved with MYC as consistently as their chaotic life will allow. Then, last summer they were two of the MYC Club kids who came with Debbie and I to VBS at our church. Next, they started coming to church with us regularly on Sundays and Wednesdays. Early this year, their mother began to join her children with us at church. Everyone at church made her feel comfortable and welcomed her. The Spirit of God was working all of this time. Now, she has a personal relationship with Jesus! She shared in church her decision to accept Christ and be baptized. She shared a testimony during her baptism, in front of her kids, including repenting of mistakes. Now we all have a miracle to celebrate! Luke quotes Jesus saying that the angels celebrate when a sinner repents, and I believe that so should we/
Reaching parents isn't even included in our written MYC Mission Statement. However, serving the needs of the whole family because of Christ is what the we at the Mission strive to do and what we as individual Christians have been called to do. Now, this mom wants to become a better mom and is already being a better example for her kids. There is no guarantee that it will be easy for her, but now she has the Spirit of God, the church, and those of us here at the Mission and MYC to support and encourage her. We can't take credit for this miracle in this family; God has used many of His people to do His work. Everyone who supports or volunteers in the Mission's youth programs has had a part in this transformation. We invite you to celebrate this new member of the family of God with us! Thank God for His work with this mom and for meeting the needs of these children and for answers to prayer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)