My father is a Campus Life director at 2 middle schools in northeast Indiana. When I was 16, he and my mom decided to sell the family business (a farm) so he could start working with teenagers full-time.
It’s pretty incredible to watch your family make that kind of sacrifice and follow God’s promptings in dramatic fashion. I – and my siblings – have been crazy blessed to have witnessed faith like that first hand.
Anyways, part of my dad’s life includes raising support. He sends out monthly newsletters to keep those who support him – with prayers or money. In his most recent newsletter, he wrote a story that – in my opinion – completely captures the goal of youth ministry.
I share this story – like most things I’ve done in my life – without his permission and with full knowledge that he – out of humility – would ask that I not go on about him like this.
Just imagine the fun of a three day trip to northern Michigan with 225 middle school students! we had an amazing camp to stay at with a tubing hill, gym, rock wall, and game room. Add to that two days on teh slopes. Most people would think this would be complete chaos, and at times it may be, but if you watch closely, you can see the Lord’s amazing hand at work. This is one such time on the second night after our gospel presentation.
“Hey Eric I GOT to talk to you!” yelled Kyle – an excited 6th grader – after after a full day of skiing, supper, nightly meeting and team time. I had just left my team time with the eithgth grade boys and was running to the gym when I heard his voice behind me. I was running because most of the 225 middle school studnts were all ready in teh gym waiting for the dodge ball, basketball, ping pong, and pool tournaments to start and I had the brackets to start them with me. Knowing I needed to hurry along, I hesitantly turned and asked what it was that he needed. He exclaimed, “Eric, I asked Jesus into my life tonight! I don’t have a Bible and I don’t know what to do now. My team time leader said I should talk to you.”
All of the sudden, the 224 kids in the gym (99 sheep in the fold) seemed to vanish from my mind as I focused on this one (the 1 lost sheep).
I took Kyle into the dining hall as it was the nearest building. He told me that he prayed for forgiveness of his sins and to receive Jesus into his heart with our speaker that evening. I told him this is the begginning, the first step in a livelong adventure in trusting God. I told him about going to church and that most of all, I was so happy to be his new brother in Christ. I prayed with him and said, “Come on brother, let’s go play basketball!”
I’m thankful that I cannot run fast or I may have missed this divine appointment. Also, not one student in the gym complained because the tournaments started 15 minutes late.
Just a glimpse of the opportunity we as staff get to see firsthand. Watching God stir in these young chaotic lives is an awesome sight. Thank you so much for all you do that allows this to continue to take place.
