I get the privilege of writing
about Grace United Methodist’s youth group, “Summit”. We are a group that is
dedicated to reaching out to the teens and young adults from grades 6 to 12.
Through worship, Bible Study, fellowship and outreach, we grow closer together
and closer to Christ.
The youth groups are exciting to
me. I am watching young middle school youth reach out to peers, bringing them
to the feet of the cross, laughing, learning and growing.
This month is an exciting month to
me and for the youth group. Both the senor high youth and mid high group is rising
up to something new. We have just finished a 6 week study on Romans 12: 1-9, “Living
sacrifices and one body”, and we are now putting our studies into action. The
group is dividing up into different body parts, one of fellowship, one of worship,
one of outreach and one of teaching.
This is
a dream come true for me. Literally! When I came to this position just a few
months back, this was the dream/vision I came with; “To grow the group to place
of not just receivers, but givers.” I felt the call to bring this group into a
place where they were intentionally recognizing their gifts and talents (Romans
12:6), and putting them to Kingdom use (Romans 12:1). Some of our youth are so
gifted in fellowship, bringing people together, welcoming them, and extending that
so needed brotherly love, or “Philia” (greek word for a type of “Brotherly love”).
Others are gifted teachers, and others have a heart for outreach. I am excited
as they are beginning to step into those gifting and callings.
It
brings me joy to say that this coming Wednesday, Nov. 9th, we will
be stepping up and stepping out into our first outreach since I have taken this
position. Much of the time we have spent over the last few months has been
building up to this, and I am beside myself with energy as we begin this next
step in our walk of faith. We will be going into the streets of Venice and
taking on a “Treasure Hunt”. A treasure Hunt is asking God for visions, words,
scripture, direction and guidance. We close our eyes and mouths, and open our
ears. If one closes their eyes to see a girl in a pink shirt, blue jeans and a
bow in her hair; while another feels a burden to go to a certain place within
the city, then we pack up, move out and head that way with our eyes open and in
search of the girl. When we find her, one or two of us will then find an
opportunity to share the message God has laid upon our hearts for her. (True story from a mission trip to Belleglade,
Fl, 2009)
It is a
bit crazy, a bit awkward, and a lot bit stretching. It is a step of faith in
which we surrender our reputation and our comfort in order to pursue the heart
of God. In Romans 12:1, we are called to die to ourselves, and offer our bodies
as living sacrifices. In that same verse we are called to be “holy” or “set
apart”, and so this is the body that we are trying to join. It is a body that
is not afraid to teach the word, to reach out in love, listen to the burning
bush or whispering wind, and worship with all of our hearts.
This is
an exciting time, both in my heart and in our youth group. I know that God is
going to do and is already doing some amazing things within the walls of this
church and within the hearts of our youth. Be excited with us, be in prayer
with us, intercede for our youth and encourage them when you see them. Don’t be
shy. Ask them about this week to come and what God is doing in their lives. They
each have a story to tell and a lot to look forward too. These are this
churches future, these are your sons and daughters, grandchildren and great
grandchildren, but more importantly despite age, they are your brothers and
sisters in Christ, growing learning, seeking, hungry, passionate, reaching out,
stepping out, asking, teaching, waiting, listening, and living right beside
you. Love your brothers and sisters, and teach us how to love as well.
In Christ,
William Diefenbach
