This morning, I crawled out of my tent for the last time for awhile. It was really bittersweet as I struggled to keep my balance and find my shoes buried in the abundance of fallen leaves. Ugh, I’m going to miss weaving my way through the maze of tents that is our campsite. We are packing up our tents because at 5:30am tomorrow we are piling into vans and driving around 14 hours to Lake Charles, Louisiana. As many of you may know, we get to partner with Samaritan’s Purse and contribute to hurricane relief for two weeks straight. Samaritan’s Purse is an extremely credible disaster relief organization in the United States, but also internationally. When Covid-19 hit, Samaritan’s Purse created a policy that volunteers the age of 65 and older would no longer be allowed to volunteer. Though this policy has been beneficial to the health of their volunteer’s, it has been a devastating blow to Samaritan’s Purse volunteer numbers. They are literally so excited to have young people volunteer for them-because it is something so out of the ordinary. Why is that? Why does the generation older than me almost always know about Samaritan’s Purse, yet when mentioned to my peers it doesn’t ring a bell? Why is my generation leaving the church in such drastic numbers? These questions are frequently brought to my mind and often leave me feeling hopeless. Am I responsible for Generation Z? No of course not, but WHY are the numbers growing daily in never before seen percentages?
There are countless articles on this issue and I have tried to read/learn as much as I can, but when I ask my peers (even just on an Instagram poll), it comes down to examples of Christians or the church that leaves a bad taste in their mouth. Completely understandable. Though it is never the actual Gospel that turns them away from Christ. This is an encouragement in a way. I want to live in a way that is appealing to the people of my generation. To live a life full of love, grace, and faith. Sooo, YEAH! There’s that! I could go on and on about this issue-(it’s something I am continuing to become more and more passionate about!) Please reach out to me if you would like to chat about my heart behind this issue! Email: [email protected] Number: (936) 553-7158
The reality of this situation is there is a need for able bodies. Samaritan’s Purse is in desperate need of volunteers! So that is what my squad is doing. We are so excited. The days are like this: 6:30am- Breakfast/Devotions, 8:00am- Leave for Worksite, 6:00pm- Dinner back at the base, 9:00pm- Bedtime! Very full and productive days!! Please be praying for strength and diligence as we spend entire days under the Louisiana sun!
Here is a couple of resources I have recently looked at:
https://viewpoint.pointloma.edu/why-is-gen-z-disconnecting-from-the-church/
https://inallthings.org/why-theyre-leaving-and-why-it-matters-gen-zs-mass-exodus-from-church/
Meet Generation Z, James Emery White
