Change: to cause to change, to
make different. to cause a
transformation. to lay aside,
abandon, leave for another.
My generation has been called a lot of things. Lazy. Immoral. Selfish. Lies that have been spoken over young people are being broken. I can confidently say that the majority of my generation is looking for more. More to rest their head on at night than silk linens. More to committ their life to than the American dream. More to love than possessions and wealth. There is a change on the horizon.
Tonight I saw a glimpse of that change in people younger than myself. I was privileged to attend a worship service during a camp for at-risk teens that’s part of an organization called Africa Jam in Cape Town, South Africa. I saw teens that were crying out because of the mistakes they’ve made; teens that have contemplated suicide because they felt so empty inside.
One young man shared his story of being abused, living on the streets since he was 13, and attempting suicide. He met Jesus a few nights ago and realized that there is a plan for his life; that even when things seem to be at their worst, there is hope. He realized that he’s not alone, that Jesus is fighting the battle for him, that all he has to do is allow himself to be loved.
I saw a hundred teenagers give their life to Christ. I saw them raise their hands and committ to surrender everything. Their past, their present, and their future. I saw teenagers that would return to their homes of physical and verbal abuse, alcoholic parents, and poverty that leaves them wondering where their next meal will come from.
As I looked around the room during worship, I remembered why I became a teacher. I remembered why I’m passionate about leading the people of my generation and the next to the inheritance that God has promised, to living a life full of love. I remembered that so many young people are broken and in need of someone to give them a hug and tell them it’s ok.
I heard story after story of problems with parents, depression, and poor decisions; their vulnerability amazed me. One by one they revealed the inner most part of their hearts. I saw a change in them as they left the candlelight service. They left their burdens burning in the night, while they chose to walk forward into who God is calling them to become. There was a glisten in their eyes that told me they knew there was hope, they know they will be given strength through the trials.
I saw young people that desire to swim upstream and fight the current, while so many others are content with sunbathing on the shore. I saw hope. I saw my generation come alive. I saw a glimpse of the change that’s coming and that makes my heart happy :).
