This Generation
I was reading a blog by Josh Griffin who is the high school pastor at Saddleback Church and I saw this video.
This is one of the first videos that I feel really depicts youth, their culture and what they are feeling. So many times we assume we know what they are going through when in reality their culture is changing at an alarming rate and we wonder how they could possibly be so confused or not have it figured out. Because when we were their age…we really can’t use that statement anymore. Anybody who works with teens or parents teens needs to see this video, it is well worth the watch. All I can say is we need to pray for this generation and take every opportunity to speak truth into their lives by our actions and not just our words.
Jump
There are those moments that define you. Those moments where you realize what God has been doing in your life and yet you didn’t understand it, until now. Anybody who has been in ministry looks for those moments. Those moments encourage us when it gets tough. Those moments remind us why we do what we do. Those moments are given to us by God because He knows we needed to hear it at that moment.
Had a newer student post on their blog one of those moments for them. First let me say, I love to see students blogging and sharing their lives as an online author. Second, for a student to put anything like this out publicly shows me that God is doing something incredible in their life.
Name: Betsey Suchanic
School: Garnet Valley High School
Blog: Tall Buildings and Tiny Epidemics
Tonight I jumped. I literally jumped. My life changed tonight.
I got my first boyfriend.
That was wonderful. =D But my life changed in a whole different way too.
After my dad died, I lost faith in God. It wasn’t intentional. It wasn’t like one day I just decided that I didn’t believe anymore. I couldn’t understand why my dad had to be taken away. Over a couple of months it just faded away. I still believed, but not with my whole heart. I really wanted too. I just couldn’t.
Tonight that changed.
I finally understand. Between the stuff we discussed in our life groups and the video we watched after. I just understand. I can’t give a real explanation for why I understand. But I do. I’m so happy I do. I’m so grateful for being able to go to this church.
So tonight I jumped. I literally jumped. My life changed tonight.
(I cannot believe I’m actually posting this.)
I love the defining moments in a teenagers life. What have been some of your defining moments? What has been that moment that keeps you going and reminds you why you do what you do when it gets tough?
Whole Milk and Asparagus
There are some things in life that I don’t understand and maybe it’s not my place to. Maybe they are pet peeves maybe they are just my preference. For example: Why won’t college football go to a playoff system instead of using the stupid BCS system and allowing mid-major teams to ruin the bowl games. Why do women need to put mascara on while driving? They can’t get up 4 minutes earlier? I’m sure you have several things that you don’t understand as well.
Something else, why is it so healthy and promoted to drink whole milk as a kid to strengthen bones and teeth but then frowned upon as an adult because it will make you fat? Don’t you still need strong bones and teeth as an adult? Or why when you eat asparagus does it make your pee stink so bad? Once again things that I don’t understand.
I also don’t understand why you would not become a fan of Fellowship Student Ministries. So here is your chance to become a fan and stay up to date with what God is doing in our student program.
Chasing Happiness
So many people hate what they do and hate going to work each day. I really don’t feel like I’m working because I love what I do. I love those who I work with and I love those who I get to serve. So many times people chase the almighty dollar and then spend their life chasing happiness. I was fortunate that God saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself and allowed me to experience a joy that is hard to explain everyday. Trust me there are days that I think what would it have been like to chase the dollar but then I remember that what I am experiencing right now is rare. The most important thing is that you chase what your passionate about everyday and live your dream.
Nothing brings me more satisfaction in ministry than to watch someone walk in lost with questions and hurt and walk out with some answers and hope. To watch someone grow in their journey with God is a privilege. To be able to teach God’s word is an honor. For me it is my passion to use my gifts of leadership, administration and teaching. The fact that God would use someone like me to make a difference in someones life and use me to influence the Kingdom is humbling.
Water Wars Update
Don’t miss this Sunday at 6:00pm as we do Water Wars. Come and hang out as summer is almost over and jump on down our 100ft slip & slide, have water balloon wars, free BBQ and chill out afterwards for a movie on the lawn.
Make sure to bring a towel, change of clothing, bug spray if needed and a beach chair.
No cost for the event.
Pickup time is 10:30pm
Not sure on the movie yet.
Lift Summer Camp 2009
LIFT Summer Camp 2009 from Ryan Geiger on Vimeo.
If you have been in youth ministry for any length of time than you will find this funny. I so don’t fit the stereotypical youth pastor. Found this on Josh Griffin’s blog who is a youth pastor at Saddleback.
It’s Coming
::Slip & Slide
::Water Balloon Wars
::BBQ
::Movie on the lawn
::6:00-10:30pm at the Fellowship office campus, 209 Bethel Road on August 16th
::Bring a change of clothes and towel
Lift Camp 09 Tuesday Wrap UP
Tuesday can be described in one word…HOT. Your kids can be described as INCREDIBLE. Not one problem with any student. They were phenomenal during the serving project. They were able to get 3 hours worth of work done in 1 hour. Lady has never seen a group like ours. (If she only knew). Services have been good, hot. God is starting to work in their hearts and you can see certain things change. Today is all about them having fun during the free time. Looking forward to it.
None of your kids wanted to say anything to you on this blog. Well see about tomorrow.
Well have more tomorrow morning.
Monday Wrap UP
Due to the very limited availability I have with Internet there will be no videos each night but each morning I can update you on the day before. Yesterday we arrived with no problems and got checked into our 4 star dorm. It is extremely nice, in fact my room froze to death last night it was so cold.
The production was done very well and Aaron Cavin did a good job speaking. Monday’s are always tough but the energy was good. Worship was awesome even though I still love our praise band.
They did bowling for a late night activity and it was shorter than normal as they got lost but all was good. Dinner was chicken nuggets (I think) and french fries…enough said. Overall the attitude is great and they are having a good time. We are heading to morning fun and we are working in the food kitchen today as a group. Pray for the heat it’s supposed to be 92 here today and that usually takes a toll on the kids.
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Twitter.com/ryangeiger
Ryan
