A Street Light Story

Tears

I have watched this video two dozen times over the last two days with the same result, tears.  I think of my kids and my life and how I take the opportunities I have to truly LIVE for granted.  I challenged teenagers last night to realize how precious their life is.  That it is a gift.  That no matter how difficult it gets or how much junk builds up, there is a God who loves us.  There is a God who is bigger than our hurt and our pain.  There is a God who is bigger than even our hopes and dreams because we have no idea the plan that God has for our lives.

16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. -Ephesians 3

Just a reminder today to not just make it but to LIVE.  LIVE with passion and excitement.  LIVE with purpose.  LIVE today with an intention to make somebody else’s life better.  And may you not just exist but end today releasing a balloon knowing that you truly LIVEd.

 

GVHS Band Night

For the first time since I have been here we opened up our doors to teenagers and let them own the night.  Three bands from Garnet Valley High School showed up on Thursday to set up and check out the “church” they had to play in.  As each one walked in they were blown away by the environment.  They had never played in something so nice and apparently they play a lot of shows.

The best part was Friday night as teenagers who had never stepped foot on our property other to park and run to class walked in and their faces lit up.  They were amazed, shocked, some said it was better than battle of the bands that the school puts on.  Kids were pulling out thier phones and taking pictures of everything.

I had a chance to talk to several of the students, they asked what we did, I never pushed it.  Parents asked when we met, we never pushed it.  Overall they wanted to know how and what we did, without us pushing our agenda.  We simply opened up the door to the community and embraced them, engaged their culture and built bridges.  I do believe that this approach will not immediately get them involved but the more we do this the better it will become and the more interested they will be.

The band was shocked that they walked out with 100% of the profits from the night, if that won’t bring them back what will?  We had a few technical difficulties, we need another amp to power all of their equipment and somebody on Sunday told me they wanted to pay for half the amp.  Can’t tell you how excited I am to see this avenue beginning to open up and seeing adults on board and excited about it.

Thanks to all my youth staff and church staff who showed up and helped make that night those bands wont forget soon.