Youth Ministry

In August, we watched the Olympics.  We watched some of the world's greatest athletes compete to win gold medals and beat world records.  How exhilarating it was to see Michael Phelps win the gold by a 100th of a second, and Usain Bolt of Jamaica run so fast that his competitors didn't seem to stand a chance!

The competition got me thinking about the race we're participating in.  No, there is no gold medal at the end, and there is no world record to beat.  In this race, there is seldom fame and product endorsements that will ultimately pay out big. 

“A man told me that he had lost something very special to him. I asked him, “What is it?”
He said,“Hope.”
I was able to give him a Bible. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be able to share God’s word."
-CSM New York Participant
 

Here at CSM Houston, each summer takes on a personality all its own. I’m always excited to see how our staff and groups will interact with each other and the city to make their own unique impact. Although each year I anticipate this “new feel,” the summer of 2008 has seemed particularly special. Our six summer staff members have surprised me almost on a daily basis with stories of the incredible – nearly tangible – ways in which they are encountering God in the city.

The most recent issue of SAY Yes Centers National eNewsletter shared some interesting statistics from the 07-08 school year:

• Across the nation, there were 177 SAY Yes Centers, an increase of 24 centers.
• 4520 children attended SAY Yes! Centers.
• 24 SAY Yes! Launch Trainings occurred through Here's Life Inner City -double from the previous year.

  • Unfortunately, 20 centers closed due to lack of funds, space, or volunteers.

Relevant Magazine recently pulled together Jim Wallis, Chuck Colson, Shane Claiborne, Brian McLaren and many others to have them answer the following:
"Social justice has become a buzz phrase in Christianity lately. Halting global injustice seems to be one of the foremost concerns of young Christians, and its emphasis is changing the face of the Church from the way it engages society to the way it engages politics. But is our emphasis on social justice detracting from other areas of the Gospel?"
Check out what these great leaders of our faith have to say....

Today was a great day in Toronto. The weather was beautiful, my CSM team was amazing yet again, and I got to experience several different aspects of urban ministry that touched my heart.

I recently viewed the movie Freedom Writers. There is a scene where this inner-city teacher's father encourages his daughter to stay focused by communicating to her that she had been "blessed with this burden".

One of our students, Cori, was so moved by her experience in Chicago that she decided that she wanted to do a VBS for kids in the poorer section of our town. So in less than three weeks, she organized everything, from lining up Bible story teachers and volunteers, to developing a schedule, to getting small groups to commit to provide food, to shopping for all the supplies, to getting her friends to do everything (games, crafts, etc.). She had anywhere from 12-20 kids attend each of the four days. I couldn’t be more proud of her!
-Mike Fitzpatrick
La Croix UMC