Saturday, April 27, 2013

What's in my head

Do not let the Title scare you! You will survive this.  
 
 
You might wonder what goes into our ministry from my perspective or why we do what we do.
 
First, I have the perfect family, we never have any disagreements, our kids never get out of line, our house looks like its professionally manicured, I never get mad or yell at the kids, we're always on time, the LIES COULD CONTINUE.....
 

But we are in a perfect place, God's Word says he has predestined good things for us to do. That's Youth Ministry at Mehan Church. God's plan IS perfect and we live under the perfect blood of Jesus.

Making disciples involves every aspect of our lives, being honest, and living like family with all the people around as much as we can. 

We view Sunday school as the training ground for our students. This is a time, as a small group, we can talk about whatever's on our mind and pray about it. This group of kids that attends on Sundays are very dedicated, strong, and on fire for God. They are looking for ways to learn, love, and serve.

Wednesday nights is where they can put that into action.

Ephesians 4:11-16 (HCSB)

11 And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. 14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ. 16 From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.
 
One thing I keep saying and trying to implement, is true discipleship is realizing that we won't be here forever and we must be training our replacements. If we are truly concerned about the future of the Church and its ability to stand in the face of attack, we must be training. We have to continue to find ways to plug our Youth into the "BIG" church.
 
I've seen and continue to hear about how many college students leave their faith behind in the Youth room at their church. They do not know that THEY ARE THE CHURCH. They don't know how to seek out relationships, how to serve, how to give.... we must stop this pattern. With your help, We are working at Mehan to bridge that gap. Just like we want High school students graduates to know how to add and subtract, to make it in the world. Even more we should want them to be successful in the single most important aspect of life, Christ's Church.
 
So that's why we do everything we do. build community, building life long relationships, building faith, we're building His Kingdom.
 
Please continue to pray for His Church, globally and locally- Love- Mehan Youth
 
Follow THIS LINK to listen to Naomi Eslinger lead worship.
 
 
(Justice Quinn delivering the Word on 4-24-13)

Thursday, April 25, 2013

We LOVE what we do and we LOVE YOU!! important dates too

First and most important I want to take some time to let you know how much we truly appreciate the love and support from parents and our Church. We couldn't be effective in ministry if it wasn't for parents allowing their kids to be with us. Our Church, enough cant be said for your love for our Youth, it shows in so many ways, we thank you.

IMPORTANT: Student Parent Meeting MAY 5TH for Falls Creek (I don't like the word MANDATORY but it is what it is) Information on Falls Creek, sign ups available, ask questions, etc. Be sure and check out our online CALENDAR for more information on up coming events.

Krista and I try to maintain an active Youth Group. The reason we do this is because it builds community between kids who might not have the opportunity elsewhere. Even though they go to school together they may not have the same interests or activities there. But you put them on a paintball field suddenly were all friends, friends trying to shoot each other, but none-the-less, friends.

Another reason is that not everyone can do everything, whether we do a few things or a lot, no one can be at all events. So the more we do, the more likely everyone will be able to get it on one of the events. We never want anyone to feel left out, but we do want there to be a  desire to be with the group.

We try to plan out most events, however we work with students, some times there are somewhat sporadic spontaneous get togethers.

Our College leadership group has also really stepped up in working with the kids too. Almost every Wednesday night they go out to eat after church, a group of older students (who can drive and have later curfews) have been joining them. They are learning to be the Church away from the church.

This last Wednesday night we invited that college group and their following back to our house to love on them and their following. We are so blessed to have this group of influential leaders in our group.  They, again, our teaching about BEING the Church not just going to church.

Once more, we couldn't do any of what we do if it wasn't for YOU, yes You reading this now. Your prayers, giving - both financially and time, your patience with us, the late night delivering or picking up of kids, letting us drag them all over the country side. WE CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH.

Sincerely, in the Love of Christ, David, Krista, the boys, and all the youth staff.


Sunday, April 7, 2013

Week of 4-10-13

We had 23 go to paintball on Saturday the 6th. There were students there that are with us every time, students that are only Wednesdays, and new  students to. They did a great job inviting their friends to come. Were are so thankful for the opportunities that God is providing.

On the way back home we got a chance to talk about 1 Samuel 14. Where Jonathon turns to his friend and armor bearer, and tells him the plan God laid on his heart.

His armor bearer responds with,  “Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”
This is the example we should follow when our friends need our help. There are opportunities all around us to help our friends. We have to let them know, and follow through with- "I've got your back."

Today, Sunday the 7th, we head out to YEC after Sunday School.

 
2:00 pm YEC Box Office Opens at the McMahon Auditorium
3:00 pm Doors Open to Auditorium (General Admission Seating)
3:30 pm Main Session Begins
5:00 pm Break for Dinner
6:30 pm Doors Open to Auditorium (Same seating as afternoon session)
7:00 pm Main Session Begins
8:30 pm Red Ink Army Concert until 9:00pm


We'll be back about midnight. Keep us in your prayers for a revelation of Godly knowledge, wisdom, insight, and a renewed passion for God and His people.


We love you and truly thankful for our Church family, David, Krista, the boys, and all the Youth Staff.