OK, so I have really been slacking lately on my blogging. That is for a host of reasons that I don't really need to get into. Suffice it to say I have been in a blogging slump. I guess I just lost my "blogging voice" there for a bit.
Anyway, I want to tell you about something really cool that happened the other night. It was the last Wednesday of the month which means 180 Connections Unplugged for our teens. During 180 CNX Unplugged, we put the chairs in a circle and turn out the lights. We usually start by singing a few songs and some prayer time to get us a little more focused. After we finished singing I read to the students a blog entry from a teenager I know from a previous youth ministry I was a part of. It was an incredible story about how this teenager had taken risks by befriending several homeless people in her town. (I did have permission from the student to read this blog, but I still kept her anonymous.)
Following the story, several teens shared how they had witnessed or even been a part of judging people based on outward appearance. Others talked about opportunities they had used to go against the flow and encourage and befriend "outsiders." It was a good discussion around the candle.
The highlight of the evening for me was the last ten minutes or so. As we wrapped up our conversation, I told the students we would sing "Arms of Love" and that during the song, anyone who needed prayers could walk to the center of the circle and sit. We had almost 50 students there, so the circle was a pretty good size.
As we sang the song, four students came to the center. We have a confidentiality agreement that "Whatever happens in The Hub, stays in The Hub." (The Hub is the room where we have 180 Connections.) Because of the agreement we have, I cannot share the specifics of what we shared. But all four students opened their hearts and shared some personal struggles they are facing. From finances to family, students shared some major concerns.
As they finished sharing, the other 40+ students gathered around them and formed a huddle to pray. We finished with a time of prayer and a lot of hugs, tears, and encouragement.
One of the things teenagers desire today is a safe place to share their dreams, desires, hurts, and pain. A place to let people see who they really are without judgment. The adult world often supplies a world of criticism and condemnation. I am glad to be a part of a church where teens can feel safe to share even the painful parts of their life. It's so cool to watch God at work in the act of redemption through grace, mercy, and love.
shine!
Jason
1 comment:
Thank you so much, Jason, for providing this kind of environment. I appreciate all that you do so much - and my 2 kids in the youth group are challenged and asked to keep growing in faith because of nights like Wednesday. Good work!!
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