Yesterday my friend Joey came by the youth centre and hung out with some of our kids after school. Then, last night at home group he asked me about why things go the way they do and what I do to try manage it. We started three weeks ago having whanau (family) time at the close of the centre for about 10 minutes. It’s not compulsory for you to participate but we encourage the kids to come and listen to some notices and then to a 2-4 minute audio devotional written by teenagers for teenagers. We then close the time with an opportunity for the kids to have us pray for anything that is going on personally or with their family or friends. This time has stirred up all kinds of reactions from the kids. There is usually a lack of respect to whoever is talking and to each other. That is what Joey had observed. On the up side we have a better understanding of where some of the kids are at in their view of God. My prayer is that in some way during the time we have at the youth centre whether it be when we are just talking and playing a game of pool or cards or during our whanau time, God would plant seeds in the hearts of the kids. Before I left the States a couple who prayed with me gave me the picture of seeing me in the youth centre and there were flowers blooming. There wasn’t any fruit from the blossoms yet but there were flowers. I think of that and am encouraged that in some ways I will hopefully be able to see at least the blooms of the truth and care that are being planted in the lives of these kids. Oh, that I would have His wisdom to know how to handle the situations that arise with the kids and to know how many times I need to ask them to please watch their language or to remind them of the rule “if it’s not nice, don’t say it” and when I just need to let it go. Sometimes I feel like a parent! Even with the ups and downs it’s all worth it and it’s an honor to serve Him!
There you have it…where I’m at and what I’m processing through.
Much Love,
Mel