momentum

Objects in motion are said to have a momentum.  Summertime for youth ministry brings momentum. Missions trips, Camps, Summerfest, Beach days.  These all bring students involvement to a new level of higher momentum.  As Youth Pastors we we like movement.  Keeps us young!  This summer has been the fastest moving of our 5 1/2 years!  So I’m feeling around 25 as I journal this…But I do journal for a reason other than to let everyone know how up and down ministry can be.  This “summer momentum” of 2010 is different than in previous years.  God’s hand is heavy on our students.  This momentum has permeated deep into their hearts.  They have started this school year and have received a second wind for the lost.  They have gotten bold about their faith.  It is more than their parent’s belief, it is theirs.  We are so proud to be a part of this momentum, giving all Glory to the Lord.  When we give the reigns to the One to whom they belong, things can soar to their purpose.  We saw this with our last event: The Awakening and the ONE BIG PARTY.  Our annual youth “back to school” recharge had so much spark!  We started preparation with a 2 week ministry wide fast expecting God to move.  Our speaker Jesse Watson brought amazing word for 3 nights that challenged and instilled boldness in our students and leaders, while worship band Ascend the Hill ushered us into the throne room in a tremendous way. All week the students canvased their neighborhoods, prayed for friends to invite, and some schools allowed us to do pizza drops to advertise for the ONE BIG PARTY finale.  This event was tailored to bring in many unchurched and to be able to share the gospel with those who wouldn’t normally come to a church setting.  I love how God showed up in this place.  I couldn’t stand still!  Worship went off and the presence of the Lord settled.  Over 600 students packed in to the Collision Center and at then end of a powerful salvation message around 55 students raised their hands for salvation and so many more seeds were planted!  Beyond our expectations to say the least! The night ended with an amazing DJ throwin’ down some beats (remember I said I feel young) and a talented dance crew keeping us entertained while we ate free Moe’s burritos, cotton candy, hot dogs, sno cones and climbed a rock climbing wall and had fun on an inflatable bungee course as a friendly jousting competition went on.   If that isn’t enough we had some ‘writers’ tagging a semi trailer for us on the side.  All in all a great night and in risk of losing all our amazing youth leaders-I would love to do this every week!! God moved mightily and I’m so blessed to serve a God who cares about this generation so much that he would use us to reach them!! Be proud of your youth Faith Assembly!  We have some true leaders in Kinetic!!