February reading

I had to be really honest with myself when it came to reading this book. Part of me felt like I just don't have time to read another book (which lasted like 5 seconds) because I then realized that this isn't about reading a book it's about being a part of something greater. I then had to ask myself if I was willing to be stretched or if I was "ok" with the level I am currently at. I'll admit that I question what I bring to this youth ministry because I don't believe my gifts are physically tangle as that of Annettte (amazing voice) or Jordan (drama). Then in the reading Doug Fields put out the warning about comparing ourselves to others, shouldn't this have been something I already knew???? Oh well, all I can say is that this helped me put things in proper perspective and is giving me a new energy. So now I want to answer some of the questions that Annette posted for us to answer.

• I do believe that we represent Christ to the youth. I know that this is a continual work and there have been moments that I, myself, haven't represented Christ as well as I should have. I believe this is something that we as sponsors could help eachother out with.
• I feel that we do set prayer as a priority with the youth. This is another area that we all will continue to grow in. I think it's been a great addition to our beforehand prayer time by handing the mic off to the students.

There is one more thing that I read in the book that really stood out to me. "I regularly submit to God all that I am and all that I have to offer because I don't have the knowledge, the natural energy, and the ability to relate to teenagers like I did twenty years ago." Wow, I realized that I haven't been good at submitting my leadership as a youth sponsor to the Lord so that He can give me more knowledge and energy to do His work with these teenagers. I need to submit to Him so that His work can be revealed. So with that I would like to end with thanking Annette for asking us to participate with this book and to all of you for your obedience to serve in Ardent Youth Ministry.