Report 7

Report 7
Ministry Activity -
Sunday school lesson on Jonah
Worship night at local church
Planning for missions trip
Missions trip meeting
Planning Wednesday night youth event
Wednesday night youth event - water night

Hours -
Thursday - 8:30am - 4:30pm
Sun- 8:45am - 1:00pm 7-9:30pm
Mon -9am-10:30am, 2pm-5pm
Tue- 8:30am - 4:30pm meeting -7pm-10pm
Wed - 9:30 am - 4:30pm, 6-8:30pm


Personal Reflection -
Sunday morning I gave a lesson on Jonah...I think this was the most comfortable I have been during Sunday school yet. Sadly it was my last lesson for the summer. For the introduction part we played a game. I hung gummy worms from the ceiling and picked two kids to race and see who could eat theirs first. It was really funny because one of the gummy worms was too high for the kid and he couldn't use his hands so he was jumping up trying to reach it. Then I read the Message version of Jonah (which is pretty animated and understandable) I had one of the kids act out Jonah. Then to give them an even better picture of the story I played scenes from the Veggie Tales Jonah movie. We then answered application questions together. I think it went pretty well.

Sunday the church introduced the candidate for the Junior High Pastor position...this was a lot harder on me than I expected. I wish it could have waited for a couple more years...but God knows what He is doing and I have to trust that. What hurt me the most was the conversation in the coming days...a lot was mentioned by members of the congregation and pastor staff at how good this guy was going to be because he is older and experienced (this alone didn't bother me), but they would then add I do not think a young person could handle this size of a junior high youth group, it would be too overwhelming, etc. They were so thankful that a young person was not hired and voiced that thanksgiving in a strong way. I should not take it as an evaluation of what I have done this summer, but in some ways I have. I know that the junior high candidate will do a great job if given the opportunity, but I also believe that a young person could do a great job as well...(maybe I'm a little jealous)

Sunday night a group of high school students went to a worship night at a local "unconventional" church. It was good to hear some "chapel" songs again...makes me miss school! weird! Monday was a meeting with some of our missionaries and a staff meeting later in the day. Tuesday was a normal planning type of day and the missions meeting that evening. I have a lot to do for that still. Wednesday was good. I met with my youth pastor and went over stuff for the trip. He made me call a church and make an all call...it was good for me and got me out of my comfort zone. Wednesday night was the junior high water night. We had a shaving cream hair decorating contest and a lot of water balloons. I was completely in charge of the night and I really enjoyed it along with the kids.

I am going to try to connect with a group of junior high girls and have a sleep over. I want them to know I am there for them and care and hope to get them to trust me and open up. I am learning how important it is to build relationships. They listen better, open up more, and enjoy themselves more...it's all in all better once they know you.

Spiritual Reflection -
This week has been pretty good. I am trying to keep up with my devotional and read the Bible more. I have also been listening to some old chapels (I am a werido) which have been really encouraging to me. I am listening to some new mellow Christian music (Jon Foreman) and it has been really good for me to start off my day with...helps me to focus my mind on God and to chill out for a few minutes. I have also realized in the past few days (through the whole junior high youth pastor thing) that even though the Bible does say not to be discouraged because you are young it also says right after that that we are to be examples to those around us. I need to have a positive attitude and live my life as an example for Jesus Christ and God will take care of the rest.