It was a thrill to be back at Young Life Club for Kentridge tonight.  Last week I was up at Birch Bay speaking at a retreat for a denominational Pastors/Wives retreat. So, I missed club last week.  Rob (the area director) and I have been team teaching a series through the spring.  Rob shares a  couple minutes of his story and I follow with a portion of the Gospel.

Tonight Rob took them to the point where he was truly questioning if he could have a relationship with God.

I shared a quick (and sadly true) story of a young man who found a $10o bill at the bottom of the out-house.  And went fishing for it.  Though this young man had everything he could ever want on this youth trip, he wanted more and was willing to dig through and into the ick to get that $100. 

That $100 may not be what you and I are reaching for, but we are reaching.  We reach for acceptance, popularity, that next high.  We all reach for the fruit, don’t we?  Romans 3:10 says, “there is no one righteous, not even one.”

So, tonight, pray for these young lives that heard the message of sin.  The fact that we have all reached for what we thought was better.  We invite these students to come back to hear the rest of the message.  We let them know there is hope.  There is a better life that we can all have in Christ.  

I’m thankful for these 60-70 who have faithfully come and listened.  Pray the Holy Spirit is working in and through each one!

Grace,
Brian

My friend, Joe, is a Youth Pastor in the greater Seattle area.  Though this headline is not entirely true, it is a serious prayer request on his behalf.  Joe has been in Youth and Music ministry for years (check out some of his music here); in those years of ministry he has had some seasons that honestly remind me a little of Job.  He has had some real “give and take away” moments.  

The last couple years he has had to deal with his own health issues, most recently dealing with some serious pancreatic problems.  This Friday, Joe, and his wife, Lisa, are going to meet with the doc.  This will be a key time with the doctor in making decisions as to how to move forward with these issues.

Pray for wisdom.

Pray for healing.

Pray for their family and the youth in the ministry at Calvary Chapel South.

I texted Joe today to get permission to blog about this, he is the one who came up with my blog title, so at least in his Job-like state the Lord has not taken away his humor (or perhaps some of you think He has!).

Thanks for praying for Joe!  I posted one of his songs below.

Grace,

Brian

I have written about our church search in the past, but I am uncertain I have posted about my ministry search?  When I left the role of Youth Pastor and ventured into Youthmark full time I knew I’d eventually be back at a church and be involved volunteering in ministry. In fact, I really looked forward to that.  Somehow it NEVER occurred to me that my ministry may be outside the church.

In the middle of the Kent/Renton Youth Leader network (I believe in November), God, smacked me (not literally) over the head and said, “why aren’t you asking me about Young Life?”  So, I asked.  And He answered with a “Yes.”  I have been involved with Kentridge Young Life now for a couple months, but really, this last Monday was when I really felt at home as a full-fledged leader.  It was the first club back after the Holidays and it was my first club for me to speak at as well.  Rob (the area director) and I are doing a tag-team Testimony/Talk series.  Rob starts with part of his testimony and it leads to me doing a 7-10 minute talk on the person/attributes of God.  Pray the Lord uses this series to reveal Himself to many teens.

It is a privilege to have one of my former small group guys, Ricky, leading club at KR with me!  I love seeing him in ministry action!  The Discipleship continues in many ways!

Grace,
Brian