... and bible study...

Today we had our youth Bible Study.  We do it every other week.  We feed them.  We plan around game and practice schedules.  We stagger it if we have to.  We do our best to get them there.  I don't tell you this to get a pat on the back...I tell you this because it is important.  It's important to get them there.  When they are babies and toddlers and kids and teens and young adults...  It's important to get them in Bible School and Sunday School and Youth Group and retreats and Church....They need to belong....to have a church family.  If you have never read Sticky Faith, get a copy.  Read it.  Highlight it. Underline it. Pray over it.  Use it.  Learn from it.  Practice it.  Kids will learn stuff without even knowing it.  They will learn scripture because Toby Mac and Third Day and Switchfoot put it in their songs.  They will be familiar with it when they hear it repeated in the scripture reading during church and it will make them smile.  They will recall it when life hits them hard and brings them to their knees.  They will need it when the days are as dark as the nights and they can't find their way out. They need to know that God never drops the signal...he always has full service...They need to know that lots and lots of people pray for them...
My group has great discussion.  Shares more than I ask them to.  Support each other.  Ask great questions and answer each others' questions.  They always end the same...their idea....we circle up...comfortable sitting on the floor or standing or in chairs...however we can reach....and we join hands...and one of them starts...and we go around the circle, each praying when their turn comes by a hand squeeze....passing with a hand squeeze if they wish to...most pray...they pour out their hearts...they pray for each other....we pray for the ones that are there and the ones that are missing....we pray for the ones who are seniors and making big life decisions and going away from us soon...they pray for those hurting and sick...they have strength there together and they use it...the pray at lunch and before they play their games....they pray for me and I pray for them,...and together we are stronger...My strength comes from the Lord....