Youth Group Connection

The beginning of this month, a youth group from a local church came to do an activity with our young men.  Sandra, the psychologist at New Life, and Nisza, one of our teachers, are a regular part of this group, and they have wanted to bring the group to meet the guys for some time.  When they chose the date, however, I didn't realize that they also had plans to celebrate my 63rd birthday with me a few days early.

Sandra sharing with Roberto

They planned a number of activities, and one of the young men gave a short but effective teaching on the life of Paul.  While all our young men believe in God, they are each struggling in their own way as they each decide what this faith means in terms of how to live their lives each day.  Having contact with other young people who are completely sold out to Jesus is important for them as they try to discover who Jesus is in their lives.  I am grateful to the group for caring about our guys.  It made me realize we need to have more opportunities like this.

Fidel enjoying Nisza's company

Gustavo, a friend who works at the Hope Haven wheelchair factory outside Antigua, and his wife Marleny, happened to stop by and joined the party.  Of course, when Roberto mentioned that one of the sides on his wheelchair did not lock properly, Gustavo went right to work to fix it.  Another way in which our guys felt special and cared for this night.

This experience reminded me once again of the importance of the "ministry of hanging out."  The group didn't come to "bless" our guys, and, while they had a teaching, their main goal was not to "convert" our young men.  They came, really, just to share life with them and get to know them.  The talk of Jesus sprang naturally as they shared with our guys who they are and what's important to them.  This is the way outreach was meant to be done!  Thanks, Templo de Cordero de Dios, for sharing your lives with us.