Volume 8 | Issue 4 | April 2006   What do you do when a teenager in your youth ministry bails out on their faith, church, and God? And yes, it even feels like they are bailing out on you. Let's not kid ourselves, it hurts. When you pour your life into someone and then they turn their back on you it can definitely steal your joy of youth ministry. First, don't take it personal. Don't allow it to wound you and steal your enthusiasm of pouring yourself into other kids. That is exactly how the enemy would like to use a situation like this. You have the choice to get bitter or get better! Second, don't be shocked. Teenagers will do crazy, stupid things that seem totally legitimate to them. The way we respond to a situation will determine if they will be open to talk to us now or at a later time. Be someone that is willing to listen to them without casting judgment. One of the things I have said in past situations is, "I don't agree with you (the sin or lifestyle), but I respect you and I will love you regardless of what you do or say. If you ever need anything I'm here for you." If they choose to walk the tightrope of life, our goal is to set up a safety net so when they fall they feel comfortable in calling us for help. Third, leave the light on. Motel 6 wasn't the first to say it. It was originally used as an expression to family members or friends whom we anticipate arriving regardless of the time. The porch light was a sign of welcome and acceptance. In youth ministry we "leave the light on" by leaving an open door of love and acceptance to the teenager who has bailed. A simple note card acknowledging they are loved and welcome back any time is always helpful. It is crucial that you defeat the devil's lie, "You left the youth group and now everyone hates you." When you see them around the school, football games, or at the mall, make it a point to acknowledge them and verbally reinforce your love and support to them. Don't stop inviting them or take them off the mailing/email list. Fourth, help guard how others react. Coach parents through this difficult time. A mother came to me and said, "My son doesn't want to attend church here anymore he wants to go visit..." and named various other styles of churches completely different from ours. I told her to let him go and give him some space. After about two months he came back and locked into our church stronger than he ever had before. You need to also coach youth leaders and other students. Don't allow them to gossip or talk down about the student who has bailed. It will only make it that much more difficult when the student returns. Last but not least, never give up! Regardless of what they do or how they react never give up on them. Be sure to read the Hawkeye Perspective this month which dives into this area further. We are in the people business and it is our job to believe and have faith in people. It is amazing what God can do when we can't. In 1994 during a time of transition in youth ministry, the Lord gave me an idea to help Christian teenagers stand up for their faith in Christ and connect with other Christian teenagers in their school. The concept is simple. Get teenagers to wear the same "I Believe®" shirt to their schools on the first and third Mondays of the month. It is extremely powerful when youth ministries from across a city unite on this project. Two things happen. One, they instantly recognize other students in their school who are believers. They suddenly realize they are not alone. Second, it opens the door for what I call "invited witnessing." Students will often be asked, "Why is everyone wearing those shirts?" In one school of over 700 students we only had 18 students wear the shirt and they were bombarded with that question all day long. Just 2% of the student population made a stand for Christ. They will also be asked, "What do you believe?" Bingo! They just asked YOU to share your faith in Christ. They opened the door! We originally launched this program back in 1997 and saw phenomenal results. Now the guys in Tulsa have revamped the design and added new products. The shirts are very affordable at $7 each. I highly recommend you check out their web site and consider equipping your students with a very cool way to share their faith! Check out the web site!

Volume 8 | Issue 4 | April 2006   Over the last 25 years of youth ministry I have had the privilege of ministering to tens of thousands of teenagers. But there is one young lady that I will never forget. Her name was Lucy. Her parents were believers but Lucy had chosen the dark side of life. She wore the Goth make-up and clothing. She was into voodoo and various aspects of the occult. When Lucy would show up at youth service she would fold her arms and almost snarl, "I'm only here because my parents are making me." Other students were intimidated by her but I would continually send them one by one, "Go say hi to Lucy." "Go ask Lucy to sit with you." For months our students and leaders reached out to Lucy but by all outward appearance she only grew worse and more hardened. Somehow she ended up at summer camp that year. About 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday night I got an emergency call on the camp radio to go to the lake. Of course many thoughts run through your mind but nothing had prepared me for what I would encounter. There sat Lucy on a picnic table surrounded by several teenagers who had once again reached out to her. However, this time it was different. Lucy was shaking, obviously disturbed and crying. Her life was gripped by the powers of darkness and a spiritual battle was in full force. Lucy wanted out. Lucy wanted Jesus Christ! To this day I remember how she struggled to simply say the word, "Jesus." What a tremendous victory that night for Lucy and for the Kingdom of God. She denounced all that she had been involved with and proclaimed her love and faith for Jesus Christ. Which leads me to the whole point of sharing this story...Lucy did not give one sign of change until the very hour she converted. From the outside it looked like she was only going deeper and growing harder. This is why we must do ministry by faith and not by sight. Lucy later shared that God had been dealing with her for almost three months before the change. She said as hard as she tried with all of her powers she could not stop the love of God from getting through to her heart. When other students and leaders would talk to her, love on her, and reach out with acceptance it went straight through the walls to the core of her heart. Lucy transformed into the most beautiful woman of God and led many others to Christ. Never, ever give up on anyone, no matter how many walls they put up. God's Word is truth and life. God's love never ever, ever, ever, fails! Who knows, today could be the day the "Lucy" in your group surrenders to Christ. Quench the thirst of a generation!   Little Tony was staying with his grandmother for a few days. He'd been playing outside with the other kids for a while when he came into the house and asked, "Grandma, what is that called when people are sleeping on top of each other?" She was a little taken back, but decided to tell him the truth... "It's called sexual intercourse, darling." Little Tony just said, "Oh, OK" and went back outside to talk and play with the other kids. A few minutes later he came back in and said angrily, "Grandma, it is not called sexual intercourse! It's called Bunk Beds! Bring your parents and teens to this 1-day conference on May 20, 2006 being held at East Coast Christian Center, Merritt Island, FL. Call 321-452-1060 for more info.   Spring Classes for Men at the Learning Center for Adults NOTE: Due to the complexity and difficulty level of their contents, class sizes will be limited to 8 participants maximum. Class 1 How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays --- Step by Step, with Slide Presentation. Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM. Class 2 The Toilet Paper Roll --- Does It Change Itself? And Which Way Does it Go? Round Table Discussion. Meets 2 weeks, Saturday at 12:00 for 2 hours. Class 3 Fundamental Differences Between The Laundry Hamper and The Floor --- Pictures and Explanatory Graphics. Meets Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks. Class 4 After Dinner Dishes --- Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Kitchen Sink? Examples on Video. Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM. Class 5 Learning How To Find Things --- Starting With Looking In The Right Places And Not Turning The House Upside Down While Screaming. Open Forum. Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours. Class 6 Real Men Ask For Directions When Lost --- Real Life Testimonials. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Location to be determined. Class 7 Learning to Live --- Basic Differences Between Mother and Wife. Online Classes and role-playing. Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, location to be determined. Class 8 How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion -- Relaxation Exercises and Breathing Techniques. Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM. Class 9 The Stove/Oven --- What It Is and How It Is Used. Live Demonstration. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, location to be determined. Upon completion of any of the above courses, diplomas will be issued to the survivors. The Resume of Jesus Christ Address: Ephesians 1:20 Phone: Romans 10:13 Website: The Bible. Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus Hello. My name is Jesus -The Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume. Qualifications I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19). I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7). I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7). I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13). The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14). Occupational Background I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49). I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful. My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17). Skills Work Experiences Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18). I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33). Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9) Educational Background I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6). In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3). My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105). I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21). Major Accomplishments I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26). I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15). I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15). I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead! There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website. References Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance. In Summation Now that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15). Photos that haven't made the news: