"God is Still God!"

“Anyone who claims to live in God’s light and hates a brother or sister is still in the dark. It’s the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God’s light and doesn’t block the light from others. But whoever hates is still in the dark, stumbles around in the dark, doesn’t know which end is up, blinded by the darkness. I remind you, my dear children: Your sins are forgiven inJesus’ name. You veterans were in on the ground floor, and know the One who started all this; you newcomers have won a big victory over the Evil One. And a second reminder, dear children: You know the Father from personal experience. You veterans know the One who started it all; and you newcomers—such vitality and strength! God’s word is so steady in you. Your fellowship with God enables you to gain a victory over the Evil One.” I John 2:10-14 (The Message)

It’s Thursday morning and I just visited briefly with Debi Raines as she was leaving with her adorable kids after teaching Holy Yoga. She asked, “How are the wedding plans coming along?” I said, “Now that the youth group’s winter camp is over, it’s time for me to kick into high gear and get some things done!” When she asked me how camp went, I was immediately full of emotion because of the way God had worked at the winter camp.

The week before camp, adversity was everywhere. The church bus broke down, but two days later Godprovided a kind man to fix it at no charge. We were low on male leaders for camp and last minuteregistrations were coming in quickly. Two days before camp, God provided an extra leader who was not part of our youth staff, but did such a great job and- - - ended up rededicating his life to the Lord!

If I listed everyone who had dynamic, practical, biblical messages, this would go on for some time. If I told you of the incredibly moving testimonies that were shared by leaders and one student, you would be blown away! We had no time limitations on our worship-time… kids felt free to be hyper, dance, be quiet while worshipping - whatever fit their personality type. It was great to see them enjoying their worship. Everyone had a blast tubing and playing hilarious games; some even hiked to the top of a mountain and got back at 2am.

The greatest thing though was to see God’s Spirit moving in these kids - I could see it building through the weekend. By the time we had the invitation to either ask Jesus to be the Lord of their lives, or perhaps they had made a commitment earlier and felt a need to recommit, hands shot up everywhere. Leaders met, talked with and prayed with those individuals - their questions and hearts were so open and honest. It was such an honor to witness God doing something so powerful and real in the lives of both kids and leaders.

Even in tough times, when we see adversity all around us, God is still God and He’s definitely in the midst of our youth ministry. He’s at work all around us. The dream God gave Tim and I is alive and well.

Pastor Jackie White
(The person who at age 17 shared in the dream that God gave Tim White, of attempting to build the world’s greatest caring network.)