I have always been a fan of young hearts. I heard a statement made in a journal 20+ years ago made by a Catholic priest who said "let us teach your children for their first 8 years and we will have them for life". Sad but true unless God steps in. No doubt youth is wasted on the young. The LORD has always put a special place in my heart for young people. I have enjoyed to the fullest working with youth in the church for over 14 years now. Alot of great and fun memories have been made, fellowship gained and Bible lessons taught. It has been our privilege to lead a handful of teens to the LORD in these many gatherings. I was reading about World Youth Day 2011 to be held in Madrid, Spain in August of that year- hosted by the Catholic crowd, averaging 1 million in attendance every year. I am thankful my faith isn't in a man wearing a dress, but a Savior who arose from the grave. My forgiveness is not found in a confessional but in the Blood of Jesus Christ alone. I do strive to fulfill Marys only command found in the Bible; "whatsoever he (Jesus) saith unto you, do it" John 2:5. It is her only command, Obey Him, in that I can agree with her.She is blessed AMONG women not above them. Thank God for the Bible which reveals a true baptism (after Salvation not for it) and Communion (not literal blood and flesh but symbolic of it) to remember His sacrifice on the cross of Calvary.
We have just scheduled in this last week another overnight adventure for St. Johns crowd, a trip to Shatley Springs in Crumpler NC just inside the Virginia line for the later part of June. Looking forward as always to the trip, already meditating on the message to teach. Certainly no shortage of things to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains (Cheese Factories, Old time candy stores, fishing ponds, Fresco's, and don't forget Gods handy works - mountains,wildlife, etc. Good times. I know many preachers who are afraid to take people anywhere outside of regular church services because they act different outside of church than in, and the same for the people, but I'm thankful for all the youth I have ever worked with that for the most part have been the same in and out of church -= I only pray the same can be said about me. The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world - make sure parents Hitler and communist do not have a hand on your children's crib!
