Teen Service

So, for those of you who have been reading Scott's blogs, I feel the need to warn you that this will be considerably less deep but perhaps will help paint a better picture of where the teen ministry is moving and shaking in the Metro (do we still use this term?) region.

Yesterday, the teens of the westside and the eastside gathered in the band room at the international school to have their inaugural ALL teen service. It was so inspiring to see teens really serving one another (special props to Jake Tacher who can lead an incredible song!) and helping each other to worship God and think about our relationship with God in new ways. From our very own westside Bible Talk Elody Adjibly shared (alongside Stephen Hertogs) for communion. She talked about the blessings that God has really given her by taking her out of the Ivory Coast before a war broke out to live in America with a completely new family. She talked of the temptation for all of us to really forget about the things we've been rescued from. I think that is a touching lesson for all of us, as Peter speaks of in 2 Peter 1:9 "But if anyone does not have them [being Godly qualities in increasing measure], he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins." I have really appreciated Elody's leadership in the teens this past year, her openness and ability to express her needs has helped me learn to be a better teen worker. Seeing her do communion was one of those moments where as a teen worker you just beam with pride. (I meant to post a picture of her while she had her moment on the stage, but my camera batteries died right before that. Hopefully you enjoy pictures of other teens serving instead).

Mack Strong preached for the teens about the healing at the pool in John 5. Mack's preaching is always impacting and sparked many great conversations with the teen girls from the westside. Hopefully, we can have more opportunities to gather together and really help each other worship God, there's something about learning from your peers that sticks with you a while.

One thing you can be comforted in is that I believe the teen ministry is truly moving and shaking.