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Youth on the Grow Conquering the General With Love by Nathan Ensz


When I look back on my formative years as a teenager, I realize God spiritually challenged and grew me when I was taken out of the comforts of my own home and community. Tese times in my life were of- ten connected to mission trips. I now look for ways that allow students in my youth ministry to be challenged in similar ways. Over my years as a youth pastor, short- term mission trips have been a vital avenue for this opportunity. One trip in particular stands out in my mind. In 2010, I had the desire for our high


school students to help a church with manual labor. Te Director of Village Mis- sions connected us with a church in the Northwest. Tis church, to save on costs, was working on making arrangements with the Boy Scouts of America to paint the ex- terior of the entire church building. When they heard of our willingness, they jumped at the opportunity! Aſter four training and preparation sessions, 25 high school students and six adult chaperons ended up in the beautiful state of Washington. Anxious to embark on a week of


adventure and service, I hopped out of the van and went to look for the pastor


of the church. As I was searching, I heard the bells of the beautiful historic church begin to ring. How nice! Tey are ringing the church bells to welcome us here. No! I soon found out my students had found the bell tower and were releasing some of their restless energy! While the pastor was not offended, his friend, the chairman of the church board was not even slightly amused. He made it clear that we were to not ring the bell again. Our group soon learned that this retired military man was going to be our boss for the rest of the week — making sure we would handle ourselves sensibly as we painted his pre- cious church. We quietly referred to him as the “General” from that point on. I told the ministry team that evening


that while we may have had a rough start, I could see how God had led our group to this specific church, and we were there for the purpose of serving these people. Tis trip was not about us, but about us learn- ing to sacrifice for the better of others. I also challenged our group to give their utmost respect to the “General.” Our hearts were willing to serve and show appropriate respect. Over the next


Eyes on Eternity


My God, My God, oh, I can't see All of the things you're doing for me And I get so lost When I forget the cost You paid to set me fee I can't keep my eyes on eternity And sometimes I cannot finish I cannot even start I'm so held down by my head and my heart But I have hope for the tomorrow I have peace in all my sorrow So I'll keep my gaze locked on the prize I won't be distracted by the cloudy skies


’Cause I'll know it's all bigger than me When I've got my eyes on eternity.


—Lydia Domes, EBC (Dallas) High School Youth Group, Class of 2016


week I watched a transformation unfold. Te “General” was with us every moment of our working day; working beside, talking with us and getting to know us. Walls fell and a genuine love was created between student and boss. Continued on page 15 ...


Parents Spell Success for Youth Activities by Jeremy Wissink


As the school year comes to a close, and I look back over the year, I realize that some of the biggest highlights and meaningful moments were those when our youth’s parents were directly involved. Each fall we have a Father-Son Campout, and this year God finally blessed us with beautiful weath- er to enjoy two nights of activities and sharing together. In the spring we host a Fa- ther-Daughter event where dads are able to take their daughters on a special date. Tis


year’s date was a fun activity where dads and daughters were able to do some shopping for each other and take some memorable pictures. And finally, Parent Night at our weekly youth group gave parents the chance to experience what their students do each week, from games to learning to sharing about life together. We are thankful and praise God for the parents of our youth and for their commitment to love and train their children to follow Jesus.


Jeremy Wissink has served as Pastor of Student Ministries at CBC in Omaha for the past four years. Each week he works with about 50 teens. Jeremy and his wife Rachel have one son, Elliot. Some of Jeremy’s favor- ite hobbies include sports, music, outdoor activities, and playing games.


Fellowship Focus, May/June 2016 11


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