We are finally seeing some signs of life at the youth group at Dios Es Amor. Last night we had 15 of us. The theme was “Spiderman and the Bible.” I used the quote, “With great power comes great responsibility.” We had silly string; we had a big spider web. We had cake. We had a good time, and we also had a bunch of new young people there. It was one of the first times I have felt like we had a “real” youth group at church. We are starting a leadership team of young people next week. I pray that it will be effective. Anyway, I am excited about seeing what God is going to do in the youth ministry there.
Youth Group last night
Mentoring workshop and Dinner with friends
Yesterday morning, I attended a workshop for IMB missionaries on mentoring. There wasn’t a lot in it that I didn’t know, but it was a good reminder of what I am doing with my students in the youth ministry program. Mentoring is a HUGE part of the Center for Youth Ministry, and I need to continue to be very involved in these types of relationships.
We also had dinner with Elizabeth and Fernando, a pastor and his wife in the area. He is the pastor of Renovacion Church down the road from us. It is the church where Huberto works as the youth pastor. They offered to bring dinner, so we ate some awesome Enchiladas with green salsa, Mexican rice, and beans. It was a great time of fun and fellowship, and we had a great time talking about the ministry, encouraging them, and watching the NFL playoffs. I hope this is the beginning of a great friendship.
Stunned
We just got news from some of our best friends here that they will be leaving in July. It’s stunning to us right now. I personally don’t know how to respond. It is difficult to see good friends leave. It is something we will be dealing with in the next few weeks, so please pray for us.
In the meantime, we started Youth Ministry 130 at the seminary yesterday. Programs in Youth Ministry is a course about planning and leading a youth ministry in a local church. It includes calendar planning, budgeting, and event planning. Hopefully, it will help the students to become better ministers, developing quality, professional youth ministries. We also have a new youth ministry student. Her name is Diana. Now we have 4 total students who are studying youth ministry.
Visitors from Paducah
Yesterday, Randy, Kent, and Casey came to Mexico to visit us and do a “pre-trip” trip because they will be coming this summer on a mission trip with the youth group of their church. Today, we toured the seminary, went to the mall to view youth culture, and talked about a lot of details about their trip. Tomorrow, we’re planning on going downtown. Oh, Tuesday, Youth Ministry 130 – Programming in Youth Ministry starts at the seminary.
Tsunami
I read a great article by Al Mohler on his blog about the theological implications of the Tsunami in Asia. If you get a chance, read it. I’ve been thinking about it a lot and am not sure how to respond other in prayer.
Possibly St Nick?
I’m getting in the Christmas spirit since we leave for Florida tomorrow at 6:30 AM. We’re flying to Orlando and then driving over the the west coast. We are excited. I saw this article online today and thought you might be interested. Could this be the real face of St. Nick?
