We were young ones once

I had the privilege of attending a youth outreach event on 8 September. Initially I wasn't going to blog about it but since it's 01:01 and I'm still thinking about it, it's only fair and logical to share my thoughts. Let's call it a side note, because it doesn't quite fit my singlehood series of posts. Or maybe it does. Okay whatever.

The church is His People Baxter.
The venue is Rhodes High School.
The mission is reaching the youth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The event is EMERGE.

My hubby was the dj for the day. And he was just spectacular! That's how my little people and I ended up there. Nothing says "hot dj" like a supportive wife and 2 gorgeous daughters. Upon my arrival, I was greeted with masses of young-ins all on a mission of colour blocking. So I fitted right in with my red skinnies and blue pumps! It took me a few minutes to locate my husband, so I had time to eavesdrop on a few conversations as I trotted along. Two girls were deliberating on whether or not their fashionable off-the-shoulder tops were too revealing as their tummies were bare. Camp A said they were perfect without longer vests underneath. Camp B was like "but this is a church event". Moments later, Camp A won the toss. A few meters away, a young man fired up for Jesus was telling a girl about the awesomeness of knowing Jesus while she shamelessly flirted with him. Further on, a young pair was walking against the stream of traffic that was going into the hall - despite the youth leaders' requests to join the others.

As the day wore on, the MCs and musical acts and even the speaker soldiered on to keep the attention of this active yet not necessarily attentive crowd. I found myself annoyed, irritated and utterly stunned by the blatant disrespect and rebellion that some of them displayed. All efforts seemed wasted on an ungrateful bunch that was beyond redemption. But when 100 learners committed to Christ, my eyes were totally opened! The Holy Spirit reminded me that I was not always born again. That I once was rebellious. That I also used to be a blatant sinner. He reminded me that just like these kids, Jesus cared enough for me in my messed up state to die for me! I immediately repented from my spirit of superiority as I remembered that I was also in the miry clay once. I suddenly saw these youths as the Jesus-hungry and Holy Sprit-thirsty people that they were!

And that made all the difference. Suddenly the flirtatious teen was a child in need of affection from a Saviour. The naughty pair had the potential to become a godly couple if surrounded by the right role models. The provocative dressers were simply children battling with their identity - needing to know who they are and whose they are.

So before we write off this generation, let us remember that we were young ones once. Let us love them and draw them to His Presence.

I salute the Jesses and Jasons of this world - the youth leaders and ministers that serve tirelessly every day to win hearts to Christ. Youth ministry is NOT for the faint-hearted I tell you! Big ups for a successfully epic event!

Mrs DeeDK