An awesome night last night!

YOUTH GROUP WAS AWESOME LAST NIGHT!

We have a "rough crowd" for youth group. Most of these kids are brought in on a bus from the projects. They have a hard time understanding what respect is toward those in authority, and worship time is a free pass to talk, laugh and fool around no matter how many times we approach them about it. Usually they look at us, hear what we're saying and then continue on.

But, God is working, and I can see it! I'll just list a couple of things that are amazing to me:

• New worship team with leaders who connect with these kids in a different way than Paul and I can (musically speaking)
• Kids are actually singing along to the music!! I heard it with my own two ears last night!
• Lots of new-comers. A chance to start new relationships!
• A new girl has been coming who has a spirtual maturity and a desire mentor some of the girls in our youth group (who live in her neighborhood). She's actually spoken with them about how respect is necessary during worship, prayer and the message! She'll be leaving for VFCC next year, and I will be sad to see her go.
• Kids getting along!!
• Deeper connections!

We're on our way to some structure and a healthy youth group atmosphere. I just feel like God had to do some pruning, and now we're on our way to growing in a much healthier way. We're starting things over new and fresh, and I just thank God for that opportunity! I am just so excited and amazed to see what God is going to do with our youth group in the coming year. With prayer and discipleship, I really believe that these kids can grow in their walk with God and develop a spiritual maturity and know what it's like to be firmly planted in the Lord!

Just wanted to share my excitement! Praise God!!