January 2010
Greetings from Crossfire Youth Ministries,
January has been an exciting month for us here in Ephrata. Starting this month we had spread our Friday night bible study with all ages over 3 nights. Wednesday night is for Elementary students and is pulling in a crew of 30 youngsters with 14 volunteers helping out. Thursday is Middle school grades 5-8, we are seeing an increase every night and are now at 55 students with 10 volunteers assisting them. Friday night is for the High School students and that night has also increased to 45 students with 4 volunteers helping out. Also on Wednesday afternoons we have an afterschool program that draws 30 students and 25 volunteer helpers.
Most of the helpers are teenagers that have a passion for God and a heart to serve.
Mid January we took a group of 30 on a Winter Retreat. This included 2 teens from Ashland and 2 from Gordon whom we transported down here to take part in the event. I have asked our daughter Samantha who is married to Alex Gonzalez, to write down her thoughts about the weekend and share them with you......
Read and enjoy!
Unless you can truly be broken in your spirit for the heart of God, He can never use you.”
When I think about the weekend retreat, I am amazed at everything that’s happened. I am awestruck at how God is using Crossfire Youth Ministries to reach these kids who have been broken and found hope in Jesus Christ. God is truly moving and impacting the hearts of these teens attending Crossfire.
I wasn’t sure if I would go, but a couple days before the retreat, I finally decided to help lead the girls with two other ladies. I am so blessed to have made that choice.
The weekend was fun-filled and spirit-filled. There was a peace hovering over the entire weekend that we were there. Friday led off with impromptu skits of the kids mimicking each other and creating a wonderful bond of friendship.
Saturday had everyone playing card games, wrestling, or enjoying the new “Ice Age III” movie that just came out. The guys enjoyed playing tackle football while the girls took a walk and posed for pictures. Everyone enjoyed hanging out and spending time together.
Sunday saw the teens enjoying time around the fireplace and getting the last jokes and games in before we left. We all enjoyed a weekend of Mike Brill’s special cooking services, which was really delicious.
However, the most important part was also the most special time of the weekend. Catching just a glimpse of these teens worshiping and seeking God at the bibles studies is a tremendous blessing.
Over the weekend, Jim recalled his years of bringing kids up and the awesome times they had. He mentioned how God would move in their hearts, and over time many fell away.
I recall most of those kids and the memories that were shared. I remember how I looked into faces and saw a stony reflection; a disinterest. They wanted God but refused to serve him. They sat on couches during the worship time and didn’t seem to care. I remember this group because I loved them.
Now at twenty years, married, and expecting a baby, I look around at new faces at the first winter retreat in three or four years. I see teens standing on their own, closing their eyes and reaching their hands to heaven honoring and seeking the Lord to fill their hearts and lives. The music truly touches them in worship. Reflections of spiritually hungry faces, broken by this world, and seeking an answer to their hurts. Desire burns on their faces as they listen to Pastor Rob talk about preparing our hearts to serve God.
They want to take the masks off that Pastor Rob spoke about Saturday morning. They recognize the masks and perceptions in their lives that they want to be rid of. There is a hunger for real truth as everyone gathers in front of the fireplace to cry and pray to God to use them, to show them how to live right and make a difference in the lives of their friends.
What I got out of this retreat was this: God is moving. Jesus is truly coming back very soon. God is preparing the bride. He is separating the sheep from the goats.
This weekend Jim gave them a call to arise to a higher standard; to live the way Jesus truly lived and to reach out to others. Jesus wants a separate people. He is gathering his sheep. The harvest is plentiful, but where are the laborers? God is stirring in hearts. He is starting a revival. There is one last chance for his people to truly serve God and impact the world. One last chance before it is too late.
Will we miss it in church, at Crossfire, in our homes, or at our jobs? When I see these teens, I see people that are truly broken and allowing God to move in their hearts. He is gathering his laborers wherever they are. Are we ready to harvest the crop? Are we ready to answer the call?
God bless you,
