Transforming a Generation... One Life at a Time.

I just got back from Tim Horton's. In what was supposed to be a 2 minute pit stop, I left 20 minutes later, having run into 6 of our youth and one volunteer, all there for different reasons. Maybe this is why some weeks I don't get much work done. This is one of my favourite parts about Youth For Christ, that we are not chained to a desk, or even a youth centre for that matter, since we have the freedom to meet those we work with right where they are. There are definitely times where they come to us, The Door is a prime example of that, but the rest of our ministry involves meeting them at lunch for Campus Life, grabbing a drink at McD's, or even just running into them as we are out and around. And that is where our best ministry happens. 


I once read through the Gospels where I focused on all of the times that Jesus was interrupted in what was "important" and "necessary" ministry. It happened a lot. Think about all the times that Jesus and the disciples were interrupted by those needing real ministry, now. People crashed into meetings, grabbed hold of him while he was walking, and even dug through ceilings just to get his attention. How differently we would perceive Jesus' ministry if He had said, "I'm sorry, you'll need to wait. I'm really busy right now" instead of acknowledging their need in that moment. If he had ignored those who were unclean, broken, sick, and full of sin, what would His ministry have looked like? Would there have been any ministry at all, or would it have been lost in the midst of a fantastic miracle? 


And of course, I can't think about that without looking back at the times where I have been like that. Times where my to do list has outgrown my "to care" list, my "to love" list, my "to listen" list. That's happened often, and sadly, sometimes recently. But as we head into summer, where we always get excited for how much time we have with our youth, I hope that I can keep Jesus' example in mind. Some of the best times of ministry are the times separate of any program, free of any need to impress anyone, and with nothing planned. Some of the moments when we can be most present with our youth is over the simple things, where little thought is given to what we're going to do next, but instead turns to each other, and towards caring about our friends. I hope I have more days like today. And I hope that I am aware of the Spirit walking alongside me to lead me into those areas of ministry, where Jesus can shine through me and allow me to unconditionally love and encourage those I walk with. Our statement here in YFC is "Transforming a generation... one life at a time." Today, that is a good reminder for me. 

Si Nous Croyons Vraiment

I had intended to post something while I was actually in Montreal, but the internet access at cafes and hot spots left a little to be desired. We returned from our National Ministry Conference Wednesday evening, after spending a few days with a couple of hundred fellow Youth For Christ missionaries. This year was themed "Si Nous Croyons Vraiment... If We Really Believe". I always look forward to these conferences, because it is a time of great networking, connecting, challenge, and refreshment, all on relatively little sleep.

We are privileged to be a part of a staff that while geographically spread apart, are kindred spirits that value time together. NMC is always one of the most fun events of our year, and we laugh a lot. It is also spiritually rich, and I found that while I was challenged in the plenary sessions and workshops, perhaps the time connecting in cafes, the hotel, or in being "incarnational" in Montreal (which means spending time at the Jazz Festival and many of the smaller bistros and restaurants), with each other was the most valuable part of all.

A huge theme for me this year that seemed to be a common thread throughout our whole time in Montreal was restoration and renewal. God had already been hinting at that before I left, but I had just started to pay attention to it. Now, it has permeated everything, from my thoughts and prayer life, to situations that we had to deal with as soon as we got home. It is my prayer that through The Door this summer, our youth experience God's restoration in their lives, their minds, and their hearts. Sometimes this means that we must delve into the dark areas that keep us separated from our Father, but as we continue to learn over and over again, He is the only one who is truly able to see change in our lives.

I'm grateful for the time to steal away with our YFC family, to celebrate, to commune, to pursue God as a community. We connect in a way that is unique, and I pray that our relationships on the field will deepen as we serve our God and our youth. Thank you for your continued support that allows us to participate in things like NMC, it is a part of our vision to keep learning, growing, and deepening our walk with God and our ministry.

*P.S. Normally, I would have a fantastic new picture of Aaron and I to show you from our trip, but this year we only took pictures of street art and complex pranks that we pulled on each other. No lie. I apologize, because we have nothing of much value to show you.