Recently, we were talking with a student at club who described a talented speaker who recently spoke at a high school event in the auditorium. Youth were asked to stand for various non-threatening subjects. Then the speaker asked that all cameras be turned off, and that students be silent. The speaker then asked students to stand if they had been physically abused, sexually abused, thought about suicide, or attempted suicide. Several other subjects were brought up; and those attending were astonished by how many of the youth stood up. By the end of the event hardly an eye was dry.
Life is messy sometimes, and Jesus’s words are true: “The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy” (John 10:10). He also promises to enter our messiness and bring hope and life. He continued by saying, “I have come that you may have life and have it to the fullest.” (John 10:10).
We have the opportunity to enter each other’s messiness, and are even called to bear one another’s burdens. Please pray with us that our youth will have life to the fullest; and as we have opportunity, may we walk alongside them.
In Christ,
John Engelstad
Austin Area Director