I have a vision. A vision where teenagers are no longer looked down on. Where teenagers are no longer stereotyped into one or the other. I have a vision where teenagers will lead, follow, help, serve, listen, teach, and rise up to be the best that they can be. I have a vision that teenagers will no longer sit at the back, tapping on their phones, facebooking, tweeting or checking out who's posted what on instagram. My vision is that these young men and women will find purpose in their lives, and not in an empty bottle of vodka or their favourite book. That they will rise up to be leaders, teachers, pastors, servers and helpers. That they will be honest, faithful, just, kind, caring and confident.
Most of all, my vision is to see young men and women stand up for OUR GOD. The God who knitted them together in their mothers womb. The One who has called them by name. The One who knows how many hairs are on our head. I want to see these young people stand up and take action in their own lives, in their friends lives, and in their church's to glorify THEIR GOD.
I want to see the younger generation rise up and realise that they have a place in the church. That they are wanted in the church, and that they need to be in the church. I want them to realise they are loved not only by their friends and family, but by OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. I want them to realise HOW MUCH they are loved, and HOW MUCH they are worth.
Friends will you pray with me as I pursue this need and no longer let is stay a vision. Pray over the young people in your church, the ones who sit at the back with no interest at all - that was me - but also pray for the ones who sit with their family, seemingly interested. Pray that their hearts will be being formed by God to fully acknowledge the gift we can have in knowing our heavenly father as our own personal Saviour. Pray that God will stir their hearts, and they will follow their new-found passions. Pray for the people who are working with the teens right now, that they will equip these young men and women for not only the future, but for NOW. Also, thank God for the teenagers who are rising up, and taking a stand, who are making a difference, and who are following the call God has given them. Lastly, pray for the teens who have no connections to a church. Pray that God will use someone to reach them, and show them what life with Christ is like.
Finally, I want to thank YOU for taking time to read this blog-post. I know not all churches are like this, but it's something that has been on my heart a lot recently, and as a youth min major, you can probably understand why. Sorry if I have been slightly stereotypical myself, but these words came from my heart. I want to encourage you to daily pray for the church. Your own church, your pastor, leaders and congregation from babies to eighties and older. Pray for the people who are going to be the future leaders in your church. YOU matter and THEY matter. Let's work together to fit everyone in, and find their place.
One final note: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as Working for the Lord, not for human masters." Colossians 3:23
