Youth Worker BOOST: Little Girl Lost

ym360 knows youth workers. We know what an incredibly rewarding, yet incredibly challenging job youth ministry can be. There are days when your spirits are sky-high, and there are days when you could use a bit of a “pick me up” from God's Word . . . That's why we're happy to offer Youth Worker Boost, one of the many valuable resources on the ym360 Blog.

Boost is a short, weekly piece of encouragement designed to, well, “boost” your spirits and encourage you as you minister to students. We consider it yet another great opportunity to serve you and your ministry.

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A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.--John 13:34  

There was once a freshman girl who showed up at our youth group. Let’s call her Sharon (though that’s not her real name). As I got to know Sharon, I started finding out about her life. I was horrified.

Abandoned by her father and abused by her mother, I’m not sure Sharon had ever really experienced love in her life.

One of my students recalled having Sharon as a classmate in 4th grade. Her lasting memory was of Sharon coming to school in the dead of winter with sandals and no socks.

I had Sharon in my youth group for three years, and during that time, our group showed her the love of God as best we knew how. I showed her the story of God’s love as it’s woven through Scripture. We ministered to her, seeking to meet her personal needs, in love. She was as much a part of our group as any student. That was nine years ago.

Sharon grew up to battle addictions, mother two children, and face charges for drug distribution. My heart breaks to see how the pain of her childhood seemed to impact so much of her life. I’m reminded that we only have a brief season to make an impact on most of our students, to show them the love of God.

And yet I’m reminded that our calling is not to be successful, but to simply be obedient. Sharon’s story doesn’t have a happy ending . . . yet. All I can do is pray for her, trust God, and know that we did all we could to show her God’s love when we were given the chance.

Today, focus on being obedient to God’s call to minister to your students. To show them His love. But surrender the path of your students’ lives to His leading. If you do these things, you’ll be right where you need to be.

Our prayer for you: Our prayer for you is that your focus would be leading students to know God through a commitment to His Word.

Look for a new Youth Worker Boost each week on the ym360 Blog.

Last Week's BOOST: Foundation

Next Week's BOOST: Investment

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