Josh is counting on you.
Josh always seems to be the center of attention. In the lunchroom at his local middle school, his mouth is constantly working. But in this relaxed atmosphere, he adds to what might be a dull cafeteria experience. As I observe his antics, I wonder what in the world his teachers do when he is in his all-out performance mode. Even in the lunchroom, I find myself needing to remind him to drop the energy level a notch or two. Now, after many weeks of visiting Josh’s school, I have learned that his energy level never seems to drop.
I tried, but I had never been able to get Josh to come check out our Campus Life club on Tuesday mornings. He shows a little bit of interest, but not with much enthusiasm. I am convinced that if he were to join us, his zeal would do more good than harm. But after weeks of attempts, I had not been able to break through to him.
Then two weeks ago, just as we were about to begin club I spotted Josh in the hallway. I invited him to come in, but he responded with, “I’m not one of those religious people.” And he was gone. Five minutes later, Campus Life had begun, and somehow, wedged into the middle of the crowd sat Josh. That week we talked about the story of David and how God chose the youngest and overlooked for great things. Josh listened attentively. Amazing. At the end of the club, we had a couple of extra minutes and asked for volunteers to come to the front of the room to participate in a game. Many hands went up. But I saw only one of them: Josh’s. You better believe I selected him, and yes, he put on quite the performance! The grin on his face stretched from ear to ear. The bell rang. The students scrambled, and I heard Josh yell, “I will definitely be back next week.” And he was.
Josh’s and my story is just one of hundreds of similar stories of leaders connecting with kids at a ballgame, in the hallway, or around a lunchroom table. Conversations lead to invitations to club. Club leads to more conversations where eventually Christ is shared. Not once, but repeatedly through word and action as we share about God’s love. And many students respond to this amazing story of God sending His Son for us.
Josh is not yet one of the stories that has turned the corner to faith in Christ, but each week with your partnership, we will continue to deliver the message with our words, a listening ear, and a commitment to show up consistently in these kids’ lives.
The need for the ministries of Youth For Christ has never been greater. We encounter thousands of kids each week who need to know the Savior. Together, we can impact the lives of more youth than ever before.
Thank you for your gifts and prayers that reach young people like Josh in critical moments of their lives.
In Christ,
Mike Green
Executive Director