We
are sensing that our vision of seeing islanders in missions is closely
linked to our increasing efforts with children and youth. God told us
seven years ago in a prayer for direction to “focus on the youth”. The
youth of this island have a special sweetness. One reason for this, is
that they have been nurtured by a cadre of very dedicated public school
personnel who have an intense devotion to God. Many of these teachers,
administrators, and principles are called of God to be here. We have been
forging key strategic relationships with these wonderful public school
staff from all over the island. Rick and Sandy have been meeting regularly
with a group of teachers at one of the high schools to intercede for the
youth of the island. Recently, something dramatic began to happen.
Teenagers began to come out to a “little kid’s” program at First
Assembly Salt Pond. There was no real draw or reason for them to come out—they
just came. This coincided with Rick and Sandy volunteering to help with
the program. They viewed it as an answer to their prayers with the
teachers. The first week it was 15 or so, the second week it was nearly
double, the third week it was about 40 kids. God has assembled an
impromptu youth group, and now Rick and Sandy and two of these special
teachers are working to nurture it.
We
are sensing that our vision of seeing islanders in missions is closely
linked to our increasing efforts with children and youth. God told us
seven years ago in a prayer for direction to “focus on the youth”. The
youth of this island have a special sweetness. One reason for this, is
that they have been nurtured by a cadre of very dedicated public school
personnel who have an intense devotion to God. Many of these teachers,
administrators, and principles are called of God to be here. We have been
forging key strategic relationships with these wonderful public school
staff from all over the island. Rick and Sandy have been meeting regularly
with a group of teachers at one of the high schools to intercede for the
youth of the island. Recently, something dramatic began to happen.
Teenagers began to come out to a “little kid’s” program at First
Assembly Salt Pond. There was no real draw or reason for them to come out—they
just came. This coincided with Rick and Sandy volunteering to help with
the program. They viewed it as an answer to their prayers with the
teachers. The first week it was 15 or so, the second week it was nearly
double, the third week it was about 40 kids. God has assembled an
impromptu youth group, and now Rick and Sandy and two of these special
teachers are working to nurture it.