Ministry Opportunity

Well here it is!! We finally met with the children's director and someone else to get more of a direction as to what we'll be doing with this opportunity. I can actually share details now =] Soooooo the ministry opportunity is working with the "Tween" group. These are a group of 4th and 5th grade students at our home church that meet once a month for various activities. We worked with many of them last year, and they are a fantastic group! They are wonderful kids who enjoy hanging out, learning, and having a good time. Last year we helped with various things like chaperoning a retreat, being there for events, and were even given the liberty of planning an event (which went great, and was a blast for the kids and a blessing for us!).

This year sounds like it will be much different though, as we are being asked to step it up and do a lot more. One of the people we talked to made it sound like we'll be more in charge of the ministry, and the other made it sound like we'll just be super involved, so we're not sure on that aspect yet, but we definitely plan to step it up a lot. We do know that we will be planning more activities have more of a say in everything. As of now, the group will still be meeting once a month to do something, but hopefully there will be more consistency than there was last year. Last year was kind of a trial run to smooth some of the bumps out, and now that we have an idea of what its like to work with the students, parents, and staff, we can better plan events to meet the needs of the children, their families, and the staff helping. Along with the monthly events, we were also asked to teach the tween Sunday School. It wouldn't be every Sunday, but we're not sure how much yet. I think that depends on us. That kind of freaks me out. I'm not much of a teacher, I just work with the kids. But, I guess if God wants me (and Caleb) teaching He'll make it happen, and He will give me the words He wants me to say. I'm ok with that =] Another thing brought up was the idea of giving each student an age appropriate Bible while they're in the program, and then a different one when they graduate fifth grade. We will be looking into this and looking at Bibles the next time we make it to a town where there are stores like Hages and Family Christian Stores.

Here are a few quick prayer requests for this group in the upcoming year:
- A good turn out of students, and that these students will bring friends
- The leaders/staff, that we will work together well and remember why we are involved in this ministry
- Planning events that will be good for the students and applicable to their lives and walk with Christ


To give you more of an idea what we do, here are some of the events we did last year:
- Scavenger hunt and relays around the church. Students had to find things and complete a task (one station was singing "I'm a little teapot" with motions.. lol) before they were given their next clue and could move on.
- Retreat at camp. We drove about 25 students to camp this year for a retreat and they loved it! Because of their age group, it was only an over nighter, but they had a blast. These two days were a mix of chapel services, fun games, and fellowship. An all-you-can-drink hot cocoa machine was their favorite, but as leaders we got to sit down with some of them and talk about things that are going on in their lives and how God works in them. This was so encouraging to see the students grow!
- A lock-in at our church. At this we started out with a game of capture the flag (and found out these students are relentless!) and a game that Caleb had made with two by fours and rope..? Students had to stand on the wood and work as a team to move them with the ropes - that was cool to watch! We sat them down and did a devotional, and played some sardines, and kickball, and had s'mores. It was fun, and it was cool to watch as the students had some bonding time and fellowship.

Other than these activities.. there really isn't much for this age group to do, so this ministry is crucial for them. Please pray for this upcoming year as we start planning activities, and looking at the curriculum. Pray for wisdom, student attendance, and relationships as we get the privilege to disciple these young hearts.  Thanks!