Friday Night Party
Friday, February 03, 2006
Before our Friday Night Party (that we hold once a month for the teens), we spent some time with Gabi and Zoli studying Matthew chapter 25. We talked about how God entrusts us with 'talents' which He expects us to use to bear fruit.
“For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” (Matthew 25:29) After reading this verse, Zoli commented, “If we take advantage of the opportunities that God gives us, then we will receive more, but if we ignore these opportunities, we will be left with nothing.” Amen!
I am proud of Gabi and Zoli for there continued commitment to growing in their faith in Christ. Zoli will be baptized this month. Please pray for his baptism to be a blessing for him and for those who attend.
Below L: Gabi and Zoli enjoying our coffee house otherwise known as our kitchen. Elli also joins us with her pretend coffee and spoon. Below R: Zoli brings some life to the Friday Night Party.
Above: Blast from the past. Teaching the kids some break-dancing moves (yikes-I'm getting too old for this)
The purpose of our Friday Night Party is to build relationships with the kids who have no male role models in life. It is our hope as they see our love and concern for their spiritual well-being that they will see Jesus in us. As you can see in the pictures, we spend a lot of time playing games and laughing. Instead of the local disco, parties, and the bar, they have chosen to 'hang out' with us. Imagine the contrast they see as we 'party' as Christians.
The very last game of traveling through a maze blindfolded (see Zoli above L) led into teaching about finding our way in life. I spoke to the teens about the flaws with the world view of 'doing what you feel' is right. I brought up the dangers of relativism and also the effects of following after sin. I said, "I know that many of you have seen in your own families and relationships the consequences of following advice of wicked people. You have felt the effects of divorce, of broken relationships that are fueled by anger, of people that choose not to forgive. This is what happens when people live according to what they feel is right and don't live according to a wise standard.” We turned our attention to one of my favorite passages:
“Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers. Rather, he delights in the teachings of the LORD and reflects on his teachings day and night.” (Psalms 1:1-2)
I told them that God's word is my standard that helps me make decisions, and live a life that is truly right. I encouraged them to choose this night to submit themselves to this standard to obtain wisdom and direction from God through the gift of His word.
Please pray for these teens. Many of them regularly visit church, and some visited for the first time last Sunday. I will be preaching from John 3:16 this Sunday. Pray that they would hear the Gospel and understand God's love, His grace and the greatest gift available in this world–Salvation in Jesus Christ!
“For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” (Matthew 25:29) After reading this verse, Zoli commented, “If we take advantage of the opportunities that God gives us, then we will receive more, but if we ignore these opportunities, we will be left with nothing.” Amen!
I am proud of Gabi and Zoli for there continued commitment to growing in their faith in Christ. Zoli will be baptized this month. Please pray for his baptism to be a blessing for him and for those who attend.
Below L: Gabi and Zoli enjoying our coffee house otherwise known as our kitchen. Elli also joins us with her pretend coffee and spoon. Below R: Zoli brings some life to the Friday Night Party.
Above: Blast from the past. Teaching the kids some break-dancing moves (yikes-I'm getting too old for this)
The purpose of our Friday Night Party is to build relationships with the kids who have no male role models in life. It is our hope as they see our love and concern for their spiritual well-being that they will see Jesus in us. As you can see in the pictures, we spend a lot of time playing games and laughing. Instead of the local disco, parties, and the bar, they have chosen to 'hang out' with us. Imagine the contrast they see as we 'party' as Christians.
The very last game of traveling through a maze blindfolded (see Zoli above L) led into teaching about finding our way in life. I spoke to the teens about the flaws with the world view of 'doing what you feel' is right. I brought up the dangers of relativism and also the effects of following after sin. I said, "I know that many of you have seen in your own families and relationships the consequences of following advice of wicked people. You have felt the effects of divorce, of broken relationships that are fueled by anger, of people that choose not to forgive. This is what happens when people live according to what they feel is right and don't live according to a wise standard.” We turned our attention to one of my favorite passages:
“Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers. Rather, he delights in the teachings of the LORD and reflects on his teachings day and night.” (Psalms 1:1-2)
I told them that God's word is my standard that helps me make decisions, and live a life that is truly right. I encouraged them to choose this night to submit themselves to this standard to obtain wisdom and direction from God through the gift of His word.
Please pray for these teens. Many of them regularly visit church, and some visited for the first time last Sunday. I will be preaching from John 3:16 this Sunday. Pray that they would hear the Gospel and understand God's love, His grace and the greatest gift available in this world–Salvation in Jesus Christ!