expectations

Iris and Nayeli; girls in my discipleship group
written by brooke

I am ashamed of how little I can expect of teenagers. During this winter break, the leadership of Teens Adelante was praying for how to continue our discipleship format. Under the Lord's guidance and a gift of faith, we made the decision to stop teaching lessons on Wednesday night. No more bible teaching on Wednesday nights. Wait what?

I know. Crazy. So no more "curriculum" on Wednesday nights. We aren't teaching a planned lesson anymore. So how are they growing? They are doing it themselves!!!!
Starting last January 26 the kids are expected to read their bible five days a week, with a guide we created for them.  So as Teens Adelante was about to start I realized how crazy this was and had a little wave of doubt and worry. Then I remembered it was God's idea, not mine.

But after two weeks of not being together as a group because of the snow storms, I began to worry again. Last night I prepared for the worst so I wouldn't be disappointed. I tried to think of a plan to help them make-up the readings this week for what they didn't do the past two weeks. Shame on me.

I am so joyfully blessed to tell you that many of the kids have been pursuing Jesus on their own time. The delightful surprise was Iris, the oldest teen girl,  who came with her reading notes, every day  done, ready to talk about everything she had been learning and pondering (none of this a requirement).

Our small group time was pretty much the opposite of what I imagined.  I answered questions and  watched as the three younger girls in the room watched Iris diving into the Bible and our God. Something was happening that I could never do for those girls. They saw a peer, someone they want to be like, demonstrating the pursuit of Jesus.

God is so amazing. He knew they were ready for this...I didn't. But thankfully He reigns. These teens are more capable than I am to spread His love and goodness to their age group. Many of them have been fearless in this new reading and devotional plan, and some are still struggling. But I see that He is equipping some of them to lead the rest and it is humbling and glorious to watch. They are taking ownership of their walk with the Lord and he is growing them deeply.

Please pray for success in our continued pursuit of the Lord together, as the Teens Adelante leaders and youth read through Genesis this trimester. 

:) amen brothers and sisters!

2 comments:

  1. Brooke, all your posts make me cry. In a good way. Praise God for all He is doing in these precious teens' lives!

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  2. It is amazing to hear how these girls are growing in their faith and in their relationship with you. keep it up!

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