I love and adore being able to be in different seasons of my life where I can hear from the Lord very clearly about what is going on in my life. It’s a mix of discernment and anxiety and conviction all in one! Knowing the will of the Lord and being able to walk this way is something that usually comes pretty clearly for me. It’s a wonderful feeling to know and to do along with confess and repent when there is heaviness of heart. Today, however, I am dealing with a different feeling — an awkward heaviness inside that is filled with a mess of complete uncertainty… and it all began with the events of a week ago today!
This past week saw three people close to those impacted by the ministry of Infuzion® step into eternity. All three were involved in car accidents all over Upstate New York. The events unfolded last Thursday morning when it was learned that a former teen of mine, in my former youth group, was involved in a serious wreck locally here in Rochester. He passed away Tuesday around noon. Prior to his passing, Sunday morning another accident had occurred when a staff member from Beaver Camp was tragically killed on her way to church. Last night, there was again another. A teen in the Upstate Nazarene District who wasn’t directly impacted by our ministry, but was friends with many who have been, died in another auto accident.
If you can’t tell, this has been a very intense and heavy week for many people that we know. It’s hitting home in our world, too, as our hearts simply break for the families, loved ones, and friends of these individuals. There are many pieces to be picked up and in the midst of not understanding it all while living in this thick cloud of heaviness I can come to one conclusion — the importance of youth ministry in our homes and our churches.
Most people who come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior do so before being 22 years of age. Having a youth ministry that is based on this relationship with Jesus first and then with others is the foundation point for people coming to know the Lord. I am convinced of this reality as in my own life I dialed into this reality out of a solid relationship that I had with my youth pastor. I also grew up in a great church environment that was compassionate, loving, and also challenging us to grow in our relationship with Christ.
Out of the darkness of these tragedies, I am encouraged by the redemptive stories of restoration that are already developing as all three individuals are connected to solid churches and ministry support networks. God is showing Himself off and this is the core of all of these stories. Let’s support positive ministries that build-up and support our kids of all ages, but let’s also remember that it all begins in the home. Positive youth ministry begins first right in the home for it is the frontline of all ministry. It’s the place of intimacy and vulnerability.
Please be in prayer for all of these situations. It is still fresh and new for all of these families. And out of all the questions that will arise, may we all simply have a ministry of listening to the hurt and pain and allow Jesus to speak in these situations. I can’t think of a more pivotal time for youth ministry then right now. You never know when tragedy will interrupt life, but being connected first to Jesus and to a solid community of faith can help ease all of these hardships. Thanks be to God for His redemptive power revealed in tragic times like these.
For the Kingdom… and Godly Youth Ministry,
Jay Trainer and the Infuzion team
This is so fascinating. I will pray for those in need and even those who aren't in need. Just know that I will always be prying for anything, anyone, anywhere. I take God seriously unlike most. I will follow Him from within and externally. He will always be in my thoughts. Won't be forgotten. AMEN!