Leaders' Page

The Journey

Do you ever wonder if you're really cut out for this ride on the (Pre)Teen Express? Do you ask yourself, "Are all these creative lesson plans, cool activities, and truckloads of pizza really making a difference? Are my (pre)teens being transformed?"

At Disney's California Adventure in Anaheim, California, there's a ride that's fast and frightening. As spectators observe from the safety of a boardwalk designed for those less courageous, the cars round a bend and then come to a complete stop. Then suddenly they're off so fast that the riders are stuck to the backs of their seats like fresh gum on the bottom of someone's shoe. There's no turning back!

In the same way, each week we jump in and hold on for our journey with (pre)teens. It's a journey that holds surprises and twists. And at times, it may feel like the bottom has dropped out. It's no wonder we want some assurance that what we do really does matter. God's Word offers us this encouragement and counsel.

Be faithful. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up"--Galatians 6:9.

Pray. "Pray continually"--1 Thessalonians 5:17.

Look for others to join you on the journey. "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work"--Ecclesiastes 4:9.

Be confident. "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus"--Philippians 1:6.

You may plant the seed. You may prepare the soil with the proper amnount of love and pizza. But ultimately it's God who brings forth the fruit. God is faithful and he's using you to plant his garden. God has begun a good work in you. The eye-opening lessons, breakthrough conversations, outrageously fun events, and faith-building activities are all part of the journey you've embarked on with your (pre)teens. So are the weeks when nothing goes according to plan or the only thing they learned in class was how to flick boogers.

Some days you may be fortunate enough to witness how a prior lesson or discussion helped a (pre)teen deal with a bully at school. Ah, those are the mountaintops!

Then there may be days, weeks, or even months, when your class won't even talk to you and you wonder if what you're doing is futile. That, too, is part of the journey. Just like the Disney ride, you're traveling fast, enjoying the mountaintops, and sometimes hanging on for dear life, glued to the back of your seat and unsure of what's coming next. Remember that the best thing about this adventure you're on is the journey itself. Together. You, your (pre)teens, and Jesus.

Be confident. Be encouraged. And enjoy the ride!