I was watching and thinking of the youth at our church yesterday. It seems that there is a lack of vision among the middle-age or older group about mentoring the youth that is within their own walls. What is the deal?! There are so few older people willing to take on a Sunday School class and be a resource to young parents. They are planning a program for next week and as I sat in on rehearsal (I was asked to sub for one of the teachers) there just seemed to be no leadership or enthusiam. The person running the show (who just graduated from high school last year) is just depending on the kids to read their scripts (it is to be a reader's theater show) and it's just not very well done. I think that parents would be so blessed if there more mentors out there for their kids and for them as well. Even the nursery is pretty much run by families..where are the "grandma's"?

The next issue is the youth group for jr/sr high kids. the leader and her family are preparing to leave as missionaries to Belize and will be one the road after the New Year to meet churches and raise support. They are the only other consistant family in the church. My kids are already wondering about church after they leave because there is just no LIFE among the other youth. The group has really fallen apart over the last year and it is usually our kids and the leader's kids on any kind of regular basis. They do get a great turn-out if there is a activity/special event but nothing otherwise. We are really wondering what to do. Husband and I don't feel that we should take it over so we are beginning to pray for a new leader. the church is going to hire another youth leader so we are praying for someone who has a thirst for the Lord and a desire to reach those kids that are on the fringe.

I just see such apathy in the churches of our denomination. So very lukewarm. We have considered changing churches but really feel that we need to stay and be a voice there.

Ah....the challenges of life!!

Mary