Youth Ministry – Page 14

February 18, 2014February 19, 2014 revkevjr Evangelism, Missions, Serving, Student Ministry, Youth Ministry

Love Long Island 2014: Day 1

Yesterday we took a team of 21 from Shelter Rock Student Ministries and went to work with Lighthouse Mission. After working in the warehouse, sorting clothes and food, and loading 2 food trucks, our team split into two groups and went out to serve those in need. One group with to Lake Ronkonkoma, and the other team went to Coram. We worked in the freezing cold for over an hour, but that was nothing in comparison to the people who had walked in this weather, and waited in line long before we arrived, just to get some food and maybe find some clothes that fit them. We met people who are just trying to keep their homes heated, and those who have no homes at all. We met people who live in the woods, people who did not have anything on their feet but sandals and socks … It was very humbling. In addition to meeting physical needs, several of us were able to pray with people as they waited in line.

Read about Day 2 here.

February 13, 2014February 16, 2014 revkevjr Leadership, Small Groups, Student Ministry, Team, Volunteers, Youth Ministry

Happy VOLentine’s Day!

Tomorrow is all about love. My wife and I are super excited to celebrate our relationship. (More on that tomorrow!) But we also wanted to send special love to the people who are the backbone of youth ministry: our Volunteers! To show our love in an inexpensive, simple way, I sent each of our team members a card with a coupon for a free Krispy Kreme donut and a little poem of appreciation.

What are some creative ways you show love to your volunteers, not just on Valentine’s Day, but throughout the year?

February 1, 2014February 1, 2014 revkevjr Christianity, Family, Leadership, Parenting, Sports, Student Ministry, Youth Ministry

Aaron Rodgers Shares About His Faith in Christ

Yesterday I had the privilege of going to the Super Bowl Breakfast with my friends Dominic and Chris. At the breakfast we heard from many NFL Hall of Famers and players, and saw Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers receive the Bart Starr Award. It was a tremendous event, and so great to hear Aaron share his faith and about the people who have impacted his life – including his parents and his Young Life leader.

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January 25, 2014January 26, 2014 revkevjr Leadership, Sports, Student Ministry, Youth Ministry

Creating Memories: Seeing History at the Garden

Tonight, thanks to a friend donating some tickets, I was able to take one of our students and one of my youth staffers to the Knicks game. Andrew and I arrived early, so we grabbed some slices of pizza, then went up to Times Square and walked around a bit. We then went to the game and got to witness history. Carmelo Anthony was unconscious! He had 37 points in the first half, including a half-court shot at the buzzer. We knew we were seeing something amazing. He ended up scoring 62 points, breaking the Knicks record of 60 points set by Bernard King in 1984, and the Madison Square Garden record of 61 set by Kobe Bryant in 2009. The Knicks were up big, and he was pulled from the game with 8 minutes to go, otherwise he would have probably scored 75. I love that I got to be there to see it live, but I love that I got to share the experience with a student and emerging youth leader even more. #YouthMinistry

January 19, 2014January 19, 2014 revkevjr Leadership, Student Ministry, Youth Ministry

Youth Leader Appreciation Video

Here’s a little video we put together to say thank you to all of the youth workers out there. Know that what you do to invest in students is worth it.

January 16, 2014January 16, 2014 revkevjr Christianity, Parenting, Student Ministry, Youth Ministry

I Surrender …

During our Youth Winter Fest we invited students to come forward and write on white flags the things they needed to surrender to Jesus. Of 353 people attending the weekend, we received 337 flags! Here’s the list of responses and a window into the issues our students are struggling with. Would you join me in praying for these people?

A hurting relationship
All material things
All the burdens I have
All the crap in my life, lack of trust in God
All the things I’ve been using to turn You away
Anger
Anger and hate
Anger toward those who have hurt me
Anger, lust
Anger, resentment, unforgiveness
Anxiety
Bad habits, wasting time, pornography, taking life for granted
Bad thoughts of past
See the full list here: I Surrender

January 14, 2014January 14, 2014 revkevjr Student Ministry, Youth Ministry

Winter Fest 2014 Recap

Well, the website has been quiet for the past week because I’ve been swamped preparing for, and running our 2014 Youth Winter Fest. This past weekend we had over 350 people from 13 churches gathered together for an encounter with God. Our theme for the weekend was Surrender, and during the weekend we heard inspirational and challenging messages by our speaker, Duffy Robbins. We were led in worship by the band All We Are. We had an awesome time experiencing the Nubian Gents who minister through hip hop music and dance, and share passionately about Jesus. The students attended workshops, had lots of fun during free time playing in tournaments, and met other students in our Magical Booth of Friendship (ha ha!). It was a tremendous weekend, and once again, God’s promises were fulfilled: “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst” (Matthew 18:20). And, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! … For there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forever” (Psalm 133). During our response time, we had students come forward and write on white flags the things they wanted to surrender to God. We had 337 flags filled out! Wow! May fruit remain!

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