For seven years, I have had the privilege of serving in the youth ministry at my church.  And yes, I really do mean, the privilege of serving.  It has been a privilege having girls open up their lives to me, choosing to be vulnerable, teachable, committed, forgiving, patient, and loving.  Getting to glimpse into the hearts of the girls whom the Lord has placed in front of me has been incredible, humbling, and challenging, at times.  Too often, I believe, we are not aware, or perhaps take too lightly, the influence we have in others’ lives and the responsibility of stewarding that influence well.  We have the opportunity to profoundly influence lives around us, for good or bad, and it only through Christ that we can wisely, lovingly, with His strength,  and through his Spirit, be of any good.  Knowing this influence we can have, and the responsibility it brings, this question constantly percolates in my mind: “Andrea, are you able to say, along with the Apostle Paul, ‘be imitators of me, as I am of Christ’?”  When reflecting on this question, the weight and responsibility it holds, produces both fear and excitement in my heart.  It causes me to inspect the motives of my heart, the use of my time, and creates a resolve in me to do whatever it takes for Him to be seen as great in each of their lives.  I know I fail often in being an imitator, but I believe, those failings are also a significant part to doing life alongside these students, as it humanizes us, creates real relationships, breads a culture of authenticity, and illuminates God’s grace.  Trying to modify behaviour in others will not produce lasting change, heck, I can’t even modify my own behaviour for any length of time, but I believe, the more we see God as awesome and then point students to gaze upon His greatness, there will be lasting change and a greater love for Him.

It seems as though I have veered away from the initial intention of this post, so I better circle back.  I promised “my girls” I would work on limiting my “ramblings” (the poor things were subjected to them frequently!), so I must switch gears quickly and get back on track.  Below, I have added a few pictures from a wonderful surprise evening my youth girls planned last night – a wonderful “farewell for now” gathering.  A couple of years ago I became the leader of this group of young ladies ,who were just entering grade ten, but how quickly time passes, and they are embarking on their final year of high school. I can say with full confidence, it pains my heart not being able to closely walk alongside them this year, as they will face with many difficult decisions and finish their stint in youth group.  I love these girls so much.  It has been one of my greatest joys getting to sit and watch, in front row seats, how the Lord has weaved together such beautiful stories and interesting journeys in each of their lives and their growing desire to love and obey.  There is no doubt I will miss the many coffee, lunch, or dinner dates I have shared with them, but rest assured, I will be their biggest cheerleader on the other side of the ocean and praying for them to press on in the faith.   When I was initially wrestling with whether or not the Lord was calling me overseas to serve in an unreached people group, this group of girls was the first thing on my mind, and from my perspective, one big reason for me to stay home.  I wanted to finish the year with them, I was scared my heart would miss them too much, I did not want them to think I was not a committed leader, I wanted to stay home and continue “doing life” with them and watch God continue working in their lives.  I certainly did not want to miss their last youth retreat or graduation party.

However, the Lord began showing me the greatest way to love these girls was to practice the many things we would speak about during our times together, and obey what the Lord was asking me to do.  I really believe that one of the best ways we can love others is through obedience.  And, as Meldon Lutzer said in one of his messages this summer, “there are people waiting on the other side of your obedience.”  I was so encouraged  and challenged by that, and then how he also spoke about needing to be okay with saying “goodbye” to people.  So, with that being said, I am slowly learning the best way to love these girls is by choosing to follow Christ wholeheartedly.  I have and will mess up often in that pursuit, but, His grace is simply amazing.