Deep sighs can be deep prayers in and of themselves.
The reality that God hovers over the chaos continues to ring true in my life, your life, and the lives of the students we walk with. Here are things some of our students have said over the last month:
"I don't want anyone praying for me."
"You feel like home. I don't know if that makes sense, but you make people feel comfortable and at ease. I've looked up to you and Ainsley for a long time."
"I've been bullied since kindergarten, and I just want it to stop. I feel like I can never be myself in front of anyone. I'm afraid they'll leave me."
*Deep sigh
There have been a lot of good things happening! And there have been a lot of heavy things young people are carrying: substance abuse, fear of the future, crippling anxiety, big walls that keep them isolated and away from any threats, grief.
May the God who sees and hears our deep sighs intercede on our behalf, open eyes, stir hearts and bring deep healing. May we say 'yes' to God's invitation to stand with Him in the gaps, letting our deep sighs for the brokenness we see give way to unseen hope that new life is possible, God is present and at work, and He is hovering over the chaos.
BIG CHANGE
Many of you know that a lot of change is happening at our youth centre. It is bittersweet to say farewell to Ainsley (my work + real friend) as she moves on from Youth Unlimited YFC, Donna (our exceptional administrator) as she retires, and Kevin (our outstanding satellite director) as he transitions into a regional director role with Southwestern Ontario YFC.
Is this a lot of change? Yeah.
Will this change the way we do things at Youth Unlimited YFC? Inevitably yes.
Is God in the middle of all of it? With certainty.
At times I am completely overwhelmed by the gift it has been to serve with this team, to work with people I love, and to champion each other as we seek to champion youth in our community. And with unwavering hope, we look forward to the future, knowing God is at work in each of our lives and in this ministry.
PRAYER
Clear vision and wisdom for Mel and I as we serve Listowel, moving from being a team of five to a team of two
'L' as they experience some big challenges
Students experience the presence of God at camp this summer!
WHAT’S COMING UP:
Canoe Day trip - May 3
Field trips - May 14-15, 21, June 6
Volleyball Camp - July 22- 25
Muskoka Woods Camp - July 28 - August 2
Youth Camp at Conestoga Bible Camp - August 24 - 30