In December 2016, I taught a course in Nigeria called Youth Culture. That course is part of a larger program that YMI has started that is sure to impact the 13,000 churches in the Nigerian Baptist Convention.
One of my students, Samuel, recently wrote YMI to tell us about how the program is impacting the youth workers in Nigeria.
He writes, “The fire you kindle has started to burn in Nigeria. As you always emphasize in class that this is not meant for class or academic purpose; the wave is blowing beyond the four walls of classroom. Some of us are already applying the lessons beyond the demand of assignment. We are not really after class grades but how to impact our generation. The magic is that the more we venture into carrying out the class assignments, the more interest we develop for the ministry.”
I love hearing that they are applying what they have learned. I’ve always said that my desire is to see what is taught in the classroom put into practice in the local church.
Samuel continues, “The truth is that I have never seen and been passionate about youth ministry like this before. This is one of the most practical courses I have taken in all my theological trainings (about 10 years).”
The key to application of academic assignments is to teach in a practical manner. I pray that my teaching will always be practical and allow students to dream about what they can do in their ministries to impact the next generation.
You can read more about the program in West Africa by clicking here.
I’ve been obsessed with using Plotagraph, a new app that turns your still pictures into moving ones. In my opinion, the best uses for this app is to make a regular photo you took look like a time-lapse.
I use it along with inShot on my Spanish youth ministry site’s Instagram and Facebook to post moving clouds along with verses or quotes.
It’s great for social media.
Here’s one I took the other night at sunset:
If you’re interested in using it, I wrote up a tutorial on How to Use Plotagraph over on my other website.
One of the things I teach all the time is that God wants to use young people. He wants to take their gifts, talents, and interests, and he wants to allow them to be free to serve him with those things he has graciously given them.
While I was in Cuba, the youth group girls had a brilliant idea to open up one of the church meme era home as a hair salon and offer free hair-styling to the community. It was an incredible way to invite people in and share the gospel while meeting a need.
My favorite part is how they used their talents and gifts and interests for ministry.
They were excited to do it and worked hard to organize everything they needed to get it done. They took their time styling hair and talking to those who came in, and it was obvious that they genuinely enjoyed what they were doing.
As a result of their use of their gifts, a few girls from the community responded to the gospel and many others heard the message that they may not have otherwise heard.
If you don’t sing or play an instrument, you can still be useful for the Kingdom!
I created a full report of my trip to Cuba and would love it if you’d take a look at it. Please continue to pray for the work there. God is doing many great things, and we are blessed to be a part of it.
Click below to open the report.
