John wrote, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth” (3 Jn 4). Every once in a while I get a glimpse of something great that one of my former students is doing, and it reminds me that all of the sweat, tears, and other struggles are worth it.
Claudia is currently a senior in the youth ministry program at the Mexican Baptist Theological Seminary. Not too long ago, she started a ministry with a few other seminary students that aims to reach out to young girls and help them as they journey through adolescence and young adulthood.
You can read more about her ministry in this article I wrote for the YMI newsletter.
For me, though, this ministry means a lot more than just what she and her team have accomplished. It means that somehow the culture we created at the Center for Youth Ministry at the Mexican Baptist Theological Seminary helped inspire her to do more than just the average ministry. She is striving for excellence in what she’s doing.
Her ministry (and the ministry of many other of my students and graduates) brings me great joy.
This post was originally published in our ministry newsletter. Click here to subscribe.
The above photo is a view of Havana from the statue of Jesus that overlooks the harbor. It’s a spectacular view, but it’s not the best thing about traveling to Cuba. The best part of visiting Cuba is not the gorgeous view of the harbor or the vintage cars or even the delicious coffee. The best part of visiting Cuba is visiting the friends and collaborators in the ministry.
I had the enormous privilege of visiting Cuba from February 13-19. I traveled with Jeremy White, executive pastor of Springdale Community Church here in Louisville, and the purpose of the trip was to visit the three Centers for Youth Ministry that are teaching YMI curriculum in their Seminaries across the island.
It was so much fun to see many of my former students, connect with them again, hear the stories of what God is doing in their lives and how He is using them to reach and disciple youth and their families. I want to take a few minutes to introduce you to some of them.
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Last week in Havana, my friend Jeremy and I were walking home from our usual breakfast spot, Cafe Fortuna, when we walked past a very cool old pink convertible. A young man walked out and asked if we wanted to take a taxi ride around Havana in the car. We were leaving for the airport, soon, we explained, as we declined his invitation.
He asked how we had enjoyed our trip. We responded about how great the weather was compared to the snow back in Kentucky. I said, “We’d rather be here than there,” referring to the weather. He quickly responded, “I’d much rather be there than here. Snow, rain, whatever. There is better than here.”
Earlier this week I was reading about our heavenly citizenship and how we long for our true home. This story of the young man in Havana reminds me of my longing for God’s Kingdom. No matter how blessed we feel here; no matter what temporary pleasures we experience here on earth, “There is always better than here.” May we always remember the blessings of belonging to God’s true Kingdom and seek to introduce others to the King.
It’s been a year since my youth pastor, buddy, mentor, and friend went to be with Jesus. I’ve thought about Joe a lot over the last year, and I will remember him for a long time. I haven’t published this before, but this is what I said at his memorial service last February.
It’s a little long, but it’s what I could see in his life. I hope it encouraged someone that night and encourages someone today.
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A few weeks ago I attended a doctoral seminar at Southern Seminary that was focused on ministry to college students and emerging adults. One of the assignments for each of the class members was to evaluate a resource for college students.
As I was sitting in class, I took notes from my classmates presentations and thought I’d put them here for you if you’re looking for something to help students with their faith as they go off to college.
By the way…the links are affiliate links, so I make a few pennies if you decide to buy from amazon after clicking here.
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