Greetings everyone! Our youth and I have just gotten back from the Dare2Share conference. We had seventeen students and four adult leaders attend. Dare2Share’s theme this year was Unshakable. They taught from David’s life, mainly his battle against Goliath. They pulled from this story three core concepts; worship, warrior, and witness. They emphasized that the only way to worship God is if you are a believer. Then they encouraged the teenagers to face their giants – bandages to sin – and be victorious warriors. Finally, to be witnesses, to tell their friends about Jesus. During one part of the program, they had all the kids who made commitment in one of the three areas share them with their youth pastors. Most our teens made a commitment of some type that evening – whether to follow for the first time, do battle against a sin struggle, or share with one or two specific friends. It was a powerful time, as I prayed a commissioning prayer over each one individually, entering their joy or struggle with them. Many of us had unashamed tears that evening.

 One student asked for me to pray for courage to share his faith with a couple of unsaved friends. As I was praying, I felt the quickening of the Spirit in my heart to pray for this student’s identity and acceptance in his status of being a son of God. He broke down and began to weep. The gospel of Jesus is good news for the believer and unbeliever alike. It changes us to the core. Two other people shared that the day after the conference they felt a burden lifted off them, making them feel 120 pounds lighter. The weekend had an impact on many of the students.

During the conference, I signed up to become a certified D2S trainer. This will entail coming under the coaching of another certified trainer. He will bring accountability, expertise, and vision for a gospel advancing youth group. Over the last year, the pieces have been falling into place for this to come about, as my leaders and I have become more aware of the spiritual battles and the importance of fighting them with prayer. On top of that we have begun to implement strong student and adult leaders, training them to share the good news and disciple others. I’m looking forward to seeing how we can maximize our impact in the community through our students.

 

 

 Life in Six Words Video

On regular Wednesday nights, we’re going through a Dare2Share curriculum called Life in Six Words. This is the first time in my leadership that we’ve split into small groups. It has become a great atmosphere for discovery. Leaders are learning to grow into their role by sensing where the kids are at in their understanding of the truth, and adjusting the curriculum accordingly. One of the leaders has shared that she is really impressed with the girls in her group. They are engaged, interested in learning, and not afraid to ask the challenging questions. Small groups are proving to be an effective time for both students and leaders.

Simple Church is still rapidly growing on Saturday mornings. This is a time for believers to come together to worship God and study the word together, getting back to the example of the core basics of the early church in Acts. It is open to any students who may be interested, at nine a.m. on Saturdays.

I would like to ask for your prayers about the direction of this youth group; in looking ahead, how we’re going to end the year and how the summer plans will materialize. So far, we’re going to be planning a day at the lake, a mission’s trip to Pine Ridge, and most likely a Valley Fair outing.

In Christ,

Micah Siebert