I really enjoy being a "part time" youth minister. I like spending time with our kids at church, they are really great. I must tell you something that really made me feel good that one of them told me on the way back from camp. We are driving home and one of them asks " Hey Matt, if you are still alive when I die, will you do my funeral?" I said "No problem, I would be honored to do that for you." I truly believe that he was serious too. It made me feel really great though. I hope that I do not have to do that any time soon though. Another thing that is really an honor is when our youth come to me with some problems that they are not sure how to work out. I had a young lady ask me some advice just tonight on how she should handle some things in her life. I told her what I thought she should do, and then we prayed about her situation. I pray tonight that God gives me the wisdom and the words to say when I am dealing with some of the issues that our youth have when they come to me for advice. We had several open up to us at camp about things, and not just ones from our group, but others from other towns that felt they needed someone to talk too. I had a young man from another town tell me about his sister that had gotten killed, and he was having a hard time with it. Wow that was tough, he really seemed like a great kid. I hope that I was able to help him.
Some other funny things that have been said to us since we have been working with the youth is "yall are like my second parents." That really makes us feel good, and then there is "If I ever get thrown into jail or get into trouble yall are the first ones that I am calling." Not sure how to feel about that one, but we want our youth to know that we are here for them always, at any time for any thing.
We have felt at times that we miss out on some of the adult things that go on, but I would not trade hanging out with our youth for anything, they are all great kids and we are getting closer to all of them every day. Anyway, I was just thinking about all of this tonight and thought that I would share. If anyone else wants me to do their funeral I would be glad to, If I am still alive :)
Check out the pictures on the below blog entry of our week at camp. I will try to post more later.
3 comments:
You guys do a great job! Hate that we don't tell you enough. Like the new look very manly, other than the guy that looks like he is picking his nose. (you know me can't keep it too serious)
yep - it is cool that he asked you that. shows that he trusts you! he is a pretty great kid... but he is definitely a senior! gotta love 'em!
The Central church is blessed to have the Howell's. And when you hear someone make a comment like that it makes it all worth while.
Keep it up.
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