From the start of my time with GSGBC, I've been helping with the Tuesday night youth club, in which several neighborhood teens, typically between the ages of 11 and 16, drop in to hang out, shoot pool, play table tennis, etc. The church started opening its doors a year and half ago because these same kids were vandalizing the property (now there's an idea: "these kids are tearing our roof apart...let's let them in"). By now, the kids have tested their boundaries and they know GSGBC to be a safe place for them, where they're given a level of freedom, but their watched and cared for. The long-term goal is to build up relationships with several of the young people and allow for open conversation that would hopefully lead to spiritual matters.
Over the past several weeks, this youth club has been somewhat frustrating for me simply because there are too many kids to talk to any one of them (at least, I feel that way since I'm not as sociable as some). I just haven't felt very comfortable. Last night, however, the weather was wonderful and, as a result, only a dozen or so kids showed up. For the first time, then, I really felt like I could get on with some of them and interact with some of them rather than just watch them. It was a small step, but it felt great.
On Saturday, I'll be going with another of the guys who helps out on Tuesday nights to take four of the young guys fishing. I expect that in a smaller group and in a far more serene environment, there will be more opportunity to get to know them and to chat candidly. Please pray for us as we go. I'll be going with Ken, the gentleman from the church, and four boys: Dan, Ben, Aaron, and James. A report and pictures to follow, I'm sure.
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