Youth Stepping Up

​Youth Stepping Up
 
Its has been a while now since I stepped back from youth ministries at Bethel and Melanie Reynders took on full leadership of the ministry. Because so much of youth ministry happens behind the scenes, and not publicly on a Sunday morning, it can easily slip off our collective radars. This last week I had a chance to talk to Melanie and hear about what is happening in Bethel’s Youth Ministries. She shared some exciting moments. I also asked her how we as a church can better pray for the youth of Bethel.
 
The first moment she shared was about youth worship. This last week Kevin Rietema, the usual leader of youth worship, was away leading at the Dunamis conference. In his absence the youth completely took charge of worship. Leading all the students in worship were two grade eight students (Owen & Miriam) and one grade seven student (Rachel). They did an incredible job leading the group into God’s presence. They really made it clear to everyone that you do not need to be in high school to lead your peers in the youth group!
 
The second story that Melanie shared with me was about the youth missions trip to Mexico. She shared how going into the trip she was praying for kids who are normally quite shy to be able to step out of their comfort zones. On the trip that was exactly what happened! Students of all ages stepped up to share testimonies and share faith! It was one of the best missions trips Melanie has ever been on.
 
How can we pray for the youth of Bethel? Melanie immediately told me that the retreat she has planned for this weekend is going to be very special for our youth. I cannot tell you what it is, or where they are going because it is called a “MYSTERY Retreat.” What I can tell you is that our youth will be stretched and challenged to serve in new and fresh ways. She also said to pray for transformation in the hearts of our youth, and for a breakthrough into the community of Bannerman this summer.
 
Every week a dozen or so youth leaders come together to pray for, listen to, and mentor Bethel’s youth in their faith. We are very blessed to have such a committed and talented team. Lets continue to encourage them and pray for them in their work with our kids.
 
-Pastor Ryan

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