Teaching Others

 In the month of February I was blessed with the opportunity to spend two weekends at two different churches with some 11th and 12th grade girls for Disciple Now. The first one I was a leader at was at Olive Baptist. The ironic thing about this one was it was the night of the rival Milton vs Pace softball game (where I coach at Milton) and half of the girls i would be leading were Pace softball players. It was a pure joy to spend the weekend with these girls I have never met before and that they were able to open up and respond to me as a stranger. I know that the Lord has His hands in the middle of the whole weekend, I mean he set me up with girls that half of them had the softball connection with me. I was blessed with wonderful house parents and it was a true blessing.
Then the second one I was fortunate to lead was a last minute call and was by a new youth minister. I would have the same age group at Pine Terrecst Baptist. The cool thing about this group is that I have been able to watch some of these girls grow up in Milton but never have been very close to them. But after this weekend I feel like I have known these girls forever and the group message we have now always makes me laugh and smile, you never know what these girls may say. These girls were very energetic and never had a dull moment, our house parents also have a farm so on a small break that we had we were able to go and visit some of the animals. The weekend did not stop here as I have been able to attend many different events for the girls and one was the annual Scholarship Pageant that Milton High School does every year. These girls are not only beautiful on the outside but on inside very much. These girls are truly rare jewels and are shining their light for Christ each and everyday.
Sometimes people may ask why would I go and spend two weekends with strangers or in someone else's home, get little sleep, eat junk food all weekend. But the answer for me is truly simple. I was once in their shoes and had someone once lead me and be able to strengthen my relationship with Christ. So now I am doing what I can and giving back and sharing Christ love with younger girls, and am opening my arms to them since I have been in their shoes before and know what there are going through. These are some of the highlights of the year when I am asked to lead girls. I am forever grateful for the opportunity given to me.