By: Claire Froehlich | Chaplain, Juvenile Justice Ministries
Even though Zoom calls were a great boost to ministry during Covid, nothing replaces “in person” ministry of talking with a young person, understanding their story and connecting it to God’s story.
I met “Jesse” through a zoom call, but it was only when we were in person that I’ve been able to hear his story, understand the hurt with his family, hear about his life living on the streets, and listen to his questions about God. Reading the Bible for himself, Jesse was shocked when he read about Jesus dying on the cross in Matthew.
“Man, they really did some mean s**t to Jesus. I mean, they really did him dirty. I knew he wanted to go to the Cross to pay for our sins, but it was really unfair and way beyond what I thought it was.”
Although we think of the U.S. as a “Christian country”, 75% of young people read the Bible less than once a month; 37% have never read the Bible at all. Most find it intimidating and don’t know where to start. That’s one of the reasons I like “The Jesus Storybook Bible” and “The Action Bible” for Mt. View Christmas gifts. Getting ‘the big picture’ helps them understand they were created good by a loving God for relationship with Him. Although we’ve broken that relationship, God sent his Son, Jesus to restore it and redeem us into something far greater than we can ever imagine.
Jumping back into “in person” ministry again, I’m thankful every day for two key groups of people: committed volunteers who connect with youth in ways I never can, and…you! Believing that reaching young people with the love of God can transform their world and ours!
As Paul said in Philemon, “For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.”
Thank you for being a part of the ongoing conversation with youth in our city and helping us share God’s story. It’s our honor to be the storytellers on your behalf who meet kids right where they are and give life to their story.
Providing young people in our community with the opportunity to make an informed decision to be a follower of Jesus Christ and become part of a local church.