Welcome to our ministry

Boaz Lighthouse International Ministries is dedicated to helping teens and their families find ways to connect with each other.
It is committed to investing in the lives of at risk teens and helping them to find their way in life.It 's foundation is Jesus Christ, understanding that He is the only one who can bring true healing to individuals and families.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

The ups and downs of working with teens

I have been reading a book written to youth pastors and those who work with teens on a regular basis. Within the first couple of paragraphs the writer talks about this type of ministry, expressing that some of his greatest joy comes from working with teens. Conversely he shares that some of his greatest pain has come from working with teens.

I could relate to this today. First the painful part. Today was the day when we had to go to Jerry, the young man we had helped to place in a home just two months ago and tell him that he could no longer live there. He had chosen to break the most basic of rules his adopted family had set up for him. He broke this repeatedly and after many warnings the decision had to be made.

I love this kid and still do. We explained it to him lovingly and helped him to understand why we had come to this place. We reminded him that we were not giving up on him and that we were still committed to helping him. I took him out for supper and reiterated that we were not giving up or abandoning him, that we were still there for him. Pray for him as he has some tough days ahead. He does have a place to go and we will continue to monitor his situation very closely.

Upon arriving home from dropping him off to his place to stay I laid down and received a message from another teen. This time the conversation was incredible. This young lady shared with me how excited she was that she had just had an amazing conversation with her dad. She had been able to have a heart to heart talk with her dad, one that was long overdue.

We had been praying for this breakthrough for some time now and it was such a blessing to see the overwhelming joy she had from connecting with her dad. I told her how proud I was of her for having the courage to share her heart with her dad.

I am reminded that in youth ministry and in this ministry to hurting teens that there are going to be days of victories and days of pain. I hope there is less of the latter, but even in them I am going to continue to have hope. After all HOPE IS RISING!!!

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