Over the weekend I had the chance to attend a conference for youth workers. The conference was led by Simply Youth Ministry and Doug Fields. The theme for the conference was all about leaving a legacy. There were many take homes for me on how to help our student ministries but what I learned about youth ministers is we are not normal. We are a strange breed of human that chooses to work with students. It is many times a fruitless task and we go years without seeing any change in students' lives. However, when God does allow us to be part of a change there is no better job on earth. It was put this way at the conference, "youth ministry is paradise but right below paradise is pain." I have found this to be mostly true throughout my experiences in ministry. With all the troubles there are in youth ministry it is paradise and pain all at the same time. Students going through heartache and broken families at the same time we get a new student in the youth group. There are always situations at each end of the spectrum. In 1st Corinthians 9 Mr. Super Apostle Paul says that he has become all things to all men so he might win some. I really wonder how this is doable but I can certainly see the need for it. Also one interesting statistic from the conference was that for every 5 students a youth group has you need 1 servant volunteer. However, for every 1 student in the youth group that student desires to have their life worked into by 5 caring people. So Marion I need you, and today's American students need you to show that you care. Don't think that just because Marion has me as a youth minister that you can contract your love for students out on me. In fact you the opposite is true when I, Ike do something to show I care for students it is expected and it is blown off by many students as, "Oh he gets paid to say nice things and do nice things." However, when you have a chance to show a student that you care they know it is genuine because there is nothing in it for you. Now to the students' defense they will probably not accept it well at first. In fact they may give you a weird, odd or unsociable response. This is because they are not practiced at accepting love but I know it makes them feel greatly appreciated and cared for. Just don't expect much positive reinforcement from them adolescents is a tough time in life. So in order for Marion to leave a legacy of loving students I admit I cannot do it by myself there has to be others helping if not it will not happen. So that is this week's glimpse into youth ministry.

P.s. - Special thanks to Marion for viewing these conferences as a priority and sending me to them. Many thanks!!!

Your zinc riced,

Ike