Before we even met, King and I had already been serving in the youth ministry, and within those years in the kids ministry as well, though he became a Christian and started way before I did. When we got engaged and got married (a whirlwind, I must say), we also helped out with the singles. I think I let go of the kids ministry when I started having my own kids (a ministry in itself). So the youth and the singles were the only two groups in church then that I had the desire to minister to. And though King was already open to ministering to young married couples, I really wasn’t until just late of last year. King also “switched” jobs last year, from youth pastor to worship services pastor. Nevertheless, neither of us let go of our involvement with young people.
I realize that there is very good reason why, besides the fact that it is where I grew up and matured — ironic since I started in the youth ministry in my early twenties. With the youth, there is always a sense of newness, maybe much like our own beginning as a christian. There is that undeniable passion for God and to reach out to those who do not yet know God. There is that fire that we know we once had and we always want to have again. As we serve, help, teach, disciple, minister to them, we become privileged witnesses of their growth, of their faith. And we become inspired again and again. Our flames are fanned again and again.
I want to always go back to being like the youth. I want to be on fire, passionate, enthusiastic like they are. I want to
always be in awe of God’s goodness, no matter how seemingly small the victory or breakthrough. I do not want to be too “Christian” for my own good, that I do not appreciate daily miracles anymore. I do not want to get tired of hearing God’s work in people’s lives, even if it’s as small as God answering prayers for parking or as basic as God teaching them to trust Him.
I don’t want to “know it all” already. I don’t want to be set in my ways. I want to remain eager
to listen and learn, open to new exciting ideas. In other words, I don’t want to grow “old” haha! So to Grounded, our church’s youth group, thank you for keeping us young! And to our children, thank you for your example of child-like faith! 🙂
Phoebe's Sari-Sari Stories 
Indeed, the young keeps us young and shows us how not to make things other than God meant them to be.;) I can say the same being with kids. Recently, God used a kid to remind me how simple, yet amazingly wonderful, prayer can and ought to be. She prayed a verse in Psalm 23 over me, and I was brought to tears. She said, “Lord, make Teacher Lea’s heart happy even when what she’s waiting for hasn’t come yet. You are her shepherd.” Just a few heartfelt words. That’s all God requires. 🙂 Thanks, Phoebs. What you wrote makes me ponder on how rewarding, however challenging, it can be to invest in the next generation.
wow, lea….thank you for sharing….i totally agree! and because of vbc, i’ve been inspired to volunteer next year! at least for 3 days, i can be part of the kids ministry again. i loved being a kids church teacher when i was single. young people, kids and teens alike, are pretty inspiring indeed. 🙂
And it loves you back Ate Phoebe and PK!!!
I agree with Edrei. Kids and Youth love you and your family. 😀