Apr 08-Message from Greg Monaco

So, what kind of faith do you have? What kind is it if it doesn’t stretch you?

One of my favorite activities working with at-risk teens was to take them rappelling – descending cliffs with a rope. In preparation, I’d bring my rope to our meetings and pass it around. The kids would tug on it, read the tag that said it was “tested to 10,000 pounds shock strength", and even hang from it. I’d ask if they believed it’d hold them, if they had faith in it. They always said “Yes.”

Later, on our campout, in the shadow of the 200’ cliffs, I’d ask how they felt about the rope now that they could see the challenge first hand. Most of them would brag that they “weren’t afraid of nuthin’” and that they’d trust the rope… but was that a bit of hesitation I heard?

Later, at the top of the cliffs, the first teen would be strapped into the harness and clip into the rope. I’d back them up to the cliff on wobbly legs and then ask: “Do you trust the rope?” Half the time I’d get a shaky “yes”, the other responses would range from tears, to screams, to paralysis.

Eventually, all of them were coaxed over the edge of the cliff on their first rappel. Once they were six feet or so down the face of the precipice I’d stop them, lean over the edge and ask: “Do you trust the rope now?” Almost always, the response was a grin, and a knowing, “Yeah, I do. I get it now!”

That night at the fire, we’d talk about trusting in God, having faith in him. By the time of the trip, most of the kids would have heard about “accepting Christ” and “believing in Christ” several times in their weekly meetings. But now, when I would tell them that God wanted them to trust him, like they trusted the rope today, you could see the light come on in their eyes. They got it.

How about you? Is that the kind of trust you have in God?

When faced with a challenge, do you jump right in with because you aren’t afraid of “nuthin?” Some find it easy to face tests relying on their own power. They’re “wired” to take risks; it’s natural to just jump in. When they rise to a challenge, they don’t do it out of faith, but out of temperament.

Or do you find a way to hang back and watch - to walk away from a challenge? Do you reason that it “isn’t the right time in my life”, or “I don’t feel a peace about it.” But, maybe that’s just because the challenge is just too intimidating.

Or, coming face to face with a challenge from God, do you trust Him, strap in and go for it, wobbly legs and all? The response of the faithful is to trust that God has led them to the cliff, to check and make sure their gear is in order, then step over the edge.

Those that take “faith” risks, step out in a trust that lets God get them through the challenge. Faith is tested, not just resolve. Faith grows, not pride. Fear is overcome and we learn to trust God even more.

A life walking in faith means living in the expectancy of God’s presence; aware of his control of our world, his leading in our lives, and his provision for all our needs. A living faith should stretch us beyond our comfort zone, should move us into action and profoundly change us.

If it isn’t, maybe we are standing too far from the edge.

Apr 08-Golf Outing

Sponsored by: Catch A StarLearning Center Inc.

424 West Piper, Macomb, IL 61455

Ludlum Food Mart

CocaCola Bottling Co. of Macomb

6th Annual YFC Golf Outing

Sat., May 17th, 2008

Location: WIU Harry Mussatto Golf Course

Time: Shotgun start 8:00 a.m., (registration at 7:00 a.m.)
How Much: $50/person or $200/foursome

You’ll get a light breakfast, 18 holes of golf with a cart, beverages and

snacks while you play, and a catered grilled lunch.

Improve your score by purchasing mulligans and closer tees. There

will be gifts for each participant, prizes in various divisions, and raffle prizes too.

Interested in registering? Email us or call us.

Apr 08-Bushnell Beat

The Bushnell YFC ministry over the last month has been stable. Throughout the week teens and myself are inviting other teens to Campus Life and other outreach events where they can hear about God. Teens are also discipling other teens in addition to our Wednesday night meeting. To see this take place has been a joy! We have a couple of young men in Bushnell that are really making a difference in the lives of others, while at the same time setting a very good example for the rest.

At the beginning of March, our 9th Annual Soup Supper drummed up a lot of excitement. The event was one of the best ever. Over 15 teens signed up to do odd jobs for people around town to help raise money for YFC. Several have completed their work already. One weekend I took 3 teens to my brother Mark’s home in Peoria where we worked on getting their house ready to sell this spring. A couple of weekend’s ago, one of our volunteers brought 3 teens to my home for a project.

A couple of weeks ago at Campus Life we lovingly shared the gospel, intertwined with a mini-series called “True Lies.” I have not heard of any direct responses yet, but the teens were very attentive and seemed to be taking it in as we shared.

Let me just say that God has put together a wonderful team of volunteers to reach out to the youth in Bushnell, but there is a constant need for more. In order to reach the broad spectrum of teens coming in and out we could really use an additional female volunteer or two for our Jr. High program. It seems like mom’s are very busy and it is hard to find those females that are able to help with teenagers. Please pray with me in this area of our ministry.

Thanks for all that you do prayerfully and financially for Youth for Christ’s outreach here in Bushnell.

Apr 08-Prayer Requests & Needs

• Pray for wisdom as the Board continues to seek God’s plan for YFC.
• Pray for the students as the school year comes to a close.
• Pray for good weather and many golfers for our Annual Golf Outing. The golf outing committee is in full gear. If you can help out on the day of the outing, please contact Deanna at 309-333-0111.