It's been a March like no other! The weather has been delightful. Wish it were this way every winter. The last month has been filled with trips,
hard work, opportunities, and a mini-vacation for the Rodeffer's. First some exciting things, then some
ordinary things in the life of a youth minister, and finally some family
dynamics.
Winter Jam was more like “summer jam.” We had fun rocking out to several different
Christian bands, listening to a few speakers present the gospel in a relevant
way, and worship the one true God! It
was a blessed night.
Cleaning up yards and flower beds for various elderly people
around Bushnell is one of the things I do with teens this time of year. Another is going to band and chorus
contests. Finally, out of the blue one
day, I was asked to coach a 13-14 year old boys baseball team this summer. I take this as an opportunity to invest in
the lives of these boys-becoming-men, of which one is our son Andrew. Thank you Lord!
Over Easter, we had the chance to get away for 5 days to
Boca Grande, FL. We had been planning
this trip since last fall. Thanks to our generous aunt and uncle Treat we had a
refreshing time soaking up the sun, walking the beach, fishing, swimming and
attending sunrise service on the beach.
We needed that!
Last but certainly not least, one jr. high boy trusted
Christ as his Savior in the past month!
As a ministry team, we have clearly communicated the gospel through out
the school year and given teens a chance to respond. So far this year about 10 jr. high students
have taken that step of faith. Some are
growing, getting to church related activities and others are struggling,
longing for God to help them out of their desparate situations. Pray with me for these young people that need
mentors and need to get involved in seeing life from a Godly perspective. Pray for our leaders and myself as we try to
meet these needs.
Ok, one last thing.
Recently we had a very open ended conversation with our two oldest
children about relationships and life's purpose. It was neat!
Pray for Andrew and Abby as they draw closer to God and draw their
friends closer as well. One in
particular is taking steps toward God.
Pray for her. Thanks.
Also Pray for:
ñ teen
that go on the Believe Trip (April 20-21) to come back ready to grow and help
others grow closer to God (pland seeds).
ñ Pray
for us at Western IL YFC – our board, our staff, and resources.
