A Word To RAW
Well tonight I had the priviledge of preaching at a youth rally. We had a great service and God really moved in the lives of young people. But after a night of ministering to people, I was ministered to. After the service my wife and I went out to eat with a few of the students in our youth ministry. As we ate, we just began to share thoughts, ideas, experiences and ambitions. I took the time to really listen to what these students were saying and discovered that they are incredible young people. I discovered that they are very observant and have great insight and wisdom to offer. These are young people who are entering young adulthood and who we’ve had the opportunity to minister to for a number of years. But as we spoke and as we shared, I heard passion, knowledge and love in their words. Love for God and love for people. I could sense that they truly love God and are in a quest to allow Him to reign and to rule in their lives. Oh, they may not always get it right, just as I don’t always get it right, but they truly love God and are striving to live for Him.
You know, many times in youth ministry it’s hard to see the fruit of your labor. You wonder if they’re listening when you preach. You wonder if they take you seriously or not. You even wonder sometimes if all your time, energy and efforts are even worth it. To those of you that joined us for dinner and conversation tonight, thank you for showing me that it is all worth it. As you spoke and as you shared, I was proud to be your youth pastor. My prayers for you did not go unheard. My preachings and teachings and moments of counsel did sink in. As you spoke, I heard your love for God and if I even had the smallest bit of influence in your life, I thank God for that opportunity. To all of RAW Student Ministries, I vow to always teach you and to always love you and to always let God’s light shine through me so that I may be a vessel that God uses to impact your life. I don’t know it all and I’ll make my share of mistakes, but one thing I know is that no other youth pastor loves his flock more than I love you.
Jason said,
August 25, 2008 at 9:19 pm
I feel your heart in this piece…I think that it is really simple to sum up what we feel as youth pastors. “Its not just about what the students learn from the youth pastor, its also about what the youth pastor learns from the students…that there’s no greater impact than a youth pastor learning he/she has impacted students!” – JR
Be encouraged my brother…be encouraged!
R.J. Martinez said,
August 31, 2008 at 12:24 am
Pastor Rob: I just want to let you know that you were a very big part of my spiritual growth. I know personally you have impacted my life in a great way. You have taken me under your wing and have taught me things that are forever with me. You have been a great example and mentor. Your faithfulness and dedication is greatly noticed and has changed my perspectives on things. I see the favor of God on you and hope to one day impact this generation the way you have.
Isela Muzkiz: I know we kid a lot, but i do really want to thank you for all you have done. I see you as an older sister ( your not that old to be considered a mom
) your support and correction has shown me you really care. I see your love for your youth and your faithfulness to them and to your husband. I see how you minister right next to him and how together God uses you guys to impact these youth. I pray that God would bless me with a Godly women who will stand by me, minister right beside me, and be faithful in it all the way you have been.
I just wanted to let you guys both know that. I’ll see you soon.