Thursday, September 29, 2011

Don't fret...there is still hope for the future

Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.  -  1 Tim. 4:12

I cannot adequately express how wonderful the kids at HCA really are.  I am referring to all of them, but on this occasion, the high schoolers.  I had the awesome privilege of accompanying our 9th - 12th grade students on their annual retreat to Lookup Lodge in Traveller's Rest, SC last weekend.  The three days were full of activity, laughter, and singing.  From the silly games to the genuine worship of our Savior, these kids really demonstrated their desire to be different from the modern teen world.  When I look back at my spiritual condition at 15-16 years old, and then see how mature these students are in the Lord at thier age, I am thrilled at the potential they have to make an eternal difference in this world.  It is an honor to work with them, talk with them, and learn from them. 

There is no doubt in my mind that we are in the toughest time to be a Christian in the history of America.  The introduction of technology at our fingertips over the past two decades has opened the door to a whole new world of pitfalls.  Teens today are not tempted in different ways than their parents were.  The flesh is the same.  However, their access to sin and their ability to act on that temptation is infinitely greater.  I am convinced that the average Christian teenager today cannot spiritually stand on his own (with a few extraordinary exceptions).  That is why Christian schools are so important.  They provide a spiritual support group and accountability. 

Of course, every student at every school has sin to deal with.  But, how many schools have 16 year-olds who are willing to look another student in the eye and encourage them to stay strong in the Lord, and to not give in to the world?  That is the type of stuff I saw last weekend, and continue to see in the halls at school each day.  Again, they are still young, and do dumb things at times, but the average kid in the high school at HCA has a spiritual maturity that I don't think I had until I was 25-30 years old.  God, thank you for building a strong foundation in these young adults.  Please enact your perfect plan in their lives, and use them for your glory!  I continue to be blessed beyond measure...


A few visual highlights:

Group Bible Study




Unity Building

Paddle Boat Races


 



Sydney Kaiser, Mr. Maier, and Kailey Hunter tackle the "big swing"
  
The hope for the future




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