Youth Group 3-13-10

Ok so I got my first opportunity to actual work with some of the kids here. I was given the chance to write and give the first lesson for the Youth Group at the church that the Stucky’s started. The youth group sort of disbanded about a year and a half ago and they are just now getting it started back up again. IT was a bit of a challenge given that I only had a day and a half to prepare a lesson that crossed both cultural and language barriers and could be given in a manner facilitating translation. So I would say a sentence and then wait as it was translated and then go again. It was like speaking only on the down stroke of an engine so it was a little rough to begin with. Trying to figure out a way to reach the kids ages 12-22 in a relevant and meaningful way was the next hurdle. That is a pretty big age difference to be able to get something useful to the older individuals and still understandable and meaningful to the younger ages. I hope it worked out. I used the story of the conquering of Jericho as a base for how God does things differently than man does. I tried to retell the story with a little more modern theme and in a Brazilian setting. They got a laugh out of some of the cultural identifiers I threw in there. It really helps that I have been here before and have been in contact with Ken over the years. It was also a bit rocky trying to get the kids to speak up, but given it was the first night it wasn’t all that unexpected because they are just getting to know each other and aren’t too sure how far they want to stretch out and open up in a new surrounding and atmosphere. I am hoping I kept their attention enough to get the point across that I was shooting for, which was simply God has plans for us that do not always match up with what the world thinks we should be doing and we can either live for the pleasures of this day or the joy God has for us later. Ken seemed to think it translated well, and was a good point to start off the year with, but I guess only time will tell that. I also presented a challenge to the kids on some scripture memorization. They are supposed to memorize Psalm 23 in English (which will be tougher for some than others) and Psalm 32 in Portuguese. I gave them plenty of time until June 1 to do it, so I hope they surprise me and actually do it. Memorization in this culture I am told is an important factor so I hope that helps. Well Hope all is well with you all and that God has been blessing you as you go about your days with opportunities to share in the hope and joy that you have in Jesus. Tschau.

Be praying for these kids, several do not live in Christian homes and though it maybe hard to believe the display of sexual immorality is even more common place here than in the states.

more pictures Click Here the youth group pics are near the end of the album