One of the high school students edited our 30 Hour Famine video. I basically handed him the camera and said, “Have fun. I trust you and I am empowering you to capture what happens this weekend. Have at it. I will be of any assistance to you.” Seriously I am so lucky that I have students who love editing videos; AND they do a great job at what they do.
The 30 Hour Famine for the Church by the Sea Student Ministry was a huge success. Why? Because these kids want to participate and contribute in something that is BIGGER themselves all while following the teachings of Jesus.
NIV Matthew 5:1- 6 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
I argue that existentialism has a very strong influence on how mid to late adolescents live their lives. Existentialism fused with Jesus’ teachings does provide the best way to live. However existentialism disjointed from Jesus’ teachings does not provide the best way to live. Following Jesus is not about the right religion, but about living in a way of life that is beautiful and very narrow; and only a few will find it and follow it. The best way to live is by forgiving people–serving people–feeding people–loving people–and honestly expressing the real you to people.
Students need to learn it, experience it in order to believe it; all while reflecting about it. Youth pastors need to do less and less talking, and more and more reflecting about the experiences the students are actually experiencing. Students need to feel, hear, see, and taste what the teachings of Jesus demonstrate. The 30 Hour Famine can be successful because it is one way that requires action and reflection from each student who wants to follow the way of Jesus. Students not only want to create meaning in their own lives, but they want to contribute to a bigger meaning that lays outside of their own life.
Keep Building and Fighting For The Kingdom!
JZ
4 comments
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May 16, 2008 at 3:32 am
Yvette
Wow…powerful stuff. This is one of those occasions where true memories were created, and it carries the potential to powerfully change these kids lives. Great job JZ. The kids at your church are blessed to have you and your wife in their lives.
May 16, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Matt Cleaver
Random:
Since this is a wordpress.com blog, you prolly don’t have much control over this, but your RSS feed doesn’t seem to be working.
May 16, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Dr. Headly
very nicely done. thanks for sharing the video.
May 23, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Brian
Jeremy,
This looks really great. What a creative event you all put together. And I completely agree that one of the most impactful things we can do for youth is to provide them with experiences of faith. When I visit with youth that I worked with 10 or 15 years ago, what they remember most aren’t the Bible studies but the times we slept on the parking lot in cardboard boxes to experience homelessness or the time we fasted for 30 hours to be in solidarity with the hungry or the times we served food in a homeless shelter or visited teh elderly. Keep up the excellent work!
Brian