The Next Generation

"For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; 

I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; 

I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and your clothed Me...

Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, 

even the least of them, you did it to Me."

Matthew 25:35-36, 40

How many times have I read this verse or heard it read aloud and thought "Amen!", but then walked away and thought nothing more of it until the next time?

Too many times.

How many times have I looked the other way when i saw a homeless person, a family without enough clothes, or someone who just need to be smiled at?

Too many times.

It's amazing to see how completely selfish and ungrateful I can be when there are people in our own backyards who don't have a bed to sleep in for the night, or food for their next meal, or socks to put on their feet.

I've only gone down town with Covert Ops twice now, but it's amazing what just one night in down town Minneapolis with a bunch of homeless people can do. 

Covert Ops started a little over a year ago. Every now and then a small group of students would go down town Minneapolis on a Friday night to hand out clothes and serve meals to the homeless. Today, Covert Ops is taking groups of 30-40 junior high students (along with a few adults) down to the Minneapolis Salvation Army where they set up their tables on the street to hand out clothes as well as to serve around 160 meals. Not only does Covert Ops seek to meet the physical needs of these people, but they meet the Spiritual needs as well. These students are evangelizing, praying over people, and just being a listening ear to the all-too-often over-looked.

A group of junior high boys praying over a homeless man who just wants to be heard

As a junior high ministry intern and volunteer (and I know every other adult who has gone down with us would agree with me) it is so powerful to watch 12, 13, and 14 year old kids go out to the streets with their faith; handing out Bibles, explaining the gospel of Salvation, and praying with these people as they are accepting Christ. These people know our bus. They know our students. They know we are serving a Great God. Covert Ops is changing the lives of many homeless people, but it is also changing the lives of many junior highers. 

For more stories, pictures and the pastors blog, click here.

This generation is huge. They have a growing heart for evangelism and a huge drive to live out their faith. In the constantly changing media stricken culture they are in, it's no wonder they're reaching for stability and truth. These students want something to believe in and they want to succeed at it. Give them a challenge, they'll run with it and do the very best they can to be the best they can. 

This upcoming generation wants to make an impact, we just have to let them, rather then push them aside as "little kids". They have a purpose and mission on this earth and, in many ways, they have the loudest voice of us all.

Words cannot describe the joy and love I have for these junior high students. They have changed my life and opened my eyes to the simplicity of faith. I'm so thankful for each student I have been privileged to work with the past few years. I've got nothin' but love for these teens! And I am so blessed to be able to disciple them.

"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 Timothy 4:12

This verse changed my life 5 years ago and I'm so very glad that I am able to pass on it's truth to this next generation! These guys are meant for something great, let's allow them to reach that potential! 

Jenna's Journal