So, in the last post, I raised 3 key questions that I was asking, heading into the lockdown which we now find ourselves in, in South Africa.
Before beginning to answer the questions, in the last post, I was keen to convey the need of perspective. This is the perspective of the hope which I have which is concrete, irreversible and undoable and it’s a hope which anyone can have if they trust in the Lord Jesus.
It’s this perspective which is driving us, as a youth ministry, to respond in the way we are and this will be unpacked but, as a reminder, the questions I was asking are as follows:
Can we continue to engage in a context which is so diverse, particularly with the differences in accessibility to resources? If yes, how?
Can we now engage effectively with so many of our youth families who aren’t properly connected into the church community, aside from the youth ministry? If yes, how?
Can we show love to our youth and their families, in this situation? If yes, how?
The answer to the first part of each of the questions above is a resounding ‘YES’. By God’s grace, we can still engage, we can still connect and we can still love, in this time. We can do these things even though it may seem hard at points. Let me give some brief answers to the ‘how’ of these questions below:
How can we continue to engage in a context which is so diverse, particularly with the differences in accessibility to resources?
We’ve decided that aiming to keep the midweek Bible study groups (called Pulse groups), which we had before COVID struck, should be maintained as closely as we could to what we had before. We wanted to do this to ensure that teens would still be in virtual groups, where they already knew people. We also wanted teens to be in a group where they could continue to build relationships with other teens and leaders who they will continue to be in groups with, when all of this eventually passes away. Thinking beyond lockdown is also important.
The major barrier to meeting virtually is the barrier of access to wifi/data, so that teens and their families can stay connected. Many of our teens and parents are in a position where they don’t have wifi and data is expensive. However, we praise the Lord, that many people have been incredibly generous in offering financial support to sponsor data for these teens and their families. This ensures that more of our teens and families can remain connected and online resources can be accessed. It’s been great to see people sacrificially serve by giving in this way, to the work of the Gospel.
How can we now engage effectively with so many of our youth families who aren’t properly connected into the church community, aside from the youth ministry?
In each of our virtual small groups, we’ve been linking up key parents to a particular group (who are already plugged into the church community). We’ve been encouraging these parents to reach out to the other parents of teens in the group, to invite them to other small groups which are running, in the church. We’ve also been wanting to use this as an opportunity for people other than myself and other leaders, from the church, to engage with these parents.
How can we show love to our youth and their families, in this situation?
Pray and connect. Prayer is crucial! If we’re not praying for the teens in our groups and their families then we’re getting the order of things wrong. We need to strive to work hard with Gospel resolve but we do so in humble dependence in God, recognising that without him, we won’t see any growth in this time. We love our youth and their families by first praying!
Then we connect. We’re seeking to connect our teens into these small virtual groups and ensure that they can access resources and make calls. We want to follow up with the teens in our groups to check up on them, encourage them and point them to Christ. We want to do the same with our parents, so we are engaging through encouraging leaders but, as I said, also through parents engaging with other parents.
So, there we have it…
A few thoughts and pointers on how we’re seeking to progress in this time of uncertainty. We press on in radical prayer, we press on with Gospel resolve and we humbly depend on Christ! Even through the chaos and uncertainty of these times, Jesus is in control, his kingdom will still grow and his purposes will come to pass.
As I wrap up, I must take this opportunity to mention how an amazing group from the UK (photo above) were able to fully immerse themselves into the youth ministry, during the developments with COVID but also before. It’s with great sadness that on Saturday we said goodbye to this amazing group of young ladies who were nothing but a joy to have around, despite their efforts to keep me humble. I was particularly impressed with all of their zeal, willingness to learn new things and eagerness to throw themselves into what was going on at church – particularly, the kids and youth ministry. Each of their servant hearted attitudes were so evident and it was beautiful to see how they were able to have such a profound impact, in such a small space of time. They will be missed greatly this side but I’ve no doubt how God has got great plans to use each of them for the extension of his Kingdom. Kirsty, Emily, Eleanor, Eliza and Molly, we salute you. A special mention must go to Kirsty, the team leader, who was able to lead the team so well through so much uncertainty and turbulence. The team were an inspiration to us all and we have much to learn from this group.
You will hear from me again soon!
Peace,
Adam 🙂
Another Brit Abroad 