Sarah Ristow, Support Ministry Coach

Stories

Page Photo September 2008
I THINK I'M GOING TO THROW UP

I recently learned a new song to sing around the campfire. The words go like this: "I think I'm going to throw up / I think I'm going to throw up / I think I'm going to throw up / my hands and praise the Lord!" It's a funny song (especially since the motions include clutching your stomach during the first 3 lines) and the middle school students I was with loved it.
It's a song that Caleb especially connected with on our 5 day trip. Our second day we lead the students on a ropes course, learning how to work though various challenges as a team. It was a hot day, and despite the constant reminders to drink plenty of water, Caleb got a little overheated. As he started to feel nauseous we had him sit out in the shade with some water. With him sat one of his groups leaders. As the rest of us continued with the activities, the two of them talked, and the group leader took advantage of the time to ask Caleb where he was in his relationship with the Lord. Caleb wasn't sure and the leader shared the hope and grace found in a relationship with Christ. A little while latter, once he was feeling better, Caleb went back to that leader and said he wanted a relationship with Jesus and they prayed together right there on the ropes course!
For the rest of the trip Caleb was super engaged in all the bible studies, excited to learn more. He was not alone; a number of students on that trip decided they wanted to start following Christ. They came for a fun week of camp and left eternally changed!
"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:9-10


May 2008
MORE THAN JUST "TAKING UP SPACE"

Stuart and Jessica were working hard to find students to attend The Core (a 1-day event on how youth can impact their world for Christ). But all the "leadership" students who originally said yes were flaking out and changing their mind. Needing to fill the spots they had already paid for they invited Nick*. They explained that he would actually need to pay attention and couldn't sleep through the whole event. He seemed really interested in learning and was excited to go.
Nick was a teen who had been hanging around Arlington Youth Dynamics for years. He and Stuart had become friends and though this friendship Stuart was working to show Nick what a daily walk with Christ looks like.
The day of The Core came and Nick really paid attention the entire time. He even took notes in the provided accompanying workbook. Afterwards Stuart and Jessica took the students out for coffee and to discuss what they had learned that day. In the back of the workbook there was a spiritual gifts test which they all did there in the coffee shop.
As Nick finished the test he looked up and his eyes were wide with wonder. Up to this point in his life he mostly acted as if he was just taking up space on the planet. He didn't see that he life could have purpose. This quick test, though, said that he could have gifts in leadership. This was the first time he realized that he could have an impact on the world around him. The first time he realized that God could use him and had created him for His service. As Stuart and Nick discussed this Stuart was able to confirm that he saw leadership abilities in Nick. Now, though the relationship and investment Stuart has put into Nick's life, Nick has hope and purpose for his future.
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11

* name has been changed