Youth Ministry Chunks

Over-Under (game)

2012-02-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

No. of participants:     12-40 people
Age:                          From 5 years upwards
Materials needed:        Some kind of medium-sized ball
Space needed:            Narrow space alongside the field can be used
Time taken:               Totally variable

Description:

• Devide participants into two equal teams.

• Participants stand in two lines next to each other all facing the front.

• The front child begins with the ball first, holding it with two hands and passes it over his/her head to the child behind him/her.

• The next child takes the ball and passes it now under (in between his/her legs) to the child behind him/her as quickly as possible.

• The team which has finished to pass the ball through the whole line wins.

Last Man Standing (game)

2012-02-05T03:48:00.000-08:00

No. of participants:     2-40 people (but it is also fun for onlookers)
Age:                           6-40 years
Materials needed:         none
Space needed:             small to medium area. Indoor/outdoor.
Time taken:                 until only one team is left (2-5min)

Description:

•    Team up in twos. Players have to stand back to back.

•    When you say "go", all players press their backs against their team-player at the same time.

•    Players have to position themselves together. They have to go down with their knees (45 degree angle).

•    Now they have to stay stable in that position (they are not allowed to hold each other) and the time is running.

•    If a team falls on the ground they are out of the game.

•    They team who hold out the longest is the winner.

Four Square (game)

2012-02-02T21:55:00.000-08:00

No. of participants:     Minimum of 8 people
Age:              6 years upwards
Materials needed:        Chalk or masking tape; some kind of ball that can bounce
                                (use a soft ball for younger children)
Space needed:            Minimum space of about 4m by 4m on a smooth surface on which masking
                                tape can be stuck to demarcate the squares or on which chalk can be used to
                                draw the squares; Indoor/outdoor
Time taken:               10 -20 minutes

Description:

•    Using either chalk or masking tape, demarcate one large square divided equally into four squares, making a window-like design. The squares are called numbers one to four respectively moving clockwise.

•    Players line up outside of square number 1, with one participant in each of the four squares.

•    Player in square 1 begins with the ball and hits it with his/her hand into one of the other squares. Each player has to successfully hit the ball into one of the other squares when it lands in their square. When the ball goes out the person who hit it out joins the back of the queue again and the other players move up to the next square around.

•    The aim of the game is to move up to square 4 and stay in as long as possible without making any mistakes.

•    A more difficult version of the game is to hit the ball with your foot (instead of your hand).

In a split second... (poetry)

2012-02-02T03:41:00.000-08:00

(by Alex Strecker)

...some breathe their last breath of life,
while others overcome death as they strive.

...some cry after possesions they just had,
while others value relationships more instead.

...some miss out on their life-dreams,
while others view life differently than it seems.

...some loose out on reaching the position they want to be in,
while others simply worship the true and eternal king.

Gordian Knot (game)

2012-01-31T09:32:00.000-08:00

No. of participants:     5-20 per team
Age:               6-60 years
Materials needed:         none
Space needed:             medium to large area. Indoor/outdoor.
Time taken:                5-10 minutes minimum

Description:

•    Divide the group into teams (at least 5 people per team).

•    Teams form a circle and spread out a bit.

•    Players have to close their eyes and stretch out their arms (forward).

•    Players have go slowly forward until they touch another hand and grab it (it is important to grab hands from two different people, they also should not grab the hand of their neighbour).

•    If all hold hands, they can open their eyes

•    Then they need to untangle their knot without letting go of the other peoples hands.

•    The team who untied their human knot (stand in a circle again) first wins. (It is ok if not all players face the inside of the circle after untying.)

Duster Hockey (game)

2012-01-29T04:29:00.000-08:00

No. of participants:     6-40 people
Age:                          From 5 years upwards
Materials needed:        Newspaper; tape; bottles to make cones; some kind of ball
Space needed:            Fairly large area needed (depending on the amont of people who play). An
                                indoor area with smooth floor and no breakables around would be ideal.
Time taken:               5 - 10 min per game

Description:

•    Make two hockey sticks by tightly rolling old newspaper into cylinders and then taping them tightly together.

•    Use a small plastic ball, a soccer ball, or make a ‘puc’ out of waste material such as a plastic lid that slides well along the floor when hit.

•    Use self-made cones as described above to demarcate goals on either side.

•    Make two even teams; let both sit on the sideline in a row on either side of the field (facing each other).

•    Give each team member from both teams a number (so that you end up with two 1s, two 2s, two 3s and so on...)

•    Put the ball in the middle and the two selfmade hockey sticks on either side.

•    The game-narrator (referee) then starts to call out one number, as soon as the teams hear that the right people with the "called" number needs to jump up, get one hockey stick and tries to score a goal.

•     As soon as the game-narrator (referee) calls out a new number the "old" numbers (players) sit down in the row again and the two new ones continue to play.

•     The team which scores the most goals in the alocated time wins.

•    The game must be monitored closely by adults if young children are playing as it can become very boisterous.

Circle Knees (game)

2012-01-28T02:28:00.000-08:00

This is a really simple game which is easy to initiate spontaneously.

No. of participants:     3-20
Age:                          From 3 years upwards
Materials needed:       One soccer ball
Space needed:          Small area needed
Time taken:               Totally variable

Description:

1.    Participants stand in a circle.

2.    Ball is thrown randomly from person to person across the space in the middle.

3.    If anyone drops the ball or throws an ‘uncatchable’ ball, they go onto one knee until they are thrown to and catch and throw effectively. Then they are able to stand again.

4.    Additional mistakes result in moving onto two knees, sitting down and then lying down and moving back up those levels can only take place through catching and throwing well again.

Dodgeball (game)

2012-01-26T01:41:00.000-08:00

No. of participants:     6 per team
Age:                           9-40 years
Materials needed:         6 balls (soft or medium hard balls); don’t use soccer balls!
Space needed:             marked area (8m long & 5m wide) Indoor/outdoor.
Time taken:                 until there is only one team left (it usually takes 5-8 min)

Description:

•    Divide the field in two half’s (4m long), have a line in the middle. Put the six balls on the line next to each other (with a small space in between).

•    If a player grabbed a ball he/ she must first go back in their field before throwing the ball.

•    The players stand at the back of the field waiting. Play starts when the referee blows the whistle, followed by a scramble for the dodgeballs. (Teams should be evenly mixed – age and gender wise).

•    A player may only hold one dodgeball at a time.

•    If a player is holding a dodgeball, he is restricted to a limited range of movement. He may only take a certain amount of steps, usually starting with 2 and, as other players are eliminated, lengthened to 3, 4, etc. and eventually free to run.

•    If a player is directly hit (anywhere on his/her body), he/ she is out.

•    If a player catches a ball from a direct throw, he/ she is not out and the other player is out. Furthermore a team-mate can join in the main field again (If no team-mate is out, nothing changes).

•    Each player is allowed to be "out" twice before eliminated from the game (with each out generally marked upon the player's hand with a marker).

•    The team which has the last player on the field is the winner.

(Official dogeball rules can be found: http://www.thendl.com/theNDL-Dodgeball-101.asp)

Days of the week (game)

2012-01-24T04:26:00.000-08:00

No. of participants:     35-70 people
Age:                           8-40 years
Materials needed:         chairs (if possible)
Space needed:              Medium to large area. Indoor/outdoor.
Time taken:                 10 minutes minimum

Description:

•    Divide the group into 7 teams (at least 5 in a team).

•    Make 7 rows, one team behind the other and name them (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from front to back.

•    Now if you call a day, this specific day has to sit down as quickly as possible in the front row. The other teams have to line up behind that day in the right order (for example: if you call Wednesday in the first row, then Thursday has to go to the second row, and so on…)

•    The last 3-5 people (depending on the size of your teams) who sit down again are out of the game (make sure to have at least two judges).

•    People have to bear in mind that if one team (one day) is out of the game, they have to leave a gap row for the game (if they forget that they are out as well).

•    Stop the game after ten minutes (you can play longer if necessary). The team who has still the most players in the game wins.

Ultimate Frisbee (game)

2012-01-19T05:49:00.000-08:00

No. of participants:        6-30 people
Age:                             8-50 years
Materials needed:           Frisbee, cones (to mark the field)
Space needed:               medium to large area, outdoor
Time taken:                  10 minutes

Description:
•    Set up a field (at least 3m x 6m), marking a line as the goal on both (shorter) sides.
•    Divide the group into 2 teams (at least 3 in a team).
•    One Team starts by throwing the Frisbee deep into the field. From where the Frisbee lands (or is caught) the other team starts.
•    As soon as a player has the Frisbee he is not allowed to run (one legs has to stand firm on the ground).
•    Throw the Frisbee to your fellow player to get towards the opponents finish line.
•    If the Frisbee is caught behind the finish line then it counts as one point.
•    If the Frisbee is dropped the other team receives the Frisbee.
•    If the Frisbee is caught while thrown by the other team, it belongs to them and they continue playing.
•    If the Frisbee is interrupted by the other team (but not caught) it still belongs to the team which threw the Frisbee.
•    The team with the most points after 10min has won.

Human Foosball (Game)

2012-01-17T02:09:00.000-08:00

No. of participants:     30-80 people
Age:             6-40 years
Materials needed:     Water-ball (blow up)
Space needed:       Medium to large area; Indoor or outdoor
Time taken:                 7 minutes minimum

Description:

• Divide the group into 2 teams (at least 15 in a team).

• Every Team forms at least 3 rows (defence, middle field and striker). Each row has to hold the arms tight of their neighbour (you are not allowed to let go or run around).

• Set up the teams always one row of the first team, then the next row from the second team (like at a real foosball-table). You don’t need proper goals, just make a line behind the defensive row on both sides.

• Throw the big water ball in the middle of the group. The teams are not allowed to touch the ball with their arms & hands.

• Now they have to try to get the ball forward in order to score a goal (to get the ball over the line).

• If the ball goes out of the game or over the line the referee (game maker) throws the ball back in the middle.

• The team who scored more goals after 10min wins.

Why is Jesus the Best Manager for my Life? (Sport-related talk)

2012-01-15T23:46:00.000-08:00

One - Because Jesus lived life like you and I do.

He walked the walk and could talk the talk.
He knew what it was like to be hungry and homeless.
He knew what it was like to be ridiculed and teased.
He knew what it was like to be misunderstood.
He knew what it was like to be punished for things He didn’t do.
He knew what it was like to labour and sweat to earn a living.
He knew what it was like to see friends die, or fall gravely ill.
In essence, Jesus shared all the same experiences that you and I go through. But with one great difference. The Bible says that Jesus never sinned. Not once. [ Heb 4:15 ]

And just as God was with Jesus through all those experiences, Jesus wants to be with us.
Jesus can relate to what you and I go through. He’s been there before us. He’s lived here - seen it, done it, and was crucified for it.

Two - Jesus knows what is best for us.

Jesus know all about our weaknesses. He knows that we sin - that we often do wrong things. But as a good manager, he wants to help us overcome those sinful ways in our life that we might be the kind of people that He created us to be.

Jesus knows that we have a very powerful enemy too - Satan. However, Jesus is smarter than Satan, and just one word, or one action Jesus can help us overcome Satan and his influence in our lives. Jesus sees the big picture and wants to coach us in the game of life so that we end up on the winning side.

Third - Jesus knows how to win.

Many people when they talk about Jesus remember him as the person that died on the cross, but that's only half of the story. The second half, is that Jesus rose from the grave they buried Him in, and rose up to heaven to sit at the side of His Father - God. Jesus is a winner. What looked like a defeat, God actually worked out to be the greatest victory ever.

Yes - He was whipped, He was bruised, He was beaten, and He was killed. But He endured all those things just so He could stand before God the Father and say, “I have died in their place. Don’t punish them for their sins. I will bear their punishment for them.” And that victory that Jesus showed over death means that we too can experience life for all eternity - a life in heaven as a winner.

Summary:
We have men in the soccer world that we look up to and respect for their achievements as footballers. In the game of life, there is one figure that stands head and shoulders above the rest as the One who should gain our respect, our allegiance, our following... His name is Jesus.

(from AIS South Africa)

Leadership AND Friendship - can they work together?

2012-01-07T05:02:00.000-08:00

There are several important qualities one should possess and nurture like discipline, vision, wisdom, decision, courage, humility, humour, patience, diplomacy and so on (JO Sanders, 1970. Spiritual Leadership. London: Lakeland. p.43-69).
But one that is often overlooked or even disregarded is, I believe, the power of friendship in leadership. It is RARE but yet extremely POWERFUL.

The challenge is to understand that you can combine the two. I either meet people who have great friendship capacities but think they are not cut out for leadership. They do not realise that they already lead others in some way (like being a parent, leading colleagues or younger siblings, if you work as a teacher, or teach a Sundayschool class...). Others are convinced especially in a secular buisness environment that the two are incompatible (as they never tried it out or had a bad experience with it).

Two definitions:
Leadership –
is the capacity to translate vision into reality (Warren Bennis)
(http://www.leadership-tools.com/leadership-quotes.html)
I am a leader by default, only because nature does not allow a vacuum. (Bishop Desmond Tutu) (http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/leadqot.html)

I can pick out two important realities in the above mentioned definitions:
Leadership is INFLUENCE and it is INEVITABLE (it needs to happen)

Friendship –
Is a form of INTERPERSONAL relationship generally considered to be closer than association.
(http://linked2leadership.com/2011/08/03/friendship-leadership-quality/)

While other might think that it is unwise or even impossible to establish strong friendships within the people you lead, I think differently. Below I briefly want to mention some qualities that can be found in sincere friendship relationships.

Five Qualities of friendship:

- Selflessness:
Wouldn’t you be willing to give up everything in order to help a close friend? True
friendship nurtures selflessness, which is the tendency to DESIRE what is BEST for the
OTHER.

- Sympathy and Empathy:
Means to CARE for the ISSUES, RESTRICTIONS and CONFLICTS others are going
through. In others words, it is putting yourself in other peoples shoes.

- Honesty:
Refers to a facet of moral character and denotes positive, virtuous attributes such as
integrity, truthfulness, and straightforwardness (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honesty).
In other words it means to SPEAK the TRUTH in LOVE especially in difficult situations.

- Mutual understanding and compassion:
Is understood as a cornerstone of greater social INTERCONNECTION and humanism
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compassion).

- Trust:
Means to BELIEVE in the other person (even though you know that you might
disappoint each other).

Example:
In my ministry I work close together with other volunteer youth-workers to help local churches to strengthen their work within their communities. While we started of as colleagues we continue to get to know each other better and better, with each meeting or event friendships between individuals are developed, nurtured and deepend. I realised how much we can benefit from each other, as we share personal experiences and how importance friendship becomes while we work together.

As every coin has two sides, so does friendship. In order to be able to invest in real friendships in people you lead and as you are lead by others, you need to be aware of some possible perils.

Three challenges in friendship:

- Willingness to make yourself VULNERABLE.
   This can be a very difficult decision you need to make for yourself. A good friend will
   eventually know both sides of your personality. He/ she will know you strengths and
   weaknesses, likes and dislikes, good and bad.

- Disappointment hurts much DEEPER, it becomes PERSONAL.
As your colleague becomes your friend he/she will eventually disappoint you (or vice
versa). This can become a personal struggle between the two of you (and can leave deep scars) if
you are not aware of that reality.

- FEAR that the other person is MISUSING the friendship for their personal benefit.
As you work together with a friend one (you or the other person) might take the friendship
for granted, even to the extend to expect special treatment because of the friendship (like
“small favours”).

Example:
I used to have a colleague who was my friend and he as well volunteered for the soccer-ministry programme I am heading up. He had great knowledge regarding coaching, but unfortunately treated the children we trained badly. We had a good friendship and I challenged him several times to change his attitude towards the children (which he promised he would). But unfortunately it only got worse, and I found myself in a conflict. I had to confront my friend to make a clear decision, either he’d change or he had to leave - to my surprise he chose the latter. While I am sad that our friendship was lost I still know that it was the right decision.

A Biblical example:

While you can find many friendship – leadership examples in the Bible like Jonathan and David, Moses and Joshua, Paul and Timothy… There is one significant friendship I want to look at:

JESUS and PETER
- Jesus chose 12 disciples, he was their leader and friend. He had a closer friendship with
Peter, James and John. Of Him (Jesus) it was written: “Having loved his own which were in the
world, he loved them until the end” (John 13:1).

- Jesus lead very specific (intentional) - Leadership stages:
Classroom - Jesus gave his disciples information. He taught them his ways through different
teachings, stories and the “Sermon on the Mount”. (Mt. 5-7)
Observation - This happened as his disciples walked with Jesus and observed him. They
were close enough to Jesus to go beyond just information as they were able to see the
person. We need to be role models as leaders. (Mt. 8:23; Mk. 2:23)
Individual - Jesus focused especially on twelve rather then reaching the mass. Personal
contact and individual time is necessary in developing others. (Mt. 11:1)
Crisis - Growth usually happens the most in crisis situations. Whether it was a boat in a
storm (Mk. 4:36-41) or feeding the 5000 (Lk. 9:11-17) the disciples grew in their
understanding of leadership through each experience. Therefore stay with your young people
in the crisis.
On the job - Jesus sent his disciples out to experience ministry first hand. He sent them out
for on-hand experience and then briefed with them afterwards. (Mt. 10)
(AB Bruce 1979. Training of the Twelve. Kregel Publications)

- Rollercoaster ride - Jesus friendship with Peter had its up’s and down’s. Here are some
significant moments:
* He call’s Peter the “Rock” whom He wants to build His church on. (Mt 16:17-20 )
* In the next incident He rebukes him with the hash words: “Behind me Satan!”
   (Mt 16:21-23)
* ONLY Peter trust’s Jesus (with his life) to step out of the boat and walk on water!
   (Mt 14:25-33)
* Jesus warns Peter that he will deny Him – his friend and leader (Lk 22:31-34)
* He forgives Peter and restores him into leadership (Jn 21:15-23)

So, now it is up to you personally! Ask yourself:
+ Do you believe that there is a space for genuine friendship with people you lead?

+ Are you interested in befriending your boss?

+ How can friendship within leadership enhance the capacity of an organization or ministry?

+ What parameters might need to be put in place to keep the challenges regarding
   friendships to a minimum?

Hopeless? (Poetry)

2011-12-19T21:24:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it feels there is no way,
when I stumble and fall astray.

When darkness fully covers me,
and there is no light that I can see.

It seems that all my hope is gone,
my feet are heavy, my mind is torn.

The cry of wounded people appear,
every laughter is gone, only their plead I can hear.

In times like this I fall on my knees,
I cry out to you - suddenly I find peace.

A peace that helps me to stand up again,
and reach out to others wherever I can.

(by Alex Strecker)

What are you worth? (sport-related talk)

2011-12-15T03:40:00.000-08:00

Who are some of the most expensive and highly prizedfootballers in the Premiership League?

Who puts the price tag on the head of a player?

The two managers - the one who is buying the playerand the one who is selling him.

What cost are some managers willing to pay toget the top players?

Ronaldo - InterMilan is on £100,000 a week (£5Milliona year)

RioFerdinand - Bought from W.Ham for 15million—most expensive defender.

Van Nistelroy - moved to Man. U for 18million .

McManaman - off to Madrid for 100,000 a week.

What was the highest transfer fee paid for a (enter alocal team) player?

Why is a manager willing to pay such wages andprices for a player?

He hopes that by buying the ‘best’ it will help theirteam to do better and be more

competitive in their games.

Therefore, what determines the value?

The players ability to perform a task/fulfill aposition with relative success.

What happens when the performance level of suchan expensive player decreases?

The player is dropped, sold on, .…

Are some positions more valuable to a team thanothers?

This is a TOUGH question!!!

If we say yes - buying 10 strikers wouldn’t really begood for a team.

If we say no - then why are some players bought andsold for different prices.

Basically it all comes down to this - the manager mustevaluate if the prospective player will help his team. If so, he will buy himif he has the money available.

Sometimes we hear of managers selling two or threeplayers to get the money together to buy one expensive player. (That’s part ofthe role of the manager).

As a Christian I like to think of God being thatManager buying me.

The Bible talks about God choosing me to be a part ofHis team.

The only thing though is that I am not chosen for Godsteam by what I do, or for how smart I am, or for how much I help people or forany other reason. God simply wants me to be a part of His team because He lovesme and cares for me and He wants to be a friend to me.

Why does God love me so much?

In the very beginning of the Bible is one of the mostimportant verses. In Gen 2:27 says:

“SoGod created man in His own image,

Inthe image of God he created them:

Maleand female He created them.”

What do you think that verse might means?

Well, God created you and I in His image. Just as youand I reflect the nature and features of our parents, so too we are meant to bea reflection of God.

And just as a parent is proud of his/her child … soGod is proud of you and me.

He made you. He created you. He’s proud of you. WhenHe made you He smiled and the bible says that He was pleased with all that hehad made because it was good.

Psalm 139 says….

Foryou created my inmost being

Youknit me together in my mothers’ womb

I amfearfully and wonderfully made!

God made you perfect …. So whether you are slim orlarger, blond or brunette, fast or slow, good at math or good at music….. Godmade you in some way to reflect Him.

Relate this back to the manager…. When he buys aplayer, he will try to shape him so that he fits into the team for the best.Also, he will give him instructions of how he is to best operate for the teamfrom match to match. After a time (if he’s wise), that player will begin toreflect the attitude, desire of his manager. That is a wonderful picture of what God has done. He chooses us! And how did He show that love for me? Well,He sent Jesus Christ—His Son—to live on this earth. 2000 years ago this manJesus went wandering around for 3 years in Israel telling people about God. Atthe age of 33 however, the Jews hung Him on the cross and left Him to die. Somefriends buried Him in a tomb. Three days later, He rose back to life. (Allthese events are recorded in the first four books of the New Testament).

(from AIS South Africa)

Chosen for the team (sport-related talk)

2011-12-07T06:14:00.001-08:00

Situation…. Week before Englandmatch vs. Sweden

Or ____________ vs.______________

Thisweek picked up a Newspaper …. [ Hold up Daily paper ] … and read thisarticle.

Firstof all—Who is this? [Show pictureof ( Manager ) ]

Thearticle was relating to the squad ( Manager ) had chosen to represent ( Team ) in the nextmatches) or for a tournament. Over the next week there will be much speculationas to the final eleven he will put out on the field.

Askkids various questions about who they think is in the squad…..and if they know who the goal-keepers might be?

[Read the names of someplayers - goalkeepers/defenders? ]

It’sinteresting to note that when ( Manager ) picked his team, he’spicking from the very best English football has to offer. These guys are …….

* atthe top of the game

* makingthe big money

* earningall the respect

* havingtheir every move and word evaluated and dissected by the press

Managerhas got these guys aside for a week during which he will be …..
* instilling team tactics

* viewingreplays of games re: strengths and weaknesses of the opposition

* training the team on thepractice field to stay fit

Essentially,the players will be learning from the Manager how he wants them to play.

Thisarticle reminds me a lot of Jesus. Not long after he entered into the publicworld, He picked a very special team…..

Anyguesses who that team might be? Disciples.

Howmany of them were there? 12

Letme read the list to you. [ READ Mark 3: 14—19 ] Could also read The calling of Levi (Mark2:13,14)

Theone thing that strikes me as being very different is that while ( Manager ) was picking the elite,Jesus was picking ordinary people.

( Manager ) picked the best of the best.

Jesus picked ordinary every day people

* 4 fishermen

* one tax collector
* one freedom-fighter

IfI was to pick a team that would totally revolutionise the world, I’d want menand women who were…..

army generals
politicians
wise businessmen
intelligent thinkers

ButJesus wasn’t so interested in that.

Doyou know the key thing Jesus was looking for in getting members for His team?

Vs 14 “….that they mightbe with Him ….”

Jesusis simply looking for people that want to be with Him.

to learn from Him
to obey him
to do the things that he did

(Justlike the Manager taking the team away into training camp).

Isn’tthat encouraging?

We don’t have to be thebest, or the greatest, or the most popular, or the most wealthy to be a friendof Jesus. We simply need to be ourselves, and he can take us and make us whathe wants us to be. We want to strive to be the very best we can in all that wedo—sports, music, studies, job, etc, butit is important to realize that Jesus loves us, accepts us and chooses ussimply as we are.

Hetook 12 men and made a massive impact on the world. He can take our lives andmake a huge impact in our world too.

(from AIS South Africa)

Wearing the Logo? (sport-related talk)

2011-12-03T09:43:00.001-08:00

Almost every organisation has some kind of logo - buisnesses and companies, universities, social groups, sporting clubs and teams.

Ateams logo .....

will be on everything it uses to promote the team - shirts, scarves, hats, etc. Any kind of object to promote the club or team will carry the team logo
Will always be the same - the uniforms may change in Colour/pattern/design, and the players may be change, but the logo is will remain the same

Thereis great pride when wearing certain logos.

Who would I berepresenting if I wore this logo? (Have a visual example)

eg 3 lions - England

Silver fern - New Zealand

Springbok – South Africa

Inthe competitive sense, whenever we pull on the shirt and wear on our chest thelogo, we’re playing for pride in what we represent, whether it our country, ourprovince or our school.

Wheneversomeone sees us wearing a logo, they automatically assume that we are in someway associated with that club - either as a player, as a worker, or a fan. Youfly your colours, showing who you identify with when you wear a logo.

Asa Christian, what logo have I been marked with?

TheBible says that when we become Christians, God puts a seal on our lives - aseal of ownership, a seal that says, ‘You’re mine’. God does that by placing apart of Him inside us - the Holy Spirit.

TheHoly Spirit is a person and has His own personality. Therefore, because we aremade up of spirit too, we can know Him and have a friendship with Him. The markthat God places upon us is actually a part of Himself. This mark, the HolySpirit cannot be seen with our eyes but should be visible in us through the wayin which we live our lives. How? The Bible says in Galatians 5:22, “… the fruitof the Spirit is love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentlenessand self control. “

Ifa person begins to see these qualities slowly start to change in his life, heor she can know for sure that God has marked him out and is working in hislife.

Where once he hated and was critical, that person may become more loving and gracious
Where once this person was always grumbling, now he or she has real joy
Where once this person always worried, now he or she trusts God to help him in every situation
Where once this person wanted his way immediately, he is willing to show more patience.

Justas an apple tree bears apples, so a person who is marked by the holy spiritwill grow the qualities just
mentioned, the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Justas when one wears a baseball cap with the Liverpool logo on it, we all assumethat person is a Liverpool fan, so too we cantrust that as we seek Him as Christians, God will grow these qualities of love,joy, and peace in us. When you plant anapple seed into the ground, its purpose is to grow up into a tree and bearapples. When God places a part of Himself into our lives, His purpose is tohelp us grow and take on more and more the nature of Jesus.

Wearing the Mark

Wearing a logo has a dual purpose -

1. Identification.....identity

 Identifying yourself withsomething is a choice.

 Identifying yourself withsomething displays some kind of loyalty, commitment, devotion, association

 I identify with what I mostlike.

As a Christian,God marks my life – identifies me as part of His team, a child of his family.

It isimportant for all of us to have a sense of belonging to something, a club,school, or gang, because this helps us to identify with what’s important to us.

God wants todo that for us.

2. Ownership/Sponsorship

 Most people wear a logo out ofsome kind of devotion or commitment

 Sports people/teams – sponsorspay lots of money for their logo to be worn. This helps to pay the players’ wages and training and travelingexpenses.

God is on our side.

Just like anysportsperson want to be the best they can be, in life, God wants us to be thebest we can be …… to be winners ……. And He will back us!

He is alwaysthere at our side…..

Whispering encouragement

Providing for our needs (share a miraclestory)

Wearing the LOGO is important for identity andbelonging. God wants us to identify ourselves with Him and belong to Him.

(from AIS South Africa)

The Manager (sport-related talk)

2011-11-21T05:07:00.001-08:00

(amini talk for age 10 upwards for those interested in soccer)

“Who was the firstplayer ever to win the World Cup trophy on two different occasions .... thefirst as a player, the second as a manager?

Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer has become known and respected asone of the finest soccer brains in the world. He’s know all over the world, andhighly respected.

One of the greatmanagers in Britaintoday is a certain Scotsman. Anyone know who that might be?

Alex Ferguson.

His teams over the past 6-7 years have dominated theEnglish game. His teams have set the standard that all the other teams andmanagers hope to emulate.

One of the questions I ask myself is, “Why is it thatBeckenbauer and Fergusonhave become such good

managers? Why have they become so successful?”

Possible answers:

theyare passionate about football

theyare good motivators of players

theyare working with the best players

theyknow the game ‘inside and out’

I think a big part of their success is down torespect. The players that play for them really respect them. Why. I want to pick up on three different factors:

1. They knewthe lifestyle and dedication !!!

They knew what it was like to be a player. Theyweren’t managers who hadn’t played the game, but they knew what it was like tobe in a players shoes...

totrain through the cold winter months

tosacrifice good times with friends to be in bed early

tosuffer through injuries or being left out of the team

toendure bad calls or decisions by referee’s and teammates

toexperience the thrill of seeing the winning goal go in

tolift the trophy under the accolades of fans singing...

Both managers were players, sharing the joys andtrials of the life of a pro.

Why is that so important?

1. It helps them relate to those that they aremanaging.

2. It helps the players to know that these guys havebeen through it all - seen it, done it, and got the T-shirt.

Can you tell me of some present day managers that havealso been players?

(Askfor responses)

I think it is interesting to note that most managers in the pro’s today wereformer players. And as such, they know what it takes to be a pro.

2. They haveknowledge and wisdom to pass on. They know the:

strengths and weaknesses of each individual and seek to enhance the strengths and work on the weaknesses
weak spots in the other teams, and how to take advantage of these
best way to get the most out of their team, so that the final product is greater than the sum of the parts. i.e. ‘team vs. individual’

As players, these top managers hadn’t just played the game and enjoyed it, theyhad learned it. They had learned it to such an extent that they are able notonly to demonstrate what to do, but also to verbally communicate what isexpected of those now playing.

They know how they want their teams to defend
They know how they want their teams to attack
They know how to play against certain teams

Some of the best managers are those who know how togive their team an advantage. In themiddle of a game, they may send on a new player, give a word of advice, orchange the tactics slightly so as to give their team a better chance of winningthe game.

The manager is one who sees the whole picture and isable to make the best adjustments that he can. (Give example of manager makinga decision and it having an immediate effect.)

3. They knowhow to win.

These managers have proven themselves winners. At thebeginning, most good managers had to prove themselves. But once they did - oncethey saw a few trophies lining the cabinet, people could see the fact that theyknew what it took to win .... the dedication, the effort, the focus, the unity,the preparation. These managers had tasted of victory - and that taste hasdriven them on to be WINNERS.

In thinking about the characteristics of successfulmanagers, I want to compare them with someone. The person I’m thinking of issomeone who lived a long time ago - 2000 or so years ago. His name is Jesus.

“Jesus,” you say. “Isn’t he just some historicalfigure that lived in Israel, grew up as a carpenter before becoming a preacherand being hung on a cross because he annoyed so many people with the things Hesaid. You mean that Jesus?”

Yes! I mean that Jesus. And the reason I mean thatJesus is because this man is far more than a name in history. This Jesusactually came to this earth as the Son of God. God sent Jesus to this earth sothat he could show us - teach us - the way to God.

One of the titles that Jesus was given was this -‘Rabbi’ - which simply means ‘teacher’. When you think about it, that is what amanager is too, isn’t it - a teacher. But this teacher didn’t teach soccer, ormaths, or English. No. He taught aboutsuch things as:

life, sin

howto get to God, eternallife and what happens after we die

truewisdom truesuccess

grace forgiveness

mercy truelove

His subject matter didn’t just relate to the livespeople were living then, but His teaching would also affect how people wouldspend their eternal lives. Therefore his teaching was far more important. Themain reason God sent Jesus to this earth was not just to be a teacher but alsoa manager. A good manager manages people. A manager helps people do the bestthat they can. A good manager cares about people. And that is Jesus.

Aspectsof Jesus’ life and teachings can be related to that previously said aboutmanagers, for example, as good managers are usually players first and know allthe struggles and joys and everything about the game, Jesus actually leftheaven to come to earth and be a man. He experienced everything we do, andtherefore understands what we go through and also knows best how to help us and‘manage’ our lives.

(from AIS South Africa)

Good Coach/ Bad Coach (sport-related skit, drama)

2011-11-18T13:39:00.001-08:00

Props:

Twodifferent color bibs (one color for each team)

Soccerball

Conesfor soccer goals (set up stage as a small sided game)

Whistlefor referee

Characters:

2 Coaches– One coach for the good teamand one coach for the bad (mean) team

Players– Dependson how big the area you have to work with is when doing the skit. Make the two teams even, and have at least3-4 players per team. One goal-keeper isneeded for each team.

Good player- One person be a player thathas no team to play on and is off by themselves playing

aroundwith the soccer ball.

Referee– Calls thegame– blows whistle when there is a fowl and gives the good team a penalty

kick.

Scene:
The good team and bad teams are warming-up for a matchagainst each other. The bad team isfrozen while the attention is on the good team. The good team is being nice to each other and really encouraging. The good team freezes and the Bad Team iswarming up being mean to each other, calling each other names and getting intofights with one another.
A player (who has no team to play on) is practicing with her ball while bothteams are warming up. Both teams thenfreeze and the bad coach walks up to the player and says,|

Bad Coach: Hey...you look like agood player. We need another player forour team. Can you come and play for us?

Player: Why should I play foryour team?

Bad coach: Well, we win a lot and play really hard. Weare looking to be the next champions in our league. We could really use aplayer like you to help our team be successful!”

Player: Okay, well...can I thinkabout it?

Bad Coach: Yeah, but don’t taketoo long because we might find another player to take the spot. There are a lot of players who want to be onour team. Here is a jersey. When youmake your decision just come on over.

(The bad coach walks back over to her team and freezes. The good coachunfreezes and walks over to the player and says…)
(Good Team/Bad Team Continue)

Good coach: Hi there! What is your name?

Player: Mia (or whatever you want the name to be)

Good Coach: Hi Mia, I’m coach Paul (they shakehands). I saw you playing around withthe ball and was wondering if you had a team to play for?

Player (Mia): No, I don’t right now. I’m still trying to find one.

Good Coach: Well, we need another player for our team andif you are interested we would love to have you play on our team!

Player (Mia): Why should I play for your team?

Good Coach: Well...we don’t always wingames, but we have a lot of fun and play to the best of our ability. We could use a player like you, if you wantto play for us.

Player (Mia): Okay...can I think about it?

Good Coach: Yes, take as long as you need. Please, come and watch our game and see whatyou think. Here is a jersey. If you decide to play for us, just put it on andcome over to me. If you decide not playfor us just keep it and remember the door is always open to join our team.

Player (Mia): Thanks!

(The coach turns to go back to his team and both teams unfreeze and get readyfor their match. The referee comes outand blows her whistle to start the game. The game begins. There is a lotof pushing and shoving going on from the bad to towards the good team. The player (Mia) is watching the game and allthat is going on holding one jersey for the bad team in one hand and the otherjersey for the good team in the other hand.
Someone from the bad team purposefully trips someone on the good team and thereferee blows her whistle and calls a foul. The referee awards the good team with a penalty kick. The player who wasfouled is injured and cannot continue playing. The teams freeze with one of the good team players reaching out therehands to the bad team player who fouled their teammate to help the bad teamplayer up, but the bad team player refuses the gesture. Also one of the good team players is helpingtheir own teammate up as well (frozen). While the teams are frozen, the good coach walks over to the player(Mia) and says…)

Good Coach: Mia, one of my players is hurt and wecould really use you right now to finish the game. What do you think about coming and playingfor us, right now?

Player (Mia): (looks at CoachPaul, then the team jersey, and then at the players on the field.), but I’m notgood enough. I still need more practice!I’m not ready!

Good Coach: It doesn’t matter, we need you!

Bad Coach: (still all the teams are frozen, butnow both coaches are talking to Mia). Hey YOU….don’t listen to him! They are not any good! Come, play for us. We are much better, and we always win!

Player (Mia): (looks at bad teamcoach, then the team jersey, and then at the players on the field). Pauses to think for a moment ….and then goesto put on the bad team jersey and then at the last moment before putting thejersey completely on...Mia decides to put on the other (good team) jerseyon.

Good team: (unfreezes andcheers!) Yeahhhh!!! A few players come up to Mia and welcome herinto the team.

Bad team: (unfreezes at the same timeas good team and are (softly- so you can hear what is being said by good team)disappointed and angry.

Referee: (blows her whistle again and looks at goodteam coach) Coach it is a penalty kick, do you have a shooter?

Good Coach: (turns to Mia) Mia, will you pleasetake the kick?

Mia: (looks at her coachsurprised and a bit nervous) Me? Are yousure?

A few good teamplayers: Yeah, youshould take it Mia! You can do it!Yeah!!!

A few bad team players: What, you can’t be serious! She won’t make it! She is rubbish!

Referee: Sets up the ball on the penalty kickspot. Looks at Mia…and then at thekeeper...

Bad Team keeper: (Gets set up in the goal to defend thepenalty kick)

Mia: (walks up to the penalty kickspot and waits for the referee to blow his whistle)

Referee: (blows her whistle)

Mia: (Takesthe kick and scores the goal, kicking the ball between the goal keeperslegs!!!)).

A few good team players: Run up to Mia and give her a hug, pather on the back, and cheer) Yeah!! Goodjob Mia! Thanks for scoring!!! We are so glad you are here!

Bad team players: (Hang their heads and startfighting with each other blaming different
people for the score quietly so you can still hear with is going on with thegood team). You cheated!!!!

God Spot (The teams walkoff the field and the person doing the God spot comes up)
Can anyone raise their hands and tell me what you think this skit was about?

1. This skit isbasically about choices in life. Mia had a choice to play on the team that wasnice or the team that was nasty. You toohave a choice, you can choose a team that is good or a team that is bad. I’m not talking about scores or team records,but about attitude, character, and heart. In the skit there was a Good Team and a Bad Team. What team would you choose? Why would you choose that team?

2. In the game of life, you have achoice too, between doing Good things and Doing bad things. Just think about your answer….What will youchoose?

3. The teams in this skit represent whathappens when you choose between two teams. The good team is representing God’s team and the bad team isrepresenting the Evil in the world. Without responding out loud, which team have you chosen? If you haven’t chosen a team, which team areyou going to choose? We all have achoice just like Mia.

4. The goodcoach is representing God. God will notforce you or make you feel bad about choosing His team. He loves you and wants to have you on Histeam, if you want to. The door is alwaysopen. God invites all of us to be on Histeam, and the invitation is
always there. It is up to you to chooseif you want to be on His team.

5. Mia feltlike she was not good enough to be on the good team. Sometimes we don’t feel good enough to be onGod’s team. We are not good enough, butGod chooses us to be on His team just like coach Paul chose to have Mia on Histeam whether she felt good enough or not. Sometimes we feel like we need to clean up our lives before we choose tobe on God’s team, but God wants you to come as you are. He enables us to clean up our lives once wehave come to him. He wants you and has chosen you to be on this team.

6. The challenge: If are here today and have not madea decision yet about which team you want to be on, we challenge you to do thattoday! All of the leaders here todayhave decided to be on God’s team. Please feel free to speak with one of usabout how to be on God’s team or any other questions or thoughts about thesethings. The invitation is always open,whether you choose to do it today or another day, but I encourage you to notwait.

If you are not ready to make a decision today, then I challenge you to explorefiguring out what this whole God thing is all about. Ask questions, research about it, read theBible, pray (talk to God and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Etc.)

Remember, God loves you for who you are and wants you to be on His team. The question is do you want God to be yourcoach in life?

(from AIS South Africa)

My best friend... (poetry)

2011-11-17T06:55:00.001-08:00

My best friend...

(by Alex Strecker)

...hasalways time for me

...reallygets me

...sitswith those others run away from

...iscolour-blind

...keepshis promises, all of them

...ishomeless, but offers others a place to stay

...speaksthe truth

...supportsthe underdogs

...has agreat sense of humour

...allowskids to sit on his lap

...seespotential where no one else does

...enjoyslistening to others life-stories

...fightsunrighteousness

...healsall wounds

...trustsme and I trust him

...challengesthose in power

...breaksdown barriers without a hammer

...loveseveryone no questions asked

...forgivesevery mistake

...wentthrough hell and conquered it

...blows mymind

...makes mespeechless

Do you havea friend like that?

The Substitute

2011-11-16T11:27:00.001-08:00

Props:

-1 ball

-1 stop watch

Characters:

-1 Coach/Tour member

-1 Volunteer

-1 Substitute/ Announcer (these characters can beseparate or the same)

The Skit:

Announcer: Boys and Girls, we are goingto do something very special today. Iheard that there were some pretty amazing soccer players out in the audiencetoday so we are going to have a juggling (called “taps” in South Africa, “Kick-ups” in England)contest. Who out there is a goodjuggler?

(Pick one, possibly two volunteers, depending on ageand ability. Ask the name of the
volunteer, who they play for.)

Announcer: Okladies and gentleman, this is your very own John D.!!!! I am going to give John D. thirty seconds toget as many juggles as he can. John, ifyou drop the ball just pick it up and keep going. Audience, your job is to help count while I’mtiming. On your mark, get set, go! (time for thirty seconds while audiencecounts each juggle. Let player know as time progresses.)

Announcer: Stop!! Great Job John D!! You had 36 juggles! But ladies and Gentleman, we brought a worldfamous soccer coach with us today who was telling me on the way here that hewas so good that he could beat any of your two scores combined in ajuggling contest. Do you think we shouldmake him prove it?

(Audience Cheers)

Ok, then I need one more volunteer to add to John D’sscore. (Repeat process with another orskip this and have coach compete and LOSE solely against 1st player’s score).

Announcer: OkCoach Cindy! C’mon up and show us how good you are. Now kids...Since Coach Cindy was going onand on about how sure she was she could beat you all, I think she shoulddefinitely be punished if she loses, don’t you? (Audience Cheers)

(Coach Cindy is practicing arrogantly on the side andthe announcer pretends to whisper to the audience)

...Cindy was also telling me on the way here that thething she hates more than anything else in the world is doing push-ups!

(Now loudly) So boys and girls what should we makeCindy do if she loses??

Audience: PushUps!!!

Announcer: How many? (Leads audience to a reasonable number, ten maybe) Ok. So Coach Cindyyou have 30 seconds to get more than 36 juggles or you will be punished withpush-ups!

Coach: No problem! I’m the best!

Announcer: Ok, Coach Cindy. You have thirty seconds. Ready, set, go!

(Coach Cindy comes very close but loses)

Announcer: WellCoach, you did a great job but you just didn’t meet the standard. So,
punishment! What did we say she had todo kids?

Audience: 10Push-ups!

Coach: (Groans and looks distressed,but gets ready to do them)

Announcer:Ok, Audience you count, ready Coach, Down…

Substitute: (stands up from the back ofthe room) Wait!!! (Walks up the front,puts arm around Coach). I am CoachCindy’s friend and I love her very much and would like to take the punishmentfor her.

Announcer: But...you didn’t do anythingwrong! You never mess up!

Substitute: Iknow, but I love Coach Cindy very much.

Announcer: Ok….well,audience, count! (Everyone countssubstitutes push ups. He finishes and Coach Cindy gives him a big hug ofgratitude.)

God Spot:

Wasn’t that amazing how the coach’s friend loved herso much that he wanted to take her
punishment even though he didn’t do anything wrong? You know, that reminded me of a very goodfriend of mine, Jesus Christ. You see, Ihave done things in my life that were wrong and that I should be punishedfor. We all have done these things! TheBible calls these wrong things ‘sin’,and says in Romans 3:23 that every single one of us has sinned. It also says that because of our sin wedeserve to be separated from God forever! What a terrible punishment!

But, there was one person who lived on this earth forhis whole life without sinning. Thatperson was Jesus Christ. And though hehad never sinned, he looked at my sin and said, “That is my friend. I love hervery much and I want to take the punishment for her.” And then he came to thisearth and died on a cross for me, and rose again, so that I will never have tobe separated from God again because of my sin. But he didn’t just do this for me. He took the punishment for all of us. It is his gift to us. And all wehave to do to receive his gift and not have to worry about being separated fromGod is to tell Jesus that we accept his gift, and thank him for his greatsacrifice in taking our punishment. Ifanyone would like to do that, please talk to any of the leaders at any time.

(from AIS South Africa)

Flat Ball (sport-related skit)

2011-11-15T05:42:00.001-08:00

Props:

- A regular pumped up soccer ball (at your feet)
- A flag soccer ball (hidden until you need it)

Characters:
- Speaker (facilitates the skit)
- A few people that know how to juggle a soccer ball
- Volunteers (children who come up to juggle during the skit)
- One coach with each volunteer that juggles to count how many juggles (even ifit hits the ground)
- A volunteer to juggle the ‘special ball’

The Skit:
Speaker: Explain about the different skills there are inFootball/soccer. Then go into howjuggling is a skill players should work on and why [control, touch, etc.]

Speaker: Pick out a couple of players who can juggle well,doing some tricks with the ball. * Note: You can arrange this before you startthe skit. Have them come forward and show off their juggling skills andtricks. Have the children count how manyjuggles the person can do.

Speaker:Have a few children come up and try to juggle. Assign a coach each to the children who havecome up (2 is enough).

* Have ajuggling challenge with a special ball.

Invite one of the players/coaches from one of the teams to come forward and be ready to juggle the ball. Tell the kids to count and make them aware of the juggle challenge
Hand the “special ball” (a totally flat ball) that you have been hiding behind your back, to the player. Act normal and tell them to juggle it. The kids will laugh, the player will be nervous and surprised.
The player/coach tries to juggle the ball, but it is not that easy with a flat ball.

God Spot:

Boys and Girls, this contest reminded me of somethingthe Bible talks about.

(Holdup the flat ball). We are all kind oflike this ball when we are born. TheBible says we are special, beautiful, made in the very image of God! But there is one very important problem—-Weare empty inside!

Andno matter what we do to make the outside look good, like polish it up, cleanall the dirt off, patch up all the holes And no matter what we try to fill theemptiness inside up with: relationships, sports, sex, drugs and rock-n-roll, weare still aren’t right.

Andsince we aren’t right inside we can’t do the things, live the life we were madeto live. God wants to use us to dogreat things, just like the players wanted to use the ball to do some amazingtrickss, but he can’t until…

Weask him to live in us. That emptiness inside of us can only be filled up withthe love of Jesus Christ. We let thatlove in our lives when we tell him that we want to let him in and that webelieve he loves us and died and rose again for our mistakes.

Thenand only then, like this ball when it’sfilled up with air, can we live out our true purpose and the amazing life Godhas planned for each of us.

(from AIS South Africa)

Billy the Boot (sport related skit)

2011-11-14T02:57:00.001-08:00

Target Age group – Primary kids age 5 – 11

Equipment– One ball and a pairof soccer boots

Coaches – One

This is an outline of the skit:
“Today children I have brought with me a friend, he is actually my best friendand we travel
together everywhere we go. Would you like to meet him? His name is Billy, andsometimes he is very shy, so you have to be quiet. (Out of a box you pullBilly your football boot, the kids laugh.)

“Why are you laughing? This is my best friend. We havebeen many places, on many fields, and scored many goals together … (go on totell them a story of ‘my best goal with Billy’).

“Well I was talking to Billy, and he said he wanted toshow you a few tricks today … would you like him to? (Place Billy on thefloor, and shout at Billy to do a trick).

“Billy you are embarrassing me in front of all thesechildren, what’s wrong? Ahhh. There issomething missing. Do you know what it is? ( Kids all scream ‘your foot!’).

“Yes he is missing Bobby. (Get Bobby- the otherboot - from the Box).

“Now Billy and Bobby are back together, and ready todo their stuff. Boys do your tricks …. What’s wrong? Ah. Yes, how can they do a trick if theydon’t have a ball? (Get a ball and put in front of Billy and Bobby.

“Now the boys will be able to do their stuff. Ok boysoff you go …. What’s missing? Yes I remember the boys will not do anythingunless you cheer for them. (everyone cheers, claps and jumps up and down).

“Ok, I get it, what needs to happen is that I putBilly on my foot. Now Billy can perform the task he was made for: to kick theball. (Put on the Billy boot)

“If you look at these twoboots they look the same, but there is a difference. My foot is inside Billybut Bobby is empty. I think sometimes boots are like you and me. If you look at these two boots there is notmuch difference is there? One boot is on my foot and can do the job it was madefor. Well I believe each one of us has been made for a specific plan andpurpose. However, if we want to fulfill that purpose for our lives we need somehelp. We need Jesus who died for each and every one of us here, but three dayslater rose from the dead, to help us. He wants to be the manager of your livesand help you to perform the job or role he has for you. But first you need toask him to be the manager of your life.

(Optional):

“There have been many times when Jesus really helpedme one of them is … (tell a personal story). Therefore ask Jesus to bethe manager of your life so you can turn from being Bobby the boot that looksnice, to Billy a boot that can perform the task it was made for.

N.B. This talk can also be done with goal keepinggloves

(from AIS South Africa)

gossip vs love (encouragement)

2011-11-12T00:32:00.001-08:00

Did youknow that…

…it takes 10 compliments to take away 1 bad comment?

…usually we hear 10 times more bad words about ourselvesthen good words?

But you might say: “But I only said the truth!?!”

Is it really so??? And if so. Was it necessary to share it with someone else?Could you maybe have approached the person you struggle with?

There are many movies, TV series, shows and stories in magazines about gossiping, but I want to tellyou a story which really happened…

As I grew up I was a shy little boy, everage in school, had some good friends and I was not the most popular kid in school - which was ok. BUT, there was Max. He was in my class, one year older than the rest of us and HUGE. Everybody made sure to stay away from him in order not to get insulted or physically hurt by him. Unfurtunately he chose some of us to continuously pick on, guess what -I was one of them.
He thought I'm weird, spread stupid gossip about me, complained how skinny I was, took my stuff... I usually exepted the fact that he was a jerk, but it really hurt. Inside of me my anger grew slowly, I just did not tell anyone about it. I downplayed the insult, until that ONE day.
From the minute I steped into the classroom Max went at me (made fun of me, pushed me...). I assume he was bored or just frustrated, anyway he kept on and on and on. In our lunchbreak he pushed me around AGAIN, then he took my pencil-case holding it high up in the air and laughed out loud (you know, I was too short to reach it). That was it -I had ENOUGH- so I freakedout! I know my behaviour was wrong, but I did not care in that split second... I took a 5 meter run-up and jumped on him. Somehow I managed to get hold of his neck (he was to heads taller than me!), headlocked him and squeezed as tight as I could.

Max totally shocked from what just happened, tried to yell and swung me around, desperatly trying to get me off his neck (I am sure it was a hillarious picture). But I was determined, I did not let go for 5 minutes (even though it felt like forever) until he was totally exhaused - I had finally beaten him (but I felt bad about it as well). In that moment our teacher came in the classroom and both of us were in big trouble. Funny enough we started to get along better ofter this incident.

I am not trying to tell you to hurt someone who hurts your feelings with words (aka gossip), I just want to show you what deep wounds hurtful words can cause.

Think about this:

Gossip is…whenyour tongue is uncontrollable and sharp.

Jam1:26 If you think you are beingreligious, but can't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, andeverything you do is useless.

Jam 3:6 The tongue is like a spark. It is anevil power that dirties the rest of the body and sets a person's entire life onfire with flames that come from hell itself.

When OTHER's gossip...how do react? Do you participate, ignore it or tell them it's not ok?

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Rather…be an encouragement like Barnabas

The nameBarnabas means “son of encouragement” and if we read about his life it confirmsthe meaning of his name. In Acts 4:32-37 you'll find a cool example how he encouraged others around him practically. The earlyChristians were willing to show their love and care for each other practically(through sharing what they had so that no one was in need of anything).

Think about...what you say to and about others!

How much are you worth? (drama, skit)

2011-11-11T08:00:00.001-08:00

Props: R20bill or some form of currency that is not too much, but not too little either.

Characters: - One team member tobe the speaker
- Everyone else onthe team participate with the talk and raise your
hands. The kidswill most likely follow your lead.

Speaker: (Ho1ding up a R20 bill)ask, “who would like this R20 bill?

Other team members and kids:(the kids should raise theirhands) Raise hands

Speaker: “I am going to givethis R20 to one of you, but first, let me do this…(crumple up the $20 bill andhold it in the palm of your hand) “who still wants it?

Team Members and kids: (shoulddo it on their own, but help them by raising your hands too) Raise hands.

Speaker: “Well, what if I dothis?” (drop the $20 on the ground and start to grind it into the floor withyour shoe and then pick it up) “Now itis crumpled and dirty, Who still wants this $20?

Team members and kids: Raisehands

God Spot-Lesson:
Speaker: “My friends,we have all learned a very valuable lesson today. No matter what I did to the money, you stillwanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Manytimes in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the
decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though weare worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you willnever lose your value to God. Sometimes we think that we must be perfect, orthat we should somehow clean up our lives before we can become a follower ofJesus. God loves us no matter whatbecause His Son took on all the bad things we have done, which we call sin sothat we might have no sin. Sin separatesus from God, but because Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice and died for ours sin, we are clean, pure, and arevaluable. Even if you are dirty orclean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to God and God wantsYOU! He loves you and wants to be in afriendship with you. You are valuableand anytime you feel like you are not, remember that God thinks you are. Thatis why He sent His Son Jesus to the world 2 000 year ago. He thinks you are worth sacrificing His Son’slife in exchange for yours. All youhave to do is believe, and ask Jesus to be in your life.” We challenge you to think about what has beenshared and every time you see a R20 remember that God thinks you are valuableand special. If you have any questionsabout what was shared I ask that you speak with some of these people on ourteam. We would be glad to share with youabout God.

(from AIS South Africa)

Amazing Grace (skit, drama)

2011-11-10T22:23:00.001-08:00

Props:
- A microphone for a soloist (AmazingGrace) or a CD player

- A colored sheet/blanket
- 3 handkerchiefs or 2 + sunglasses

- Jesus wearing all white cloths

Characters:

- Jesus: wears colored sheets over his white cloths–cover white cloths as much as possible

- Lame person: tie handkerchief around leg that willbe injured

- Crying person: really sad, wiping tears withhandkerchief

- Blind person: if you have sunglasses, wear them. Ifnot, wrap a handkerchief around your head.

- 2 guards
- Soloist to sing (Amazing Grace)- Sing first verse, last verse and first verse(up a key)
First Verse: “Amazing grace how sweet the song…”

Last Verse: “When we’ve been there 10,000 years…” Etc.

Scene: (Itis silent and the actors are miming the skit.)

Lame person: (walks out. She is limping around the stage and stumbles,falling to the ground.

Jesus: walks out a few secondsafter the lamb person enters the stage (enters stage from other side from wherethe lame person entered the stage). Jesus is watching with love and care in His eyes towards the lame personas she walks around limping. When thelame person falls, Jesus walks up to her and helps her up. Once she is standing, Jesus looks at her andsmiles...reaches down to her leg and touches it, then takes off thehandkerchief.

Lame person: looks at Jesus and sees what He hasdone and is overwhelmed with joy. Shelooks at her leg and moves it realizing Jesus had healed it! She moves it back and forth and then looks atJesus again and gives Him a big hug, then runs off jumping around and skippingbecause she has been healed!!!

Jesus: (takes the handkerchiefand wraps it around his own leg. Hegrabs his leg in anguish (singer starts to sing Amazing Grace and Cryingperson enters the stage) and then begins to limp around.
(Jesus has taken the lameness and became lame Himself).

Jesus: (turns around to see the crying person. He watches her for a moment and then smileslovingly)

Crying person: (noticesJesus looking at her and is shameful so she turns her head *be towardsaudience* she is still crying and is feeling much sorrow and pain)

Jesus: (walksover to the crying person and places his hand under her chin to lift it up)

Crying person: (looksat Jesus in the eyes and gets sad again and looks down)

Jesus: (lifts her head again andthis time touches her face and smiles)

Crying person: (gazesinto Jesus eyes and when Jesus touches her and sees him smiling, she smilestoo).

Jesus: (takesthe handkerchief from her and lets go of her face)

Crying person: (startsto turn around and walk away. As she is walking she looks back and
Jesus (facing the audience when looking back) and smiles with joy in her heart and is happy) (singer should be at“saved a wrench like me”)

Jesus: (whowas smiling at the girl as she walks away, then turns sad and is still limping.Now Jesus has taken both the sickness and sorrow of his people). The Blind person enters the stage.

Blind person: (can’t see so iswalking around the stage with arms out trying to feel her way around.)

Jesus: (sees the blind woman andwalks over to her. He puts his handsover her eyes (glasses) and then motions slowly and takes off the glasses(singer should be at “I was blind, but now I see”).

Blind person: (it is so brightin the room because it is the first time she have seen light or anything atall. She is so surprised, happy, and filled with joy. She looks at Jesus andsmiles and gives Him a hug. She leavesthe stage really happy and excited because now she can see!)

Jesus: (Takesthe glasses and puts them on his own eyes and becomes blind. Now He is lame, sad, and blind. He puts out his arms to feel his way aroundand moves to the center of the stage near the audience. He then stops, slowly lifts his arms out fromhis sides (blanket/sheet should fall) looks up and then slowly lowers his head(dying) and dies like He was hanging on the cross.)

Guards: (assoon as Jesus puts his head down, that is your signal to enter the stage. Your job is to lay Jesus down, cover Him withthe sheet/blanket (like you do when someone dies), and tuck His arms in underthe blanket/sheet. Do this all with astraight face– no expression.

Singer: (shouldbe at the first verse again with the key change.

Guards: (After covering upJesus, you spread out on either side of Him (behind him facing the audience)and kneel down/bow down in respect and worship of God)

Lame, Crier, and Blind persons: (Enter the stage, see Jesus lying died andspread out on either side of Jesus bowing down/kneeling down in respect andworship of God).

Jesus: (after waiting a littlebit for everyone to take their place and at a good part in the song, Jesus willstand up! He then throws off thesunglasses, and sheet/blanket, and then takes off the hankerchief tied aroundHis leg. Turns to the people around Himkneeling and taps each one on the shoulder making them aware that He is aliveand has risen from the dead. As He tapsthem, He shows them His hands (where the nails once were) and they all are inawe and bow down again and worship God. Jesus then turns and walks to the front of the stage and stretches outhis arms from his side, shows the audience His hands too and raises His handstowards heaven looking upwards smiling at God, giving Him the glory and praisefor what He has done.

Singer: (shouldconclude song when Jesus is praising God and raising His hands towards heaven

(from AIS South Africa)

YOU matter to God! (mime, skit)

2011-11-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

Characters:
Person 1 (P1), Person 2 (P2), Stupid (S),Ugly (U), Worthless (W), Narrator (N)

Setting:
Mime. Only the Narrator speaks (he can be off stage if possible, but needs tobe able to see the drama, in order to knowwhen to talk). Stupid (S), Ugly (U), Worthless (W) should wear all black with mimefaces. Plain face is also acceptable. Person 1 (P1) and Person 2 (P2) can wear plainstreet clothes.

Motions:
Stupid – tipping with your point finger to your head
Ugly – Going with onehand over your face, then making an uglygrimace
Worthless – pretend spitting on the ground and stepping on it
You matter toGod – point to the other person, hug yourself and then point upwards

S,U and W are on stage, in neutral position, with heads down. They stand in a rowfcing the audience.

P1enters, walking happily.

N: ONE DAY; A PERSON WAS WALKING ALONGLIFE’S ROAD.

P1keeps walking until he reaches S. Once P1 is in front of S, S pushes P1 andmotions, as N says:

N: YOU’RE STUPID!

P1motions, questioningly, I’m stupid? S repeats the motions to P1. P1 repeats itto himself a couple of times. P1 shrugs and keeps walking, this time a littleless happy. (S goes back to original position as P1 starts walking on.)

OnceP1 is in front of U, U pushes P1 and motions, as N says:

N: YOU’RE UGLY!

P1motions, questioningly, I’m ugly? U repeats the motions to P1. P1 repeats it tohimself a couple of times. P1 shrugs and keeps walking, this time sad, withshoulders sagging. (U returns to original position as P1 starts walking on.)

OnceP1 is in front of W, W pushes P1 and motions, as N says:

N: YOU’RE WORTHLESS!

P1motions, questioningly, I’m worthless? W repeats the motions to P1. P1 repeatsit to himself, W continues. P1 moves slowly to center of stage. As P1 moves, Sand U join in with W pushing P1 and making their respective motions. After afew seconds of being pushed by all three, P1 gives up and falls to the ground.When P1 falls, S, U and W silently applaud, cheer and then move back to theiroriginal positions.

P2enters stage, carrying a Bible, looking very happy.

N: ONE DAY, ANOTHER PERSON WAS WALKINGALONG LIFE’S ROAD.

P2keeps walking. He spots P1 crying on the floor and goes over to him. He tapshim on the shoulder and P1 slowly stands up wiping tears away from his eyes. P2motions, as if to sak, What’s wrong?

P1points to S and motions, I’m stupid. P1 points to U and motions, I’m ugly. P1points to W and motions, I’m worthless.

P2shakes his head and opens his Bible. He shows P1 a verse and then motions, as Nsays:

N: YOU MATTER TO GOD!

P1repeats, questioningly, I matter to God? P2 motions again, You matter to God!P1 repeats a couple of times, each time growing more and more excited. Finallyhe looks again at P2 and motions I matter to God, more definite this time. P1and P2 celebrate and start walking together down “life’s road”, arm in arm.

OnceP1 and P2 are in front of S, S pushes P1 again and motions, You’re stupid! P1motions, I’m stupid? As if he is asking P2 this time. P2 steps up, shakes hishead, opens his Bible and shows S a verse. S looks stunned, sways and thenfalls face down on the ground. P1 and P2 look very pleased, go arm in arm againand together, they step over S’s body.

OnceP1 and P2 are in front of U, U pushes P1 again and motions, You’re ugly! P1starts to motions, I’m ugly? But before he can finish the motion, P2 steps up,opens his Bible and shows U a verse. U has the same reaction as S. P1 and P2 do the same thing as they did with S.

OnceP1 and P2 are in front of W, W pushes P1 again and motions, You’re worthless!P1 shakes his head and lightly pushes P2 up with his Bible to W. P1 looks quitesatisfied, as P2 shows W the verse. W has the same reaction as the other two,only more violent. P1 and P2 do the same thing as they did with the other two.

Justbefore exiting the stage, P1 gets an idea. P1 takes P2’s Bible and goes back toW and taps him on the shoulder. W stands up. P1 opens the Bible, shows him averse and motions, as N says:

N: YOU MATTER TO GOD!

Wrepeats, questioningly, I matter to God? P1 motions again, You matter to God! Wrepeats a couple of times, each time more and more excited. Finally he looksagain at W and motions I matter to God, more definite this time. W and P1celebrate and all three of them exit stage, walking arm in arm.

EXPLANATION:

TheWorld tells us all the time that we are stupid, ugly and worthless, so thateventually we believe it ourselves and loose hope. God has a different pictureof us, in his eyes we are beautiful and he loves us. We mean so much to himthat he gave his son’s live for us.

(from OM South Africa)

Sin (drama, skit)

2011-11-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

Characters: 3 Girls (P1, P2, P3), Satan (S)

Setting:Skit. One chain (or rope) with an apple hanging from end of chain.

Girlsenter stage, chatting casually. S enters, strolling casually, carrying chainwith apple on the end. He shows the girls the apple.

P1: What’sthis?

S: Oh,this? This is SIN!

P2: Ohreally? (looks it over) Looks kind of interesting, doesn’t it?

S: Uh-Huh!

P1: Ofcourse, we don’t believe in sin. (P2 & P3 agree)

S: Oh,neither do I! Here try a little!

P1: Well,maybe just a little. (takes apple and S begins to stroll around the three

girls, wrapping theminside the chain.)

S: Right!After all, a little SIN never hurt anyone…you’ve gotta live a little!

P2: (realizesthey’re being wrapped up) HEY!!! WHAT’S THIS?

S: Oh this? This I call BONDAGE!

P1,P2, P3: BONDAGE? BUT WE DON’TBELIEVE IN BONDAGE!

S: (continuing to wrap tighter)Neither do I, neither do I!

P3: Gets kind of tight, doesn’t it?

P1: Kinda hard to get out of!

S: Absolutely! That’s one ofthe best things about it, in my opinion!

(begins to drag thegirls off stage)

P2: Hey! Where are you taking us?

S: TO HELL!

P1,P2, P3: HELL? BUT WE DON’T BELIEVEIN HELL!

S: Oh, neither do I! Neither doI!

P3: Hey, what are you doing?!

S: Only what you allow me todo!

P1: (at edge of stage) Wait! Whoare you anyway!?

S: I’m… THE DEVIL!

P1,P2 & P3: THE DEVIL?! BUT WE DON’TBELIEVE IN THE DEVIL!

S: (shoves them offstage andturns to the audience, smiling) I KNOW!

EXPLANATION:

Sinis real, in the beginning it looks nice and not dangerous. But the more we sinthe more it entangles us. Satan is real, he is the deceiver, trying to lurepeople into bondage.

(from OM South Africa)

Why didn't you tell me? (general skit, drama)

2011-11-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

Characters:

Person 1 (P1), Person 2 (P2), Angel (A),Demon (D)

Setting:
Skit. An empty stage. Angel and Demon do not speak.

(P1and P2 are standing center stage with frightened shielded posts from which theyunfold.)

Both: (SCREAM) Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggg!!!

P1: Hey, where are we? This is reallystrange.

P2: The last thing I remember is that truckheaded straight for us and then…hey, you

don’t think we’re dead, do you?!

P1: Oh no! We must have been killed! It sureis strange to be dead! Nothing like I

expected!

P2: That guy must have been drunk! I bet my dad’scar is totalled…If I weren’t dead,

my dad would KILL me!

P1: I don’t believe it! I’m going to miss mywedding on Saturday! After all the planning and

dreaming, it’s all over…finished! Well,maybe they can use the flowers for the funeral

instead.

P2: I just realized that I’ll miss myCalculus exam on Monday – ALL RIGHT! I was sure to

fail that one!

(Aenters, walking toward P1)

P2: Hey! Who’s that?

P1: I think…I think this is an angel.

(Astarts to guide P1 away.)

P2: Wait! WAIT! Where are you going? Don’tleave me here alone!

P1: The angel is taking me to heaven. Iaccepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour just a few

years ago. I’m a Christian!

P2: What’s this all about? You never told meyou were a Christian! Hey let me come with

you…I’ll be a Christian, too!

P1: Well, I’m sorry, but it’s too late. Youcan’t accept Christ now…it’s a choice that you

have to make while you’re stillalive.

(Denters, walking toward P2 and starting to pull him away)

P2: Hey! What are you doing? Where are youtaking me? Who is this? I don’t want to go

with you!

P1: I’m sorry! If you never accepted Christin your lifetime, you have to go to…well, you

are condemned to…he’s taking you tohell!

P2: What? You mean you KNEW all along that ifI died without Christ I would go to hell,

And you NEVER told me? But you’re myfriend! Why didn’t you tell me?

P1: I thought you might be offended if Iforced my beliefs on you. I thought maybe you

would ask if you were interested. Inever knew that something like this would happen!

I guess I never really thought aboutit…what can I say? I am sorry!

(P2fights with D as he is pulled of the stage.)

P2: I don’t want to go! NO! Why didn’tyou tell me? (last line tapers off as he is dragged

off the stage)

(Allactors freeze in position, then exit stage.)

EXPLANATION:

Thereare two things to remember, if you do not believe in God – Where are you goingon day when you die? If you gave your live to Christ – Do you tell yourfriends, neighbours and others in what you believe in?

(from OM South Africa)

The Sticky Chair (general drama, mime)

2011-11-07T10:54:00.000-08:00

Characters:
Person (P), Ball Player (B), Exerciser(E), IC (Ice Cream person)

Setting:
Mime (no one talks). A strong Chair stands in the middle with a sign reading“Don’t Touch”.

Pwalks by and notices a chair with a “Don’t Touch” sign on it. He is verycurious, scratching his head and looks all around the chair to see why hecannot touch it. He looks around to see if anyone is looking, whistlesnonchalantly, and flicks the sign onto the ground. He then puts his hand on theback of the chair and stands there smiling to himself, thinking nothing iswrong. Suddenly, he looks at his watch, remembers he has to go somewhere andattempts to walk off. BUT, he finds that his hand is stuck, looks alarmed andtries to shake the chair off, but can’t.

Bwalks by, bouncing an imaginary ball and invites P to join in. P smiles, actsas if nothing is wrong but indicates that he doesn’t want to go. B tries topersuade P again to come but P shakes his head, showing that he doesn’t want togo.

AsB walks away, P grabs the seat of the chair with his other hand and tries toshake the chair free, but then finds his second hand is now stuck as well. Heshakes it frantically. Just then, E comes in jogging and stopping to do someexercises. He notices P, and invites him to join in the exercising. P pretendshe is doing push-ups on the chair. E exercises for a minute longer before leaving.

Ptries to get free from the chair again but cannot. Frustrated, he slips his legbetween his two arms and sits down on the chair (he should still be holding theback and seat of the chair with his two hands…the hands should not move).

ICthen walks by eating an ice cream cone. He sees P and offers him a lick of theice cream. P tries to lick it but it I too far away. IC motions for P to comeand get some, so P tries to move in the chair to get to it, but he is stuck andcannot get it. Just then IC notices the “Don’t Touch” sign on the ground,points to it and looks at P. P turns his head away ashamed. IC puts down hisice cream and tries to help free P’s arms and legs, with no result (IC can pullarms and one leg). Then IC has an idea. He kneels down, with his back to P andbegins to show that he is praying. P just shows that he thinks this is silly,slowly using his arms to show this…eventually he stands. Suddenly he realizeshe is free, totally excited he goes to IC, who is still praying and taps him onthe shoulder. IC motions P away (not looking at him) and keeps praying. Finallyon the third shoulder tap, IC looks up and the two of them are exited and walkoff together, happily.

EXPLANATION:

Thereare many different signs in life telling us what to do and what not to do forour own good. We each choose whether or not to obey them. So often we find thatwe want to do the opposite. God has also given us warning signs in His Word,the Bible.

(from OM South Africa)

Living Water (general mime)

2011-11-07T05:09:00.000-08:00

Characters:
Person 1 (P1), Person 2 (P2)

Setting:
Mime (no one talks). Both wear black with white gloves and have painted mime faces.

P1and P2 stand several feet apart with their backs to the audience, with headsdown. Both start together by putting outside hand up to eyes as if looking forsomething and turning outward (they will be turning away from each other). Theysee each other and wave.

Theywalk towards each other and shake hands looking pleased to see each other. Theyboth look towards the audience and show a look of disgust and dislike. Theylook back to one another (pleased), back to the audience (disgusted) andfinally back to one another (pleased), then return to their original positions,heads down.

Again,they look around (same way as before), see one another and wave.

Theyrun towards each other as if to embrace, arms outstretched, but miss. Both lookaround as if to say, “Where could he have gone?” Both turn around slowly, seeeach other suddenly, wave, run towards each other and miss again. Both lookaround, shrug and return to original positions, heads down.

Again,they look around, see one another and wave.

Theywalk toward each other and shake hands looking pleased. When they go to moveaway, they find that they are stuck. They pull and tug. Eventually, P1 puts hisfoot on P2’s leg and pulls. They come apart and P1 falls over. P1 gets up anddusts himself off. Both look puzzled. They return to original positions, headsdown.

Again,they look around, see one another and wave.

Theywalk toward each other and go to shake hands, but P2 reacts as if he hasreceived an electric shock. P1 offers his hand again. P2 looks dubious, offershis hand again and receives another shock. P1 looks at his own hand, puzzled,taps it and offers it again. P2 is very reluctant to shake again. Heexperiences a moment of indecision and then goes to shake, receiving yetanother shock.

P2immediately withdraws and begins building a (imaginary) wall (brick by brick)between him and P1. P1 looks surprised, moves forward and finds the wallbetween him and P2. P1 tries shouting and waving, but to no avail. He walksaround P2 feeling the dimensions of the wall. Then, unable to penetrate, hewalks dejectedly back to his place. Both face the audience.

P1puts his hand to his ear as if he’s hearing something. He moves around on thespot, stopping a couple times to see if he can hear it again. P1 sees somethingon the ground and point to it as he walks to the place. P2 becomes curious andwatches him from behind his wall. P1 starts to scoop (imaginary) water in hishands and drinks. As he does, great joy and freedom comes over his face. P2slowly comes forward and also drinks, experiencing the same joy and freedom asa result. They notice one another with surprise and embrace each other. The P1points to the water and then to the audience, P2 nods in agreement and bothbend down and joyfully splash imaginary water on the audience.

EXPLANATION:

Becauseof sin, man has broken relationships. Jesus is the living water and only in Himcan we find acceptance, forgiveness and restored relationships with our fellowman. (you can use this explanation with Believers and None-Believers alike.)

(from OM South Africa)

Hands (general skit, mime)

2011-11-06T12:22:00.001-08:00

Characters:
Boy, Girl, Jesus, Narrator

Setting:
Mime with narrator (only narrator talks). Boy & Girl are in
black withwhite gloves.
Jesus is in all white and standsbehind Boy & Girl with back facing audience. Boy & Girl begin drama inneutral position until Narrator begins speaking. Each time Boy & Girlfreeze throughout the drama, they are to freeze in the position they are in atthat time, not back to neutral.

(Narratorsays all parts that are in bold type)

HANDS…GODGAVE US HANDS.

Boy& Girl look at hands, pleasant facial expression. Freeze.

HANDS…TOCREATE.

Boybends down and makes an imaginary sand cake and gives it to the Girl, whoreceives it happily. Freeze.

HANDS…TOLOVE.

Boyputs one arm around Girl’s shoulders. Happy faces. Freeze.

HANDS…TOHELP.

Girlfalls on knees, boy comes forward and helps girl to stand. Freeze.

HANDS…TOGIVE.

Boybends down and picks 4 flowers and gives them to the Girl who receives ithappily. Freeze.

HANDS…TOPROTECT.

Girlhides behind Boy who comes forward in front of her as to protect. Freeze.

BUT;OUR HANDS WE HAVE MISUSED.

Boy& Girl move slowly back to standing position while clenching hands intofists and throwing them forward on the word “misused”. Freeze.

HANDSMADE TO CREATE…

Boybends down to create an imaginary sand cake while Girl looks down at it, facehard.

NOWDESTROY.

At“now”, Girl brings right arm in front of her and at “destroy”, swings fist downto smash sand cake. Boy reacts in pain. Freeze.

HANDSMADE TO HELP…

Girlfalls on knees.

NOWREJECT.

At“now”, Girl puts her arm up to ask Boy for help and at “reject” Boy refuses,looking the other way. Freeze.

HANDSMADE TO GIVE…

Boybends down to pick flowers and gives them to girl happily. Girl looks down athim while he does this, face hard.

NOWGRAB.

At“now”, Girl puts her right arm backwards and at “grab” takes the flowers,breaks them, throws them on the floor and squashes them under foot. Freeze.

HANDSMADE TO PROTECT…

Girlhides behind Boy as with fear.

NOWLET DOWN.

At“now” Boy reaches backwards to the Girl’s shoulder and at “let down” pushes herto her knees on the floor. Boy goes down on one knee. Freeze.

BUTGOD REACHED OUT HIS LOVING HANDS TO A DESTRUCTIVE WORLD. HE PICKED UP HISFALLEN CREATION AND PLACED HIS HANDS AROUND THEM.

Jesusturns around and walks forward touching the Boy & Girl on the shoulders andraising them to their feet. Jesus’ arms rest around the shoulders of Boy &Girl. Freeze.

BUTTHEY MADE HIM CAPTIVE…AND NAILED HIM TO THE CROSS…

Boy& Girl turn around abruptly, grabbing Jesus by the arm, then both bend topick up a rock and pound his hands 3 times each. Freeze.

ANDTHEY MOCKED HIM.

Boy& Girl turn away from Jesus, mocking and rejecting him. Freeze. Jesus diesand kneels down.

BUTJESUS DIDN’T REMAIN ON THE CROSS. HE ROSE AND LIVES!

Jesusstands up.

NOWHE WALKS THROUGH OUR STEETS STRECHING OUT HIS LOVING HANDS TO ALL WHO WILL COMETO HIM.

Jesuscomes forward with arms stretched open. He puts one hand in front of person onleft and one in front of person on right. Boy and Girl come to life excitedlyexamining his scarred hands.

WHATWILL YOU DO? WILL YOU COME TO HIM AND PUT YOUR HAND IN HIS?

Girllooks into Jesus’ face and puts her hand in Jesus’ hand.

ORWILL YOU REJECT HIM?

Boylooks into Jesus’ face and then rejects Jesus hand. Boy turns back towardaudience and puts head down (neutral position). Freeze.

WILLYOU PUT YOUR HAND IN HIS AND REACH OUT TO THOSE HE LOVES?

Girl& Jesus look at each other and together, they walk to Boy and reach outtheir hands. Boy looks at Girl & Jesus, a look of disgust and turns hisback on both of them.

THECHOICE IS YOURS!

Jesuslooks t the audience and reaches out his hands to them.

THEEND!

(from OM South Africa)

How often do you read in the Bible?

2011-11-04T00:43:00.000-07:00

Did somebody ever asked you this question? How did it make you feel?
Guilty - because you know it was less than how often you would read a magazine or newspaper...
Proud - because you read in it everyday and can recite many verses...
Mixed feelings - because you do read in it, but not as often as you would like to...

What kind of question is that anyway. I just wonder why people seem to like to put pressure on one another. Maybe some want to challenge you, others want you to feel guilty, some might want to compare - there are probably tons of different reasons.

But why am I writing these lines? Yesterday, I found and interesting introduction on the topic why we should read meaningful books by Stuart Briscoe (2000. Devotions for Men. Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers). I'd like you to read parts of his understanding regarding the issue:

This morning I asked my six-year-old grandson, "Stephen, why do you think we should learn to read?" He thought for a moment and replied, "Because if you learn to read, it helps you to be smart and know words." Stephen, having been born in a country with a very high literacy rate, has an enormous advantage in this regard over those who have been born into circumstances where literacy is not available.

Mark Twain once said, "He who does not read good books has no advantage over he who cannot read them." In saying this, he pointed to a sad situation in many Western countries: People have learned to read but lack the time, interest, or discipline to avail themselves of the opportunity to read and to be smart and learn words.

I am particularly concerned about people who do not read the Scriptures on a regular basis. The Scriptures were written and preserved for us in order that we might "be smart" about the things of God and "learn words" about life and death, eternity and time, this world and the world to come, who God is and what he has done, what he plans to do and where we fit in his plans. These are things that we cannot learn anywhere else. It is my conviction that the Bible was given to us in our language in order that we should read it and learn from it all the things God wants us to know and which we desperately need to know.

There are different ways of reading the Bible. Some do it as a purely academic excercise, others for no other reason than to try to prove or disprove its authenticity. But my concern is that we read it with a view to benefiting from it in our daily lives. We call this reading the Scriptures devotionally. It is reading with an inquiring mind and a thirsty spirit, longing to know God better and to live more in keeping with His principles. When the Bible is read in this fashion, it becomes a source of joy and delight, of encouragement and direction, of correction and instruction.

So let me change my initial question from the top: Why do you read the Bible? Or, why not?

I am not trying to lead you on a guilt trip. I only want you to reflect on this question and answer it for yourself honestly. I am by no means a great, fanatic book lover/reader, but I do love God. If continuosly reading His Word is one way of getting closer to Him, so be it! And how much more important is it then for a youth worker/ leader to read His Word in order to lead this generation closer to Him.

Evangelism Tools (4 Principles & 3 Questions)

2011-10-23T09:53:00.001-07:00

(http://blogs.lifechurchministries.org/think/?p=12)

Four Principles: When you share thegospel with someone it's helpful to have a clear understanding of where theperson is in relation to the gospel and how much further he/she needs to go.These 4 principles represent steps along the way tosalvation:

God Exists (Gen 1:1; Heb 11:6)
God loves you and wants to have a relationship with you! (Acts 17:24-27)
A relationship with God must be on his terms! (Rom 9 – 11)
Gods terms are: Follow Jesus! (Mat 17:1-5; John 6:25-29; Heb 1:1-3)

As you come to abetter understanding of where an unbeliever is with regard to these 4 steps,you can pray for the Lord to move him/her to the next one.

Three Questions: In addition to theseprinciples/steps, there are 3 basic questions that you can pursue withunbelievers as a way of clarifying where they are in the thinking aboutspiritual things. I came across these on the internet and they are intended asa way of responding when someone confronts you with a belief that is opposed tothe gospel.

What do you mean by that?
How did you come to believe that?
Have you ever considered . . . ?

Don't use thesequestions merely as a checklist in an impersonal gospel presentation. If youask them the right way (respectfully and patiently) each one can lead to anextended conversation. Use these questions to get to know the other personbetter. This will enable you to love and pray for him/her more effectively.

Finally, it is important to take to heart this keyscripture: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, soyou must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples,if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35 (New International Version). In thisverse Jesus emphasizes the importance of the example that is set whenunbelievers can see believers loving and serving one another. This means muchmore that simply allowing believers to see us as individuals treating them in aloving way. It means giving unbelievers access to us in our small gatheringswhere they can see first hand how we deal with one another.

Evangelism Tools (EvangeCube)

2011-10-23T09:45:00.001-07:00

The EvangeCubeis a seven-panel-cube, sharing the Gospel of Christ in pictures. With this cubeeveryone can share the Gospel in a non-confrontational way. It does notrequire literacy and is easy to transcend language barriers. The whole body ofChrist can use it! (It is available in the following Languages in South Africa:English, isiZulu, Setswana, Xhosa and seSotho.

For furtherInformation go to: http://www.evangecube.co.za/ or contact +27 (0)12 345 1158 (business hours) or fax on+27 (0) 86 511 2203

Evangelism Tools (South African Flag)

2011-10-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

South Africa is very fortunate tohave a beautiful colourful national Flag. In a similar way like the wordlessbook the flag can be uses to present the gospel message. It might even be abetter option to use during the World Cup, as the South African flag will bepresented everywhere.

ThePlan of Salvation

DarkColour

“Forall have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

RedColour

“Whilewe were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

BlueColour

“Wewere buried with him through baptism.” (Romans 6:4)

CleanColour

“Washme, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:7)

GreenColour

“Growin grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter3:18)

YellowColour

“Befaithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)

Evangelism Tools (Wordless Book)

2011-10-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

(http://www.kidology.org/zones/zone_post.asp?post_id=120)

The WORDLESS BOOK makesthe Truth of the Gospel very simple. As it’s name suggests, it has no words! Itcontains just four coloured pages of red, black, white and yellow and a greencover. WORDLESS BOOKS can be purchased, but are very simple to make yourself.Some have even used the same colours with beadedbracelets, fingers of a glove, blocks, charms, soccer balls even sections of anumbrella! What the colours are on is not the issue, it is the timelessmessage they contain that is so effective. (In order to be cultural sensitive,please refer to the black colour as “dark” colour and the white colour as“clean” colour.)

PAGE 1 The Dark Page Romans 3:23

The black page standsfor sin. The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fall short of God’s perfectstandard. That is the “Bad News!” Everyone is guilty of sin and must pay fortheir sin! It also is effective to compare the black to darkness, and talkabout what it is like to be lost in the dark, unable to find your way. The sameis true of spiritual darkness. Without God, we stumble our way through lifestruggling to find the Way. We need salvation!

NOTE: Avoid saying that“black is sin” with African children who can misunderstand and think that youare saying ‘black people’ are sin. Black reminds us of darkness or uncleanness,then talk about those, not how ‘black is evil.’

PAGE 2 The Red Page John 3:16

The red page stands for theblood of Jesus (I John 1:7) which was shed for our salvation. In I Cor. 15:3,4it says that “Christ died for our sins, that He was buried and that He wasraised to life three days later.” He died to take our place, and rose again toprove His power over death! It is through faith in Jesus and through acceptanceof His gift of salvation that man is saved and through nothing else. (Eph.2:8-9) Jesus offers the salvation we need!

PAGE 3 The Clean Page John 1:13

The white page stands for thecleansing of salvation. Once we accept Christ, we become a new creation! (IICor. 5:17) God saves us instantly through our faith in Christ. He washes awayall of our sin and makes us white as snow before Him! (Psalm 51:7; Isaiah 1:18)This is the promise of God, that He will forgive us all our sins! Also, if youtalked about spiritual darkness on the black page, the white can be used aslight, or the spiritual sight we are granted once we are saved.

PAGE 4 The Gold Page Rev. 21:18,21

The gold page stands for heaven.Some people begin with this page; I prefer to start with man’s need and placethe gold page here as another benefit of receiving Christ. Jesus has gone toprepare a wonderful place for those who choose to accept Him. (John 14:1-3)

At this point, provide anopportunity to receive Christ. Ask your students if they know they are asinner. Ask if they believe Jesus came to save them. If they answer “yes,” thenask if there is any reason why they shouldn’t receive God’s salvation throughJesus right now. Here is a sample prayer they can pray: Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and am lost without You. Pleaseforgive me! I believe you sent Jesus to die for me, and that He rose again! Iask Jesus to come into my life and transform me into the person You want me tobe. Help me to live for You! Thank You for forgiving me! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

THE COVER The Green Page II Peter 3:18

The green page stands for theChristian’s need to GROW IN HIS NEW LIFE! Plants need three basic things togrow: Sunshine, rain and good soil. Well, for a Christian, his sunshine isprayer with the Son. His rain is the nourishment of God’s Word, and his soil isthe healthy fellowship with other believers in the faith. All three of thesemust be present in the life of a believer in order for him to live a trulyvictorious life.

Evangelism Tools (Testimony)

2011-10-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

Sharing your testimony can be one of the most important evangelism tools you can have to share the story of how you got to know Jesus. The fact that you make yourself vulnerable as you tell your personal story makes it credible. The reality is though is that at least some of us get nervous and unsure what to say once we have the opportunity to share about something significant from our lives.

So look through the brief notes below as they will hopefully direct, help and assist you a bit in making your testimony as effective as possible.

Some basic guidelines are:
• Keep it short. Five minutes maximum in order to maintain the person’s attention span.

• It is helpful to practice sharing your testimony with a trusted believing friend in order to ensure that it makes sense, and does not contain anything that could possibly offend anyone, for example critical references to certain religions or church denominations.

• It is recommended to include in your testimony three main points:
o Before: What your life was like before you became a Christian
o Decision: What made you decide to become a Christian
o After: How have things changed since you became a Christian

• Aim to include in your testimony how you actually became a Christian, for example, ‘I prayed asking God to forgive me for the wrong things I’ve done, and asked him to be Lord of my life. ‘, so that if that person decides to make a decision for Christ on their own, they know exactly what that entails.

• Be aware of who you are sharing with and adapt the way you share in terms of terminology used, time taken, and themes explored so that you are being relevant and are well understood, for example, the way you share with a child and a teenager will have to be different.

• If using a translator, ensure where possible that they are reliable as translation is not as easy as it looks. Speak only one or two sentences at a time and keep them short and simple. Make eye contact with the person you are sharing with instead of with the translator.

If you're in a group one creative way could be to put together so called "player-cards" for each player with information about them as individuals. This is a great opportunity to share your testimony in written form so that it can also be taken home and reconsidered and passed on to others too.

Extreme sports, extreme faith and promises

2011-10-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

Have you ever done an extreme sport?
You know like bungee jumping, hang gliding, BMX, caving, motocross, mountain biking, mountain boarding, outdoor climbing, sandboarding, skateboarding, cliff diving, free-diving, jet skiing, powerboat racing, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and many more (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extreme_sport).

I have done some fun things and I am usually thrilled when I am able to do them. I think it's hilarious when instructors explain what you need to be aware of and they love to add, “trust me everything will be all right.” When I start to think about what that really means, it can be a bit frightening. It means that you put your life (and therefore your faith) into someone else's hand. Furthermore you depend on the promise he/ she made, this can become a huge test in challenging times.

Let me explain what I mean with a story I experienced when I went "kloofing":
Since many years and through many experiences God has shown me that he keeps his promises and that he will take care of me. He just expects me to tust him and to have faith in what he has promised. That is easy to say but quite achallenging task once it's actually practically required to do. Last year I experienced that again as I went on a crazy Kloofing experience in Sabi (Close to Krugerpark). You haven't heard of the sport? Let me explain: Kloofing is an adventure activity that typically involves the descent of a deep ravine or watercourse that may be dry or wet. The defining factor is usually that the ravine is several times deeper than it is wide. All manner of walking, scrambling, climbing, swimming, plunging, jumping, bumslides or abseiling (rappelling) could be involved. (http://www.thefullwiki.org/Kloofing) Usually if you have a good guide this can be an awesome, crazy, exciting, fun experience. Like I just said if you have a "good guide." Four friends of mine decided together with me to take up the challenge and walk, scramble, climb, swim, plung, jump, rappel in the woods next and underneath some beautiful waterfalls. So we met at seven in the morning with the guide to start our three hour tour at eight o'clock in the morning. We put on the gear (helmet, neoprenesuit, climbing gear...) and recieved some information on how we should behave in a dangerous situation. But the guide assured us several times that he was experienced enough, that there was no need for us to worry and that he brought a flashlight, a first-aid-kit and a walkie-talkie along. Anyway, while it was still a bit cool, rainy and cloudy we started our adventure full of excitement. We joked around, had some nice talks, jumped over rocks, ran through small rivers, dived into natural waterpools and climbed on ropes. For the first few hours everything was fine even though the weather started to change, it got cold and wet. Finally as we started to freeze we wondered if it was worthwhile to continue the tour, as I told the guide our concerns he just calmly said: "Don't worry, trust me everything will be alright." So we continued our journey to the foot of a huge waterfall, uncertain and doubtfulr if we would ever be able reach our destination. Finally we arrived and it was beautiful besides the fact that none of us could feel our feet by then as we were wet and cold to the bones. While the guide challenged us swim across the small lake an to walk underneath the water we just all felt like we were ready to go "home." But we pulled ourselves back together and after a short "romantic" moment we all decided to head back. The thing was though that it took us longer than planned for the one way so we knew we still had walk quite far our knees started to get week and the path was by then dangerously slippery. Anyway our guide started walking and we followed, we walked, walked and walked. We had to climb, crawl, run, scramble and jump through the thickest of the woods which sometimes appeared like a jungle. After some time the guide stoped and changed direction in an instant claiming that he still knew where he was going, even though we realised soon that he was completely lost. Eventually all fun was gone and we all started to worry if we would ever be able to find our way back. To make things worse suddenly one of my friends sceemed and started to fall towards me not being able to grab a branch or a rope to stop slipping. As I was the last in the row I just managed to grab her and not to let go. That was it, I had it! I went to the guide and told him to stop for a moment as he clearly did not know what to do. I remebered that God promises us never to leave or fosake us (Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5) and that I should put my full trust in Him (Psalm 25:1). So we all just stood still for a moment, prayed to God to help us, tried to calm down, put our heads together in order to find a way out. To cut a long story short, eventually exhausted and exited after almost six hours we found our way back!

There are many great, amazing, challenging, adventurous stories in the Bible which show how God keeps his promises and at the same time challenges his people to trust him and put their faith in him (even to the extreme). You can read about one of those many amazing stories in Joshua 6:1-5. Joshua just took over as the leader from Moses to guide the Israelites into the promised land. He was younger and less experienced than Moses - man, he had to fill BIG shoes. I am sure there was a lot of preassure on his shoulders to perform, lead and guide a whole nation. Not only that God gave hime a ridicously big and seemingly sensless mission: to conquer the big and well protected city of Jericho. To be honest that sounds way crazier than and BASE jump or rock climb. See the thing is that God did not asked the impossible as He was with him. He said: "I am putting into your hands Jericho, with its king and all its brave soldiers." Joshua 6:2 But not only that, as Joshua and the Israelites had great faith in God and obeyed his command, HE KEPT HIS PROMISE: The seventh time around, when the priests were about to sound the trumpets, Joshua ordered the people to shout, and he said, The Lord has given you the city! Joshua 6:16

I don't know where your standing with God personally, but I would like you to take some time, reflect and answer some questions for yourself:
1. Have you ever made a promise? (Give some examples)
2. Was it difficult to live up to that promise and why?
3. If you look at Joshua’s story, what does that say about God?
4. How would you react if God would ask you to trust him and to do a “crazy, big thing” through you?
5. Why did none of the Israelites seem to disagree with Joshua’s crazy plan to take the city without violence?

No one cares?!? (Encouragement)

2011-10-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

People don’t care anymore, that might sound harsh, but isn't it true? Ok, maybe not all but most people seem not to care anymore. This is often evident in the way we interact with one another. Think about it: How often do you get critisised and how many compliments do you recieve per day? Maybe 10 critics to 1 encouragement?

Here is an short example on how an encouraging word can effect a difficult situation:
Several weeks ago my wife and I had the building inspector in our house in order to issue the completion certificate for the extensions we did on it. He walked with a negative attitude through our home trying to find as many problems as possible which we would need to fix. From the beginning he never gave us a change to make a genuine, good impression, the longer he looked the more he complained and the more frustrated we got with him. After some time he just gave us a long list of what still needed to be fixed in order to recieve the certificate. As he wanted to leave without saying a nice word to us, I had a choice how to react to his rude and irritating behaviour towards us - so I pushed my prejudice aside kindly said "thank you for your visit, we'll make sure to attend to the problems" and offered him my handshake. Stunned and speechless to my "unexpected" behaviour he just smiled, shook my hand and responded with a shy "good bye." After we fixed the small things the building inspector complained about, he visited us again and to our surprise he was friendly towards us from the beginning of his visit and we recieved the completion certificate as well. I do not tell the story to say that we need to decieve or influence people for our benefit. I just want to make the point that it can make a huge difference in our daily lives if we keep a positive attitude and encourage even those who do not want to wish us well - and to do this is not easy!

Let me ask you another question: How do you usually react when you meet a person who needs your help? I would be surprised if you get all excited, leave whatever you were busy with and jump right into it! You know even though I believe in servant leadership and view encouragement as an integral part of it more often than not I tend to ingore or even resent people I come across in my daily life (like the building inspector) rather than help, uplift and encourage them. Encouraging someone else means to look at the good and not always at the bad characteristics of a person. It means that you show genuine care for and have interest in others.

In today’s society encouragement seems to be a rare thing. Most people criticize and demand, but seldom we say loving and encouraging words. I once heard that a person receives ten times more critical words then compliments per day (source unknown). The truth is that we reap what we sow (Gal. 6:8), if we genuinely and truly (not only on the surface) encourage and compliment one another, we can work better together. If we criticize negatively this is what we will reap.

Stop for a moment and think about it and answer these questions:
+ Do people in general hear more positive or more negative things about themselves?
+ It’s stated that it takes 10 positive comments to take away one negative comment, do you agree?
+ How relevant and necessary is encouragement today?

The AWESOME example of Barnabas - often overlooked, but worthwhile to be checked out.The name Barnabas means “son of encouragement” and if we read about his life it confirms the meaning of his name. (McLuen, Dennis & Wysong, Chuck. The Student Leadership Training Manual for Youth Workers, 2000, Grand Rapids: Zondervan)

~ How to encourage practically (Acts 4:32-37)The early Christians were willing to show their love and care for each other practically (through sharing what they had so that no one was in need of anything). Barnabas encouraged others around him practically through selling a property he had and giving the finance to those in need.
~ How encouragement can help in hard times (Acts 11:19-26)The new born church was in shock of all the challenges they had to face. Stephen’s death made persecution a reality for them, they where confused and scared. In this time Barnabas had the wonderful opportunity to build up the body of Christ through encouragement.
~ Encouragement through being together (Hebr. 10:23-25) We are made not to be alone, but to stay in relationship with one another. Through just spending time together we can encourage others that they know they are not alone and can enjoy emotional support in any situation.

Some easy and creative ways to ponder about how to encourage others are:
*Activity 1 - Just SMILE: Mother Teresa once said - Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love (http://quotedb.net/famous-people-quotes-smile/). So, why don't you genuinely smile to at least 10 people today?
*Activity 1 - Brainstorm alone or with your friends together how you could practically encourage others (in your family, school, community, local church or youth group). Write the results down on a piece of paper, think of an action-plan and then do it.
*Activity 2 - Group activity: Take a sheet of paper and a pen, write your name in the middle of the paper then pass it around to all the others. Everyone should write something encouraging on each paper of every participant. Stop after 10min and give everyone their paper back. Let everyone read through the encouraging lines and then discuss how everyone felt while writing and reading.

I want to challenge you to continuously encourage others as I finish with a pretty cool thought: "Every interaction in our lives happens only once. Each interaction gives us the chance to imprint something on our own lives as well as those we interact with. With every opportunity that arises I hope to provide the encouragement that so many others have given me in hopes that this will help them achieve great things in their life. If I do this, then I’ll have achieved one in mine". (http://continuousthinking.com/2010/09/26/criticism-encouragement-a-personal-look-back.html)

So, now what!?! (A discipleship lesson)

2011-09-12T04:56:00.000-07:00

As some of you might know, since 9 years I am involved in a soccer outreach in Mamelodi. We play soccer with the kids, train them, provide juice & fruits, teach them about God’s Word and most importantly we show them His love. As many accepted Christ in their lives we mainly help them now how to grow in their relationship with Jesus. Still sometimes we do have a so called “altar call” – challenging them to accept Christ as their personal saviour or to re-commit their lives to Christ if they “messed up.”

A few weeks ago I shared with them through four signs (heart, X, cross and questionmark - http://www.the4points.com/INT/index.php) the story of salvation and invited them to pray in order to recieve Christ in their lives (as well as a recommitment prayer for those who went astray and wanted to come back). Funny enough they all (around 70 kids) prayed in one voice both prayers with me!

Anyway, as we continued with the programme one of the kids came to me, pulled on my shirt and asked: So, now what!?! Puzzled I replied: Now we play soccer! He - obviously not satisfied with my answer - repeated his words: So, now what!?! I had no idea what his question was, I apologized and asked for an explanation. Then he "decoded" his message for me: “You said that, if we ask Jesus to forgive us he will do that and we are saved, BUT – now what!?!” Finally I understood, and I tried my best to give him a good and quick answer. I explained what he can do now in his life to honour God and nurture his relationship with him (like prayer, reading the Bible, fellowship with other beievers...).

But, his challenging question kept ringing in my mind for the past few weeks. So I started to explore what might be behind this question and I would like to share what it can actually indicate for you and me:

1. Who am I now?
- Know you’re HIS child: Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

We all have a desire to belong (to a family, peer group, society...), that just seems to be a natural desire from every human being (even though most of us cherish some alone time from time to time). Once we recieved Christ in our lives at least three realities appear:
Identity – Who am I? Have you ever tried to answer this important question. If I don’t know my identity, there is only confusion, uncertainty, fear… As soon as you realise who you are you can find peace, clarity and guidance. Once you accepted Christ you KNOW that you are a child of God (do not rely this truth on momentary emotions).
Belonging - If I am part of a family I am not alone, not on my own. I often hear about people feeling lonely, they have no one who supports them or they can support. If you belong to a family it is usually different. It might not be the perfect environment, but you can be certain that you have somebody around you who cares. We all desire to belong somewhere, as a church family it is our responsibility, it gives us meaning and purpose.
Responsibility – In a family everybody has a specific role to play. For example, you need to help in the household (cleaning your room, or whasing the dishes...). As you are a child of God you will also have responsibilities, towards God, yourself, and within your church-family.

2. Where do I go from here?
- Embrace learning more: But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14

What do I actually kno about Christianity, the Church and God? Especially in the early years we have much more questions than answers and there are several realities to consider:
Education (Knowledge) – Today education seems to be put by many societies in the centre of life. While I think that many of us overemphasize the importance of a good education, it is important to get educated in as many fields as possible. As a Christian it is vital to be educated about Christian foundations.
Wisdom – People can know many things and still act foolishly. There are several verses in the Bible that discuss the relationship between knowledge and wisdom. The difference I think is that knowledge can be learned while wisdom needs to be earned. What I mean is that the knowledge we have needs to be implemented wisly (and through God's guidance). Wisdom is not necesarily dependent on age - I know some 20 year old young adults who are wiser than some grown man.
Experience – This comes naturally as we grow, learn and become wiser. There will be everyday small and sometimes big experiences that can help you to learn more about God. Both (big or small) can be of great significance. (Like a small question of a boy can start to trigger substantial questions.)

3. How do I respond now to others?
Share your story: But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1Peter 3:15

Speak with your life - I once heard the saying from St Francis as he was commissioning his disciples to go out into the world to convert people to Christianity, “Go and preach the Gospel. Where necessary use words” (Kalungu-Banda,M 2006, "Leading like Madiba", Cape Town: Double Storey). Meaning we should not use our verbal ability rather our LIVES should speak of God’s abundant, unconditional love for everyone of us.
Always – Have you ever realised that often in very inconvenient moments you receive an opportunity to talk about God, Christianity, Spirituality and serious life questions? Are you prepared to stop from your daily business not to miss out on such an opportunity? We should strive to have a continous readiness and a willing attitude.
Gentleness & respect – Obviously there are also ways how to and how not to share God’s love with others. After all you want to share His LOVE, therefore do it with respect and gentleness towards the other person.

4. What can I do concerning others?
Help and invite others: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

That might sound easy to help, encourage, support, invite, visit, and continue with it (don’t stop doing it!). This can be difficult as some people you want to help might be in serious trouble and deep need. Furthermore, the focus in today’s society is much more on myself (how I can help myself).

I want to finish this short article with some reflective questions:
- Am I a child of God? Do I live like I am God's child? How does a Child of God look's like anyway?
- What do I do to learn more about God, Jesus and the Church? In what ways can I educate myself? Are there creative way's to learn more about God?
- What do I think about others who reject God? Do I reflect Christ in my daily life? Am I respectful towards others?
- Am I willing to help, especially when it is inconvenient for me? How can I support people around me? Is it possible not to loos my passion for Christ? How can I endure and make sure that I will not stop loving God?

Sharing lives together

2011-09-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

Some weeks ago I was asked to share with a group of voluntary and fulltime social church workers a, "Theological Reflection regarding the Issue of HIV/ Aids. While I am not really well-versed and informed about it, I tried my best and this was the result:

Most of us are at least affected (if not infected) by the pandemic of HIV/ Aids. In the beginning I would like to recall two significant events regarding the issue in my personal life:

Several years ago I was invited to visit an HIV/Aids orphanage (Kalaphong Hospital - Mohau Centre) where I had the opportunity to spend time and play with children affected/infected by the virus. The joy, hope and love those children shared with me overwhelmed me. Through this encounter I was convinced that God especially loves and cares for those who suffer in this world (the poor, needy, sick and marginalized). At the same time I was broken by the reality of unjust suffering in this world.

Another very challenging incident was the death of a 4 year old orphan (Vincent) who was born HIV positive, he basically suffered his whole life because of Aids, eventually he was adopted by some friends I know but unfortunately eventually lost his personal fight against this sickness. As I participated in the funeral, I saw the huge compassion of people around the mourning family. I as well experienced the beauty of engaging in each others lives as we are called by God to love one another (John 13:34-35; Romans 12:10 and 13:8).

Sharing live together regarding the issue of HIV/ Aids – what does that actually mean?

Rev. Cheryl Jones critically reflects on the only partially prevention reality of the HIV/Aids pandemic:
In reviewing new developments as well as old issues and innovative ways to address them, it seems very little has changed. Education and awareness campaigns are widespread, testing and counselling centres are everywhere; ARV treatments continue to be free of charge; yet little having to do with HIV and AIDS as a pandemic has changed. Infection rates remain high, infected babies and children continue to be abandoned on hospitals or, worse yet, on the streets. Affected children must still fend for themselves in child-headed households. Stigma
And discrimination remain major factors that keep well-informed men and women from testing or, God forbid, from disclosing their HIV+ status to loved ones.

(Jones, Cheryl 2010. “The Role of the Church in the Care & Prevention of Those infected and Affected by HIV & AIDS” for BCSA HIV & AIDS Desk AGM; JHB)

As I grappled with the issue theologically I have read several articles regarding the issue in the past weeks and found some interesting insights I would like to share. I would like to do that in light of a well known scripture:

Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

1) The Church
Peter Okaalet challenged the role of the church regarding HIV/ Aids as he writes:

- Understanding of the church
We think of church in variety of ways
…sacramentally, as the Body of Christ
…congregation to which we belong
…administrative, co-ordinating body that leads the faithful or adjudicates on matters of faith…
But whichever of these institutional models we have in mind when we talk about church, they all have one characteristic: they are there to STAY.

This statement makes one thing clear, no matter how we understand the church the idea that the local church has permanent agenda – comprehensive, ongoing and sustaining. Also the ministries I know who have an high impact on their surrounding communities are usually those who stay for the long run.

- Role of the church
“It can sensitize people to the existence of HIV and the risks it presents, and it can share with them its educational messages. Most important, it can give to people that most empowering of gifts, namely accurate, scientific, correct information.”

I believe that the church has an important role to play in the society. We still have a VOICE - the challenge is HOW we use it. Do we brake down (complain, criticise and condemn) or do we uplift (inform, engage and encourage)? There are many ways to uplift through sharing a message of hope and love, teaching creative (through drama and music), getting involved in community service regarding HIV/ Aids…

- A so called “Aids-competent Church”
An AIDS-competent Church is first and foremost one tht turns its back on denial and acknowledges the reality and enormity of the problem of AIDS. It is a Church that knows its own strengths and weaknesses, and uses its strengths as a starting point for a called up response. It is a Church that recognizes vulnerability and risk and works to reduce them. It is a learning Church that listens and shares; a Church that has zero tolerance for stigma and discrimination; a Church is whose ministry people living with HIV or AIDS are playing a central part. It is a Church that is living out its full potential, both as an organisation and as a congregation.

(Oaaklet Peter, “Behaviour change and the role of the church: Towards reducing and eliminating risk” in HIV Prevention: A Global Theological Conversation. P.82-84)

2) All the believers had everything in common - Keep the city gates wide open
Terry A Veling writes uses an interesting illustration:
The biblical writings contain many references to the gates of the city. The hospitality of the ancient city was extended to the stranger by meeting them at the gate (Gen. 19:1-2). Public markets were typically held at the gate (2 Kings 7:1), as its surrounding spaces were kept wide to allow for the movement and traffic of people, unlike the narrow and winding streets inside. The city gate was also the place of justice where the elders sat at court. “Hate evil and love good, and establish justice at the city gate” (Amos 5:15; Deut. 21:19; Prov. 21:23…)

Life was shared together and still is TODAYt, but Veling suggests that “…while we seek…friendship, there is a troubling sense in which we live in “gated communities”… We do not dwell together in complete openness; rather, we dwell together via a network of doorways that continually open and close.”

(Veling, Terry A 2005. “Practical Theology – On Earth as it is in Heaven”. New York: Orbis Books. P.178-180)

We open and close doors at home, at work, in a supermarket, schools universities, hospitals, churches… - doors that continually open and close in an effort to monitor those who have access and those who are denied.

Regarding this understanding of city gates:
Which kind of people are the access to our church doors denied and which kind of people are accepted? Let’s take this further, which kind of people has access to our houses? Which kind of people have access to our personal lives?

3) Wonders and signs – Healing and the sick
- Healing was central in Jesus ministry, and it is still important for many today. Ronald Nicolson states, “They cling for hope for healing. These cases show that, while it is important to understand the medical side of HIV/Aids, the spiritual side is equally important.”

(Nicolson, Ronald. God in AIDS; p.42)

- People living with HIV/Aids have to live with the reality of “being sick” and therefore on the verge of society in several spheres:
Physical illnesses,
Emotional loneliness,
Economical uncertainty
and outcasts of society.

At least 39 times the sick or sickness is mentioned in the life of Jesus (in the four Gospels) alone. This shows the significance and importance in Jesus ministry on the helpless, outcast and marginalized.

Here are two of many examples:
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”(Matthew 9:12)
”When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:14)

Jesus theology was different, he acted accordingly to the fathers will (John 5:43; 6:40) and engaged over and over with the needy, poor, sick and outcast. He truly loved and embraced them. We as His Body – the church - what is our motivation to reach out to the sick?
Self-gratification, funding from the government, affirmation by church leaders or sincere compassion for those who suffer in this world.

4) From distance to closeness

Musa W Dube gave a radical but defining statement, “The church has AIDS,” she continues, “Jesus Christ himself has Aids, for the church is the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)”

(Chitando, Ezra (ed) 2008. “Mainstreaming HIV and AIDS in Theological Education: Experiences and Explorations”; WCCC Publications (Geneva) p.89)

We are one, if one of us celebrates – all celebrate, if one suffers all suffer and if one of us is HIV+ - all of us are HIV+.

And Isabel Apawo Phiri mentions a change of theological approach from punishment to solidarity: “…Africa is now exploring new ways of reading and interpreting the Bible that equip the church to move away from a theology of HIV/Aids as a punishment from God to a theology of God who is in solidarity with the HIV/Aids-affected and infected people…”

(Phiri, Isabel Apawo 2011. “HIV/AIDS: an African theological response in mission”[Online] Available: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2065/is_4_56/ai_n15944461)

Through these two statements we can clearly see one thing:
God is a God of closeness not of distance. In the issue of HIV/Aids he suffers, cries and feels with those who are in agony and pain. If God is close should not we as a church get rid of all prejudice, fear and anxiety and come close to all affected and infected by HIV/ Aids?

Conclusion
So what now, where does the church go from here?

I would like to conclude with Isabel Apawo Phiris challenge:
“What is required from the church, the body of Christ, is commitment to fight against the spread of the virus with all the available resources. Presenting a God of compassion rather than a God of wrath is central when dealing with the infected and affected. Jesus came to establish the reign of God on earth. It is the responsibility of the church to work in conjunction with God to realize the reign of God now as the church continues to hope for the final realisation of the reign of God for the whole creation and the whole human community. While HIV/Aids brings fear and desperate actions, the message of the church should continue to promote life in

10 Reasons to Under-program Your Church

2011-08-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine sent me an email with some challenging thoughts about how to do church, and I realized it's worthwhile posting. So just read through it and hopefully be challenged how to think about church:

I'm a big fan of the "simple church" concept, but I have experienced just how daunting a task it can be to under-program my church. We are inundated constantly with opportunities for activity from other churches (which we don't want to turn down lest we appear uncooperative and standoffish), advertised "movements" local and national (which are good at getting people excited), and "good ideas" from our own community (which we are reluctant to deny lest we break someone's heart). But what all this so often amounts to is a church that is merely busy, and busy does not always equal diligent or successful.

Here, then, are 10 reasons to under-program a church:

1. You can do a lot of things in a mediocre (or poor) way, or you can do a few things extremely well. Craig Groeschel has some great things to say about this subject. Also check out Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger's Simple Church.

2. Over-programming creates an illusion of fruitfulness that may just be busy-ness. A bustling crowd may not be spiritually changed or engaged in mission at all. And as our flesh cries out for works, many times filling our programs with eager, even servant-minded people is a way to appeal to self-righteousness.

3. Over-programming is a detriment to single-mindedness in a community. If we're all busy engaging our interests in and pursuits of different things, we will have a harder time enjoying the "one accord" prescribed by the New Testament.

4. Over-programming runs the risk of turning a church into a host of extracurricular activities, mirroring the "Type-A family" mode of suburban achievers. The church can become a grocery store or more spiritual YMCA, then, perfect for people who want religious activities on their calendar.

5. Over-programming dilutes actual ministry effectiveness. Because it can overextend leaders, increase administration, tax the time of church members, and sap financial and material resources from churches.

6. Over-programming leads to segmentation among ages, life stages, and affinities, which can create divisions in a church body. Certainly there are legitimate reasons for gathering according to "likenesses," but many times increasing the number of programs means increasing the ways and frequencies of these separations. Pervasive segmentation is not good for church unity or spiritual growth.

7. Over-programming creates satisfaction in an illusion of success; meanwhile mission suffers. If a church looks like it's doing lots of things, we tend to think it's doing great things for God. When really it may just be providing lots of religious goods and services. This is an unacceptable substitute for a community on mission, but it's one we accept all the time. And the more we are engaged within the four walls of the church, whether those walls are literal or metaphorical, the less we are engaged in being salt and light. Over-programming reduces the access to and opportunities with my neighbors.

8. Over-programming reduces margin in the lives of church members. It's a fast track to burnout for both volunteers and attendees, and it implicitly stifles sabbath.

9. Over-programming gets a church further away from the New Testament vision of the local church. Here's a good test, I think: take a look at a typical over-programmed church's calendar and see how many of the activities resemble things seen in the New Testament.

10. Over-programming is usually the result of un-self-reflective reflex reactions to perceived needs and and an inability to kill sacred cows that are actually already dead. Always ask "Should we?" before you ask "Can we?" Always ask "Will this please God?" before you ask "Will this please our people?" Always ask "Will this meet a need?" before you ask "Will this meet a demand?"

(from: http://gospeldrivenchurch.blogspot.com/2011/08/10-reasons-to-under-program-your-church.html)

Called to youth ministry

2011-07-29T00:05:00.000-07:00

I often ponder on how God calls people. You know there are many guys and girls in the Bible and He called every single one of them in a unique and special way to a specific purpose. And He calls all of us to be His children.

Anyway I read a short and sweet article which I want to share with you and afterwards tell you my own story:

Called to youth ministry (Kurt Johnston & Josh Grifin)
from Simply Youth Ministry Today [daily@youthministry.com]

I remember hearing a pastor once talk about his “calling to ministry” – my first thought was how mystical it all sounded; that God would pick out some normal person and make them super special for ministry. Would God’s calling be accompanied by bright light, an audible voice, smoke and lasers? I always wondered what God’s voice must have sounded like (probably like Morgan Freeman’s), and how it must have felt to be hand-picked by the Creator of the Universe for this special job.

And then I felt called, and it wasn’t anything like I thought it might be. It wasn’t super magical, but it was life-changing. Here’s a little from each of us on our calling to youth ministry:

JOSH: My first inclination that God was calling me to youth ministry was through a significant mentor in my life. I was about to graduate my senior year of college and Jerry Dorman told me he was about to leave his current position and become a pastor. He asked me to consider becoming his youth pastor. I couldn’t believe what he was asking (I was newly married and about to graduate with a business degree) but said I would pray about it. Little did I know that this nudge from a caring adult in my life would lead to a lifelong pursuit and calling from God to minister to students.

KURT: Like Josh, the first time I truly felt “called” to youth ministry was through a significant mentor, and it was a fairly powerful moment. I had taken a semester off from college to go on an extended mission trip to England. My prayer before leaving was, “God, I don’t want to return to school until I know exactly why I’m there.” I hadn’t told anybody about that prayer, but one night on the trip while the team was huddled together under Big Ben praying for those we had ministered to throughout the day, my youth pastor pulled me aside and said that he believed I was gifted for ministry and should consider changing my course of study when I returned to school. No lasers, no Morgan Freeman voice, but pretty epic nonetheless.

Do you remember your calling? Maybe you were raising your hand to ask a question and someone thought that you were volunteering to work with junior highers. Maybe you accidentally made eye-contact with your senior pastor at exactly the wrong time and you ended up running youth group for the next year. Or maybe you had a very provocative Saul-on-the-road-to-Tarsis meeting where God shined a blinding spotlight directly at you. Maybe you stumbled into youth ministry and have felt God’s calling over the months of serving and seeing lives changed and hearts being drawn to Him (side note: We have learned over the years that this type of calling is the most common).

At the end of the day, you are called. You are chosen. You are one of the few … the proud … the youth ministry nation. We share in that calling and are honored to encourage you, equip you, and hopefully inspire you to keep on serving students today, and tomorrow….and the next day. In fact, that’s why we are so excited about the opportunity to write this little column a few times a week!

So think about your calling this afternoon. Thank God for it and reflect on what He wants to do with and through you. We’ll be back tomorrow with a few reminders of why that’s so important.

-------
So here comes my story - ALEX: I still remember like it was yesterday. Freshly married my wife and I were looking for a new apartment to move in together. It was in a new city with strange people, nothing was familiar. We heard of an available apartment with reasonable rent (a former Youth Leader moved away and was looking for someone to take over the place). So we went to check it out. As he opened the door he said: “So you are the people interested in the apartment? Don’t you want to get involved in the local youth ministry here as well?”
This was crazy! He never met us before and we had no experience in youth ministry! We just knew that this was a God given opportunity and we were challenged accept that calling (and we got the apartment). Months later we sat in our living room with a bunch of teenagers talking about God. I was so pumped and glad that we were doing this kind of ministry. Since then it just motivates me and my wife when we are involved somehow with young people.

Those (and other) stories tell the powerful story of an infinite God who loves every human He created so much. He call's us into a relationship with Him and has a significant calling for each of us as well. The problem is that many of us don't realise that!

Missions Part 1

2011-07-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

Introduction
Christian missionary activities often involve sending individuals and groups (called "missionaries"), to foreign countries and to places in their own homeland. This has frequently involved not only evangelization (in order to expand Christianity through the conversion of new members), but also humanitarian work, especially among the poor and disadvantaged. Missionaries have the authority to preach the Christian faith (and sometimes to administer sacraments), and provide humanitarian work to improve economic development, literacy, education, health care, and orphanages.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_%28Christian%29)

Now missions have changed, we actually don't need to fly across the globe to meet people from diferent, tribes, cultures, religious and social backgrounds - they are right on our "doorstep". But before we talk about a practical example, let's have a quick look at what the Boble has to say about missions:

1. The Bible as a Missions book

Since I am a Christian many fellow believers told me how important it is to share my faith with non-believers. So they may hear about our gracious and loving God who wants to deliver all from sin through Jesus and wants to give all the gift of eternal life. It is also written in the New Testament that we should, “...go and make disciples of all nations..." (Matt.28:19). As well as “...and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This is actually true, but for many years I had only these scriptures of the New Testament in my mind if someone talked with me about God’s call for mission.

Then once someone told me that the whole Bible talks about God’s heart for the lost world, so I started to have a closer look at the Old Testament.

It often seems at first glance that God only worked for the Israelites and against other nations in the Old Testament. But what if God worked through Israel in order to reach all the other nations in the world?

1.1. The Bible starts with God who created everything and on top of it - mankind. God had a very close relationship with Adam and Eve (Gen. 1:27+31), unfortunately after the fall this intimate relationship was destroyed (Gen. 3:23).
Even though there was a gap now between God and his creation HE kept on walking with them as they increased in numbers and tried to go their own ways. God’s invitation was for everyone and some accepted Him (Abel, Noah...), but many people did not as they wanted to make themselves a name (Example: Tower of Babel; Gen. 11:4).

1.2 And then God chose Abraham for his specific task to bless the other nations.
In the blessing of Abraham we can find three promises (Gen.12:2-3):
- He will become a great nation which is blessed.
- His descendants will be a blessing for others.
- Until all peoples on earth will be blessed.

1.3 Through Abraham, God started his big task of reaching all people of the world. Steven C. Hawthorne (1) writes about Abraham: “He’s certainly not on record as a great evangelist. He was actually thrown out of Egypt in disgrace (Gen. 12:10-20). Abrahams neighbors frightened him into lying about his family. … But for all his failings, he did the most missionary thing he could have done when he first arrived in the new land: His first act was to establish ongoing public worship of God (Gen.12:7-8)."

(1) Winter, Ralph D. and S. C. Hawthorne Perspectives on the world Christian Movement. A Reader. 3rd Edition.

1.4 In Exodus 19:4-6 we find three things God wants his nation (the Israelites) to be, which follows the previous blessing of Abraham. God wants them to be his "treasured possession" that implicates how special they are, their lives as well as their service towards God and others. Then he wants them to be his "kingdom of priests" to represent God and pass on his word to the nations. Thirdly he calls them to be a "holy nation" towards him and other nations. In all three descriptions we can find again the path God walks through the Israelites to all nations.

1.5 God’s plan continues to grow as we find another important passage in the Psalms. "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations” (Ps. 67:1-2). Because God had been gracious to the Israelites and to everyone who believes in him until today, he could make himself known in the entire world.

We can find many other examples in the Old Testament were we see that God wants to bless and be with everyone (Jews and Gentiles). There is Melchizedek (Gen. 14), he openly confessed his faith in God.
Jethro a Medianite and Moses father in Law showed his commitment to Moses and Aaron’s God by celebrating with them the fellowship sacrificial meal (Ex. 18).
Balaam blessed the Israelites instead of cursing them after his encounter with an angel sent by God (Num. 22-24).
Jonah finally went to Nineveh like God wanted him to do, so the people could stop their evil activities and worship God (Jonah 1-4). These are just some of the examples in the Old Testament, where we can clearly see that Gods desire to reach the whole world lies in it as well as in the New Testament.

1.6 Through the whole Bible God deeply and truly longs for a relationship with everyone who ever lived and will live here on earth. With Jesus’ three years of ministry and his death on the cross and resurrection - the promises of the prophets were fulfilled, and the foundation for every Christian and the churches were laid.
So now (with the connection from Old and New Testament in mind) it makes more sense to me when Jesus calls every Christian to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt.28:18-20) and we are not alone - the Holy Spirit will lead us (Acts 1:8) in order to be a “witness” and to know where to go (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria or to the end of the earth).

1.7 After these important verses God started to build up his church amongst the Jews through the apostles and further the expansion of his kingdom to the Gentiles through Paul. In this time the first churches where formed and they supported the Apostles and each other in any way they could (Acts 2:42-47). This shows us how God puts everything together to fulfil his task.
In the last book of the Bible God reveals his vision of the future where people from all different tribes, cultures and parts of the earth are before the throne of God worshipping (Rev. 7:9-12).

I hope this little journey through the Bible helps you to understand and see that the desire to reach every single person with the gospel is burned in Gods heart. He wants to use all Christians today to reach the lost in the world as he used so many other ordinary people in the Bible for the same task.

Missions Part 2

2011-07-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

2. Missions - a practical example

Even though God called us to reach out to the whole world, how does one do that practically? You should definitely be all the time aware to”…always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” (1 Peter 3:15).
There are some many ways to get involved in Missions work (in a foreign country or at your door-step), one wonderful and powerful way is to get involved in or to start a social ministry with the aim to meet peoples daily needs and through living out God’s love to share the gospel with them.

As I am involved in Soccer Ministry (in Mamelodi) for over 8 years now I thought I could best describe how to get involved or start a social ministry by telling my story:

2.1. Vision or calling
When I came to South Africa as a missionary I first did (together with my family) a half-year training course and then got involved in local youth ministry. I still had some time left and so I tried to find out in what other ministry I could get involved, but found no answer. Then one night I had a strange dream: “I was in a township playing soccer with kids, sharing the gospel with them and giving them food”. When I woke up the next morning I shared the dream with my wife and my colleague, we agreed to pray that God would guide me as we all believe that God had a clear plan. Nothing happened. Two weeks later I facilitated a youth leadership course, after we finished a guy came up to me and simply said: “Hi I am Trevor and I am still looking for somebody who can join me to establish a soccer-ministry in Mamelodi”, stunned I responded “I am Alex, and I was waiting for you!”. He did not know about my dream!
God gives you a clear calling about something - you need to be patient, aware and willing!

2.2. Crafting a plan
After I received the vision and found someone to work with we sat down, planned and asked questions:
What are the needs and the interests of young people in that area?
What exactly do we want to do?
Where do we want to do it?
How should the programme look like in order to be interesting and effective?
What and how much resources do we need to make it happen?
How often and what is the best day/time in the week to do it?
What possible difficulties could we face?
What are some of the goals we want to achieve?
You need to be able to answer these (and many more) questions. Be prepared as good as possible, but then also be brave and start (don’t waist time by over-planning). It will be a journey (learning process) as you continue with the project.

2.3. Finding resources
When we first started we had basically transport, 3 soccer balls, 2-3 volunteers and a 20 Litre bucket for water. Finding enough and the right resources is difficult and challenging, but possible. What we did is to pass on our passion about this ministry to as many others as possible, over time we found several churches and individuals who either gave us once-off donations or started to give a small amount regularly. Others donate material resources and others give their time and knowledge (like our sports-volunteers).

2.4. Facing challenges (endurance)
Ministry (like life) is not a smooth ride and challenges cannot quickly be fixed.
Here are two (of many) examples:
Right in the beginning we planned to work together with a primary school in Mamelodi. The principal promised us to help, but when arrived with a full program he denied us to work there. So we went to a park nearby and started the work there (this is where we still conduct our training today!). Some years later we had a volunteer who was a great coach (in terms of his soccer skills and knowledge), but he had very bad people-skills (he was often rude to the children). I tried to address this many times, but eventually it was so bad that it threatened the existence of the ministry. It was very difficult for me to loose an extra pair of hands and his expertise, but I had to ask him to leave (as he was not willing to change his attitude).
Be willing to be in there for the long run, no short cuts. You will face hard times, as you work through them with God, you will become stronger and more efficient.

2.5. Establish the work
Many people asked us, why we have not yet established a proper team, organized tournaments, found bigger sponsors… One oft our key factors is to keep it simple, our vision is to takes children off the streets and to reach them for Christ, we as well want to invest in their soccer skills, but it is not our main priority.
You need to evaluate your work and find out what are the key factors to be able to continue with it (for us it is basically faithful long-term Christian volunteers, an available sports-ground, simple soccer-gear…).
I am not saying that it is wrong to dream big, but I rather do something which has a long-lasting live-changing impact on peoples lives, than a huge dream/ vision which will never become reality.

2.6. Pray always
Last but not least, imbed everything always in prayer. Have a prayer-support group, ask your volunteers and your church to pray, and pray yourself. Remember: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil. 4:6)
Prayer expresses our dependence to and trust in God. HE can do the impossible!

2.7. Handing over
Even if the timeline defers from project to project, as everything is constantly changing the leadership will sooner or later change as well. New workers will emerge and old ones might retire or move to other places.
Be aware of change - don’t expect that it will always stay the same .
See the signs - look for young people within your program with potential or for new people who want to help (nurture them).
Be willing to hand over – it is not about you, but God’s work (maybe you stand in the way for further growth).

Becoming a leader - part 2

2011-05-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Leadership is a process

Being a leader is not a status in the first place, but rather a process. The moment you stop to learn, grow and develop further you actually stop to lead. It is no surprise that Moses (or others) had ups and downs as a leader. But God still used him to make a difference. Moses loved the Lord with all his heart and obeyed him. Moses took risks for God, and learned that he could not lead by himself. You will make mistakes, the question is if you are willing to learn from them and see your leadership experience as a process. Or do you give up?

Now let's look at how Jesus developed leaders:
(Training of the 12, 1979, Kregel Publications)

Leadership stages

Classroom
Jesus gave his disciples information. He taught them his ways through different teachings, stories and the “Sermon on the Mount”. (Mt. 5-7)

Observation
This happened as his disciples walked with Jesus and observed him. They were close enough to Jesus to go beyond just information as they were able to see the person. We need to be role models as leaders. (Mt. 8:23; Mk. 2:23)

Individual
Jesus focused especially on twelve rather then reaching the mass. Personal contact and individual time is necessary in developing others. (Mt. 11:1)

Crisis
Growth usually happens the most in crisis situations. Whether it was a boat in a storm (Mk. 4:36-41) or feeding the 5000 (Lk. 9:11-17) the disciples grew in their understanding of leadership through each experience. Therefore stay with your young people in the crisis.

On the job
Jesus sent his disciples out to experience ministry first hand. He sent them out for on-hand experience and then briefed with them afterwards. (Mt. 10)

Becoming a leader

2011-03-03T23:56:00.000-08:00

So, how do you actually become a leader? You might be born into it, or through hard work, influential relationships or maybe by accident… Christian leadership on the other hand comes usually through God’s plan and His divine guidance. It does not mean that a leader just comes into being, but you grow into that role.

A Biblical Example

There are many different examples of Godly leaders in the Bible. All went through a growth process until they where entirely equipped to serve God in the way He intended it to be. But I would like to use Moses life as an example on how to become a leader:

- Moses goes his own way (Ex. 2:11-15) - Moses felt in his heart that injustice was done to his people. The problem was that, even though God wanted to rescue the Israelites, Moses took things in his own hands. The outcome was a disaster, an Egyptian died, the Israelites used Moses act as an example and he had to run for his life.
This is in our human nature, we might get a task to do, but we do not even ask God how to work with it, we just do everything in our own strength.

- Moses fears (Ex. 3:1-14) - Moses was hiding and trying to forget his past, but God used the time to work in his life. When God revealed himself to Moses it was too much for him (but he was curious). Fear overwhelmed him as God told Moses what his task was, and he tried to find excuses. To be a leader is not an easy task, but if God calls you need to be obedient and willing to follow, too often we try to excuse ourselves because of fear (or lack of commitment).

- God gives Moses strength (Ex. 14) - The miracle of parting the Red Sea is very significant for the whole nation of Israel and for Moses personally. In this situation he did not rely on his own strength (the task was anyway to big), nor did fear overwhelm him. Moses believed that God would save them (as he experienced God before) and God did it.

- Moses learns detail-management (Ex. 18:13-27) - Moses had a challenge as leader, but Jethro gave him vital advice. As Leaders we do not only need to be willing to manage the big issues, but need to set up networks with others (co-leaders) in order to build a good structure in ministry. Furthermore should we listen to good advice, like Moses did when he listened to Jethro.

Activity- Moses is not the only person where you can find leadership growth. Look at Abraham’s (Gen.12 and ongoing) or Paul’s story (Acts 8 and ongoing). What can you learn from them for your own life?

(McLuen, Dennis & Wysong, Chuck. The Student Leadership Training Manual for Youth Workers, 2000, Grand Rapids: Zondervan)

Speakaholics (by Mike Yaconelli)

2011-01-23T11:15:00.000-08:00

The other day I came across this article, and I thought this is really worth sharing...especially if you are in youth ministry, any other ministry/work where you might speak in front of crowds or if you aspire to become a well known speaker:

(Source- http://www.youthspecialties.com/articles/speakaholics/)

Hi. My name is Mike and I am a speakaholic.

For most of my 42 years in ministry, I’ve found myself speaking a lot. I speak to young people, youth workers, churches, and numerous secular organizations. It all started very innocently. I had a gift of communication, I enjoyed using my gift, and others gave me the opportunity to use that gift.

Those opportunities increased every year, and eventually I was speaking in the morning, in the afternoon, and late at night. I even found myself sneaking in a speaking engagement right under my family’s nose; I’d answer the phone and say, "yes," to speaking during a time when my family had asked me to be home. But I couldn’t stop.

Soon, I became obsessed with speaking, and before I knew it, I’d graduated to international speaking. Not only was I gone much of the time, but when I was home, I was exhausted and no good to anyone around me because of jet lag and weariness. Before I knew what was happening, I was hopelessly addicted to communicating with others and was willing to sacrifice family, children, friends, and almost anything to have the opportunity to speak. Speaking was no longer what I did; it was who I was.

I am a speakaholic.

And guess what? Nobody cares.

People love speakaholics. There’s a demand for speakers, an insatiable market for communicators; there are unlimited opportunities. It’s not easy to communicate to this generation of adolescents; so those who can are in great demand for conferences, camps, retreats, and festivals. Speakers can quickly find themselves booked two or three years in advance.

I’ve met those who express a desire to develop a speaking ministry. Speaking is not a ministry; it’s a narcotic, an addiction, a seduction stronger than sex. Speaking is tangled up in our egos, in control.

Speaking is dangerous.

Speaking creates an illusion of necessity, of power, of control. Speakers are treated as special—just a notch above others. They’re given an honorarium, private housing, and all expenses paid. Even within the niche world of the Christian Church, speakers develop a following, and they experience—in a small way—fame.

Fame is always dangerous. Fame is always destructive. Fame isolates speakers and convinces them that they’re important—pivotal, even. Fame seduces speakers into believing their own press releases.

Speaking contaminates every speaker. And there are no exceptions. No speaker leaves the world of speakers unscathed. Not one. In fact, the only way a speaker can escape the negative consequences of speaking is to stop speaking.

There’s no other way.

Speaking is a maximum security prison from which there’s no escape. Speaking is a drug much more dangerous than heroin, because no one tries to stop you from your addiction; in fact, they encourage it. "I know you’re busy, but is there any way you could squeeze us in?" "Hey, we don’t want to take you away from your family; we’ll pay for your family to come."

And what about the side effects? Speakers live in abject terror of the day when no one invites them to speak anymore. Speakers complain and moan about their exhausting schedule, while finding a way to squeeze in just one more speaking engagement. Speakers have no will power, no discernment skills. They’ll accept any and all invitations, no matter the price to everyone around them.

So here’s my solution.

Stop using speakers. Let’s ban speakers from our youth groups, our camps, our retreats. Let’s boycott all speakers and decide we will, instead, let our love of young people do the speaking for us. We’ll let our relationships do the talking.

And maybe, just maybe, we’ll find a way to train young people to listen to the voice of Jesus speaking.

And to the speakers…we’ll just say, "no."

If we don’t, then we must bear some of the responsibility for the speakaholics we create. We must confess to our part in creating and encouraging speakaholics—in essence, becoming pimps of dependency.

We’re the ones creating the demand, providing the drug, encouraging the addiction. We’re the ones using speakers for our own ends without any consideration of the damage speaking does to the speaker.

Just say no.

We don’t need speakers. We need listeners. We need more youth workers and more young people who are trained to listen to Jesus, to pay attention to what he is doing in the world, to notice where God is at work in their lives, and to hear, "I love you," spoken from Jesus himself.

Contemporvant (video clip)

2010-08-31T05:42:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine showed me this video, and it made me wonder...

How do I think a sunday morning should look like? Is there actually a certain way to do sunday service? We so often look at "successful" churches and think they got it right, but what is successful?

Watch this short video and make up your own mind:

from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4ghjPbULEU

Article 11: Your Vision, should it be BIG or small?

2010-05-11T03:17:00.000-07:00

(For picture link look below Appendix A)

Everybody needs a vision for his or her life, but should it be huge & ambitious (that some people might even think that you are out of your mind?) or is it better to have a small vision for your daily walk “one step at a time”? (Your thinking, “I don’t want to put too much effort in it”…).
Should it be BIG or small??? At the moment I am challenged with that question (You know the Soccer World Cup is coming up in 30 days, some things that are planned to reach different communities seem very BIG, others rather small…).

Yesterday a friend quoted Angus Buchan from the “Mighty Man Conference” this year in South Africa: “Your vision should be so BIG that it scares you – so that you will rely on God and not yourself.” That statement makes sense, doesn’t it? And if you remember the story when God called Moses he gave him a great vision, too BIG for Moses - so he had to rely on God (Ex. 3:9-12).

But, today I received a Bible thought from Youth Specialties:
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (1 Thess. 4:11-12)
This isn’t the way I usually think of ambition. If I’m feeling ambitious to live for God, at all, I want to do BIG things: Witness to every person at school. Build an orphanage with my bare hands. Memorize the New Testament…in Greek. But Paul wants us to think of a long-term strategy to help unbelievers to notice Christ in the way we live every day – not just in the BIG things we do to “change the world”.

Now what? Is it better to have a huge vision that God can show his power and glory, or should I focus on the little things in my life – He will be glorified through them as well.

Let’s look briefly at some realities:
A BIG vision:
- Can get you excited in the beginning, but may be overwhelming after some time.
- Will show you and eventually others how GREAT God is.
- Will need all your attention, resources, abilities and gifts – therefore it will
help you to develop further in your strong points.
- Will show others what GREAT things actually can be accomplished.
- Has a greater chance of failure, but you will learn from it.

A small, daily vision:
- Will help you to grow closer to God personally.
- Will encourage you to try something a bit bigger next time.
- Will help you to overcome personal struggles – help you to work on your weaknesses.
- Might cause tensions with close friends, as they do not understand the change
in certain areas of your life.
- Might let you feel insignificant at times.

Looking at these realities, can you say that one is better (or more important) than the other? I don’t think so, it seems they are interrelated.

Consider these 2 Questions:
- Are you able to achieve great things if you fail in your personal life?
- Is it ok to always play it save and never risk something BIG?

God did not just gave Moses one great vision, HE worked with him daily on smaller things. Why do you think did Moses had to grow up in a Palace, with Hebrew teaching when he was little and then after killing an Egyptian run off to stay (and learn) in a foreign land for 40 years? God only gave Moses a BIG vision when HE knew he was ready (but Moses was not so sure about that…).

I want to challenge you to take some time and ask yourself: “Where do you stand with the vision God has given you at the moment?” Are you showing responsibility with it no matter how BIG or small this vision is?

Appendix A:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.heide-liebmann.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/vision.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.heide-liebmann.de/blog/2007/07/03/10-ideen-seine-vision-zu-entwickeln/&usg=__vNemJv4ECXPHAAoJorjbWlBsXr4=&h=332&w=413&sz=12&hl=de&start=2&itbs=1&tbnid=2Rqoj0OwctZB8M:&tbnh=100&tbnw=125&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dvision%26hl%3Dde%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DG%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:de:official%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1

Story 9: Washing feet and washing cars - Servant Leadership

2010-03-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

I think that one of the most exciting & challenging stories in the Bible is when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples (John 13). Many sermons have been preached about it and endless discussion groups were held...the fact remains that Jesus' idea of leadership is different to the way many of us would view/ understand it.

I want to share a short story that I experienced recently and reminded me again to be humble, patient, commited and full of love in your daily walk:

Some weeks ago I had the priviledge to visit a church for a weekend, I was asked to do a leadership training for young people as well as to share how to reach young people through soccer. We had a wonderful time of learning, fellowship, worship and physical exercise together.
The whole weekend was great, but then on Sunday morning (just before we wanted to go to church), I learned a lesson (again). As I made myself ready I heard that someone was outside, so I wet to see what was going on. Next to the house I found the pastor whasing my car. Totally surprised I asked: "Why do you wash my car?" With a smile on his face he replied: "I just wanted to show you our thankfulness. And by the way, a nice car should not look dirty."

Wow, I was really challenged by this act of love. Being a leader of a congregation he still decided to clean someone elses car. (This does not happen every day - at least not to me)

So how do we react if we read stories like these?

I wonder how many people who saw or heard what Jesus did thought that it was wrong to do such a thing... If you have the chance to be of service to someone else - with no reward in return - would you humble yourself?

If you want to read further about Jesus' example, I want to encourage you to focus on these verses:
1 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.

Happy New Year – or is it not “happy” for you?

2010-01-23T05:29:00.000-08:00

Since 23 days we live in a new year – yippee! Or is it not so great for you. Many (or at least some of you) have decided to change some habits in their lives (like to stop swearing, to listen more to your parents, to stop parting or to start to read everyday in your Bible…) I wonder how many are still on track. If so congratulations, if not – I guess you are disappointed (at least a little bit) – You know I would be too. But before I continue to talk about disappointment let me share a story…

(Picture from - http://redcrossselanprc.wordpress.com/2009/12/30/dealing-with-dissapointment-lauren/)

…I want to talk about this guy let me call him J, ever heard of him? He was a prophet in Israel. You know a prophet is a messenger chosen by God to deliver messages to people. Usually it would be messages to the Israelites (God’s people), but one time God changed his mind, he wanted J to tell another group that they selfish and did not fear (respect) God. He should tell them that if they would not stop with their evil ways and repent they would be punished. But J was not happy, he thought that they deserved punishment as they were really bad people (BUT he also knew that God was merciful and would forgive them if they were sorry). So he decided to ignore God and did his own thing, he went somewhere else - in the opposite direction (he chose his own way). God therefore had to help a little and sent a massive storm (as J was on a ship). The people were scared on the boat and J knew exactly that it was his fault that they had to experience this horrible storm. He allowed the crew to throw him of the ship, the storm stopped – but J was swallowed by an enormous fish. In the fish’s belly (under distress) he realised his failure and told God if he would free him that he would go to those people.
Asked and done, J was spit out (in one piece) on the shore and began his journey. In the city J went on the streets and told everyone about God’s judgement on the city, hoping they would not listen (Have you ever done that? – I think it sounds a bit crazy). The opposite happened and the king asked everyone to mourn (cry out) and repent (say deeply sorry) for all the bad things they have done. God heard there cry, but J still hoped that God would show his wrath (anger) and waited outside the city to watch its destruction – nothing happened.
God had compassion with J in the heat and gave him shade through a plant, but took it away the next morning to teach him a lesson. But, what did J do? The poor guy cried over a plant! Did J learn something? I am not sure as he had more compassion for a plant then for a whole nation (God spared their lives, but J wanted them to be punished). So, if you ask people what they remember of this man in the Bible, most will answer “Wasn’t he the guy who ran away from God and was swallowed by a giant fish?” J chose his way…

You know by now that it was Jonah I was referring to. He was so disappointed, he had high expectations from himself and from God. But God turned his life upside down. Maybe a similar thing is happening to you. You had your ideas for this year, but you already failed (or someone disappointed you). Maybe God is trying to get your attention. Maybe you should focus less on what you expect from this year…

Take some time and answer these questions:
- About what or whom was Jonah disappointed?
- Was God disappointed in Jonah? What do you think?
- Has Jonah learned from his mistake?
- Do you struggle with disappointment sometimes?
- How do you handle disappointment? (If it is not working out the way you wanted it to work out?)

Article 10: Christmas...but only on my terms!?

2009-12-26T22:23:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know Christmas has come and gone again this year (like every other year). But please bear with me as I reflect a bit:
Shopping malls were full with loads of people rushing up and down to buy presents (hopefully good ones for a cheap price). Others were hoping and dreaming of what they might get out of it, others just wanted to sell a lot to have a blooming buisness, others just hanging in Pub's (or other places) with the expectation to have a great time and the stress levels of many rose again (like every other year) as places got so overcrowded... Does that sound familiar?

So let me ask: Is that what Christmas is all about? To get out of it what you expect? Or is there maybe more? Many of us probably even went to a church service...but why? Because it is tradition, because your parents expected it from you? Think about it...

I started to read a book yesterday called: "The lost Message of Jesus" (by Steve Chalke), he states that "What once profoundly shaped communities and changed lives has today been sidelined in society. The radical message of Jesus is now seen as nothing more than an ancient myth containing little, if any, historical truth or contemporary relevancy". Is this true have we (the church) put Jesus on the sideline and fogotten about his importance and his radical life and message?

What do most young people understand when they talk about Christmas? Do they know that Jesus was born? Do they know why Jesus was born? Do you know?

John refers to Jesus as being the Word (John 1:1) and the true light (John 1:4) and the writer in Hebrews refers to Jesus as good news (4:2). Today I just want to challenge you to reflect about this Jesus who was born into this world in order to redeem us.

- Take some time out today and reflect on Jesus.
- Think about what Jesus actually should mean to us today.

Story 8: Letting go...

2009-10-15T04:21:00.001-07:00

I remember it like it was yesterday. I reflected on the past five years in youth ministry. How much time, energy, money have I put in, how many sacrifices have I made to be there every Friday night with a new programme (OK, I was not alone...I was part of a bigger team) and now I should leave?
I had to make a very difficult choice: Letting go of the youth ministry (I so loved) because of other (great & new) commitments and opportunities.

Many questions were spinning in my mind... What would happen to the teenagers and to the other leaders? Would I be missed? Is it the right decision and the right time? Am I ready to take on a new challenge?

Have you experienced a similar situation? It was hard but I had to make a choice - the right choice - to let go. What really helped me was an advice I gained at a leadership conference:

There are different stages in your ministry -
1. build up (start a new ministry because God shows you where he is busy)
2. sustain (make sure that it does not die, look for firm foundations)
3. develop further (recognize, nurture and guide young leaders)
4. hand over (give the responsibility to others at the right time)

After almost 5 years I was at the last point and for me personally it was the hardest stage. I knew there were enough leaders to carry on the good work. It was just difficult to let go, but looking back - it was the right thing to do. The youth ministry is still growing strong - without me.

If you are in a similar situation evaluate yourself and reflect on these questions:
- Are you so important that the ministry will fail without you?
- Don't you trust God to keep on blessing what He started?
- Are you maybe in the way for further development of the ministry?
- Is there actually another task waiting for you that will need your full attention?

Article 9: Shout it out LOUD!!!

2009-08-31T09:17:00.000-07:00

Young people are noisy! WHOAH, AWESOME, CRAZY!?! They talk a lot, dance, sing, shout, laugh, cry, scream...sound familiar? Most of the time when I hang out with young people it's really loud! (Or, maybe it's me? :-) I don't know...) And to be honest the youth in Europe can learn from the African youth what it means to be loud (at least from those guys I got to know). Please don't get me wrong, it is not a bad thing to be heard. I think it depends WHY are you loud? Are you making a noise - just for fun? To irritate others? Or, for WHAT?

Here are some questions to consider - Ask yourself:
? Do you have something important to say?
? Do you live your life accordingly to what you say?
? Do you sometimes shut up when you should not?
? Do you listen carefully before you speak?

1. Do you really have something to say???
Many of us like to show off, they come with great words and try to others around them (1 Cor.2:1-5; read what Paul thinks about that). The thing is when we realise that we don't have many good we can actually contribute we quickly make something up - something interesting. Sound familiar? In Proverbs 20:6 it says, "Everyone talks about how loyal and faithful he is, but just try to find someone who really is!" Wise, honest people are rare and hard to find...are you one of them? The thing is that you need to be vulnerable and transparent in order to be honest. And that is a scary place to be!

2. LIVE it out loud!
What is your word worth? Are you keeping your word? Does your lifestyle reflect what you share/tell others? What about when no on is watching? Do you know people whom you don't trust anymore even if they say, "I promise..."? Ever heard of the saying: "Preach the word and only if necessary use words!"
The greatest "statement" my Grandmother ever made was through her ability to show love (in different ways) to everyone around her - often without words. James goes against hypocrites, in his opinion the way we live and what we do reflects what we truly believe...(Jam. 2:17 & 22). So many people only offer only empty words (Isa. 8:10, Hos. 10:4 and Col. 2:8), but we should make our words count and live our faith out loud.

3. Be loud when it counts!
Have you ever been in a situation where you knew you have to say something in order to defend what you belief in or to help someone else? BUT you kept quiet... So often we know what we should do, but then we do the opposite. Maybe because of fear, doubt or pride, whatever the reason is. Paul had the same problem: "I do not understand what I do; for I don't do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate". (Rom. 7:15). We all will face situations were it is difficult to do the right thing and to "stand up for your faith". Still that is no excuse, we need to stand firm in difficult situations and keep on fighting for Christ!

4. Listening vs. talking
Why do we only have one mouth, but two ears? Because we should listen twice as much as we speak! You might think, "That's a stupid saying!" So let me ask you: "How often do you speak too quick and hurt someone with your words in the process?", "How often do you end up in a misunderstanding, because you didn't listen properly?"
Maybe we should take James advice serious more often: "My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry". (Jam. 1:19). If you face an argument or a tense situation step back and listen (properly) to what the other person has to say.

You know many of the things I mentioned above are hard to apply for me as well. Still I want to invite, encourage and challenge you to think about it!

Story 7: Take me apart!

2009-07-29T05:32:00.000-07:00

This might sound strange as a title, but I believe this is what God needs to do with those who want to change the world for him: To take us apart!

Let me explain with two stories:
- It's now over 5 years ago (but I will never forget that day) when I together with another youth pastor visited a youth group in Soshanguve (a Township North of Pretoria). We were invited to talk with them about relationships (to friends, parents, relatives, boy/girlfriend, strangers and God). Even though we had a good time with the teenagers my friend and I sensed that there was something wrong with that group. Somehow we felt that they wanted to discuss some serious issues they had on their hearts, but were to scared to share them with us. So my friend had an idea, we handed out small sheets of paper and then explained to them: "You can write down any request you want on that paper anonymously. We will read it later and pray for you seriously." The response was very good, almost all of the teenagers filled out a paper.
Back home we sat together in our office to read and pray through every letter we received. The stories we read were heartbreaking, teenagers who aborted a child without telling one single person about it, girls who were raped, young people who were physically or emotionally abused by someone in the family and the list went on and on.
That day God broke me (he took me completely apart) for young people and the things they have to endure.

- Then about 4 years ago I went to a big youth camp with my youth group during the Summer holiday. We had a wonderful time, great worship, good solid teaching and lots of fun. But again something was missing and I cannot even explain it properly what it was. Then on the fourth day while we had corporate musical worship I asked God a dangerous question: "Lord, let me feel the pain all those young people at the camp are going through and show me how much compassion you have for them". I will never forget God's response after I finished that prayer. The load was so heavy on me, I could hardly breathe, many emotions and situations went trough me...it's so difficult to explain...I was sobbing for over an hour". Eventually I pleaded with God to take the pain away again. (I know now that it was stupid to have this request in the first place.)

So, let me ask you: Do you know what our teenagers are going through every day? Do you actually care? If you would think about it, maybe it would explain some of their behaviour? I could tell you more similar stories, but I think these two will do the job. But what am I actually trying to say with those stories?

Reflect on this:
- How compassionate and committed are you to the cause to reach young people for Christ?
- What is your motive that you work with young people? Self-gratification or God-glorification?
- Have you realized that when God brakes you, you are no longer self reliant in the things you do for him?

Do you know?
Jesus had compassion for the people around him, in Mark 6:34 you can read: "And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things."

Think about these things for a little while, and ask God to take you apart so that his power can work through your life in the teenagers you work with.

Article 8: I hope Bafana-Bafana does well...

2009-06-22T02:02:00.000-07:00

The Confederations Cup is happening at the moment in South Africa. For the first time in history a major international soccer tournament has come to Africa. Many are very excited and people say things like: "Make us proud South Africa" or "I hope Bafana-Bafana does well!" (For those who don't know "Bafana-Bafana" is the name of the South African Soccer Team.)

Now let's stop to focus on sports. The question remains...how do you do with your personal life? Don't worry about Bafana-Bafana (or any other team), what about you? And how do our young people in our church & community do?

I hope they do well in terms of...
...their lifestyles.
...their daily behaviour.
...their responsibility towards others.
...their education.

And the list can go on and on...

Btw, do you know the story of the talents in the Bible? It's in Matthew 25:14-30
A strict master gave his three servants different amount of money (in the Bible it talks about talents). The first 500 Rand, the second 300 Rand and the third 100 Rand. Then he said "I am leaving for a while, take good care of what I have given to you" (In other words do well with what I have entrusted to you). When he came back the first and the second servant gave double the amount back to their master. But the third one gave back what he had received. So the master was disappointed and angry and kicked the third servant out!

Now tell me, who has done well?
Obviously the first two guys...the third one messed up (lazy bud).

Thinking about our own lives and those of the young people we work with - it's not so much about how much we do, but that we do well!
Therefore let me ask you: Do you invest enough in your life to do well? What do you do to help young people to do well in their lives?

Article 7: Youth Ministry is AS important

2009-05-05T02:27:00.000-07:00

The Bible can be used for many different topics like Family issues, Ethics, Belief Systems, Faith and so on. But does it say something about youth ministry? God loves young people and youth ministry as much as any other ministry and people. But what is important in order to reach this generation? How can we impact their lives? Is youth ministry really that essential, can’t we just wait until they are grown up and then minister to and work with them?

One of the most quoted verses when it comes to young people is:
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV): “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity“.
Here are two important phrases as the Apostle Paul guides young Timothy:
1) “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young…” - This is an important point, young people have often (not always) a bad reputation. They might be seen as useless, bad mannered, rebellious or even worse and I have to admit sometimes one can feel very uncomfortable in a young crowd. Still a perception like this breaks down the potential and self-esteem of the young generation. Being young does not necessarily mean that the person is immature (in fact, recently I am encouraged my the many mature teenagers I meet). The Apostle Paul knew that age does not hinder leadership potential.
2) “…but set an example…” - This is the crucial part where responsibility is mentioned. “It is significant that Paul urges him…to earn its acceptance by the example of his life and speech” (France 2001). In other words, Timothy should confirm his leadership role through setting an example (for the believers) with his entire life. In today’s society we see so called “role-models” who are examples for many young people, but it seems that many ignore or do not realise their responsibility. Paul encourages Timothy to set an example in all areas (physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological) of his life.

Another interesting passage is Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NIV):
“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up”.
The Israelites were told by God not only to keep all the regulations, laws, commandments and guidelines themselves but to teach the younger generation in a way that they will do the same “We need to teach them diligently – (Heb. whet, or sharpen them, so as they may pierce deep into their hearts.) This metaphor signifies the manner of instructing them, that it is to be done diligently, earnestly, frequently, discreetly” (Wesley 2008:n.p.). Sadly it seems that many parents do not put enough effort and time in teaching the right values to their children. Even though a youth leader can never replace the role of a parent, he/ she can give help and advice.

So, young people and youth ministry is not more important, but AS important, as any other ministry of the Church.

Story 6: Every Little Thing Counts

2009-04-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

If you are involved in youth ministry you sometimes may wonder, "Do the efforts I put in (little as they may seem) make a difference in the life of young people?". If not you're lucky, because most youth workers I know grapple with that question.

Here is a little story to answer that:
Two weeks ago I sat in my office and thought about this exact thing, as a friend of mine came in for a quick visit. Out of the blue she started to tell me an experience which happened a long time ago. She shared: "When I was 7 years old I had a teacher who would pray every morning with us before he started teaching. Many of us thought that it was weird and we would ignore or mock his effort. It did not stop him for years he would pray for us. Many years later when I had a personal crisis I remembered the teacher and what he did for us, I mean his prayers were as well for me. So I started to pray to God and my life changed."

Wow, that was good to hear. Little, unspectacular and strange it may have seemed at the time the prayer of this teacher had an impact. So often we doubt our efforts, we are uncertain if they work. But it is not us who fulfill this task, God sees our ambitions behind the things we do (little as they are) and will make them fruitful (if we were honest) when the time comes.

So keep on doing the good work and don't be discouraged.

Article 6: Violence vs. Mercy

2009-03-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

If you read/ watched yesterday’s dramatic News you might wonder like I do, “Why, why, why is all this happening”…a pastor got killed recently in a Church in the States, there are several Wars going on, yesterday a guy shot 11 people (including himself) in the States and a 17 year old (!) shot 16 (including himself) in Germany. Now I heard that a guy was shot yesterday evening coming out of a Church meeting in South Africa…

Many probably think now, “Dude that is part of life!” and yes I know it is, but feelings like anger, hurt, sadness and clueless-ness rise up inside of me.

Let’s reflect on this: Violence is the expression of physical force against self or other, compelling action against one's will on pain of being hurt. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violence)

It does not just happen, there is a reason why someone gets violent (disappointment or hurt can be the cause). Young people are hurt today, all over the place and many do not know how to deal with it. I am NOT saying that it is OK to hurt others, no way! But what am I doing constructively to help rather than to judge and call for revenge?

There is this BIG word in the Bible: It’s called MERCY

Mercy is a word to describe compassion shown by one person to another, or a request from one person to another to be shown such leniency or unwarranted compassion for a crime or wrongdoing. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercy)
As God showed mercy to us we should do the same. Man, that’s so hard! To let go of feelings like revenge and instead show mercy.

I don’t want to write much more. My prayer is just that we can answer violence with mercy. What will you do?

Article 5: This is LOVE…

2009-03-01T23:52:00.000-08:00

I know that Valentine's Day is the past (for this year at least). But it still keeps me thinking...people took value in the worldly idea of love. Schools, Clubs and even youth groups tackled the theme with nice fun evenings. But as I reflect on it I get the feeling that it seems to be a total misunderstanding or a bubble concept floating in the air waiting to be destroyed. Especially if you ask young people about love it has to do mainly with a feeling (affection) between a boy and a girl (movies encourage this idea).
People who had some experience would often refer to it as a lost dream, something that will never be real (as they were disappointed of love many times). This does not stop in front of the church. I think the problem is that we look at the wrong places for the answers.

Lets read 1 John 4:7-21

God is Love
7 Dear friends, let us continually love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born from God and knows God. 8 The person who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
If we know and belong to God our love for him and for others will be evident. This does not mean that we love and care for others 24/7. It would be great if we can, but in reality it is difficult, especially if love is not returned or even rejected. The encouragement is that God give his love to us endlessly and unconditionally.

God loved first
9 This is how God's love was revealed among us: God sent his unique Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Our love for God is a response to his love. His ultimate sign of love to us was given through his one and only Son- Jesus. Watch “The passion of Christ” to get a better understanding of how precious this sacrifice is.

Action needs response
11 Dear friends, if this is the way God loved us, we must also love one another. This sacrifice of love is the greatest act of kindness done in history of humankind, so it call for a respond. There are only to options, do you embrace Christ or reject him.

Response needs action
12 No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 This is how we know that we abide in him and he in us: he has given us his Spirit. 14 We have seen for ourselves and can testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 19 We love because he first loved us.
Once you received this love, you belong to God and his love will shine through you. Are you willing to be a vessel of love. How do you show love around you? God’s love is not dependent on your emotional or physical status, therefore love others.

Here a little story:
Once after a soccer training I still had plenty of food left (it was not enough to hand out another round to all the Kids, but too much for me to eat) in my car. So I was driving home, when I had to stop for a red light. Suddenly a lady came up to me begging for money. Quick with an answer I said "no", but somehow it made me sad and then (just when the lights turned into green) I realised that I have some food in the boot. So I waved her, stopped on the side and gave her what I had. With a smile on her face and shining eyes she said: "Thank you so much!" Immediately I was filled with joy, I was not proud of myself...I was just happy that I shared God's love in this way.

Abide within each other
15 God abides in the one who acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, and he abides in God. 16 We have come to know and believe in the love that God has for us. God is love, and the person who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
There are several interesting meanings in the term abide: to wait, stay, dwell, remain, endure submit and to answer for (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/abide). Love is seen through waiting when others get impatient, staying when others leave, endure while others give up and answer while others keep silent. The challenge is to dwell in God (stay connected constantly).

Confidence rather than fear
17 This is how love has been perfected among us: we will have confidence on the day of judgment because, while we are in this world, we are just like him. 18 There is no fear where love exists. Rather, perfect love banishes fear, for fear involves punishment, and the person who lives in fear has not been perfected in love.
Now this is not selfish confidence in your own abilities, but confidence that through me God’s love will find a way. There is no space for fear as well, God won the war through his love every battle can be won as well. Think about it, you cannot love someone if your heart is filled with fear.

It will be evident…
20 Whoever says, "I love God," but hates his brother is a liar. The one who does not love the brother whom he has seen cannot love a God whom he has not seen. 21 And this is the commandment that we have from him: the person who loves God must also love his brother.
It will show if you love others with the sacrificial, unconditional love we receive from God. I see so many struggles, fights and personal problems in the church that it hurts. If I cannot love my brother, how on earth do I want to show love to God (or a stranger on the street)?

So, think again. What is LOVE?

Article 4: Gaining a different perspective on youth ministry

2009-02-16T01:23:00.000-08:00

Most of us admit that we live in a troubled world. War, nature disasters, violence, sickness, broken families, abuse… Furthermore does the gap between rich & poor grow as well no matter were you live. This is a reality!

So what do we do with it? How do we react to these challenges? Do we react at all? It seems to me that not many react to these realities, or at least not enough Christians (maybe I am wrong). People struggle and suffer because of different life circumstances, so how does the church react to it? OR let me better ask, how does the youth ministry of your church react to it?

In the last few months I have been challenged by two Bible Passages,

Psalm 82:2-4 "How long will you keep judging unfairly and favouring evil people? 3 Be fair to the poor and to orphans. Defend the helpless and everyone in need. 4 Rescue the weak and homeless from the powerful hands of heartless people.

Matthew 25:34-40
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 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, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of
mine, you did for me.'

What am I trying to say here?
We need to be actively involved in a ministry where people are touched through God’s love through an act of love- this is stated clearly in Matthew 25. There are plenty of opportunities out there on your doorstep, maybe God wants you to start something (open a soup kitchen for the hungry, visit sick people in hospital, clean dirty streets in your city…).

No more Baby-sitter Club
Many Youth-Groups often seem to function more as Babysitter-Clubs for teenagers (you find out what they like, you give it to them and keep them safe) rather than equipping young people in order to be the hands and feet of Christ (and through that they will become more mature in their daily life). Life is not a game- it is beautiful but can as well be dangerous, young people need to get equipped/ trained for it. Part of it should be to get them involved in ministry.

The Problem is…
A mind change needs to happen, we to often find excuses (“there is nothing my area were we can get involved in” or “young people are not ready for it”). Now fact is though that the youth leaders/ workers need to buy into this vision (or it won’t happen) - realise that God wants to use your abilities and that of young people. It is possible to find well organized ministries where teenagers get good exposure with lower risk (so that they don’t just have to go around alone aimlessly to help others). Look for good resources (Books and Websites) and ask mature leaders around you for help and lead by example.

It works
I have seen many young people grow as they received the opportunity to talk to a homeless person, gave food to a street-child, prayed for a sick person or visited a prisoner. An eye opener for me was especially how God brings healing in both persons, the one who gives and the one who receives. Young people shared with me how they laughed, cried and bonded with people they usually don’t even seem to see as they stand on a street corner.

It should be part of the whole
Now I am not saying that we should skip fun evenings (they strengthen fellowship), or prayer evenings (they are essential) and Bible lessons (young people need to hear the word). I just want to challenge you to think about this: “Jesus taught, had fellowship, prayed and went out to “share his life” with people in need”.

There is something special about it implementing social involvement in your local youth ministry. Don’t miss it!

Story 5: The "Control Issue"

2009-01-27T03:54:00.000-08:00

I am sure you know the term "control freak": A person who wants to be in charge constantly. Actually even more then that, he/ she wants to have everything under his/ her control all the time. I am not sure if you are a person like that, but even if you are not still I believe that everyone kinda wants to know what is happening next in life and be prepared for it.

But that's not how God works. You cannot make sure that everything is working out the way you think it is supposed to be. Because, God is in control! He made the universe, this world and everything/ everyone on it. Sometimes it does not seem like it, but he knows what is going on and has it in his hand.

Here is a story:
I shared before about the soccer ministry I am involved in, some years ago we had a big problem with guys who joined us to play soccer and always ended up fighting about little things.
One Friday it got really serious: The one guy fouled the other, so the one who was fouled got really angry shouted and started pushing. For sure the accused did not accept this and pushed back. In a matter of minutes we had a real fight going. I went closer to the guys to help as one of them suddenly picked up a brick, willing to throw it at the other guy. I was shocked and I knew something bad could happen so I went in between the two. The guy with the brick in the hand was surprised and waited for my reaction/ argument.
Now I had to make a decision, was I the one who had it under control? Or maybe the guy with the brick in his hand? Who was in control?

Many thoughts rushed through my brain, I weighed my options:
1. I can reason with him ("You don't want to do this, if you kill this other guy you will end up in jail.")
2. I can tell (demand) him ("I am the boss here, you put this brick down now!")
3. I can joke about it, to ease the situation ("Man that is funny to fight like that about a foul...")

But I realised that nothing would work, I was not in control of that situation, but God was.

So I did the the only thing that was left. I just stood there, looked him in the eyes and prayed quietly. During that period (3-5min) there was absolute silence on the field, everyone waited for the guy to react. And it was amazing, as I looked at him I could see how the anger in his eyes just went away and he eventually handed the brick over to me. GOD WAS IN CONTROL.

What I want to say is that as youth leaders (workers) we try to have everything under our control and power. But shouldn't we give to God what is his? I am not saying allow chaos in your meetings, but remember who is in charge of your ministry.

There is an interesting story of King Manasseh (2 Ch. 33:1-19) in the Bible:
The King did not listen to God but thought, "I am in control". In his case God had to drag him into exile so that he realised that he should be under God's guidance...
"Now that he was in trouble, he went to his knees in prayer asking for help--total repentance before the God of his ancestors. As he prayed, GOD was touched; GOD listened and brought him back to Jerusalem as king. That convinced Manasseh that GOD was in control". (2 Ch 33:12-13)

So think about your life for a moment.