Fuel Christmas 2002
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‘I can do all things through Him who strengthens me…’
Phillipians 4:13
‘If my heart is not right… my ministry will never be right.’ - Tim Hawkins, ‘Fruit that will Last’ 1999 pg 27
Last year I had the opportunity to spend six weeks working for a church in America. I arrived a week after the terrorist attack on the Pentagon and the World Trade Centre in New York. It was a life-changing experience - but that's another story.
As I write this, it is exam season. A year ago today, after carefully rationing the time of my flight home into study and sleep shifts, I arrived back from America and drove straight to Tamaki Campus to sit an exam. Two days later I had two more, then it was back into the thick of youth group, and preparing for Christmas which all of a sudden was just round the corner - I was also preparing to come to Wellington to start this job... Needless to say, it was a hectic time up until Decmber 25th.
Ok, that was a bit extreme (even for me) but I know many of you can relate and suffer from the youth-leader-crazy-schedule-syndrome. For those who juggle youth ministry with study, another job, and family, it’s hard to avoid moments of manic busyness – and indeed tiredness, especially as the year draws to a close. Combine your busyness with stressed teenagers sitting exams, as a consequence numbers down at youth group, plus low energy, and it can make the exam season a bit of a ‘down time’ – but wait there’s more. Then there’s the challenge of picking things back up for the Christmas season…
In the midst of the chaos at the end of last year I received a letter from someone I’d met at a youth camp in America but I like to think of it as a letter from God. It’s simplicity and directedness spoke straight to my heart and I remember feeling compelled to just stop all my busyness for a moment and go and be with God. If you feel yourself becoming over-whelmed leading up to Christmas, remember…
"You are a blessing! Dream Dreams, Be Patient, Pray, Surround yourself with those who love you, Relax, Take time to reflect, Be of good courage and know that you are dearly loved by the One who is our eternal source of life and strength."
I hope this issue provides you with some Fuel for Christmas
May God bless you and your ministry this advent season,
Arohanui
Mo