We love the leadership roles taken by children and youth leaders Jake & Ashley Axt. Here at SWCC, our young people are receiving excellent training as future leaders to step up to assist and eventually replace our declining elder crowd. Demonstrated by youth testimonials after Winterfest, it is not difficult to imagine and visualize these young people in the pulpit and evangelizing throughout our community and elsewhere. Under the leadership of Youth Pastor Stacey and Senior Pastor Bob, they shine bright and are receiving exceptional training at home. Note that use of the term “senior” – is not at all being pejorative or depreciative to our Pastor Bob, but simply acknowledging the reality as the Lord blesses each of us to age. We love and value Pastor Bob, as he can never be unappreciated in our eyes! As we “train up [our children] in the way [they] should go," we simply applaud and elevate our youth for what they are doing in service to God to further their relationship with Jesus Christ and to develop their leadership skills. Here’s why: In Proverbs 22:6, Solomon advices parents to “train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” SWCC has a passion for children and is fully vested in our Children’s and Youth Ministries -- doing exactly what Solomon advises. Raising and training a child within the context of this proverb means that it begins with the Bible, as “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training … 2 Timothy 3:16. Teaching children the truths of Scripture will make them wise for salvation as well as prepare them to give an answer to everyone who asks them the reason for their hope and prepare them to withstand the onslaught of cultures bent on indoctrinating our youth with secular values that we regularly see in the news, online, and elsewhere. [ 6 ] Youth WinterFest In Psalm 127:3, the Bible tells us that children are a reward from God. For that reason, it is fitting that we heed Solomon’s wise counsel to train them appropriately. There is value in teaching our children the truth, as indeed this early teaching will help to ensure they become “good” leaders with appropriate Godly values.
Be Not Afraid! Did you know that bullying, name calling, and belittling says more about the person who does such than the person it’s hurled at -- sending a clear message to the observer that some deep seeded thing is awry in the perpetrator. They need Jesus – simply Jesus! God is a best friend that stands beside you when others cast stones. Never feel worthless, and never feel alone. God says “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV) You matter to God. Rest assured that God’s got your back by His mercy and grace. Be careful who you allow to mentor you and speak into your life. Sometimes people are simply meant to teach you how not to act -- demonstrated by what you see and hear in their personal life. Everyone should “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7)
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According to the Word promoted at last month’s Youth Winterfest, our youth are called to be blacksmiths in the Kingdom of God – making preparation for God’s Kingdom. Pastor Stacey thanks the church and Pastor Bob for your generous support through donations and youth fund raising efforts, making it possible for many youth to attend this year’s conference. Important to note, “Your prayers are of prime importance for our youth,” says youth leaders Damari Nelsen and Beth Hamlett. Our youth obviously had quite a rewarding experience worshipping and praying with and for other youth from near and far. Winterfest was a first for some, and they joyfully expressed pleasure and much enthusiasm! Out of the mouth of our youth: The part that left an impact on Jason Sanders was “The Biggest Loser.” “You have to lose something to get closer to God,” says Jason, and of course he’s absolutely right! A transformation is required. Using the analogy of a spider and other critters, “If you leave doors open, says Kelly Hand, “things will get in.” “Leave things at the altar,” says Nathalya Seda. These were a few of the amazing comments from our youth. Beth Hamlett quipped, “Our youth were at Winterfest for all the right reasons – primarily expecting to receive the Word of God.” We have an amazing youth group and youth ministry team. Thanks to all who attended and tried to keep up with the youth. As expressed by Louis Seda and Brandi Lozano, “It takes some of the younger leaders to keep up with the energy our kids have.” They all especially enjoyed the Scavenger Hunt, which included a lot of walking, and Bakersfield proudly took first place finding and doing all the odd things that were requested. The congregation very much enjoyed and was entertained by the video that the thoughtful ministry team produced.
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