Time to start

Accept on another, then,

just as Christ accepted you,

in order to bring praise to God.

Romans 15:7

Last night was the official kickoff to our semester of ministry, which we brought in with a pool party.  60 or so teens and adults showed up to my home to hang out, have fun and, if we are honest, feel accepted and a part of something bigger.

 

This year we are really working to integrate the ministry of Capernaum, Young Life's ministry to young adults with disabilities.  Last night 10 or so friends from Capernaum were there.

 

As I was kicking all of the kids out, sending them home at the end of the party, a mom pulled me aside and we had a brief conversation about acceptance.

 

You see, her daughter rarely feels accepted because of her developmental delays.  She is a sweet, friendly girl and was having a blast at the party, meeting new friends, swimming and having fun.  Last night, as her mom shared with me, she felt accepted as part of the group.

 

That got me thinking about acceptance and how all of the young adults that we are reaching out to seek acceptance in their lives.  The question is, where will they find it? 

 

I pray that this semester, as we meet more high school friends that they will feel accepted by our leaders, not because our leaders are cool, friendly people, but because our leaders have Christ in their lives.  I pray that these teens will see that the love and acceptance that is offered by the adults that hang around Young Life comes from Christ and the acceptance and love that he offers us.

 

Will you pray these things with me? Will you also pray for more workers?  We need more female leaders for this school year.