3:15-3:45 - Organized and played dodgeball game in gym
3:45-5:00 - Split into small groups; helped Bruce with his group.
Due to our flag football team making the playoffs, I had to skip out a little earlier than usual from my practicum. On arriving at JC, I went into the gym as usual and played some basketball with the few kids who were there. Eventually a whole bus load of kids arrived, and it was my job to keep them all entertained and out of trouble until Pastor Mike came back from picking up some other kids. So with the help of Kyle, (a fellow practicum student), and another JC Sponsor, we got a huge game a dodgeball going in the gym! After playing boys vs. girls at first (dumb idea), we counted them off onto separate teams randomly. I was on a team with a bunch of the guys I usually played basketball with. We had a great time together and I started to feel a hint of respect and friendship coming from these kids. In Intro to Youth Ministry class, we had just been learning tht middle school age kids usually focus on events as their means of relating with people or learning. I realized there in the gym that day that I had gained a lot of respect with these kids because I was having fun with them in an event type setting, and because we were having fun together, not just them having fun and me monitoring them. That was the main lesson I learned that day... Youth Ministry is not about organizing fun activities for teens, you have to be in there with them, practicing incarnational ministry.
I realized that on my syllabus, it says that I have to give a "Spiritual Reflection" on how I've been doing spiritually over the last week. I have to be honest, this week wasn't the greatest for me spiritually. I've been really, realy overloaded with homework and books to read, and I haven't had that much time to read the Bible or spend time alone with God. I know I have to do a better job doing that. It's just so hard to set apart time to just relax and sit at the feet of Jesus when there is so much other stuff that needs doing. I'm praying that God would give me the will power to break away from everything for just 15 minutes a day to have devotions.
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I totally agree with the incarnational ministry idea. It is God working through us, who need to be actually participating with the kids. Like you, I noticed that same formation of repsect and friendship which was cool for me. I hadn't really though about the implications of the event thing though. It's so true! As far as you spiritual life this week... I'm right there with ya. What I've found so far this week though is that forcing myself to stop working on homework and finding peace in the power of the cross is actually more helpful to me in helping me to focus and concentrate on my homework, so take some time and worship at the feet of Jesus.. He's waiting.
We had the 7 Project here in Hayward today. I've been with the Middle School and High School Kids since 7am this morning. And you're absolutely right...It's because I was with them that they learn to like and respect me. Not because of something behind the scenes. It's the same way that you get to know any person. You have to spend time with them on a very basic level....which by the way...is exactly what God is waiting for you to do. :) I often find I can't hear His voice or understand what He is saying BECAUSE I'm not familiar with Him anymore...NOT because He isn't familiar with me!! Sometimes it only takes me a few days of missing my quiet time to feel that way!! Keep up the good work with the afterschool program. Your time and love is what they need!
Its so true what you are saying about earning respect with the kids by being involved! I felt the same way a couple weeks ago at the corn maze because i was right there with the kids and even though they were all holding on to me I was as scared as them! And spiritually I am definately there. Its so hard for me to find the time to do devos...i hate that that is how it is! But I find even if I just really for real spend some time in prayer during the week its better than nothing!
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