Recently, the Youth Department at Springfield Southern Baptist Church did studies on the homeless, the poor and the needy of Springfield, and on the persecution of Christians around the world, specifically the persecution of Christians in Iraq by the Islamic terrorist group ISIS.
In addition to what I had prepared for class, the students did their own research, coming up with statistics and scripture verses to use in a presentation for the church.
The theme centered around Acts 1:8, in which Jesus told the apostles, "...But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Inasmuch as we are, indeed witnesses for Jesus--often being the only representation of the gospel some will ever see--we need to act on that calling: to be that witness; to care for the poor and needy; to support those Christians being persecuted daily in Iraq for the cause of Christ.
The result was a two-pronged approach to being a witness: Acting Locally and Acting Globally.
On Sunday, February 22, the students presented their video and their case for the cause of Christ to the church. This video contains both the video we prepared and the video of their presentation that Sunday. I am so proud of the stand they are taking, and being willing to speak out and act on the courage of their convictions.
What an awesome thing that has happened in your church, with these dedicated young people. While so many of us Christians are wringing our hands in despair, lamenting , "What can we do, after all?," these young people are DOING something to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this scary and threatening time in the world. The local and global approach--not only brilliant, but the heart of the Gospel. The video is well-done, and the youth presentation is fantastic. I'm so thankful I got to see this, it certainly brightened my day, to see young people taking a stand.
ReplyDeleteWhat a challenge to all of us. The presentation was very well done. I am encouraged.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Keith! Keep up the great work!
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