Them, Me, and a Candle

October 02, 2006

I’ve had the joy of serving as a youth leader since I joined the church.  I was the teacher, but it was through our kids that I learned something true and unforgettable. And it was the timing of this revelation that was the most surprising. 

We went to West Virginia in 2001 and 2002.  I saw our kids working hard for five days straight, removing debris, painting, and fixing plumbing.  But my lesson was not there.

We went canoeing.  Dodging rocks, getting soaked, drying out, evening campfires.  Our kids were so full of life and joy, even in the rain, even without the lost lunchmeat.  But my lesson was not there.

We went to Spring Hill.  Great presentations from the staff.  Christian rock, horseback riding, tubing, and some prayer.  It was glorious and amazing.  But my lesson was not there, either. 

My lesson came at Youth Group when there was nothing but them, me, and a candle.  We talked about prayer, thought life, and chastity. About justice and sanctification.  We discussed why Jesus was the only way to heaven, and about the inerrancy of Scripture.  Sometimes we got frustrated.  Sometime almost angry.  There was never enough time to finish.  But during those discussions, it happened.  I realized quite clearly that I needed the Spirit to guide me.

Each week, our kids asked sincere and difficult questions, questions I could not answer alone.  Each week I prayed for help, and God showed up.  From that moment, it was not me that spoke.  Their hunger for His truth forced me to abandon my understanding and allow the Holy Spirit to take over.  Just “Mike” could never have been enough.  The Spirit joined us to help us with the Scriptures, to guide our understanding, and to point out the futility of our self-reliance.

Then in silence, we doused the lights, lit a candle, and passed it. The first time around the circle we each shared our concerns about the week ahead.  Then we went around again.  This time, each of us prayed.  I saw our kids lay their thanks and concerns before God.  Teenagers, praying out loud.  Amazing.  When we were finished, we’d huddle together and ask for His strength for the week.  And we got it.