Mentoring and community service

June 26, 2007 | Ministry Life

Two months ago I bumped across our city in a small green bus (school colors) with 20 freshmen girls and a few adult friends. We traveled to Bennett camp, a summer facility where disabled children and adults have an awesome time.

Our goal was to get rid of hundreds of small to large branches and sticks that had fallen during a severe ice storm earlier in the winter.

 It wasn’t fun, as in picking up sticks and flicking off tiny ticks that climbed up your legs and arms, but it was fun connecting with these girls.

Last year I prayed, asking God to show me a way to climb out of the pew and work in my community. That’s when I heard about 2010, a group of motivated women who wanted to make a difference in the lives of girls in four area high schools.

It’s not faith-based, but its one of the most God-filled things that I get to do. It’s about motivation and friendship and relationships between older women and younger women.

Each month I speak in area high schools on topics like dreams, acknowledging strong people in your life, having a vision for your community, and respect. We host a dream contest and do community projects together.

I can’t wait for next year.

Sometimes Christians point out what’s wrong with our world, and fail to realize that a lot of people are trying to make a difference. We separate ourselves, trying to work only within the church, and miss the opportunity to live our faith among new friends.

2010 was an answer to prayer for me, and though I travel each month to speak, I absolutely love the times I get to speak in my home city to these beautiful freshmen girls. What a privilege!

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