Faith in Action: The Do-Something Generation
January 20, 2009 | Knowing Christ,Nurturing Family,Proverbs 31 Ministries,T. Suzanne Eller
Suzie with teens cleaning up camp for disabled children after ice storm
Did you know that this generation (13 to 20) is quickly becoming one of the more selfless generations? Teens desire to change their world.
They are handing out blankets to the homeless. Picking up a hammer to build a home with Habitat for Humanity. They are volunteering, creating websites to generate funds, creating storehouses for clothing for children in they foster system, buying shoes for children in Haiti…
What? Are you sure? Suz, isn’t this the generation of teens sitting on the couch playing video games, munching chips, and holding out their hand for a little extra cash to go to the mall? What about the entitlement?
As I travel around the nation, I bristle (quietly) when I hear adults knocking teens.
No, I’m not blind. I see the problems. I hear the girl who says she’s had 12 sexual partners and she’s only 16. I see teens buying into the “I gotta have it” message pounded at them 24/7. I know about self injury, addiction to pharmaceuticals in mom and dad’s cabinet, confusion about sexual identity at younger and younger ages.
It’s not all of our teens, but it is their world
Which is why I’m so amazed to watch what has developed in the last two years. And it’s growing. When teens are presented with the opportunity to put their faith or convictions in action, many of these teens respond and discover what it means to live life with purpose.
In fact, this generation is quickly challenging adults to get involved, leading us into service.
If your teen desires to make a difference, I pray that you’ll get behind them. If you see a teen who doesn’t have support spiritually (about 2/3rds of teens in most youth groups because they come to church alone), become their support — whether it’s helping them raise funds for a mission trip, encouraging their dreams, or believing in what they can do in spite of the obstacles.
Below you’ll find a few links to help your teen get connected with other students who desire to follow Christ and make a difference in the world around them. If you have additional suggestions, add the links in your comments!
YWAM - Youth with a Mission
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Thank you for the wonderful resources.
January 20th, 2009 at 12:30 pmHave a wonderful day.