middle school students can change the world!

I am now convinced that middle school students can change the world!

I say this, because this past week I was completely humbled by an experience that I had at an event called "collide". This was a gathering of Coquitlam area middle school youth groups--the first of its kind.

The challenge myself and other youth pastors gave was for middle school kids to bring as much "stuff" to fill 25 boxes for Operation Christmas Child. So I admit, in my disbelief that this could even be done...I went out and purchased some "back up supplies" like pens, paper, crayons, socks, toys so that if we didn't have enough then at least the boxes wouldn't be totally empty and lame.

As middle school students began pouring into the church foyer, I noticed something. Bags and bags and bags of stuff! Yup...this was where God decided to slap me upside the head, and simultaneously kick me in the butt.

I gave a short challenge to students about their ability to make a change, to do something bigger than themselves...and even had a middle school student walk up to me afterward and complemented me on my message (does that really happen?) Yup it did...and it rocked my world!

Needless to say, students began filling boxes...even boxes that they brought! In total, that night we filled 40 boxes! But had so much stuff left over that there was enough to fill another 18 boxes. (which was done today by some great volunteers!)

That's 58 boxes! WOW.

I am now convinced that middle school students can change their world! They are a power to be reckoned with! They have all the energy in the world...and if more of us would realize their passion to rally around a cause bigger than themselves...we will stand in awe with what they can do.

It was truly an awesome night! look out world...

What if...

What if Starbucks marketed themselves like the church?



Comments? Thoughts? Reactions?

-Ty

ht to Andrew for the email

OOOOOOBAMA.

The people have spoken. Change will "officially" happen on January 20th 2009 when Barack Obama gets sworn in as the 44th President of the USA.

Funny how parties were thrown, massive news coverage was given, t-shirts were worn, buttons adorned, and this was all in Canada. Oddly enough, I think I remember voting for our current prime-minister a few weeks ago...but not to the fanfare that this decision invoked.

History was made last night...and whether you voted Red or Blue...this change will affect everyone...even us Red & White folk "up north."

I am curious to see how Obama will bring about this "change" that was so clearly marketed through his entire election campaign. Sadly...through much of this fanfare, my neighbours to the south (Washington state) voted to approve Initiative 1000 "death with dignity" a.k.a. doctor assisted suicide by a margin of 59% to 41% making them the second state to allow this.

Change is coming...but at what cost? Lives?

-Ty