Youth Ministry

You may have noticed I added a new tab at the top of my page called 'Youth Ministry.' I wanted to add this as a way to let you all know about all the awesome things God is doing in our ministry together at Access Church, along with stuff that happens in ministry or because of ministry. My heart is to encourage other wives, or any woman in ministry for that matter, to enjoy what God has laid before us. As a ministry wife, I know things aren't always easy or fun but God is working in you and through you to reach the lives of others! What an absolute privilege we have to take part in others becoming fully surrendered followers of Christ!

Here's the neatest thing that's happened recently. As many of you know my husband and I decided to leave the pups behind this week and visit our dear friends in our hometown. I cannot tell you how overwhelmed with joy we have been these past couple of days. 

{Brief  history.. We have known Dave since elementary school. He and my husband have been friends since they were small and they both used to make fun of me every time we had a class together, mean boys! Tanya and Dave met at a church Dave was leading worship at years ago. They fell for each other and the first time we got to hang out with Tanya, I knew instantly we'd be friends forever. They got married last year in Oct and Nathan and I were the Best Man and Maid of Honor, it was SO fun!

Nathan & I at Dave and Tanya's wedding

 Dave was the worship leader for Access church at this time and began asking Nathan if he would consider moving to Peoria to do youth ministry. After a lot of prayer and my husband saying no at first (we owned a house all the way in Mesa!) God began to change both our hearts and we fell in love with the family at Access. Shortly after we came on staff, God called Tanya and Dave to ministry in a small town north of us. We were so sad to see them leave but we knew they had prayerfully considered this and were happy they were following the Lord's leading.}

Now!- We panned a trip to visit our friends this week. Nathan had also offered to teach for they're jr high and high school nights this week to give them a little bit of a break since they do not have a designated youth pastor right now. I was a little worried it would be awkward but it was AWESOME! My husband did such an amazing job teaching, which believe me, him and I will always admit that is the working of The Lord! There were about 40 high school students and 50 Jr. high students all crammed into a small little house. (If my students are reading this, I would love to see you all bring this many friends! :) )

So many students, a lot you can't see too!

Nathan & Dave

At least half of these students gave their hearts to Jesus both nights! What an incredible thing to be a part of. I am still amazed at how God uses us. I don't even know why He would want to but He does. The first night my husband taught, I was praying the whole time. That he would calm my husband, that it would be the Lord speaking and not him, that He would use it to reach kids. It came time to ask the students if they wanted to come along on the journey and ask Jesus to take over their lives. I sat there, still, just praying. And I heard my husband ask to have them raise their hands if they wanted that, and then he said "I see hands going up all over the room.." and that was enough for me to let out a sob. A happy, thankful sob. 

The next night,  I overheard a middle school student go up to her leader after the service and say.. "Mrs..I gave my life tonight.." and I smiled so big. Her leader talked to her and prayed with her and I just thought, this is what it's all about. 

Whether it's a typical night with our own youth students or the rare occasion we get to serve somewhere else, I still can't believe this is the life God gave me. I love seeing students become fully surrendered to the Lord. Seeking Him in all they do.. reading their Bibles, praying, worshiping and serving others. To take it even one step further, I CANNOT wait to see these students in heaven one day, worshiping their Jesus because they gave their lives to Him many years ago and to know that my husband and I got to be a part of it all! How incredible!! 

By the way, I am such a sucker for youth ministry stories! I would LOVE to hear any that you may have or anything the Lord is doing in your life recently! As always feel free to email me!!