The Next Inductee to "The Core" . . .

Let me remind you what “The Core” is – it is people who make up a special group of students and leaders that are willing to fulfill the fifth step in the purpose of our student ministry – that would be ministering to the world around us in love. This is an incredibly important part of what we do because it shows that we are following the example that Jesus set for us. The first two inductees were Ashley and Rachel Runyan for the volunteer work that they do on the weekends at a retirement home in our area.

The newest inductee to "The Core" is a young lady who has stepped out of the boat and into the water in a big way. She blogs her devotion almost everyday so that anyone who reads her blog can see her walk with God. She is a motivating factor in compelling her family to be in church. She loves music and she loves her church and she loves her youth group. She is willing to step up and step out when she is called upon to serve. I am very proud to have her as part of our group and more importantly, part of a ministry for God. Crystal Symsick is the third inductee into "The Core".

Until next time - keep your eyes on Jesus and look for ways to serve our Lord in the world around us.

The first inductees to “The Core” . . .

Let me begin by telling you what “The Core” is – it is people who make up a special group of students and leaders that are willing to fulfill the fifth step in the purpose of our student ministry – that would be ministering to the world around us in love. This is an incredibly important part of what we do because it shows that we are following the example that Jesus set for us.

The two students that are the first inductees into “The Core” are two beautiful, modest young ladies who wish to remain anonymous because they do what they do to bless the world around them with the love of God. I asked them to tell me what they did on Saturdays so that I could share it and the following is what I received:

On Saturday mornings we go to a nursing home close to where we live. We arrive at about 10:00 am (seems early for most students on a Saturday) and go to the special care area and play Jenga or throw a ball around with the people that are interested. These people seem to have a good time and hardly ever get any visitors. After about 45 minutes of fellowshipping with these people we move on to the nursing home patients who still have good minds but aren’t in good condition physically. We play Rumikube which they really enjoy. We play games and enjoy each others company until 12:30 pm. We then eat lunch and go home. It’s not a lot of time that we spend with them, but they seem to enjoy it and we hope God will bless their lives through it.

These two students are now on top of my hero list. They understand that time is precious, but they understand that time well spent can be used by God to bring blessings to others lives. Maybe one day these two will allow me to note who they are, but until then they will remain un-named heroes and the first members of “The Core”.

Until next time – keep your eyes on Jesus and carry the blessings of God to the world around you with love.