relevate students

Last night was our service for Relevate Student Ministries. As we pulled up in the van in front of the building, I was blown away. There were teenagers everywhere. Skating in the parking lot. Shooting pool inside. Hangin out on the front sidewalk. And for a minute, I freaked out. I really started to feel scared and doubting this is where God really wants me.

I mean, come on, God wants to use ME??? Screwed up, crazy, acting like a fool me??? Surely there is someone better qualified to do this than me. I don't want to screw up these kids lives worse than they already are. What if I fail them? What if I say the wrong thing? What if...what if...

But as our student pastor Nick introduced us to everyone...and the kids called out my name. Or what they like to call me...Momma Jenjo. I realized I already have what it takes. Love. Because I may not know every single one of their names yet. I may not know their walk with the Lord yet. But I do know that I love every single one of them as if they were my own child.

My heart breaks every time I look at them. Because I know that what I had to deal with as a teenager is NOTHING compared to what these kids have to deal with. We didn't have "cutters" when I was in school. We didn't have any homosexual teens, that we knew of. We didn't have sex thrown at us from every venue possible; music, tv, movies, commercials, friends, family.

My heart breaks because all they want is be accepted just the way they are. All they want to be loved just the way they are. All they want is for someone, anyone, to pay attention to them and listen.

I'm so thankful that Relevate is a place where they can get all of that. I'm SO blessed to be able to be part of Relevate. And I consider myself lucky to be able to have these awesome teens in my life. I hope I can help them as much as they've helped me.

I love you guys!!!