During the week we caught up with Louise Abrahams our children’s worker and Ryan Bedward, our new youth worker to ask them about these key ministries.
What’s it been like able to meet up in person?
Louise: It was so exciting last week to be able to gather the children together. To see how much they have grown and matured! To catch up with those we know and to meet up with our new children.
Ryan: It was amazing to see so many of are young people come together and have fun talking and joking about. It was a joy to see them and getting to know them and to meet some new faces as we welcomed our new year 7’s into Sunday Morning Youth.What are the main activities for children & young people at the moment?
Louise: For the children, we are just concentrating on being together, having fun, building friendships and of course as we learned last week, 1+1=3, and that Jesus is always there beside us: at home, at school, everywhere we go.
Ryan: We Have Friday Night Youth (FNY) every Friday from 7.30pm-9pm. Young people come along and have some fun, meet other young people and grow in their faith. We also have Sunday Morning Youth for years 7-13 during the service. There will be much more to come so please have your eyes and ears open.
What would you want to say to parents & carers of children & young people right now?
Louise: Bring your children back! We have been scattered for so long, it’s time to be together, learn together and rebuild relationships together.
Ryan: Tell your young people we are back, running and we are good to go. That we are in a time of change and that we are here to grow as a family in Christ. It’s time to be together, learn together rebuild and start new relationships together as we are one family. Also please pray together as a family it’s really important. Plus if you need to talk about anything to do with your young people feel free to contact me or come over and say hi I’m always happy to talk.
What are the biggest needs & challenges you face right now?
Louise: Lack of men! Honestly, we need men in children’s ministry, we need men who are willing to step up and be the role model our kids need. We need Mighty men of valour who will come alongside our young children and show them that God is relevant and real for today. So guys, it is over to you….
Ryan: We are looking for more leaders in this time of change. There is a big opportunity for you to come and help our young people of today. If your heart is for seeing young people come to Jesus and building good relationships that will help them grow in their faith then the youth team is where you need to be so come along and join us.
What are you believing God for in your ministry in the coming months?
Louise: I am believing that more families will be coming back and bringing their children. I am also believing that Isaiah 54:2-4 is our challenge, we must make room for new families and children, we must reach out in this season. It is a bit scary, but I am excited to see what God is going to do and who he is going to bring to us!
Ryan: I am believing that we will see are young people blossom in their faith and knowledge of God. That more young people will come back. That we will grow as a youth team and that we will have fun in faith.
And finally, how & what can we pray for our youth & children’s ministry?
Louise: For men! For us to always enquire of God before we do anything, for Holy Spirit to move in the lives of our children and our volunteers.
Ryan: Please pray that we get more leaders. That more youth come back, that more youth get involved and that we see more young people come to God. Also can we pray for the young people who have just started school over the last week and for our uni students.