Conference notes, continued

One session was about "vision in crisis". The statistics reported about kids response to a clear gospel message were:

• 32% positive response for kids between 6-12 yrs old
• 4% positive response for teens 13-17
• 6% positive response for adults 19-90

Wow. The Lord has me serving an important age group for his kingdom. The session presented a 4 part "white" video about an all too typical situation with a teen and his family, church, and peers. There was then discussion about what was wrong & how to correct situations. Kind nice to throw darts at the hypothetical video situations, because way too many things would have hit me otherwise.

Jim spoke about 4 church views on kids, that I must confess, that I've had from time to time as well. (Isn't our Lord wonderful? He forgives and still uses us?) The 4 views were:

1. Kids are a Bother. They are a nuisance and distraction for the adults who make up and are serious about 'church'. -No
   
2. Children are a tool. The key to improved church attendance is to attract children who typically come with a parent. -No
3. Children are our future. If we don't train them right how will they replace us and continue the faith? -No
4. Children are People, their future is now. We extend grace to troubled or sometimes difficult adult members because it is what C Christ wants us to do. However, do we (or I), extend that same grace and patience with the Little People, the children? Their future is Now because if it isn't, they won't be around later to continue the faith.

In the opening session the challenges to Awana, the family, and the faith were outlined. Many the negative trends with marriage, family, and education were mentioned. I am so guilty of many of those things. Lord help me to be a better leader at home, in devotions, in attention to my kids. In so many ways I see how poorly I'm doing. But no, I'm not quitting. I want my kids and the kids I work with to know the Love and Strength and Grace that is theirs in Christ. That Jesus is soo real, an in their lives.

These kids have been described as the Joshua Generation. They will grow up with "Giants in the land". The Giants in this society of homosexuality, promiscuity, gambling, abortion, and "tolerance". They need a solid start. They need relationship.

Its all about my Lord Jesus Christ, and not about me. No mater how I feel about myself, God's word, and my faith tell me the truth - Thank you Jesus.

Awana Conference Day

Long day today. Started at 4:30am to drive to the conference across the state. As happened 2 years ago, my solo 3.5hr drive was a good time with the Lord. Worship. reflection, and insight into God's word were components of the drive and radio listening time.

I listened to one well known christian lawyer who has done much to defend homeschooling over many years. Forget his name, but I think he started Patrick Henry College. His interview was very clear about the next generation of christian leaders (political and otherwise). We're loosing a generation, as our kids leave home, go to college and are moraly assulted. He gave many examples of how the respected Ivy league schools were founded on christian principles, and how now the profs ridicule anything resembling christianity or moral absolutes.

He quoted the dismal statistics, that 80% who enter the system with Christ, exit without HIM. Yes I know we are to train up our kids to be 'salt and light' to the world, and some see the university as a mission field. However, do you want to send your kids someplace where 80% will get cancer, and expect that your kids won't?? He stressed the need for top-quality Christian university education.

As I let the cancer analogy sink in, the Lord brought to mind how in biblical times wayward israelites would let "their children pass through the fire" offered to Molech. Molech in some ways was like the god of money. This brought up the question: Am I encouraging my kids to go to secular college for money (better carrers, pay), and risking them loosing christian faith and a biblical world view??

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Arriving at the conference and the topics presented, seemed to follow this pattern. more later ...