The Power of Young People

I'm always interested and inspired by what young people can accomplish.

I think something happens when we grow older. It seems like when I was 20 years old I thought I could change the world. I had all these ideas about how to fight poverty, stand up for justice, and grow the church with people eager to reflect God's love to others! It seemed that no matter who I told me plans to they always responded in a way that informed me that they knew something I didn't. Do you know what I mean? I remember when I was in college and suggested that our church do a huge push to help the homeless in LA. I got push back from many people saying things like, "There already are homeless shelters in LA, the homeless just don't want to go to them." There are other churches who have successful ministries in downtown. We're trying really hard to focus growing our church. " My favorite response was this one. "It's a lot of work to help the homeless and now simply isn't the right time for our church to help them." The right time? I thought anytime was the right time to love other people. I guess I missed that passage in scripture where Jesus said to love others only when the timing is right. Anyone else found where that one is?

The thing I found interesting is that no one said that the idea was a bad one. They just gave reasons why it wouldn't work.

Looking back over the last six years, I've noticed something has happened to me. I have found myself telling other people why their ideas for spreading the love of Jesus wont work. What happens to us as we get older? Why do we do that?

Thankfully there are young people who are making a huge difference in the world. A group of guys got to together and went to Africa for fun and adventure. They made a short movie that sparked a national movement. The power of young people is amazing. invisible children