Answering God’s Call to Support Our Young People
Oak Chapel recently joined forces with Church of the Cross, Smithville United
Methodist, and Wooster United Methodist to sponsor a baccalaureate luncheon for
students at Liberty Prep, a school for at-risk kids in Wayne County.
There were more than 25 students in attendance, and every one of them looked
as though they could benefit from some additional spiritual mentorship. Each has
experienced some tough situations in life, some even traumatic, and the school has
served as a safety net, helping to ensure that they don’t fall through the cracks.
It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of the event because it showed the
students that others do, in fact, care about and love them. Jesus said in the Gospel of
Mark (10:14), “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the
kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Our Lord does, indeed, have a very special
place in His heart for children.
I took a chance — with the permission of the school principal — and talked to the
group briefly about the importance of having a faith-based foundation. In particular I
suggested that they consider the presence of God in their lives and develop an active
prayer life. I shared with them this passage from Psalm 91:11 — “For he will command
his angels concerning you to guard you wherever you go.” I think it is vital that they
know that God is always with them. I also gave them a Guardian Angel pin, which many
fastened to their shirt that day.
Life can be tough for all of us at times, but with a foundation in faith, we will
survive and even thrive. It is my hope that these young people, with a little help and
encouragement, will flourish as active disciples of Christ, now and in the future.