The Edge

"The Edge" is the name of the Wednesday evening youth activities at Park Free Church. I've gone as a youth sponsor (reasonably responsible adult who is willing to hang out with teenagers!) three weeks, now.


After the first week, I was speechless. I tried to blog about it, but I could not find the words. It was surprising, frustrating, and a tiny bit frightening. (Some of those kids are BIG!)


At week two, a set of rules developed by the "regulars" at the Edge was laid out for the bigger group. This helped me immensely. Knowing what the kids themselves needed for a sense of order allowed me to step in where needed and know that the other sponsors and the core group would back that up. After the teaching time, we got into small groups. My group was unusual and largely goofy. I left feeling like all I had gained there was knowing a handful of names...and I prayed for each of those kids BY NAME every day that week. Ironically (or providentially) I ran into one of my small group kids the following night at the YMCA. He got my attention and I made a joke with him...it was almost as if he was glad to see me! It made me smile over and over all week long.


The tenor of the group was pretty different by last night. There is at least a loose sense of order and the kids are starting to develop the expectation that there will be talk of spiritual things...not just basketball, swearing, and PDA. It isn't a complete overhaul or anything, but there is a little bit of improvement each time. As for me, I'm armed with a handful more of names and I am just going to keep praying and showing up.