Teens

Over the past year Shawn and I have worked with Geoffrey and Dana as unofficial youth leaders for the teens at the church of Christ in Juneau. We have really enjoyed it. And God has blessed us so much through each one of the teens. It has been amazing to watch them grow in Christ, and I've really liked watching them interact with my kids. Carly actually calls them "the big kids".
This is a post I've been meaning to get to for a while now, so I'm just throwing some pictures on of a few activities that have gone on recently. Sorry it's a bit long, but this has been on my heart to share for a while now.


November 30--We were able to go to a ceremony honoring Ben becoming an eagle scout. Fortunately, my parents were in town so we had some free baby-sitting. I don't know what I would have done with Isaac if we had to take him to that. Several of the teens from the youth group made it to the ceremony. Before that night, I really didn't know very much about the boy scouts. By the time the ceremony was done, I was completely impressed with the group and very proud to know Ben, who is such a wonderful young man.

Here's the teens that were at the ceremony: Monica, Randi, Ben, and Slader.
checking out the merit badges

Shawn, using some police skills to encourage Kinsey to pose for a picture

November 25--We had the privilege of attending Monica's baptism. She is a very special young lady. Recently, I've gotten to know her very well because of a Bible study we have most Tuesday nights. We are so proud of Monica and her decision to follow Christ. She is a great role model for the other teens and even those who are older than her. We will miss her and the other seniors so much when they go off for college next fall.

Monica just before the plunge given by Jon Paden.

Slader looking on and very impressed with Monica's decision

Monica and her family standing in our traditional circle after the baptism

Monica and me (Rachel)

the family who gathered to welcome Monica's new birth (minus Shawn who dubbed himself "the picture guy")

November 17--Almost every Sunday night the teens meet at a church members home for a light meal, some fellowship, singing, a devotional thought, and prayer. It is really a fun time, and it's kind of amazing that we're able to fit all those things into about an hour and 15 minutes. Every week is different and the teens seem to really enjoy it. Shawn, Geoffrey, and Bill (our new minister) take turns leading the signing and devotional thoughts. Last year we also went through a series where we invited different church members to share their personal testimonies about how they became a Christian. I think the teens really enjoyed this. It's been made obvious to them that they are not alone in their struggles and experiences. Often they've found that there's another member in our church family who has already been where they are now.

This particular night, Jasmine, Monica, and Randi were trying to imitate Bill's whistling abilities. His whistles are quite impressive.

Slader

Katie with Carly

Kinsey--surprisingly not hiding from the camera

Kyle with the Williams' dog, Yoda

Randi

Brittany