As you know, our event is just around the corner. I wanted to take a moment to fill you in on our theme for this year and also to ask you to begin to pray for us as we head into this meaningful time in the life of our youth ministry.

 

Too often, we communicate a version of Christianity without trials, persecution, or problems. Teenagers are told that following Christ is the most important decision in their lives. And in faith, they trust Christ. Instead of being told “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12), many assume that everything in their world will be fixed. Except that doesn’t happen. And so many of our students question the love of Jesus and His plan for their lives. Why? Because what loving God would allow His children to face trials and persecution?

 

The only issue is that God’s love for His people can’t be viewed through what happens to us, but instead of what happened to Him. The measurement of God’s love for us starts on the cross, not in the trying circumstances we find ourselves in.

 

The study we’re going to be working through is called RELENTLESS: Pursuing Christ At All Costs. This study will help our teenagers begin to lay the foundation of a relentless faith that doesn’t wither in the face of hard times or persecution.