Encouraging!

There are many times when those who are trying to follow God’s Word can get discouraged. In a day and time when people are attacking the Church from without and from within, we need good news. This past seven days has been so encouraging for me, and I thought it might give you some encouragement as well.

First, the FHU lectures were fantastic. I was uplifted and motivated by so many fine lessons. I was encouraged by brothers and sisters with whom I visited throughout the week. You may have missed the lectures in 2006, but you can make plans now for 2007. It was so encouraging to see a great number of students at each lecture. We have three from 9th Avenue at Freed-Hardeman currently, and it was so nice to see them. We ate supper with them on Wednesday, and they could not stop talking about how much they enjoy the lectures they get to hear. How many 18-22 year olds at a state school would say the same?

Next, I spent my weekend at Booneville, Mississippi, helping with a singing school led by Wiley Dean. The singing was so encouraging. Despite the light snow, the attendance was pretty good.

Finally, last night was one of the most uplifting nights in my years of youth ministry. Our Winter Youth Series (WYS) was held at the Double Springs church of Christ. We have been trying to “build” the WYS for a few years now. This year, the numbers are starting to show. We have set three new attendance records this year. In October, the 9th Avenue congregation hosted and set a new mark for WYS attendance when we had 298 in our evening worship (we usually have about 200 on Sunday night). In January, the Winfield congregation, who usually has under 200 on Sunday night, broke that mark by having 307 in attendance. Last night, though, the record was shattered. The Double Springs congregation, who usually has about 185 on Sunday night, hosted 342 for the WYS! These represented 12 congregations: Double Springs, 9th Avenue, Winfield, Hamilton, Burleson, Vernon, Blackwater-Macedonia, 6th Avenue, Curry, Midway, Cottondale andNorthport. It is great to see this happening. In a time when young people are attacked for not participating and only wanting to do “fun stuff” in the youth group, these young people (including 22 from 9th Avenue) are showing they want to be involved.

I hope this helped lift you up. “Encourage one another!” (Hebrews 3:13, NIV)