Looking at the world around us, it is easy to see all the negativity, chaos, and disruption in our society over the last year. Translate that into the ministry of a youth worker or pastor and it is magnified because of the personal relationships that we have with youth and families. We see the individual impacts of things like quarantine, food insecurity, and addictions. It is in this sense of being overwhelmed where I need these words from Jesus in Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Where do we find that rest? It’s when you push pause on your day’s schedule and agenda just to stop and surrender moments to God. At the beginning of 2021, I began to feel like the short moments were simply not enough. Also, my scope of prayer was too small.
As I discerned this, the Lord inspired me to make it a goal to spend 60 days intentionally praying about youth and families in Lakewood for an hour a day. On weekdays I walked in different areas of Lakewood that I had previously only driven by. God taught me to be quiet, observe what was around me, and take notes about the impressions that I got. I asked a small group of people to be praying for me during this time and provided them with updates weekly about how it was going.
I am so thankful for this experience because I thought I was praying so that God would give me a sense of direction for how to minister in my role as Lakewood City Life Coordinator. Instead, God invited me to a place of rest to grow in my faith and trust that what I was doing in that moment was enough. The singular focus of prayer and acknowledging His presence gave me so much hope for what God has planned to transform the lives of youth in Lakewood and all over Pierce County. My love for Jesus and the mission of Youth For Christ is stronger than ever before because of this experience of overcoming adversity through the power of prayer. I truly believe prayer changed everything for me and that if you humbly come to God that he will change you, too.
Will you pray for the ministry of Youth For Christ as we reach 11-19 year-olds in authentic Christ-sharing relationships?
Andrew Kruse
Andrew is the Coordinator for City Life Lakewood. Exciting things are happening in Lakewood this summer! If you're interested in learning more about partnering with Andrew to bring hope to young people in Lakewood, you can reach him at andrew@tacomayfc.org.
