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Previous Challenge Entry
Topic: Peer Pressure (07/05/04)
TITLE: Reach Out Week-Youth Reaching Out for Jesus
By Cherie Clawson
07/09/04
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A lot of people think all that teenagers want to do is cause trouble and do whatever they can to please their peers. The youth at Shalom Lutheran Church are different what matters most to them is taking a stand for Jesus.

This Sunday 3 adults and 11 youth (9th-12th graders) will be going on a mission trip to Washington D.C. This trip is not a requirement; these kids made a choice to go make a difference to others. These kids could have stayed home, spending the week hanging out with their friends and having fun. Instead, they are leaving everything that is familiar to them to help people less fortunate than they are. They will be away from their families for five days, not really knowing what they will find when they get to Washington . They will be staying at church, sleeping in sleeping bags, it takes a lot of courage to leave behind the comforts of home. This group of youth with their loving hearts will become the hands and feet of Jesus.

While in Washington D.C. these youth will be participating in a variety of activities. They will be helping with Vacation Bible School, serving at a homeless shelter, and working at a distribution center sorting, preparing and cleaning clothes. These youth really understand that sharing their time, talents, gifts and love is how to show Jesus’ love to all. They are truly becoming a mirror of Christ as they reflect his love to strangers.

When they return to Pinckney Michigan, they will be leading worship at Shalom Lutheran Church sharing their week with us and setting an example for all to see of how helping others, helps you to grow in your faith.

This group of youth have been working together for the past five weeks doing team building exercises, preparing materials for Vacation Bible School, and everything else they need for this trip. They have grown in their faith and in fellowship with each other and God. They are growing in the likeness of Christ and they look forward to helping others, sharing their faith and hearts as they reach out to others on this trip.

The next time you hear about teenagers giving into peer pressure, think about the youth of Shalom. These are teenagers standing up for Jesus, making a difference and letting their light shine brightly in this world!

Cherie Clawson