Update

I have been visiting churches and youth groups and surprisingly it has not been the individuals that I intended to interview but the individuals that I did not that have given me the most powerful testimonies. The youth are teaching me and I have opened my heart and my mind to their thoughts, concerns and ministry.

The most important point that I am learning is that there is a great need for mentorship organizations and quality life centers ran by Christian ministries. The church must enter the 21st century and understand that we cannot reach youth through the old methods. The word does not change and it must not be changed to fit the fad of the year however the delivery must be one which acknowledges the changing world that we live in and the issues that are prevalent in 2012.

Today's youth are faced with problems of homelessness, drugs, peer pressure, alcohol and drug abuse, lack of education and lack of job skills. In a perfect world I would like to envision a center which incorporated housing, tutoring, GED prep, drug and alcohol counseling, job training, workshops for parents and counseling for domestic violence and sexual abuse ran by Christian counselors and teachers.

I do believe that we can start by networking the existing services in our community. I would like to see a group of churches and social agencies work together to provide these services to our youth so that we reach as many youth as possible.

Unfortunately churches are stingy. They want to utilize their talents to build their own ministries thereby increasing the coffers. Mentorship training should be done at all churches so that when a child is in need a referral can be sent from social services so that a staff of Christian mentors and or counselors are available.

Youth need a safe haven where they can hang out, eat if necessary and do their homework when they have no other options but the street. The church must create activities and educational centers for our youth. Instead of leaving our children to fend for themselves we must be about God's business.

Our goal as Christians is to minister the word and bring souls to Christ. Please know that if a child is hungry first you must feed him. If a child is cold you must provide clothing for him. If a child is homeless. You must provide shelter. If a child has low self-esteem you must encourage him. If a child is an addict you must help him seek recovery. If a child is failing school you must tutor him.

A child is not receptive to the word of God if you have not met his basic needs. The church must be able to meet these needs then they can minister to his soul.

We must provide a drink of water to a thirsty man then we can provide a drink of the living water so that he will thirst no more.

Let me know your thoughts.