go the BLUES!

Setting the scene: Most of the team are upstairs watching the State of Origin. It's half time and Chris is taking a 5min breather from the game (NSW is getting thrashed btw), and I'm here in my pjs letting my hair dry.

Boks and Joe returned from their break while Sarah and I were washing up after dinner, and it was good to see them so happy and relaxed - I'm happy, but not particularly relaxed, despite having one of the deepest naps of history just before dinner.

Today was undoubtedly one of the more difficult days on ministry - not because anything went wrong (no program backfires or major technical glitches...) but difficult because it was a rare glimpse into the difficulty Jesus must have felt when he tried to minister to the crowds. If the stubborness of today's students infuriated me, I can only imagine the frustration and hurt Jesus felt when he tried to share the treasure of Eternal Life 2000 years ago. I honestly don't blame Him for weeping over Jerusalem.

I saw the students today, and my heart actually ached at their ignorance. Don't get me wrong - these were your typical yr 9 boys. They were funny, respectful (most of the time), and so good to get to know and hand around... But I wanted so much for them to see that they were meant to live for more than just cheap thrills and uncurable vices. I wanted them to encounter God in a way that would give them true joy - not just temporary pleasure. But I guess a closed heart prevents such encounters... so there was only so much that the team could share today.

Mind you, it was an awesomely fun day! Lots of games (well done Sarah and Bec!), and the speakers did a great job up front (hands up to Beth, who I look up to with major admiration for being able to get up in front of over 100 boys and sincerely tell them that the true friend builds you up, not tears you down. It's a difficult job...)

I was going through old BLOGS from 2004 and stumbled across one written in Sept 04. Basically it's about bringing God's high to the schools. Kind of details why I got so passionate about this ministry. I read it today, and this is what I wanted to share:

I wonder what it is that people are waiting for.

In response to the question "Why bring God to the high schools?" the answer is simple: In a world where there is murder, conflict, pain, hurt, abuse, racisim, sexism, fear, anger, intolerance, impatience and sin... it is clear that we're in dire need of the peace that God offers us through Jesus.

He said it pretty clearly: "I came to bring you life to the full"...
Bring it on Jesus Christ.

The young people of this world need it desperately.

Peace out.