Disciple Now (DNow) is a popular event for youth groups around the nation. But there was something very distinctive about the DNow our youth group experienced this year in mid February. Something very few youth groups focus on: the mission of God. In fact that is what Pastor Justin spoke about over the course of the weekend. He led us through the Gospel, beginning in Genesis and going through passages that outline God's mission for the church in the New Testament. For the evening and morning sessions, we split into small groups where we studied the Word in the houses of various church members who were generous enough to open up their homes for the weekend.
Again, the focus was on mission of God, or "the way". Saturday is really what made this DNow extraordinary. Pastor Josh had each group go out into the community to various small businesses with gift baskets for the employees there. This allowed for students to step out of their comfort zones and open doors for the gospel. Often people were shocked at what we were doing, and asked why a bunch of teenage kids would do this for them. This allowed for us to explain what motivates us to do good works, and thus plant a seed in the person's mind and soul about the hope that is only found in the gospel.
The impact was mutual, as students where challenged do what was for many, unthinkable; exemplify the love of Christ in action and deed to complete strangers. As Sunday morning rolled around, the students began to arrive to the church service in there crimson tide colored t-shirts to express the unity and fellowship we share with each other. An awesome way to end an already powerful and convicting weekend.
Chris
Chris
