Tag Archives: youth

Mar 15

The Karns’ Student Ministry

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Karns has a fantastic Student Ministry (Grades 6th – 12th) that I personally feel is blessed. It has nothing to do with me or what I do, but it has everything to do with the others who are involved in this ministry. If you will bear with me, I would like to give you a few reasons why I believed the Student Ministry at Karns is blessed.

  1. Great Students. I have worked with 4 different student ministries in the past, and this group of students is by far the most spiritually mature. First, this group has a deep love for the Lord. Second, they want to know what the Bible teaches. Our students truly care about studying God’s Word. They don’t want to have their time wasted with powder puff lessons; they want the MEAT of the Word! Third, this group genuinely loves and cares for one another.
  2. Wonderful Parents. Karns is blessed with parents who believe in investing in the spiritual lives of their children, and this investment is making a difference for our students (Eph. 6:4; Prov. 22:6).
  3. Tremendous Volunteers. In order for a Student Ministry to be successful, people, time and energy are required. Miranda and I could never do this alone and accomplish everything that needs to be accomplished. We have so many members, both parents and non-parents alike, who are generous with their time and volunteer in order to make a difference in the lives of our students.
  4. Best Eldership. I am blessed to work under a group of men who truly believe in Student Ministry. Our elders see student ministry for what it is… an investment into the eternal well-being of our students. They understand Student Ministry is not a glorified babysitting gig. From day one, they have reassured me of their belief in what we are doing. This is evident from their support of the Student Ministry: volunteering, chaperoning, hosting devotionals, teaching, and just interacting with the students. I wouldn’t trade the Karns’ eldership for any other in the brotherhood!  

What a blessing it is to be involved in the Karns’ Student Ministry! I thank God for this wonderful opportunity every day.

Now that’s Something to Think About!

Jul 12

Grumbling and Complaining

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Last Sunday afternoon Miranda and I loaded up the church van with seven of our young people and headed to Freed-Hardeman University for HORIZONS 2011. A couple of hours into our five hour trip, somewhere around mile marker 251, the church van decided it would completely shut down and refused to go any farther. For the next two hours, our group stood on the side of Interstate 40 and waited for help. Finally, a friend of mine arranged for some of his family to come and pick us up and take us to their church building to wait until brother Tony Williams could get there with the other church van. Around 5:45 p.m., about the time we should have been rolling into Henderson, we were finally back on the interstate headed west for FHU. At 10:00 p.m. eastern standard time, we arrived on the campus of Freed-Hardman University. We were only four hours behind our estimated arrival time.

I tell you all this not to complain, but rather to brag on our young people. Not once, I repeat, not once, did any one of our young people ever complain about what had happened. Even while standing on the side of Interstate 40 in 99 degree heat, we never heard one negative comment. As I reflect on our adventure to HORIZONS 2011, I am reminded of the words of the apostle Paul when he said, “Do all things without grumbling or complaining that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:14-15).

Our trip to HORIZONS last Sunday was nothing like any of us expected. We didn’t plan on our van breaking down, standing in the sun for 2 hours, or missing the Sunday night activities at HORIZONS. However, everyone had a great attitude and despite what happened on Sunday, it was a fun trip. In fact, we all agreed our trip last Sunday was the best trip any of us have ever had in a church van. It was an experience that none of us will ever forget.

Now that’s Something to Think About!

On I-40 where the church van broke down. Take a close look at the sign in the background!