"I can't think of a more urgent need than enabling young people to understand their faith and preparing them to defend it against the onslaught of secular thought they encounter in their schools and in popular culture." Chuck W. Colson

This quote taken from Mr. Colson's forward in the book, "Battle Cry for a Generation," sums up a call that has been given to parents, youth ministers, and pastors alike. Some of our youth and adults from our county have had the opportunity to attend conferences this past year such as "Run to the Battle" in Muncie, and "Battle Cry" in Detroit (and others not mentioned here) These events allow our youth to experience somewhat of a mountain-top feeling in their faith. They encourage youth to become excited about knowing Jesus Christ and teach them to tell others about His grace. The difficulty in these situations is that the excitement that these events generate, fizzles out rather quickly.

In our community, as well as most others, we have lost the excitement about many things. Not just our faith, but in other things such as gatherings, neighborhood get-togethers, community events, and so forth. Instead we have replaced these institutions with youth-based activities.

The pressures that are put on our youth today are far greater then in any previous generation. The expectations for them to perform at an outrageous level at an even more rigorous pace, have caused a lapse in child rearing, as well as their spiritual development. The moment a youth returns from an event such as these spiritual conferences, their world is thrust right into their face again. The "do this, play here, go there, win at all cost," attitude in which they face, causes them to neglect what should really be important, an in-depth holy attitude. The busier they get and the more they are pushed for worldly accomplishments, the more they lose Jesus.

So what is the solution? Author Mark Buchanan writes in his book, "Your God Is Too Safe," that "solitude's other gift is that it takes us outside the rush and crush of time, and in doing so reorients us to eternity." It is this that can reorient not only youth, but all of us to God.

Take time to spend with God, not just a quick family prayer before meals, but hours of scripture reading and prayer. Encourage your youth and family to seek God and church attendance as a priority. The great thing is that the youth are still experiencing a spark, even if it is for a day or so at these events. God is still present in this world. It is up to us to build upon that, and give our youth an opportunity to win a raging battle for their lives.

Matt Stump is youth minister at Flora-Bringhurst United Methodist churches.

Pray for our nation to seek God

After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions...Luke 2:46 Pd. Adv.