Already Entering Week Three!

This photo is from our first day of class for the SOIYM (School of Innovative Youth Ministry) 
There are a few people missing from the photo but I'll post some more with all of us in them.
Anyway, we are now heading into our third week for the school and it has been incredible so far.
Our first week was a lot of orientation type of stuff along with lectures from Sarah, the school leader. She spoke about youth culture and about the different generations ranging from the 1930s to present day. We looked at how things have changed over that time span, especially in regards to technology as well as communication and family dynamics. Looking at the different generations gives a lot of perspective as to why people react or respond in various ways.
Our second week, we got to hear from Stevie, a leader on the base here. Stevie spoke with us about the kingdom of God, we studied the different parables that Jesus shared in Matthew, when He is giving comparisons as to what the kingdom of God is like. Then we transitioned into understanding 'values'. We spent time praying and seeking God on personal values to live by followed by principles that outwork those values. I felt very challenged by this exercise because when you don't really have solid values or haven't yet pinpointed what your values are, you can easily just float along hoping you're doing good or hoping you're heading in the right direction. However, sitting down and praying through those things made me understand some of the decisions I have made and also challenged me to think more thoroughly through the future decisions I will make. Taking into consideration the things I value most, I believe will keep me on track with God's best for my life.

Stay tuned for more updates!

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