What's next?

This is the question I have been asking every year at this time. What is next? We just went on this awesome journey to the southern state of Louisiana with bands, service and community building galore...what is next? Three years ago it was San Antonio that gave a spark to people wanting to serve. Mission trips followed for the next two years and we are back to a gathering again.

Yesterday Derek, my brother and co-worker, sat down for lunch with some of the Junior guys and talked about what they thought of the gathering. Their responses were mixed and over all good, but he also asked them the same question: what's next? They felt as though they wanted to continue serving, that the time in New Orleans was not enough. They wanted to go right back out into the community and be the hands and feet of God the next day and the next one after that. This is a great thing. So is the next step another mission trip? Where then should it be? In the United States, back to Louisiana, an international mission trip? When should it be? Spring break, summer, fall?

This may sound like a cop out answer but I really want the group of seniors this year to be in charge and plan their last event. To have ownership in what they are doing and what is going to make them grow physically, spiritually and as a community. I believe that they can do great things and with a little guidance we can accomplish great things. Now the question is where to start and how to build on the momentum we have created from this past week.

Dear Lord, be with us this next year as a youth group. Continue to help the community grow and for everyone to realize that they are a part of something so much bigger than their small group of friends and we can all serve together and change the world one person at a time. We love you Lord, amen.

Blessings,

dain