Summer

Summer is a roller coaster of highs and strange lows. No matter how I try it's in the summer that my schedule is interrupted most, my focus most challenged and my intentions to spend more time with my family tested. I usually start in mid-May telling my adoring wife, "after graduation things will let up." Then, as graduation approaches I tell my sons, "after the summer missions trip things will get better." And then, in mid-July, I tell myself that the summer is almost gone and nothing has changed (do I hear the "American Dream" song by Casting Crowns playing in the background?).

I used to take summers very hard and very personally for other reasons. Summer was also the time when I would notice how "my" former high school students were struggling to put and keep Christ first in their lives. I'd see some struggle with apathy, some with longing for acceptance and seeking their identity OUTSIDE of Christ and some, well with some I'd simply completely lose contact altogether.

That part of the roller coaster, with God's help, is actually different now. Several college and post-college students are making amazing progress in their faith and trust in Christ and I realize (mostly) what a buffoon I've been to feel like a defeated failure when they'd fall. That is as stupid as me trying to take credit when they soar on wings like eagles.

Our former students are sinful saints like me and Nik. I take no credit for anything they're doing. But I've spent the last several hours unbelievably humbled and captivated by the way many of them are walking with Christ.

• One young man tours the country with his wife as they perform music to reach college students for Christ on campuses. They were in Egypt earlier this year evangelizing college students! I'm praying for you, Ryan and Holly.
  
• One of my best friends in all the world began helping me (with his sweet, sweet wife) and my wife in youth ministry 10 years ago. After a decade full of God's leading and grace, he and his wife moved to Alaska where he serves as "Pastor of Discipleship" in a Christ-exalting church. Torrey & Clare, you're setting the pace!
  
• One young man recently accepted a position as a pastor of youth at a church in Pennsylvania. First he's going to spend the summer helping me with a college Bible study and then I'm going to perform his wedding to a wonderful and godly young woman who will walk with him all of his days on this earth. I'm praying for you, Bennet and Holly!
  
• One young man continues to help lead his Campus "Cru" ministry at UW Whitewater. Go John!
  
• One young man has fallen head-over-heels in love with a woman who is helping him keep his eyes fixed on Jesus Christ. I'm holding you up, David.
  
• 11 young people (yes eleven!) are mentoring junior high students right here at our church this summer. That is one of the greatest sentences I have ever written. I am praising God for Jason, Danielle, Kyle, Alissa, Maggie, Grace, Sama, Eric, Joe, Craig, Heather and some of those mentioned above.
  
• Several former high school students are dedicating their entire summer to serving Christ in a camping ministry setting. How many hundreds will they impact?? Keep your eyes on Christ, Steph, Kirsten and Cooper.
• One young couple is considering full-time camping ministry as they serve God in amazing ways at their home church in Pennsylvania. We love you, Josh and Lauren.
  
• One high school student is teaching my son to play bass (thanks Si!) and another is helping me coach another son's baseball team (the Lewis boys have come to the rescue).
• One young lady is going to the Dominican Republic to teach at a Christian school. Go Kari!
• One young lady was hired by our own church to coordinate our entire contemporary music ministry. You are doing a great job, Charissa.
  
• One young lady served as a missionary RN in Cambodia for several years and is now considering her next steps. Way to go, Anna! Another young lady is serving Christ as she gets two years of nursing experience in St. Louis before looking to take her gifts and skills to the mission field. Move safely and keep your eyes on Christ, Sarah!
• Another young woman is serving the Lord as a full-time missionary to Muslims with her husband. We're upholding you in prayer, Matt & Kate!
  
• One amazing couple who served with us for several years in our Junior High ministry is finishing up their formal training in just one semester before raising money to go full-time and permanently to serve the Lord as missionaries. Have fun in Cali, Ryan and Melissa. Can't wait to see you soon!
  
• One young couple is completing their medical education in Arizona and may someday be full-time medical missionaries. She's a PA and he's an MD (soon). We're praying for you, Paul and Allison!
• One couple is serving in their church (the young man as an ELDER!) in inner-city Chicago. We praise God for Pete and Hana.
  
• One young couple is raising their amazing one-year-old son as they minister to the people of East Boston. I am so thankful for you, Matt and Pam!
• One couple serves in amazing ways at a boys ranch in Arkansas. We love you Jeff and Leigh Ann!
• Another young man has recently begun to think about the possibility of serving in the US Armed forces as a chaplain. Keep your eyes on Jesus, Zach!
  
• One young man is using his music to glorify God profoundly. Oh, make that three young men. Keep honoring Him, Zach and Nick and John (and Liz).
• One young lady has been a full-time missionary in Mexico for several years. Her sister is following in her footsteps! We love you, Carmen.
• There's another couple in Arizona seeking to raise their kids in the ways of the Lord. Keep it up, Zach and Sarah!
  
• 40 of us are going this summer to serve Salt Lake City, Utah for a week.
• Many former graduates from our church in Columbus, OH walk with the Lord! Three are serving the Lord "full time" (Ric, Brianna and Stacey!!).
  
• Shall I mention all of the others who are walking with Christ in such a way that AMAZES ME??? I named some and then realized that there was no way to get everyone.

So like I said, I take ZERO credit for any of this. Maybe this is just a reminder to me that when someone is struggling I must simply leave it with the Lord. When someone is succeeding, that is of the Lord. May we burn out for Jesus Christ!!!!