Back in the Spring our youth pastor asked parents to consider being "coaches" for the summer. He said that summer is such a busy time for families that often the kids of our youth group can get disconnected. His goal was to assign students to an adult "coach" who would keep up with that student and how they were doing over the summer.
Hubs and I signed up to be coaches for the summer as we are already in love with all the students in our middle school ministry. We immediately started one of our biggest responsibilities for these students which was praying for them.
Not too long after we were assigned our group of students, we found out that one of our guys was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. It has been quite overwhelming seeing this sweet young guy who is a friend of our Big Guy be diagnosed with cancer and begin his first weeks of 44 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation. We have tried to do everything we know how to do as his church to support him.
Yesterday, we received news that another one of our guys is facing a tough time. On Friday his Dad was told that he has to leave today for Iraq. It was extremely short notice. His Dad will be gone for a year. Yesterday morning during our morning worship our church surrounded their entire family with prayer for his safety in his tour.
We have so many other kids in our group and they each have their own needs as well. I am sure you remember middle school (or junior high as we called it). It was not my favorite time of my life. I certainly wouldn't want to go back.
If you have a few minutes today, please pray for two sweet guys. One who will be saying goodbye to his Dad for a year as he serves our country and another as he goes back for another round of chemo. Two brave men.
7 comments:
I remember when Jeffrey was deployed the first time - he was one of the first to go over. And I remember that being hard for their son. At this age, it will be hard but for different reasons. We are praying for them.
these boys are blessed to have such a wonderful support system and church family
Already praying for one - adding the other to my prayers.
So many people are facing such difficulties. I will try to remember these boys in prayer.
Stopping by from the Homeschool Crew. I really like your blog.
(We climbed Chimney Rock also. For our honeymoon yrs. ago!)
Wow. So hard to deal with this at any time of life, but more so during those formative years I think. Praying for them. This program of "coaches" sounds very cool as well. Walking by as part of the TOS Crew.
We've likewise heard that 'coaching' and 'mentoring' is very important for this age group. How wonderful that you have an opportunity to serve in this way.
Catherine (aka alecat, via TOS Crew)
Stopping by on the blog walk. What a blessing you and your husband (and your church) are to these families at this time.
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