Teen Groups in Texas and Iowa

Our Readers Ask ...

Teen Talk

Q: I'm already involved in my youth group, Sunday school, not to mention all my school activities. What can Friends Into Serving Him give me that I'm not already getting?

A: While all of your church activities can help you grow spiritually and your school activities can help you grow socially, Friends Into Serving Him can bring those two processes into one for YOU - a young woman. Friends Into Serving Him, together with LWML, mentors young women through the hard issues of life and provides them with the opportunity to support missions with their mites. Special activities geared just for teens at district and national conventions help develop lifelong Christian relationships.

Bible verse: The angel [Gabriel] went to [Mary] and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.' Mary was greatly troubled at his wordsbut the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God' (Luke 1:28-30).

Journal entry: You'll never guess who called me today. Pastor Smith called and asked if I would play the organ for our Sunday service. Why me? I suppose it's just because I've taken piano lessons (that I'd quit in a minute, if my parents would let me). I can't play the whole service in front of everyone! They'll hear all my wrong notes. And how do I explain this to my friends? No, I just can't do it. I'll tell Pastor.

(later that day) Well, so much for getting out of that! Pastor told me that if the whole service made me nervous, I could just play a hymn or two this time and work my way up. Does that mean he wants me to do this more than once?

(later that week) Pastor called again and told me that he really wants me to do this. He has been watching me on Sundays and has seen how I help out with things like working in the nursery, greeting visitors, and lighting the candles. He says that I'm preparing to be a leader in the church. He also reminded me that my musical talent is a gift from God that I could use for Him. So, I guess I'll do it. I mean, it's one thing to say "No!" to Pastor, but it's another to say "Yes!" to God.

Questions for consideration: Have you ever been asked to do something that you are reluctant to do? What gifts has God given you? In what ways can you be bold to use those gifts in service to Him?

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for giving me special talents. Show me how I can use these talents to serve You and others. Give me Your strength and guidance as I take on the work You have prepared in advance for me to do. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Do you have ideas you want to share? Do you know what LWML teen groups are doing in your district? Please write us and send original or electronic photos to: Gina Franke, LWQ - Teen LWML, P.O. Box 411993, St. Louis, MO 63141-1993 readersrespond@lwml.org