Youth Happenings #11

Happy New Year Everyone and God bless you all.....

Hasn't this been a year to remember!? We have seen the hand of God working throughout our church in such an unforgettable, awesome way!

One would need to be spiritually dead not to see and recognize what God is doing in these last hours. This is, absolutely, NOT the time to spiritually nod off. We need to be awake and be the watchmen at the door for we know....the season tells us, His return is near! Having said that....we need to be about our Father's business at ALL times.

On December 14th and 21st the youth in our church participated in our, first-ever, annual Christmas play titled "Christmas Eve at Mountain Creek Train Station". It was a lot of work but it was sooooo rewarding! We were very proud of each and every one of them (all 34) for allowing God to work through them in a new way. After all their hard effort we decided to have some much-needed down time to just enjoy each other.

So, this past December 26th we had a wonderful youth gathering at our home. The teens enjoyed games, lots of good food, fun and laughter. It was such a great time for all of them to come together at the end of the year to just love one another. You could tell everyone was soooo enjoying themselves.

We had a great turn out of teens and I would like to say thanks to my husband, Robert, Sis Shirley Hempel and Sis Dawn Bynum for all their help. I couldn't have done it without them. They jumped right in preparing food and doing whatever needed done. My husband made sure the game room was finished and ready and with only three chaperons, Sis Shirley, Sis Dawn and myself, we stayed very busy but found time to enjoy some laughter as well.

Now, with last year behind us and the new year upon us, let's remember the fundraiser we discussed back in November. We've been asked to return to Dallas over Spring break and we need to be financially prepared to go. Therefore.....in the next couple of weeks we will have a meeting to discuss the choice of fundraisers. All suggestions are welcome so put on your thinking caps and be ready. I will be in touch with you.

If I haven't expressed it enough before let me do so now. We love each and every one of you guys, and it's been an absolute thrill to watch you growing in God. We've had our challenges, just like any family. But through it all.....we've remained close and in love with one another, and because of Jesus' blood....we will always remain family. Nothing will separate us....(Romans 8:38-39)

In God's hands......

Sis Debra Peña