Hey teens

[hippo's hope is HIM]

Thanks for the advice.

They know how to be saved and why, they just don't care much. I can explain the theory, but I can't help them want to have the relationship, or make them want to do the right things. I'm sure they would be thrilled to be Christians if Jesus were just a good luck charm, but they don't want to have to walk the walk or put themselves out in any way.

I personally read a lot of Christian fiction. It is entertaining, but opens up my heart because I can see where I have had the same struggles as the characters in the book. I'm looking for a way to open them up like that. Mostly I want them to want to learn about God. I have to be careful not to push too much, because if I push then they stop wanting to see me. I can't do any good if they won't see me or talk to me at all.

For awhile they were reading the Left Behind Kids series, but that got a bit long. While they were reading it they were motivated to study their Bible and go to church with me. I'm looking for ideas for things like that so they will want to learn more, but they won't feel like I am forcing them.

It is very hard for a child whose parent claims to be a Christian, but puts God as the last priority. For those kids they know what they see. They don't realize that there is a better way.

I would like to send them to a retreat or camp, but they wouldn't want to go and I can't make them because I have no authority in their lives. I'm just the drive them to church lady. Besides, there are 6 of them I'm working on and that would run into some money very quickly.

wow I obviously missed this reply when reading sorry about that.

The Chronicles of Narnia is an excellent book series, in fact....if you could get them to read just one of them "The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe" then in December I believe, a movie is coming out. Which would not only make for great discussion in the car, but whoever teaches them would be a great study. There are tons of symbolism in the book. It's great stuff. Same thing with the Lord of The Rings Trilogy. (LOVE that series btw. the books are very long,which are better than the movies, I hear, but the movies are amazing and might opt for a good time to get together. have maybe a movie day or something where ya'll could have snacks and watch movies. that has been working well at my twin's church. They watch a movie and have to pick out all the symbolism or relate how that has to do with Christians or Jesus or anything like that. K-Pax and The Apostle were other ones they watched)

If the church is serious about the youth, then I am sure there are people that would either sponsor a kid, or there may be even a "youth fund" or some certain fund put away for trips, or projects that the church has forgotten about, you may want to talk to the financial comittee or whatever your church's might be called.

It may also be, if they are excited about a trip, that they'd work on a fundraiser. Which promotes unity and them working in the church etc. etc. My church has no money. and few youth. and we go on several trips throughout the year. Most is raised on our own through expressive worship or puppets (you can do that with 2 people, you got 6 hmm you could start a team LOL just kidding, that's a lot of work to not have any experience, or funds, or help and with kids that aren't very enthusiastic) and the taking up of love offerings, with other fundraisers. I think the kids would be more excited than they would show. There'd be an air of not knowing what to expect, or an adventure, that even the most bored kid and kid who doesn't care has when going somewhere.

"They know how to be saved and why, they just don't care much. I can explain the theory, but I can't help them want to have the relationship, or make them want to do the right things."

I didn't either, until I met Jesus face to face on my knees one summer day at a youth camp at which I realized the weight of my sin sin, and the fact that my fears and shame didn't have to eat me from the inside out any more, I realized the TRUE healing power, grace, and love of Jesus. I don't just say that either. Go read my testimony It was there before this thread ever was.

I have to go get ready lol. My twin is dragging me on a camping trip with her youth group. Even though I didn't want to go LOL. It's on one of the church member's property. We are supposed to bring sleeping bags, our Bible and toilet paper. In the woods. With YOUTH. *plays eerie music* will I make it out alive!!!

[kodischild]

Hippo, I'm sending the plane ticket to you now! Ok, just kidding. I wish I could get my teens some friends like you! Thanks for all your advice

Thanks to everyone else, too.

I'm making an effort to really spend time talking with each of them in a loving, non judgemental way. And I'm taking them to do a little activity after church each Sunday so we have more time to spend together and as a bribe to get them to church.

I'm going to start saving to get them off to a camp next summer. I'll talk to the Pastor about it as soon as that man slows down enough for me to catch him.

Now I'm just trying to figure out Christmas gifts or things I can leave at their house so they can have that influence there when I'm not. I already send a card every week or so so they get a verse and to know someone is thinking about them.

[mrs]

They know how to be saved and why, they just don't care much. I can explain the theory, but I can't help them want to have the relationship, or make them want to do the right things. I'm sure they would be thrilled to be Christians if Jesus were just a good luck charm, but they don't want to have to walk the walk or put themselves out in any way.

kodis, if this is their thinking then no matter how appealing or interesting you make it they will not be attracted. What they need is conviction from the Holy Spirit.On the other hand you may never know how your efforts have been used by Him.So keep on trying, loving, and praying for them - I am sure it means much to them to have a friend who cares about them as you do.