Alright, kind of random right? Like why do I have a page for our Youth Group called Element? Well, my youth days were full of so many ups and downs. I mean, the typical Asian, wanna be, trying to fit in and yet trying to be the good church attending girl at the same time. Fixed up integs and civics, pagers, 2pac, walking with a limp… that was life. It was such a tumultuous time for me, trying to figure out who I was, trying to pretend I fit in everywhere, trying to care for people who were beyond my care, and emotions running high all the time.
Our Youth Department at my church Gracepoint helped me at times to keep my head on straight. But of course, sometimes I didnt want that help and I rejected it. And today, I look back and it’s very bittersweet my memory of our Youth Dept. back then.
So today.. the youth group… oh, first of all, they’re called “Element” – Elevate, Empower, Engage and the “t” is the cross of Christ. They’re a vibrant bunch of Jr. High and High School students from all over the Bay. They’ve got their own praise band, have some really cool events involving black light, fog machines, praise times that are like mini concerts, road trips, mission trips, community service, and so much more. When I look at them, I see so much of when I was that age too. Kids still looking lost, trying to be cool, trying to pretend like nothing matters to them. You’ve got the giggly girls, the bored outta their mind boys, the rebels, the goodies, and then the teachers who look overwhelmed! But I’m so thankful that our Element Youth group is what it is, giving these kids a chance to become Christians, to live for something greater, to not fall into the games and traps of this world.
So i have a special heart for the youth. I’ve been lucky to have been able to help out with some of their major retreats and events. Having grown up in this church and having been a troubled youth myself… i think about them a lot. My prayers are with you guys!
