Violence reaches into classrooms and churches. Working parents' income does not cover family expenses. Youth search for purpose in a materialistic society. Neglected and lonely individuals long for meaning in their lives.
Congregations struggle with what it means to be the church in a constantly changing world.
Christ calls us to follow His example and to deny ourselves in giving sacrificially to meet these needs. He was among 43 regional youth representatives at the American Baptist Biennial Meeting in Iowa last June. In a program led by Educational Ministries' Thom Son, youth met in small groups to pray, share ideas, brainstorm about the future church and talk over issues after plenary sessions. Since then e-mail messages have helped these friendships grow. Lang, a high school senior, was a small group leader at his region's American Baptist Youth gathering.