Mini Plunge

"Mini Plunge"

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Eph. 5:1-2 (NIV)

It all started with "One Good Idea"* "Hey Pastor Lance, what do you say we start an in depth Bible Study for middle school students?" A few months ago The "T.H.I.N.G." (Taking His Individuals Near God) was well received by over a dozen middle school students and continues each week to grow in numbers. The "T.H.I.N.G." meets on Sunday evenings for two hours at CWC. During this time we study scripture and periodically attend evening services. We are currently equipping these students to build bridges in our community, be 'Jesus' to others, and disciple others through redemptive relationships. This is exciting Kingdom building work!

On Sunday May seventh, I had the privilege of leading this group of twenty-one energetic, on fire for Christ, middle school students and four adventurous, Jesus loving, adults (Mike and Linda Horn, Steve Rotman and Joy Renzema) on a service project for Visser Development. The work God had in store for us was not to minister to others through word but through deed. We were called to care for God's creation by picking up roadside trash along West Shore Drive.

The group dove into this project with great enthusiasm and within one hour filled all the garbage bags that had been brought to the site. During this time I heard many cries from the "wilderness". They sounded something like this - "Ouch, do we have any band-aids?" Thorns covered the ground and we knew each time we picked up a piece of trash there was a good chance that a small amount of blood would be shed but that didn't dampen the spirits of this group. We were hungry to do God's work. As I reflect on this day I ponder the significance of the many sacrifices, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. How often do we forget the importance of obedience and how blessed we are to be called the children of God?

We ended our time at the worksite holding hands in prayer thanking God for the opportunity and strength to serve. We asked that our service glorify His name and be a blessing to many others. The students and leaders held hands toward heaven and rejoiced with loud cheers over a job well done. I'm sure God smiled at that moment and will provide us with future "mini plunge" opportunities. It is truly a privilege and blessing to work with this young generation of Christ followers. May the grace and peace of Christ be with all of you as we join together in serving our God!

-Linda Dryfhout, Middle School Adult Leader