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Teen Life Ministries Special Article Paul Evans & Al Millergren |
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Run, Don't Walk It was one of the best retreats ever. Jerry (not his real name) did an awesome job of planning and carrying out the whole retreat. The teens seemed to grow spiritually as never before. The praise and worship drew everyone closer to Christ and the classes were outstanding. Jerry told several of the sponsors, "We are on our way as a youth group." All the way back to the church Jerry could only think of the powerful weekend that he just experienced. He spent time thanking God as he drove the van down the long back roads. What a weekend! What a great weekend! As Jerry pulled the van into the parking lot of the church building, he could see the parents waiting with smiling faces. Several of the teens had called home and told their parents how God had worked on them. Many of the parents were excited and they showed it by hugging necks and giving high fives to the students. The goodbyes were said and one by one the cars pulled out of the lot as families headed home waiting in anticipation to hear what God did. Jerry was still really excited and could not wait to get to his office to call his wife, Jenny. Jenny seemed to be just as excited as he was and his two little children were just glad he was coming home. You know, as a youth minister, that getting back home is only part of closing out the weekend. The van has to be cleaned and refueled. All the leftovers needed to be put in the kitchen and you always find a sleeping bag or hair dryer lying out on the curb. This weekend was no exception. Jerry did find a couple of items lying around and decided to put them in the youth room. As he headed down the hallway toward the room he noticed Michelle sitting on the floor of the church building foyer waiting for her parents. Michelle was probably the most attractive senior girl in the group. She was not a real leader, but she is a semi-good follower. As Jerry made his way over to her he asked, "Are your parents on their way?" "I haven't called them yet. May I use the phone in your office?" she replied. As they made their way to the office Jerry became uncomfortable for some reason. He started putting things away as Michelle just stood by his desk. He turned and noticed that she had moved closer to him. Michelle asked, "Jerry, can I ask you a question?" "Sure, what's up, Michelle?" "Jerry, what kind of relationship do you have with your wife? Does she treat you right in all areas of your marriage, if you know what I mean?"
At this point Jerry walked to the door, stopped, and said, "Michelle, please call your parents." He walked out into the parking lot and waited for Michelle to come out. Within minutes, which seemed like hours to Jerry, Michelle's parents were there to pick her up.
As Jerry drove home he began to pray a prayer of thanksgiving to God. Thanking Him for giving him the ability to walk away from what could be a bad situation. As he arrived home, it took a few minutes to get his things unloaded and hug the kids. He then began to tell his wife what happened at the office. After they had their discussion, he called his youth deacon, whom he trusted, and shared with him what happened.
He was not tattling on Michelle, he just wanted to let someone know what happened in case Michelle started rumors about their meeting. Jerry decided that if she was bold enough to ask what she asked in his office, she might have some type of fantasy relationship going on in her mind.
The main point of this article is that Jerry had a plan. He knew what he was going to do if a situation like this ever took place. He knew that if he had to make up his mind in the middle of it, he might make the wrong decision. Thank God he planned ahead! Jerry relied heavily on the verses found in I Corinthians 10:12-13 which say, "If you think you are strong, you should be careful not to fall. The only temptation that has come to you is that which everyone has. But you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted, He will give you a way to escape so that you will be able to stand it."
What will your plan be?
Al & Paul
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