God has been putting something strong on my heart lately and I feel it is time to let it be know. Lately I have been sitting back and observing the fact that we have so many new faces, which is an amazing blessing, but I've also noticed that our old faces are fading away. It's been such an eye-opener to realize that all the people I looked up to and always saw at the altar on their faces are not even making it a priority to be at church anymore. Just in the past couple of weeks, I've been involved in conversations with people who feel like church just isn't the same anymore. They say the fire of God just isn't there. But as I look back and remember... We decided this summer that we were going to keep that fire burning, although that fire is slowly burning out. We made the decision to be an army of God, but how can we be that army if we can't stand strong, TOGETHER!? I know I may not be that perfect person to look up to nor do I always have the right advice but I do know that it's hard to face the fact that the people I used to hold accountable now are running from God. "he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." Psalms 103:10-12 For some reason that scripture is jus always on my mind. When I wake up to the time I go to sleep that scripture is on my mind. Jesus went through so much just so we can live eternal life. But we've got to stand strong. We got to be determined to be that army of God. People are looking up to us. We need to stand strong not only for our sake but for the hundreds of thousands of people who look up to us. I thank God that he gave me the courage to come out and say what was on my heart because I pray that when Fall Retreat comes that God pours out blessings and turns lives around and hopefully one day soon Wonation can go out into this world and make a differance, more than it already has!! I hope you all keep all that has been mentioned in your prayers!! God Bless -Elizabeth-

......we need to step up!!!!!!!!!!!

well are you reaching out to those people that don't think church is the same. I have noticed the same things, but maybe its growing pains. Everyone couldn't wait to be in the new building but now that there are alot of new faces I think the old faces just don't feel that same bond. I know that should be no excuse, but I think it's true if it is making any sense at all. I have read other posting were people have mentioned it but someone always came back saying that we need to make new memories or new friendships... and that is easier said than done.

I am not trying to get into and argument with anyone I am just really trying to express how i feel about this issue.

Maybe instead of trying to do everything bigger and better lets go back to what got us this far. When Friday nights were something to look forward to, when Victor and Brian were out on the volleyball court and not just for friend day. When we went to meyer park and played baseball, and had races, flag football...

I mean even Pastor Steve birthday thing this year was different, there was no slide show, chase didn't say anything....

Where is P31 and Wonman, what happened to the sleepovers...
the bake sales...
why haven't the dancers been performing.

I love this church and decided to make it my home a couple of years ago and I am not trying to church hop, its just sometimes I wish we could have what we use to have, that fire...

If I may interject, and i think i have the right!!

A lot of what you guys have mentioned is the absolute truth, but i dont think that you can pinpoint one thing and say that it is for that reason. Are YOU THREE involved as much as some of the other people that you are pointing at? Im not sure who everyone is, so this is not personal.

I live at this church, it is 10:20 pm on Saturday, and I am here now working. This church is my life! There are others as well... Victor, Katrina, Brian, Paulette, Veronica, Omar, Waymon...everyday we are working or planning for this youth ministry. Before you look at leadership and notice what we are not doing i think it is important to look at yourself. Are yall as involved in the planning of events as the people i mentioned? Are yall putting in the hours that these people I mentioned are? I dont think so...(i can tell by your comment about us 'trying to do everything bigger and better' that you really are not that involved in what goes on around here.) I am not attacking anybody, but what yall have to know is that we are still putting in the hours, more than we ever have...but we need yall as our young adults to be there! Why would younger teens want to come if we cant get any of yall to stay late on a friday night?

There is so much more involvement required to operate on the level where we are as opposed to where we were, and those who have been involved still are but we are looking to yall to step up.

But jus so yall know....with this big step everyone that used to only have to focus on Youth Ministry is dealing with a whole lot of stuff on their plate right now....and doing what i see as a VERY GOOD JOB!



-chase

Well yeah, Chase, you are absolutely right and just to reiterate wht I was TRYING to say... I didn't mean to come across in the way of nobody is doing anything I was just trying to make it a point that we have youth leaders going around outside of church pointing out bad things about the church and saying that the annointing just isn't there anymore. AND also saying that it would be nice to ALL come together and put in time at church!! Not just Chase, Waymon, Katrina, Victor, Brian and Paulette. I would LOVE to be there 24/7/365. When I am not at work if there is something for me to do 281-638-3852... I was jus hoping to have a close loving youth group and to go out, all of us and make a move for GOD!! Love you guys and God bless!!

YES CHASE I THINK YOU TOOK IT THE WRONG WAY. I WAS NOT TALKING ABOUT, YOU AND VICTOR AND KATRINA AND ALL THEM.

I was not talking about Victor and Katrina and all them. I was talking about the leaders they appointed to help. I use to see alot more people helping out and now I don't. I hardly see those people at all.

thats all i was saying.

Yeah i feel that. But speaking as one of the ones not seen as much anymore, Ther must be others to step up to the plate. with the majority of the leadership from the "GLory days" in college we aren't able to be at the youth center like we used to be. So those of you still in high school and middle school school should be more impactfull than those before you. Lets move foward Wonation.

P.S. We love yall. Form matt and daniel

matthew i feel what you are saying and agree 100%

ALREADY