It's A Wrap

Each year I write a "wrap up" to conclude the OB ministry. Here is this year's edition...

So what do I say in conclusion of an unbelievable summer of ministry training and ministry experience? Here are some concluding thoughts as I have had almost a month to gather my thoughts regarding Operation Barnabas 2008:

I am grateful for faithful young adults who know and seek God. These leaders laid themselves on the line for the good of the kingdom and for the spiritual development of the next generation. This summer was what it was because of 16 young adults giving all they had. Action Point: Youth leaders, parents or OB teens—if you appreciate specific OB leaders, past or present, why not take a moment and thank them for their investment? Be specific. Use your cell, Facebook, texting, or e-mail to share a God-honoring word.

I am thankful for parents who trusted God to protect their young person and then allowed their most valuable possession to travel from CA all the way to Ohio (or Indiana to Cameroon…) in order to stretch and grow in Christ in challenging and unique ways. Acton point: Have you thanked your parents for their investment in your life as well as for the opportunities they allowed you?

I am grateful for a CE National Board of Directors who gives our staff freedom to dream and attempt the “impossible”. These folks are some of our biggest encouragers. Their words are wise and their perspective is a blessing. Action Point: Do you need to agree to take a leadership position that you have been asked to fill? Adding your elders or Board Members of a specific ministry to your prayer list would be a blessing.

I am thankful for Ed Lewis, who not only thought up the idea that teens could be trained in ministry like this 35 years ago, but who continues each year to pour into the lives of OB students during orientation. Action Point: Have you ever said anything to Ed in appreciation of his vision, passion, godliness, and heart for people? Here’s your chance: edlewis@cenational.org

I am grateful for teachable teens. Far too often we hear from the media and even too many adults about “those teens”. OBers—I am grateful for your desire to follow Jesus and be obedient to Him. As we talked about numerous times, OB is merely a step in the process. Too many treat it as a final goal or something. Now that you have experienced the ministry of OB first hand, what will you choose now that you are now (and each day will be) “at the crossroad”? Action Thought: Who have targeted to spend time with this year who need Jesus?

I so appreciate church and ministry leaders who worked hard in conjunction with our senior leaders to use these teens appropriately. Action Point: Who has shown you hospitality that you should thank? To whom do you need to show some hospitality?

I am thankful for donors who gave financially to offset the huge additional cost for fuel as we ministered across the country for the first time. Action Point: Who have you blessed recently, in a tangible way, in appreciation of God’s work in your life? (If you don’t know where to start, $800 is still needed for the OB fuel fund to end in the black! )

In conclusion, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit need to be honored. Maybe I should have started here at the beginning, but how can acknowledging the Godhead be anything other than a perfectly fitting conclusion to it all?!

I do believe that these teams—the leaders, the teens, the buses-- were prayed for more than any other teams in the 35 year history of OB. Traveling across most for the entire country in OB buses and sending our first international team to Africa will do that!

OB is only a program-- it could die tomorrow and God’s work will go on. But I am grateful to be a part of something, along with many ministry partners, that continues to touch lives now as well as influence many towards godliness and service for the future. Please pray with us for the continued development and growth of all involved in OB 2008 and for those who will be impacted by this ministry in 2009.

Blessed and honored to have been a small part of this summer’s OB ministry,

TK