At one of our last youth meetings we were discussing all the senseless tragedies we’ve been hearing on the news lately. One thing that struck me as I was sharing was most of the victims, and the people causing the violence, were youth. We talked about how someone so young is led away into such a destructive lifestyle.

The Enemy is set on that same pattern for us. The Bible tell us the Devil kills, steals, and destroys—and he doesn’t take a break at Christmas! It’s important for us as Christians to recognize the footholds of depression and pain Satan will use on many, right after the holiday season. Billy Graham once said, "One of the greatest problems in our world today is loneliness." As I shared with the youth, during this time especially, we must be acutely aware of the hurts and needs around us even while we all seem so busy. Our calling as Christians goes far beyond a much needed break from work and school. Our calling is to be there. To be there in prayer and support for those around us.

I’ve seen a lot of growth and maturity over this past year working with the youth at Lamberth. They are also growing more eager to serve and help with church activities. I’m lookin forward to seeing how the Lord will work in and through them in 2008.