Challenge Course

I survived my time on the Challenge Course last week. I almost did not make it off the first platform (about 35 feet high) onto the first element. Watching all the other staff on the course and knowing that people were praying for me was a great motivation to complete the course.

It was definitely a time were I was out of my comfort zone having a strong fear of heights. I am having trouble loading some pictures but you can check out the Shiloh's Edge link to view some pictures.

I leave tomorrow for a 24 hour training for YFC Staff leading Campus Life ministries/clubs in the Eastern Region. About three hours after that training time ends our Fall Staff Retreat begins. I look forward to sharing what God has been doing later next week. (Hopefully with some pictures of me on the Challenge Course)

Up In The Air

God calls us to be available even when it is out of our comfort zone. I will be out of my comfort zone the next three days. I will be going through the training to use our new high ropes course. I have what I call a healthy fear of heights and have been constantly giving this fear to God this past week as I prepare to spend some time above the ground on our ropes course.

It has been many years since I have been on a high ropes course and the memories have been flooding my mind. Talking to the YFC staff has helped as I learn what the training will actually be like. I find in easier not be anxious when I have a good idea of what is coming and not processing what I think will be happening.

I know that God is using this time of waiting and will use the next three days to teach me more about Him, myself and how to work with others. Please pray for me as I take in these lessons and look to apply them in all areas of my life.

Take some time and ask God to show you areas that are out of your comfort zone and how He wants to use you and grow you.

God Bless,
Kevin

Troy Teen Parents

Pray for us as we are investigating and praying about starting a Teen Parents ministry in the city of Troy. Please contact me if you would like to be part of the adult team to help begin this ministry. You can email me at kpost@cdyfc.org. Check out the Teen Parents webpage and blog under Other CDYFC blogs.

The following is a story told to two of our staff (Ray and Ruth) yesterday by one of our teen moms.

“I was in the courtyard of my complex with my two kids and four others. I was watching when I heard the gunfire start. I grabbed the six little ones, pulled them inside my apartment door, threw them quickly on the floor and laid on top of them.”

I interrupted her story, “How long until the police got there?”

She continued. “Oh, the police don’t come. Nobody calls them. I don’t call them. They (the drug dealers) find out who the snitches are and they come and beat them up, man or woman, it doesn’t matter so I just keep quiet.”

I know that as a new believer in Christ she had separated from her children’s father because they were not married and she wanted to do what was right. “Without a man in the house, aren’t you afraid?” I asked.

She smiled, then giggled and said, “Let me tell you a story. Since I have become a believer my life has changed.” (She has gotten a certificate as a Nurse’s Assistant and has several job leads, the music in her home is now Christian music, and she smiles consistently.) “My ex-boyfriend accused me of having a new man in my life,” she continued “and I told him I do—His name is Jesus.” She smiled broadly and said, “Ray, Jesus is the man of the house, and He watches over me and my girls.”

To paraphrase, Jesus let me say, “I have not found such faith in all the churches I visit.” Not every young person’s story is so dramatic, but we are continually stretched to believe God to watch over the young people to whom we minister. This girl in particular is “aging out” of our program but will continue as a Junior Leader, will continue to attend church with Ruth and I, and will be baptized in a few weeks.

Thank you for your part in our ministry. As we minister, we do so in the name of Christ and as your representatives on His behalf. May the Giver of all good things bless you wonderfully as you have blessed us.

For Christ and the Kids,

Ray and Ruth Lightcap

Sept 2 update

Thanks for your prayers for last week. I was able to have a meeting with the church in Cohoes last week. They want to utilize YFC as a consultant to their already established youth ministry. Please pray with me as I continue to pursue this opportunity to partner with this church in the work God has called them to do in Cohoes.

I was also able to meet with the former YFC student. She is praying about her involvement. She is looking for employment and going to college part -time so she is not sure what her weekly schedule will be. She is also interested in volunteering with her church. Pray with me that she will hear clearly from God on where He wants her to serve. (It was awesome to hear how she is growing in her relationship with Christ.)

This week I will be doing more behind the scenes work getting ready for upcoming staff trainings, volunteer meetings and other paper/computer work that is part of this calling.

Pray for more volunteers in every community we believe God had called us to minister in this school year.