Youth Education Initiative ... led by The Church

Capricorn Community Church: meeting youth where they're at ...

We've tried a lot of Youth focused initiatives within our church-plant. We have a team of young leaders that are pouring their hearts and lives into youth, yet we are still faced with issues that seem insurmountable: poverty, violence, temptations, addictions, parental neglect … I could go on and on. 

After listening to our Youth, we learned that they are struggling with school - many whom have already failed multiple terms and even repeated entire grades. Our church staff began asking our Youth what they need to succeed in school. We also asked what are the hindrances in your life/home that are keeping you from educational success. Many noted that their house is too crowded (too many people around to have a place to study), their parents immediately expected them to do chores or babysit siblings once they returned home from school, or lack of resources (no text books, school stationery); some even said the lack of food in the home hindered their ability to study. 

A couple from our church are teachers in the area surrounding Capricorn. They have a heart for educational success and have big dreams to start a Christian School in Capricorn one day. While we're far from having the resources to build and set-up a school, this couple approached our Youth Staff and asked what are the immediate needs of our Youth and how could they help. 

I'm pleased to report that we held a Parent and Student Meeting with those interested in getting help with their high school studies, and we're opening the church once a week on Monday nights (hopefully more days in the future) - allowing our High School Youth to come study in a quiet, non-cramped location, have a meal (leaders are providing dinner) and potentially be tutored in subjects they're struggling with. This Educational Initiative thrills my soul. We've had more interest in this opportunity that I ever expected. 

Please pray as next week we begin this Study Time. Pray that as we meet non-spiritual needs, that our Youth will build trust and relationships with our church leadership; therefore bringing them into a deeper relationship with the Church and in their personal walk with Christ.