Sunday, May 3, 2015

Comfort Zone

There's a funny thing that happens when you tell God "Your will be done." We have found that, with us, God uses this statement to move us out of our comfort zone, and even though it's been painful and confusing at times, it has usually ended up with tremendous spiritual growth on our part.
Seven years ago God began calling us to work with the youth of Immaculate Conception. We both ignored the call- we couldn't imagine why God would want US to do THAT. After a year of God urging {screaming at}  us, we finally listened. Karena Charlton was becoming the new youth minister and she has a very pretty good way of persuading you. (Thank you for that, Karena) We had no idea what was in store for us as we stepped way out of our comfort zone. You see, plumbing (Chuck's occupation at the time) and teaching first graders (Mandy's occupation) are VERY different than working with teens. 
Through a weird and unexpected series of events, Chuck became the youth minister at IC in August of 2010. You want to talk about being moved out of your comfort zone?! Chuck Becker would gladly be your work horse and take care of anything behind the scenes that you needed done-- but talk in front of people? {Just a side note here: don't ever tell God you won't do something, because you will end up doing that very thing.} 
The past 5 years have brought so many changes to our household. For instance when Chuck began in youth ministry at IC, Katie was just beginning junior high. Now, Katie is about to graduate from high school and leave for college. There have also been many changes at River Valley Life Teen. We have had the privilege of starting our Teen Core, and most importantly, realizing a dream with the opening of the 4:12@IC. God has immensely blessed the Life Teen program at Immaculate Conception during the past 5 years, and we have enjoyed every moment. God has definitely been good. 
And so, that call from God has come again. We are being moved out of our comfort zone once more. This time, we wait with expectant hope for the lessons and blessings God has in store for us, our family, and River Valley Life Teen. Chuck will continue as youth minister through June 30. During this time there will be teen core interviews, summer activities, and hopefully lots of time to get to know our new youth minister. 
We have been so blessed by the teens and adults that we have formed bonds with over the past 5 years. You have touched our lives in wonderful ways. A simple 'thank you' is not enough for the Adult Core Team and the members of Teen Core. You have made such an impact on the Life Teen program, and you are the reason for it's success. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, and thank you for always putting God first and allowing Him to work through you. You have not only brought teens closer to Christ, you've brought us closer to Christ too.
The process of selecting a new youth minister will begin soon. I am already praying for our new youth minister, and I will continue to pray for River Valley Life Teen. I ask that you all pray too, and make plans to be involved in Life Teen. God is not done with the Life Teen program at IC......He's just getting started. 
"Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young; but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

God is good!
Chuck and Mandy

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