Ladera Ranch WyldLife kicked off the new year with campaigners about three weeks ago. It was so great to see all our friends from last year again, especially those we didn't get to see over the summer.
It was the typical Friday morning set-up: pigging out on doughnuts, playing a big group game, and then talking about Jesus.
We did not know what to expect as far as how many kids would come, but it's safe to say it was more than we anticipated, and it's only gotten bigger each of the three weeks so far. Last Friday we had about 65 kids!
It's pretty amazing that these kids are so amped to wake up super early on Friday mornings to come hang out and talk about Jesus. I'm even more excited about the new leaders we have this year, and how amazing the leaders from last year are doing. With a group this big, I am in uncharted waters and having such a great team of leaders with me has been a huge gift!
One of the challenges with the rate that we are growing is doing our best to make sure we are at least trying to go deep, trying to make a personal connection with each kid, and trying to give everyone an opportunity to experience the love of Jesus. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and pandamonium of 65+ middle schoolers, or that we are growing so fast, but that isn't the point. The point is to share Jesus, love these kids, and give them the opportunity to meet Jesus and have a growing relationship with him. So I ask that you pray that we would be open to what God has for us, for this mission in Ladera Ranch. I ask you to pray that God would give me discernment and that I would be able to keep the first things first: Jesus and loving kids in his name. I ask you to pray for more leaders, and parents to come around and support what is happening.
It's been a crazy ride so far and we are only three weeks in! Praise God.
Thank you for all your support and prayers, they are more valuable than you may know. If you would like to stay connected with Ladera Ranch WyldLife, we have a weekly blog at: http://laderaranchwyldlife.blogspot.com/
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