Parents' Night

Friday night was a big night for the youth! In some of our team meetings we talked about people in our lives who influence us - positively and negatively.  We talked about how certain people who we spend a lot of time with often impact the way we think, the decisions we make and what's imiportant to us.  I drew a long table on the board with six chairs and asked the youth, "Who is at your table?"  In other words, who are the people who you allow to influence you? 

Then, on Friday night, we prepared a special event in which the team members were able to invite their parents and/or people from their table of influence to an open house.  

The youth have been putting a lot of time into this ministry.  They have shared bits and pieces of what they are doing with important people in their lives, but we thought it was important to take the time to more thoroghly explain what they've been up to, what their goals are and what God is doing through their ministry.  We wanted to thank these people, too, for being important people in our lives, and acknowledge them for supporting us and this ministry.   

Leaders from each team shared about their responsibilities. They made a powerpoint and showed pictures to help them explain and describe the work they've been doing.

In the end the whole team sang a song.  They thanked their parents for their love and support, and we praised God together.

It was great to be able to share with all of the parents what we’ve been up to!   The construction team brought a chair they made. The cards team brought a verity of cards they have made and set them out on the table.  The communications team brought the brochure they made.

We ended the night with sandwiches, soda, conversations and laughter.  Many had fun trying out the chair the team had made!

It was extra special for me because my parents came too!  They came to the Dominican Republic for the first time for a quick visit.  It was WONDERFUL to have them here!

Praise God for a special night with family and friends.