Ministry Organization

Youth group continues to meet at 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. I am glad to report that the students that attend have been consistent. It is in the life of these teens that I have seen the most spiritual growth. However, there are a few students that are irregular attendees; we welcome them and encourage them to attend youth group and church more regularly. One way that I am working with these teens is by spending more one on one time with them. I am finding that some teens are more comfortable in smaller or in one on one situations than in larger groups.

Once again, Guatemala was an incredible experience. Students who were able to go this past trip were Emily, Meghan, Rachel, and Robert. I was encouraged once again by their dedication, and compassion for the people. These four follow in the footsteps of Timothy as examples to the believers, in work, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.1 The teens that were not able to go were just as much a part of this trip. It was because of their prayers and hard work that the four were able to go. One of the ways that the group as a whole has been vital to this trip is in the way of fundraising. Because the youth group puts in so much work towards this trip they do not only feel ownership, they also are excited for one day, partake in this adventure with the church.

In the upcoming year, I look forward to a more intimate relationship with the teens. With those that are more active, I plan to work with them so that they are the ones steering the youth group to where they want to go. With those that are less active, I hope that they will become more excited about youth group, the church and their relaitonship with God and what it means to be a child of God. There is so much potential in the life or our teens, and I am excited to be a part of their development.

One of the ways that I am preparing in these last months and will continue to do so is by working with other youth ministers in the area. Together we will study lessons and activities that we will present ot our different youth groups. This has been beneficial to me because my peers become people that I can counce ideas off. This will also open doors for us to do activities with other youth in the area. By doing this I hope that the teens will see the church outside of IHUMC, that body of Christ is greater than us.

As for me IHUMC has continued to feed me spiritually. I have gained much experience as a member of a church staff, in organization, in responsibilities, in programming, in preaching and in so much more. I am thankful for your generosity with me and for being a vessel of God’s grace in my life

1 Tim 4:12

Donabel Martin
Youth Director