Going into September strong. I don't know about you, but I am excited for Fall this year. To date, 2023 has been my favorite weather year ever. I just love it. I hope that many of you are also getting ready for this next month, as sports begin to pick up, school begins to find a regular rhythm in the house again, and the weather begins to cool down from the heat of Summer. What a year! Here are a few highlights from August, as well as some prayers as we enter into the next month of ministry at Oasis Student Ministries!
August Highlights
This summer, we had a blast with Youth Group Combined. Our highest night was 30 kids! That was insane and a ton of fun. We finished the combined youth group nights with a water game night and had a blast.
As we moved into splitting both youth groups up again, we found that both groups are eagerly inviting their friends to come to church! For our first "bring a friend night", many high schoolers invited their friends (although no friends made it), and in middle school, we had 4 new students! It seemed like they had a great time. I am excited to see how this continues to build on itself as we grow and reach more kids.
September Prayers
Please join us in prayer through the month of September as we are praying for the following:
Student Athletes - We understand that often, sports takes priority over youth group. While that is not always a bad thing, we want to make sure that we are praying for and lifting up our student athletes. Many of them miss out on opportunities to connect with Christian community, and are challenged often to accept the behaviors and perspectives of their peers, rather than what is right and true. We want to pray for student athletes to be salt and light on the practice field, sharing the good news of Jesus wherever they go!
Evangelism - I was so excited to see so many new kids at middle school group! Just this week, I ran into a high schooler who asked, "Are you going to be a teacher?" I got to tell him that I do teach, but at a church! I encouraged him to reach out to a friend of his (who attends high school group) for more info, but be praying that kids at our schools grow more eager for something more that gives them real meaning and significance.
5th Quarter - In line with both prayer requests, we are starting up our 5th quarter events for high schoolers. Be praying that it would be attractive to high schoolers, and that it would perhaps be a safe place for teenagers to have fun and meet Christians at church.