I had a great three days with our youth on mission in OKC. One reason it was so relaxing is because our youth have such great leadership in Tyler Geohagan, and for me to say that about a youth minister is no small thing. So I just got to love Jesus, do mission work, and quietly observe.
As I observed our young people in action, I must say I was thoroughly impressed with the ranks of our youth ministry. I don't believe I heard one real complaint by anyone during the whole trip, and considering the average age of our mission team, and the thermally enhanced weather conditions, this anomaly of non-complaining was all the more impressive.
But having no need for a complaint department was not the only thing that encouraged me about this young generation of Jesus-following whippersnappers. They also worked. And I don't mean they just did a good job, but they worked harder as volunteers than many who get paid. Better yet, they did it all with staggering enthusiasm. It was almost as if serving the Lord was a privilege for them.
And lastly, I observed no female drama queens or testosterone driven bullies. There was no crying or yelling or fit-throwing. There was no foot stomping or door slamming or homesick whining. Instead everyone was surprisingly comfortable in their own skin. So whether one chose to be silly or goofy or downright weird, no one seemed to mind, as it appeared they were only there for one reason: to lift up the name of Jesus and push back the encroaching darkness. And push back they did.
