Romans 5:2, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:20-22

I was totally overwhelmed to be able to witness such a miracle, especially when I remember where our youth ministry started when I moved to Bradford in 1993 with about three people who only showed up for stale, cold pizza. I cannot put into words the tremendous sense of privilege I felt to see so many young people that night totally fired up about God and His purposes. The next day I traveled to our Belfast church location (we have three locations at Abundant Life - Bradford, Belfast and Leeds) and had the best Sunday there ever. So many young people totally fired up about church. In the evening we had an encounter service and prayed over the youth and also for those who were sick.

One of our young leaders, who is a nurse sent me this email today and I include it for you with her permission.

'Just a quick e-mail to report back from Encounter night (in Belfast). I had a slipped disc in my neck from a few months ago and have been attending appointments etc. to get it realigned often cuz it wouldn't stay in place but unfortunately I had no success. I could only turn my neck a certain degree, left or right and have been on very strong pain killers to relieve the pain and the migraines coming from my neck. Phyllis and Bob prayed for me and since the Wednesday the pain now is completely gone. The discs in my neck have realigned themselves completely and are staying in place.'

How awesome is God? When you stay seated in that place of privilege, holding on to Gods grace anything can happen! Hey Youth leader give your youth ministry another 15 years and who knows what God can do!

Double Privilege

Inheriting eternal life is an incredible privilege, but then to be entrusted with the gospel and to be co labourers with God to reach His people is a double privilege! We don't have to serve God; it's our greatest privilege.

God has given us a tremendous responsibility to reach out to others. But it's a privilege, not a duty or a chore and should be done in the attitude of joy.

Something very precious is happening in England, Great Britain, in Europe and around the world. Many people are being reached, especially young people! God is doing great things in great places through his people. I don't have time in this article to include all the awesome youth ministries I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand, but every morning when I wake up I remind myself that God is doing amazing things around the world. But I won't see any if I stay in bed!

A friend of mine Julio Melara in his book 'Mental Snack' wrote:

'When my alarm goes off in the morning, I don't want to get out of bed, then I thank God I can hear, as many are deaf. I close my eyes as long as possible to block out the light, but I then remember to thank God for my sight because many are blind. I lay still as long as possible, but I thank God as I get out of bed, as many are bed ridden. In the crazy morning rush, when my socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, I thank you for my family, there are many who are alone. Even though our breakfast never looks like pictures in a magazine and at times the menu is limited, I thank you for the food we have, many are hungry, I have decided to be thankful today, because many people will not live out the day.'

I love that quote as I often feel tired in the morning, but it's my privilege to be able to serve God. So I put a smile on my face and jump out of bed and remind myself that life is a privilege to be enjoyed and shared. I will not take a day for granted.

Helen Keller who was blind, deaf and could not speak yet lived a profound life of wisdom until the age of 87. One of the things she said stays with me most days. 'Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow. I often think, if Helen Keller can hold on to this perspective with all of her challenges what's my excuse? Answer - NONE!

It is my privilege to able to do whatever I can for Jesus. Jesus has done all he can for you and I, by dying on a cross. Now it's our turn to do everything we can for Jesus by living our life to the full.

It's A Privilege