I continue to be involved with AETC (Adult Education and Training Centre) every Tues and Thurs. At the moment, most of the students are on co-op or have gotten jobs since things are gearing up for summer. On Tuesday last week, I was chatting with the teacher and she wasn’t sure what she should have me do that day. After a walk to hang a pool cue rack upstairs, I offered to help her with her marking. She was excited about me helping in this way. Another connection. It still gave me time to chat with the students as well.
Later in the day, I was invited to join the teachers for a visit with local MPP Laurie Scott. She was coming to see the school and learn about what is going on. We chatted and visited. It was great for me to hear the passion from some of the teachers and for me to share what is happening with Youth Unlimited and my involvement in the school.
I feel so blessed these past few weeks. I was given 2 occasions during class time to discuss with the students things they would like to see happen. After the first chat, I was shocked when a student remarked that this was all good, but nothing really is going to happen. Well, after chatting with some of the team, we met two of the needs they mentioned. I showed up at the school with a pool table and hockey nets and sticks. It was so amazing to be able to do this. The students loved it and continue to use these things all the time.
Soon after putting the nets together, we had a game going in the parking lot. That was cool to interact with the students and more opportunity for me to interact with them. And just today, I had a great conversation with a student over a game of pool. God is so good.
I am beginning to understand my calling more clearly, and this was affirmed so much at our fundraiser. It was our launch into the community and after inviting lots of people, there were lots of unknowns. Would people actually attend? What if there wasn’t enough pies.
People came and heard our passion for young people in Haliburton Highlands. There was lots of homemade pies and I must say there were great. We shared a three part program. Tim Coles shared of our philosophy and then passed it off to Chris Jones who shared about his work in Lakefield and then passed it off to me to share about what we are doing now. We then gave a challenge for people to support our ministry. We had a goal of $2000. Some thought it was too high and some thought it was too low.
We give God all the praise that His people gave nearly $3400.00. You cannot imagine how exciting it was. Not only was it money we need to be effective, but over 35 people got involved and partnered with us to reach a lost generation.
I once said that my school career was finished. After completing my degree at Brock University, an apprenticeship with Teen Mania, Master of Divinity from Tyndale and Leadership Development from Medeba and lots of school loans, I think it was justified not wanting any more school. God has a plan in all of this.
I don’t consider myself a brainiac by any means, but it is amazing what God does when we go where He is leading. I will be attending Summer Institute hosted at Redeemer University College. Summer Institute is part of the credentialing process for Youth Unlimited/YFC and I will be attending this with staff from all over Canada.
It is happening on May 30th through June 6th. I would appreciate your prayers as I will be away from my family for a week.
