I love young people. They are an energetic bunch! Sometimes keeping one step ahead of them is challenging. We really do have a great time at our Friday evening fellowship. I have been encouraging the youth to sing kids songs 
and to play the small hand instruments. I think at first it was a little embarassing, but the last time we had a fellowship evening, I noticed most were rather choosy about which instruments they got to play! I take that as a good sign. Why children's songs and instruments? Many of our young people are already involved in the Children's ministry, and others have expressed a desire in this direction. I believe the best way to reach a child is to become as one of them - so we "practice". 
We have Sword Drills. Knowing the Word 
is very important. I usually list several scriptures which have a common word. After the drill we divide into 2 teams and they must remember 
the 4 or 5 common words that were used, and then they create either a skit, a song, a poem, etc. to portray the central theme of the common words. It's a fun, learning experience.
A couple of weeks ago, we were privileged to have Sis. Gayla May give her personal testimony. She has quite a heart wrenching story to tell, but it is such a wonderful testimony of God's grace and goodness. 
Previously that same evening, the Sword Drill's "words" were around the theme of purity and holiness, as the lesson for the evening was purity (body, mind, and spirit) - keeping yourself before marriage. At the end of the night, we offered Locks and Keys to anyone who wanted to be a part of this program. (For 
more information about the Lock and Key, please see the link for it under the Youth Tab.) I'm thankful that Sis. Gayla is willing to share her story with us. I believe she made an impact on those who heard.
Not long ago, we had a lesson in Leadership. It's a good thing to desire to be a leader. I set up a couple of obstacle courses, and then 2 by 
2, the youth had to blindfold one person and talk them through the obstacle course. They were required to help them maneuver around obstacles on the floor, find a picture on the wall and move it, pick up jacks off the floor, etc. The blindfolded person was at the mercy of his guide. As it turns out, the best guides were those who had been blindfolded first. Why? The best leader was once a good follower.
We have a great Youth Group. Oh, they get goofy sometimes! But, then, I've seen them gather themselves together for prayer, and then Heaven comes down! We've had a couple of young people baptized in Jesus name 
recently, and that is such a joy! I cannot wait for the day when they are filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost!
The GCPC Youth Group meets twice monthly. We'd love for you to join us! For more information, you can contact the church through this website, or you can call 217-784-4320 for more information. My email address is smiling_christian2@yahoo.com. I'd love to hear from you!
God bless you as you walk with JESUS!
Sis. Cheryl Thompson
