Lessons from Student Ministry
The Redemption Gateway class of 2017 has been special, and is primed to go on to do special things in the years to come. Here's the opportunity to hear from a few of them, Noah Lau and Haley Maguire about the experience they had in Student Ministry?
1. When did you join Student Ministry?
NOAH: I have been in student ministry since I was in 6th grade.HALEY: I joined student ministry when I was in 9th grade.
2. What are a few of your best memories from your early days of Student Ministry?
NOAH: A few of the best memories from the early days of student ministry was the times when Colby Bennet, my mentor, use to pick on me and the earliest summer camp with Josh Watt at Big Bear. Colby would pick on me non-stop, from making him spit water on me, to absolutely dominating me in basketball and making me frustrated, to educating me in all of his stupid jokes. Big Bear (Summer Camp 2012) was also a good one, where I created some of my best friends who I have to this day. This is when I first met Josh and he's been like a fatherly figure to me since. I also developed a strong relationship with my mentors who are basically my uncles in Luke Brandt and Colby.HALEY: My best memories would definitely be from camp. Being able to get to know more people and grow closer to the friends I had. I loved being able to experience what it's like to sing in the worship band.
3. How have your student mentors and leaders helped your life and faith?
NOAH: Colby and Luke have been so important in my faith. I remember specifically I was at the lowest point in my life heading into Winter Camp 2015. I remember talking to Luke about what it meant to really love Jesus. That night I became a Christian and Luke really helped me talk through things and it was so awesome having him with me. There were times after I became a Christian that were challenging as we all go through trials. Having Colby and Luke there to talk to whenever I needed them was so awesome and they really help me grow in my faith.HALEY: My mentors have helped my faith tremendously because they are so easy to talk to, I'm comfortable around them and can bring anything up that I'm struggling with and they will help me and remind me to rely on God for my strength. They have helped me so much through my life as well, and not just the help of them but help from Josh Watt and my parents. I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for my church.
4. What funny or embarrassing stories come to mind when you think of your time in Student Ministry?
NOAH: No comment. JK. One of the appropriate stories is when Colby told me to tell him a joke and I said why. He had a mouthful of water in his mouth and after I said why, spit water all over me and said "that was so funny." Also when we close-bunked (close bunking is getting as many guys on one bunk bed as possible -- don't ask) with four dudes in a twin size bunk at camp.HALEY: Any funny or embarrassing thing I can think of is about Heather (my sister). She can embarrass me a lot but never fails to make me laugh. One story I remember is when she didn't wear shoes the whole time we were at camp. And if she was told to put some on, she would just put on socks. She's so weird.
5. What advice would you give to an incoming 6th grader as they begin Student Ministry?
NOAH: Don't be too sensitive. Being sensitive can bring tension with the friendships you make with new people and mentors. You really want to connect with your friends and mentors because those are the people who are gonna support you for what you believe in, in the future.HALEY: Be open and try to talk to different people, always know that your small group loves you no matter what your struggling with
6. What's next for you (college, work, etc)? What's one significant lesson that you're taking from Student Ministry into your next season?
NOAH: Next year I will be attending Arizona State University for sports journalism. I plan on becoming a director of a broadcast in the near future. One significant thing I'll take away that youth group has taught me is to be comfortable in your own skin. God made you a certain way, and do everything you do to bring glory to him and represent who he is to those that surround you.HALEY: After I graduate I am going to Grand Canyon University and majoring in worship arts with an emphasis in worship ministries. I chose this because through student ministries I've learned that singing is what I love to do and I want to pursue it as my career!
7. Anything else you want to say?
NOAH: I'm so thankful for my time at youth. I've created so many friendships and memories that I'll cherish for the rest of my life.