the road trip::tales of ambassadizing the nation

We met with Brian (a 2009 alum) and his pastor, Bud, & discipler, Rob, yesterday. Brian had a great summer learning and developing as a leader. He's a senior in high school now, and continues to attend Rittman Grace Brethren Church.

Brian came home excited to be involved and make a difference. He plays both soccer and football, and has really stepped up in leadership on his soccer team especially. After being home for a few days and struggling to really connect well with his team, he publicly apologized for his behavior and his attitude that were not honoring to Christ. Since then, his team has responded in an entirely different way to him, giving them their respect and followship. (I know that's not a word, but it should be.) He's also started a weekly Bible study with his youth group, and is discipling a guy that attends their church.

It was sweet to hear from both Bud and Rob about his growth and progress since he's been home. They both recognize that God has given Brian the skills and opportunities to lead, and so they're pushing him hard. They will not be content to let him be an unfaithful steward of what God has given him. That's exciting.

And that's discipleship. Pushing, challenging, encouraging your student to use the gifts, talents, abilities, relationships to honor the Lord as much as possible. Don't let them squander it.

'Be imitators of me as I am of Christ.' --Paul. (1 Corinthians 11.1)

Can you say that?