Hell?

I had a neat opportunity last night. One of my neighbor kids invited a friend from school to youth group. This friend doesn't live in our neighborhood rode to church with us. Since I had to drive farther to take her home I dropped all the neighbor kids off first. As the last one got off the bus this new young lady climbed into the front seat. As soon as the doors closed and we were alone she turned to me and said, "I'm not sure what to believe but I am scared about going to hell." That was the first she had said to me all night so I was taken by surprise. So for the next 15 minutes we had a great talk about God, religion, hell and her life. I always like to start out these conversations with, "Do you believe in a God?" She did and so we went from there. She seemed mostly concerned that things in her life don't please God and she isn't sure if she can change. It was cute because she said, "Doesn't the Bible say tatoos and piercings are wrong?" I tried to explain cultural context and just assured her that God is far more concerned with her "heart". She seemed surprised when I said piercings and tatoos aren't sin unless they are done with a rebellious heart. In the end I told her that God is there and listening. I encouraged her to pray everyday and tell God she believes in Him but is confused about different religions, the Bible and what it all means, to ask God to reveal Himself to her and make things clear. She told me there is a Bible in her house so I told her to read the book of John and pray that God would make it all clear. I also gave her Joelle's cell number and encouraged her to call with questions.

I have been amazed over and over again that these neighbor friends of mine keep coming and bringing their friends. A few years ago I was scared that they would stand out in youth group but they are all just apart of it. I see them apart of our church family, being so loved and prayed for. We bring 9 kids that are youth group age and they keep inviting their friends. A few Wednesdays ago I counted 16 kids in youth group that were associated with the Northside. What is interesting is of the 9 kids we bring several of them still haven't made a solid committment to Jesus but they bring their friends to hear all about Him.

So PLEASE pray this young lady, all my neighbor friends and our youth pastor and staff as they minister to these kids.