Connection, authenticity, belonging--all essential needs in the life of every person, but what do they mean for today's teenager? For the modern day latch-key kid, these needs are met in a community of available and caring mentors. For the unchurched, it is the fostering of authentic friendships with Christians instead of being viewed as a one-time prayer or "project." For those with a life story of personal brokenness, fulfilling their needs means their learning to trust God and release those burdens to someone greater than themselves and, ultimately, finding they belong.
Understanding these concepts, Rocketown Florida opened November 2009 to answer the call. In just over a year, 30,000 kids have walked through its doors, 400 bands have performed and over 150 have committed their lives to Christ. At its heart, Rocketown's mission is to impact the lives of teens by creating a safe haven that is culturally relevant and eternally significant.
"Kids lives are changed through relationship rather than praying a prayer and never seeing them again; there is follow up and a trust level," says Danny Kanell, Rocketown's President.
Modeled after the Rocketown that opened up in Nashville eight years ago, Rocketown Florida is within a five-mile radius of several public schools. Its central location and its programs attract a diverse group of students from different socio-economic groups. From the underprivileged kid lacking a support system, to the private school rich kid who sees religion as mundane--all are welcome.
"Every kid who walks in the doors is worthy of love and attention," says Theresa Mazza, Operations Director. "What all these kids find is that they are the same as everyone else, and they find identity in that."
Rocketown does not consider itself a "Christian teen center" exclusive to Christian kids. Rather, it is a place where kids are accepted as they are. Mazza says, "If you come having preconceived ideas and stereotypes, you're going to miss the message of what Rocketown is about."
Attracting teens is the fundamental building block to Rocketown's success. Kids come for the great music venue, skate park, coffee bar and a variety of programs that speak to their interests. While there, Rocketown staff members build relationships and create an inviting community of acceptance and fellowship. Through discussion groups and Bible studies, teens are connected with local churches and youth groups. Rocketown's goal is for kids to discover God's purpose for their lives. Through their creative programs, they expose the kids to new interests and talents. For 19-year-old Shane, Rocketown was pivotal in guiding him towards a future in ministry.
Shane battled crippling feelings of low self worth for most of his young life. Eager to prove himself, he excelled at sports but did not find the validation he desperately sought. As his personal life continued to spiral out of control, Shane attempted to take his own life. In the hospital, he cried out to God for grace, and his life was spared.
Although he faced other doubts and trials, Rocketown planted the seeds for equipping Shane to find his true purpose. He enrolled in the discipleship training school where he trained intensively for three months and went on a two-month missions trip to Angola, Africa. "God is everything and a part of every big decision in my life," he states. Instilled with a passion for a vocation in youth ministry, Shane is a notable example of how God uses a place such as this. Rocketown shows teens, like Shane, that they are worthy and their validation does not come of their own accord but from God.
Online link to story:
http://oncourse.ag.org/oc/features.cfm?targetBay=06d52a80-8681-49b2-871b-a4e5dc1c7708&ModID=2&Process=DisplayArticle&RSS_RSSContentID=18962&RSS_OriginatingChannelID=1202&RSS_OriginatingRSSFeedID=3459&RSS_Source=
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
God in the Trees (Children's article published in Focus on the Family Clubhouse Magazine)
Summer is the perfect time to climb a tree. But if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, grab a blanket, head outdoors and get ready for a nature walk through God’s Word. The Bible mentions trees nearly 300 times. Again and again, God compares us to trees, growing up under His care. Kids in the early church knew all about cedar, fig, palm, olive and acacia trees. Now you can, too.
Acacia
The acacia symbolizes reverence, or a holy fear of the Lord. God instructed the Israelites to carve the ark of the covenant out of acacia wood (Exodus 25:10-22).
Everything about this tree says, “Stay away!” Its branches are covered with sharp thorns, and its leaves are poisonous. By choosing acacia wood for the box that held the Ten Commandments, God reminded the Israelites to be careful. His holy presence was so powerful that anyone who touched the ark would die.
We don’t have arks anymore; Jesus paid the debt for our sins, which allows us to draw close to Him without fear. But it’s always good to remember that we worship the awesome God who made the universe. He is powerful and there is no foe He can’t defeat.
Cedars
The cedar tree symbolizes strength and magnificence. Kings used it to construct palaces that were meant to last forever. So when Solomon built the Lord’s temple, he chose cedars from Lebanon, the finest wood in the world (1 Kings 5:1-6).
Cedars can grow 130 feet high and can live up to 2,000 years! They survive so long because their wood secretes a fragrant oil that is toxic to insects, fungus and disease. God’s love is like that oil. If we read His Word and let it burrow deep into our “heartwood,” it protects and strengthens us.
Solomon’s temple didn’t stand forever. But with God’s love flowing through us, our impact on those around us can outlast even the mighty cedar.
Palms
The palm frond symbolizes triumph over adversity. When Jesus made the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, the crowds rejoiced and laid palm branches at His feet (John 12:12-13).
A welcome sight to the weary traveler, palm trees offer food, shade and the promise of water. But the palm can serve many other purposes as well. Did you know palm fronds can be used to make rope and baskets or that its seeds are food for camels? Every part of the tree is useful and strong. The palm’s roots are able to dig deep underground and search for water, even in the driest places on earth. Jesus is our source of “living water.” He gives us life, no matter what difficulties surround us.
Like the palm tree, we should try to be useful and strong as we tap into Jesus’ living water.
Figs
Although the fig tree produces a delicious fruit, it has been called the “hypocrite tree.” Before His crucifixion, Jesus approached a fig tree, looking for fruit. When He found only leaves, He cursed the tree and it withered (Matthew 21:18-19).
Unlike apples or oranges, figs are green and are not easily detected among the leaves until they are nearly ripe. From a distance, you can’t tell whether a fig tree has any fruit or not. God tells us to bear good fruit—to share His love with others by how we speak and act.
Does our fruit look too much like everyone else, or is it ripe and easy to spot?
Olives
From Genesis to Revelation, the olive tree symbolizes God’s blessings: peace, prosperity, wisdom and honor. Samuel poured olive oil on David’s head to show that God had blessed him (1 Samuel 16:12-13).
Compared to majestic cedars, the olive tree looks small and stubby. But when you crush its fruit, you get olive oil. This remarkable liquid is one of the main ingredients in bread and also fuels oil lamps to light up the night. Even the poorest families (2 Kings 4:2) kept a jar of olive oil in the house. When mixed with fragrant spices, olive oil is used to anoint the heads of priests and kings, dedicating them to lifelong service.
In 2 Corinthians 1:21, it says that God has anointed you and me. We have been blessed like kings, but with that blessing comes the responsibility to serve God with all our hearts.
Respecting the Seasons
One last lesson from the trees: There’s a time to bear fruits and a time to grow roots. Take advantage of the “growing” time to: study the Bible, learn how to pray, memorize worship songs and train yourself to give your money and talents to God. Day by day, let Him grow you into the person He wants you to be.
This story first appeared in the June 2012 issue of Clubhouse magazine. Copyright © 2012 Lisette Frevola. Photo © pfly/Flickr.com, used under Creative Commons license.
http://www.clubhousemagazine.com/truth-pursuer/god-in-the-trees
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