We received this letter from a LOGOS volunteer who works with middle schoolers and it says all there is to say about working with kids. She works full-time, but makes room for working with young people. Thanks Leslie.
I have a list of 15 fairly major projects I’ve worked on at my church this year, including stuff like chairing the fall Every Member Commitment (EMC) Campaign to help raise our $1.3 million budget, singing in a choir and being an active part of United Methodist Women.
So why did I choose to teach 6th grade Bible study this year at LOGOS?
Simple. The Return On Investment (or ROI) is HUGE.
1. Since LOGOS is well-organized and well-run, my entire involvement takes only a couple of hours each week during the school year. I plan the lesson in 30 minutes or so each week, then show up for a dinner someone else has slaved over, sit with “my” 6th graders, and then head downstairs for our 45-minute Bible discussion.
2. While kids these days are probably a lot like kids were 20 years ago, I’ve noticed something that seems to be on the rise since I first began working with Middle Schoolers in 1990. Now, more than ever, kids are desperately seeking adults (other than parents and teachers) who:
· Know who they are
· Call them by name
· Can talk with them one-on-one
· Will set boundaries and hold them accountable
· And are available to teach them, learn from them and be together in a safe, Christian relationship
· Simply put, kids are hungering and thirsting for mentors! And they simply do not have enough. I saw that in the eyes of my 6th graders this year.
Kids today need Christian role models. They need me, and they need you. In return, they are willing to provide all the love your heart can possibly hold.
To get hand-made necklaces, prayer jars, goodies and Christmas cards, to have kids run up to me on Sunday morning to share a personal story, E-mail me for advice, to have a problem child tell me they love me, is a huge payback, a great blessing. And it is a prime opportunity where you get the reward right here and now –for making a difference in a child’s life. Small investment. HUGE payoff. Quickly.
My only question is, why WOULDN’T you choose to help at LOGOS?
~Leslie 5.2.08
