RUSH Franklin Launched Its First Youth Service

March 13, 2011 is a very special day.  

We launched our very first youth service in Bethel Franklin.

1 Timothy 4:12
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.


This is the verse that I believe the Lord has given me and for RUSH Franklin.  To raise up a generation of youth who will be examples in their homes, schools, and every place they set foot.

Here is a recap of what we did.

Frisbee and Football!

FOOD!  Thanks to Jet's Pizza for hooking us up.

Human Bingo!  Great ice-breaker game that encouraged everyone to engage each other.  

There was some youth who I met for the first time so I shared my testimony and explained our core values of Devotion, Diversity, and Discipleship.  

We divided ourselves into small discussion groups and prayed.

Things I learned and am grateful for

#1:  TEAM  

I am so grateful that God surrounds me with amazing people who really make it all happen.  It was encouraging to see the people who wanted to help out.  Finding the right team is critical and was overwhelmed by the volunteers and leaders there wanting to serve.

#2: LEADERSHIP
God is stretching me and given me a new role of leadership.  I know by His grace this will be a success and I will continue to grow as this kind of leader.

#3: CLARIFYING THE WIN

A win for us has to be filtered through our core values: 

DEVOTION, DIVERSITY, DISCIPLESHIP

  

Was Christ exalted and was He the hero tonight?  

Yes.

Was there diversity? 

Yes, we had Hispanic, Indian, Brazilian, Filipino, Black, and White.  

As well as some mixed breeds just like me!

Was there a focus on making disciples?

Yes.  Had a great small group discussion and prayer.  Also, we believe that discipleship is relationship and it was so good to see relationships being established.

I couldn't have asked for a better start.  I believe it was because of prayer and only because I could feel the Holy Spirit's presence.  To God be the Glory.

Carried to Completion (March 2011): A Month of Celebrations!

Dear Faithful Partners, Family and Friends:

February is a real special month for us. Love was definitely permeating in the air. Not only did we celebrate Valentine's Day, Samantha and I celebrated our 4-year anniversary on the 24th and her 35th birthday on the 25th. We honestly haven't been happier in our marriage. It really feels it gets better every year.

We knew going into this month would be very important for us to build relationally with families, youth, and other pastors in the city of Franklin. This was the focus of Phase 1 in building the youth ministry in Bethel Franklin. God has been with us every step of the way. When you know you are in the center of God's will, things divinely happen. He places the right people in our lives in order to accomplish His plan. He continues to amaze me. It really is an honor for us to serve Him with you.

We are now going into Phase 2 which is launching the youth group. We are so excited to let you know that we are finally launching our first youth gathering on March 13th. We will be meeting every Sunday evening at 6 p.m.

There are currently about 15 high school students that are committed to attending. We know God will grow it but it's a good number to start.

I'm excited to keep you posted and tell all the wonderful things that God is doing in and through these students.

I humbly ask all of you to please pray for these schools:

Battle Ground Academy: The head football coach is a member of our church and he has given me the freedom to come and minister to his players but most importantly build relationally.

Centennial High School: We also have open doors in this school. Centennial is considered the most diverse high school in all of Williamson County.   I have met the football coach and principal of the school.   We also have an ongoing leadership course for the Hispanic kids at the high school.  There is currently 75 kids that attend this class.

Ravenwood High School: We have students at our church that attend this school. Ravenwood is one of the more affluent schools in Williamson County.  We are excited about what God is doing in this school as well.  I have met the vice principal of the school.  He has visited our church a few times.

Page High School:  Page High School is a lot like Centennial.  We have several kids that go to this school.  I have been asked to come speak to the football team with another one of our pastors.

Franklin High School:  Franklin High is a lot like Ravenwood where it is a more affluent school.  We have a couple of students that attend this school.

We are believing God to make Himself known in these schools and the lives of the high school students that go there. Our biggest prayer is that we will have a strong presence at each one of these schools.

The foundations that we want to establish are as follows.

Devotion: We want to be a youth group that is completely devoted to Christ.

Diversity: We know God has called us to have a colorful youth group. We already have blacks, whites, asians, and hispanics that are attending. It is a beautiful vision to see all these kids collectively worshipping Jesus regardless of color.

Discipleship: Discipleship is the heart of our ministry. We want not only to be a disciple, but to make disciples as well. We strongly believe that 'discipleship is relationship.'

Thank again for all your love and support.  We truly couldn't do this without all of your sacrifice, encouragement, love, prayer and financial support.

As we are starting to settle into Nashville we are realizing that we need more partners.  During the transition we have lost 4 of our biggest financial supporters for various and understandable reasons.  Please pray that God would increase our support this month. We are looking forward to partnering more people who believe in making a difference in the lives of the next generation.

We can't wait to touch base with you again and let you know the praise reports from the first youth meeting! Thank you that you are a part of this journey.

We love you and appreciate you so much,
Robert and Samantha