We held a youth rally in celebration of Respect Life Week this past Friday evening. This achieved a three-fold purpose: education, fellowship, and outreach - youth from several different churches were in attendance. While the organizer (okay, it was me) was a little disappointed with the turnout of 44 youths, most were very pleased with this number, especially considering a) it was a “first time” event; b) there were several other major events happening in the city that evening; and c) it was REALLY COLD out! Still, I would have like to see a LITTLE more support, especially from my own church....
The youth that did turn out were treated to great music, hot dogs, chips and drinks while learning some really valuable information regarding their faith, chastity and abstinence. One significant demonstration was when two youth were “duct-taped” together on the arms, the presenter explaining that this represented a “bonding union” of two people. The duct-tape was quickly ripped off the two, representing the “break up”(giving a very real analogy of the pain, as well!). The same duct-tape was applied to the girl and a different partner, and then repeated again. The two were asked how the duct-tape felt by this last “sticking”. Both confirmed that the tape was much less sticky, and unable to hold the two together very well. The moral significance of this experiment was loud and clear, and definitely not lost on the youth present!
The chastity team imparted accurate, truthful information on the physical, emotional and spiritual harm caused by sex outside of marriage. Statistics on sexually transmitted diseases (one in 4 teens are infected yearly with an incurable infection) were sobering, to say the least. Those present learned condoms can have a failure rate as high as 30%, and that condoms DO NOT offer protection from all sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, as reported in a recent review by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Information on healthy relationships and the freedom abstinence gives (freedom from sexually transmitted diseases, fear of pregnancy, heartache, bad memories, guilt, having to lie to parents, etc) was also focused on.
While some youth were a little disappointed that they didn’t have more “free” time to fellowship – mainly due to a mix up by one youth group that didn’t arrive until after 7:30, most were eager to hear the presentation. One mother expressed before the rally that it was “great to be having a “church youth group” gathering where they would actually learn something about their Christian faith”! It is amazing how many youth groups from churches organize funbowling outings, roller skating, sleigh rides, etc, but don't give a second thought to actual Christian instruction! There was time before and after the presentation to mingle, and several chances to win a door prize. One youth pastor voiced his appreciation for the chance to fellowship with other Christians outside their own church community, and expressed great interest in getting together again.
Even though some of the youth may not be facing many decisions about their sexuality just yet, it is crucial that they get good information now rather than when it is too late. With the offensive and often erroneous messages from TV, music and the mainstream media, we as caring Christians have a responsibility to offer our children the Truth.