The Cycle

One of the things that I've been trying to communicate to the youth at Troyeville is to break the cycle - to take advantage of the changes in their country - to study and get an education so that they have a chance for a good life - to be people of integrity - to make a difference. Most of my youth are the first generation of black kids to go through school after Apartheid ended - they have advantages that their parents didn't have - they have freedoms that their parents dreamed about and some fought for.

It can get discouraging at times. One young lady finished high school - is very articulate - poised - communicates well - seemed to have a lot going for her. I noticed yesterday that she is pregnant - she's pretty far along, actually, its surprising that I didn't notice earlier. She is not married - when I asked about the guy, if he was a good man, she said sort of. I want her to know that she is welcome - that she is loved - that her situation doesn't change the way I feel about her - it doesn't. But, oh, how I wish she had made different choices - she has exposed herself to STDs, she will bear a child and she will most likely have to raise her child alone - I'm not sure she has a job. The cycle continues - oh how I wish she had wanted badly enough to break the cycle.

One of my guys, one who was seemingly following Jesus last year - he told me about enjoying reading the Bible - now he is inconsistent in coming to church- I don't see him as much - I hear he's been getting into trouble - drinking - he has so much potential - he is a great guy - he's intelligent - I fear that the friends he has and the choices he is making will derail him - oh how I long for and pray that he will break the cycle - will finish high school - will pursue further education or a good job - will honor the women in his life and be a man of integrity.

For all of my youth, my prayer is that they will strive for the best - to not settle for the same old things. That they will wait for marriage to have sex - that they will commit themselves to following Jesus and living like he did - that they will work hard, be people of integrity, making a difference in this country - in their neighborhoods - in their schools. I guess that is the prayer of all Youth leaders - wanting the best for their kids. I see so much potential, so much good, so much talent, but so many obstacles. Oh Lord give me the strength to persevere - to share with them your truth and your love - to love them where they are and to encourage them to start a new cycle.