RUN TO WIN

1 Cor 9:24-27 (NKJV)

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. ²⁵ And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. ²⁶ Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. ²⁷ But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

My family and I would like to congratulate Sis. Leonor Fernandez and WIN – Al Ain Youth Ministry on their very first anniversary. May the Lord mature all our youth into Christ likeness for service to the next generation church! God bless the youth!

The youth ministry of our church has been with us ever since the beginning. However it has not been formally recognized officially as a separate ministry until last year. This is due to the fact that the youth and children were both under the WIN – Al Ain Children’s Ministry under the guidance of our dear Sis. Rina Cañas who had moved on with her family to WIN-Surrey in Vancouver, Canada. Two workers were under her: Sis. Tereh Diaz who handles the children and Sis. Leonor Fernandez who handles the youth. The youth and children celebrated their ministry anniversary together for the last 10 years. When Sis. Rina moved on, the two leaders were appointed unto their own separate ministry.

This year we are now recognizing the Youth Ministry officially as separate from the Children’s Ministry under the care and guidance of Sis. Leonor while the Children’s Ministry is under the care of Sis. Tereh Diaz. This move is consistent with our National Board Ministry setup for the entire UAE.

The WIN – Al Ain Youth Ministry has chosen for their theme “RUN TO WIN.” (in line with our church Annual theme of “LET US GO ON TO MATURITY”).

The Youth of today is filled with energy and creativity. They are a new generation of believers who would try new things the older generation has never thought of. They are the frontliners when it comes to technology, innovation and invention. They come up with new ideas. We can hardly keep up with them.

They wisely chose the theme “RUN TO WIN.” They are aware that we are supposed to run to win and not just run fast. Many people today become so fast and so furious that they have forgotten to win the prize. Activities have become a goal in itself. Many youth would go for church activities as an end rather that a means to obtain the prize. The prize is “MATURITY.”

We need to guide their energy to become productive members of the church. I have known a lot of youth who always attend church activities but never matured spiritually. They never grow into the WORD of God nor did they grow to pray and worship. Sure they can look and sound spiritual in concerts, camps and special events. But how about in their homes and schools and communities? We must challenge them to become like Christ in their lives whether in church or outside. We must teach them the real essence of Christianity much more than learning Bible verses or doctrines. We must instruct them to become disciples of Jesus to affect the world around them with their living testimonies of transformed lives.

The Youth today belongs to the age that is now the constant focus of the enemy to destroy them with temptations to drugs, alcohol, premarital sex, and new age teachings. The devil knows that these youth are capable of doing great and mighty things for the glory of God. Satan therefore is trying to divert their attentions from reaching the purposes of God in their lives by enticing them to run after worldly trivial pursuits. Since they are still young in the ways of the world, the devil finds it easy to pull them down into committing sin. Unfortunately, there have been a lot of spiritual casualties.

Unless we guide, train, and pray for them, we will lose the battle. If we encourage them to run the race to win, we will win the war. Running is not the goal, winning is! All our efforts must produce the fruit of righteousness in their lives and thus produce an army of evangelists ready to share the Gospel with thousand of souls saved as the result.

May the youth of our church take up the challenge of discipline and devotion unto the Lord Jesus Christ. May they rise up in true worship, prayer and obedience to the Word. May they discover the true life in the Spirit so they will not give in to the lust of the flesh. May they be filled with the Holy Ghost and do great things for the glory of the Father and His kingdom here on earth. May they run the race to WIN!

God bless the Youth Ministry with His power and glory!