In 2020, our world shut down. Covid 19 and it’s symptoms took center stage. It didn’t take long before another, not so new virus got some spotlight. It’s name is Isolation and we began talking about it’s symptoms using the term “Mental Health.” The difference is, isolation isn’t new. Before quarantine, every human new what it was to feel isolated, to be alone.
“I don’t belong.”“I failed ….”“No one understands me.”“Am I good enough?”“What if…?”“Thing aren’t good between me and ….”
According to Dr. Josh Packard, Springtide Institute has found that one in three of the Gen Z generation believes, “nobody knows them well at all.”
“When He saw the crowds He had compassion on them for they were helpless and harassed, like sheep without a shepherd.” What Jesus said 2000 years ago is equally relevant today. But this goes all the way back to the beginning. “It is not good for man to be alone,” and “they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness.” Yes, all of us, since sin entered the story, feel shame and aloneness.
There’s Hope though. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life.” Jesus told us to pray for more workers to be sent into the plentiful harvest. Why more workers? We need to know and be known by others. A crowd of people with one worker doesn’t necessarily meet that need. Crowds can actually be very, very lonely places. In the same way Jesus was sent by God to earth, Jesus is sending His followers out into the world.
Yes, Jesus’ love is described in the Gospel story but it is shown and experienced through His people, the Body of Christ, loving like He loves. We get to be good news while telling stories of the good news. We’re the light of the world, a city on a hill. By “we” I mean all of Jesus’ followers, young and old, beginners and veterans. Central Coast Youth For Christ is dedicated to helping the Body of Christ (students, families, adults, …) bring Life to lost 11-19 year olds in our area and in the process, experience the abundant life of believing Jesus and loving others.
Want to learn how? See options below to get involved with our ministry.
