Welcome parents and CTF supporters alike. I would like to introduce you to the CTF blog.  We are excited as a ministry to use this as a tool to share with you a bit more in depth about what is going on in our ministry.  You can expect monthly updates and I want to encourage you to stay tuned in to our blog along with the Garland CTF website. This is a great way to stay connected to the ministry at large and will further enable you to engage your teen in spiritual conversations about what they are learning and being challenged in. 

What have we been studying?

For the past couple of months we have been studying two of Pauls’s letters, Colossians and Titus. In Colossians the reigning themes are Christ is Lord over all that exists and our secured redemption through the life and death of Jesus. Titus’s reigning themes concern the importance of sound doctrine, how we watch for false doctrine that leads us astray, and our being saved for good works not by good works. Some of our overarching objectives throughout our study of these letters is that our teens learn how to study scripture below the surface, get a better sense of Jesus and his role in our redemptive history, and that they be spurred to go read more of God’s word on their own.

Some Good News

Our recent swim party at Shannon and John’s was a blast. We had a great turnout and could not have asked for better weather! The Ganster’s are always such great hosts and it was a perfect way to wrap up the summer.

For the past couple of months our teens have been taking turns opening group with a welcome, sharing an encouragement to the ministry during worship, and closing group with a prayer.  This has fostered a greater sense of individual responsibility and ministry ownership with each teen involved. I have been so encouraged by the willingness of all of our kids to fill these roles. God is doing a great deal in the hearts and minds of our young ones. If only we would stop and ask more often we would find that young men and women are looking to talk about and sharpen their faith.  

Our group tends to be quiet and timid naturally, but do not be fooled. A consistent theme I see and hear from many of them is the desire to move beyond their comfort zones. We are constantly looking for ways to invite them out into deeper waters where a more solid belief and trust in God is necessary. Our world needs brave teens. Our world also needs brave parents willing to send them out in God’s care.

Lastly, but certainly not least, Nicky Quinones was baptized a few weeks ago. Nicky is a fantastic young lady that really loves God and is ready to live out her commitment to the Lord. We are so proud of the decision that she has made and are super excited to see how God continues to develop her faith and all of the fruit that will be produced as a result. Shout out to Celeste for being such a great friend and mentor to Nicky.

What can I expect to see on this blog?

In terms of future content you can expect to see good news about what God has been doing the past month, parent encouragements, tips of the month, questions to engage your teen(s), and additional resources and articles to help you in raising young disciples. We would love to know what kinds of things you would like to see here on the blog.  If you have any thoughts or ideas please comment below. 

We deeply appreciate all of the love and support you give us. Please keep these needs in mind as you pray for our ministry each day:

1. That our teens grow in their convictions to make wise choices in their faith.

2. That our teens grow in their courage to take the next steps in their faith. 

3. For perseverance and stamina for each of our youth workers.

Thanks and God bless!

-Kale Worsham