May 13, 2015
 
This Week’s Storyteller is…
 
Shari Morris, First Reddick
Over two years ago, I was asked to become a youth leader by our pastor at the time, Russell Clark. I wasn't sure what I was getting into, or if I was cut out for the job. With guidance from my pastor and help from another church member, David Maxwell, who was also asked to lead the youth, I soon found out how meaningful this journey would be. We started off with about 12 youth and grew to 24, with an average of at least 20 that attend every event. I have watched these youth grow and become closer to God in so many ways.
 
During Thanksgiving I did a Sunday school lesson on being thankful. I suggested to the youth that they should think about someone they are thankful for and write down the reasons why; then, later at a special time, give the person the gift of why they are thankful for them. One of my youth got a journal and had all the youth write in the journal why they were thankful for David and me and they presented the book to us. What a tear jerker; but what sweet thoughts.
 
It was at that very moment that I realized just why God called David and me to lead these youth. I am so blessed to know that I have made a difference in their lives. We have had some amazing, crazy, stressful, hardworking, fun and mostly special moments of seeing God working through and in us. Our pastor told them they were made to be "Owesome," spelled that way.
 
I have never felt as close to God as I do today, and these youth helped me become closer while I was helping them.

 
Up Next Week…
 
Barry Shields, First Ocala
The disciple shares his story about being a little bit like the disciple Matthew. “Matthew’s friends were ‘disreputable sinners,’ yet Jesus went home with him, and when questioned by the Pharisees, Jesus responded, ‘I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.’”