My earliest memory of Sherilynn Watts is her playing volleyball with Monieca in the church’s downtown gym when she first moved here after marrying Chip.  That was a number of years ago.  Last night her daughter, Elise, was at our house for a pool party.

With just a week’s notice, we invited this year’s high school graduates to our home for a meal and to hang out at our pool.  Eleven of them were able to come.  I enjoyed listening to them reminisce about high school and discuss college plans.  They’re a fun group and I’m going to miss seeing them every Sunday.

I remember when several of them were born.  In my mind I can see images of them as young kids.  One of the blessings of long tenure as Pastor at one church is that history with people you care about.  On the flip side, it also makes me feel a little old. But that’s ok because just seeing them become young adult who love Jesus adds meaning to my life.

So last night I liked it when Rebekah, who’s loaded with personality, said, “Hey, Pastor Steve…”.  I was encouraged when Hannah told me how excited she is about attending Shandon Baptist when she gets to USC next month.  It felt good to hang out with two guys for an hour after everyone else left and talk about some important stuff.

I’m going to be praying for these young adults and I ask you to join me in praying for them.  There are evil influences in this world that would like nothing better than to destroy their Christian faith.  They will face opportunities, challenges, decisions, and temptations they know nothing about now.  They have been taught much by many people to prepare them for life and I believe most of them will emerge on the other side of the next few years as devout followers of Jesus.  But they will need our prayers.

More than that – they are OUR kids and they deserve our prayers.

Pastor Steve Hogg