MESSAGE FROM A COLLEGE MINISTRY
My name is Naomi Carson and I work with Victory Campus Ministries, reaching college students at the University of Kansas.
When asked what I see happening in this generation, I cannot separate the greatness in these young people from their pain. Sociologists say this is the first generation in America whose parents say their kids have it worse than them. Parents are afraid for their children -- and rightfully so when we look with natural eyes. This generation is the most torn apart, beat up, and rejected in our nation's history. Most of them have never had the security of strong families, and they are searching for the peace that can only come from knowing they are loved. They look for acceptance in their accomplishments, their group of friends, and their creativity but most of them will never find security in these places.
What is this generation of young people saying?
We are hurt. We need mothers and fathers. We need compassion not rejection. We are taught that there are no absolute truths, but we long to discover that there really is a Truth worth living for. We need boundaries we never had. We need someone to take interest in our lives. We long to have someone believe in us and encourage us.
When talking to students on campus it's amazing what a little encouragement will do. Most of them don't need apologetics as much as they need someone to show them compassion and the real love of God. This is where the great Father comes in. He loves them so much and will heal their hearts. When they come to know the love of the Father, they will fully give their lives for His purposes. They are coming to the place as a generation where they know that something is wrong in this world and they are open to any possible solutions . . . even God. When God gets a hold of them, He will do something magnificent with them, beyond what anyone could hope or dream.
I know this is true, because this is what God has done for me. Though I was hurt, confused, and broken through my teen and college years, someone told me about Jesus and showed me His love during my senior year at KU. I gave my life to Christ, and God brought me healing, hope, and restoration. My life has never been the same since.
Don't give up on today's youth. Let us believe together for revival among young people in America that will bring this healing, hope, and restoration. God is doing great things, and even as you read this He is changing lives all around us!