When I moved to Fresno five years ago, I was expected to engage in the youth group provided by the church my stepfather went to, called The Fathers House. Considering youth group had not been a priority when I lived in Southern California, I did not look forward to attending.
The first time I went to youth group at The Fathers House on a Wednesday night, I felt like the outcast, and did not know how to act. I wore a dress and nice shoes, opposed to everyone else wearing jeans, a T-shirt and tennis shoes. In time though, I was accepted and befriended by fellow church goers. I grew to love the church, and looked forward to Sundays.
My new friends helped me through difficult times in my life. Whenever I needed someone to talk to, they always listened. Youth group became the place I escaped to when I needed to get away from high school drama and stress.
Recently, however, The Fathers House recently closed its doors. It took our family by complete surprise, considering my stepfather had been a strong member of our church for almost 15 years.
When I first found out it was closing, I did not know what to think. It is not every day that a church just ends. The motive behind which church members decided to close it down is still unknown to me, but I trust that the reason is legitimate.
Soon I realized everything that I was expected to leave behind: my friendships with the other students, as well as the awesome worship where everyone jumped around and danced. I know that I will see my friends again, but the idea of not seeing them at least once a week makes me sad.
I know that when I find another church, the worship will be similar, if not the same to the worship at my previous church. However, I will miss the connection I felt with my church “family” when we all sang and praised together.
Soon after our church’s closure was declared final, my parents continued to tell me that everything was in God’s hands. They never ceased to encourage a strong faith in Christ. However, no matter how many times they repeated this, I found it hard to believe. Why would God want to close down one of his own churches, especially one that so many people felt they could not live without?
Why would He bless us with the most intense and amazing church services if He was just going to take it all away? The message was always good, and the prayer was effective. For two weeks I moped, trying to discover the reason why God let this happen.
At our very last service, my pastor said: “View yourselves as seeds. God is scattering you across the soil to plant new life. He has a plan, and we are to live it out.” After a few minutes of pondering his statement, I realized what God wanted us to do.
God was slowly preparing us to be sent out to other churches, possibly ones that were lacking the spiritual connection and apparent love of Christ that our church had. As a “seed,” I believe God wants me to find another church that may or may not have the same strengths my church had. I am to encourage other struggling Christians not to give up, and keep their faith.
Figuring this out caused me to be excited about starting new. It was time to leave my comfort zone, enter a new youth group, make new friends, all while trying to live out the life God has planned for me.
I am happy to say that God has provided a new youth group for me. From day one, God gave me the strength and courage to make new friends, and share my trials. Its amazing how many people relate to my situation, as well as encouraged by it.
All I can do now is trust that God sees the big picture and that He knows what will happen next. He has, and He will continue to provide.
