Eli & Eli

If you've ever taught Sunday school you know exactly what I mean when I say, "that kid", that kid that's a part of your ministry that you just wont ever forget.  I had a a few during my years over at Hicky G, but one that stood out a lot to me was Eli Bright.

And yes he's about to get his hair straightened at Camp Paradise... gotta love church camp!

When I first meet him in 6th, let me just be honest and say he was a pain in my butt.  He drove me crazy and I just wanted to knock the little squirt out (yeah yeah I know harsh words for a sunday school teacher to say) but (1) it's the truth and (2) I never did it :).  I did kick him out of my classroom numerous times and would celebrate un "poquito" when he was out of town playing baseball.

I can only say all of that because of the amazing young man that he's grown up to be in the past 6 or so years.  I respect him and had such a good relationship by the time I left Hickory Grove.  Last time I saw him he was doing pretty good and I hope and pray he continues in that trajectory.

I started teaching Sunday school down here in January and it's been a blast.  The kids are high energy.  You've got your too cool for school guys, your girls who just want to be 4 years older, the 6th graders, oh the sixth grader who are just special in their own way and I've also got Eli.

Same name, different pronunciation of course.  He's actually 11, a year below my age group 12-15ish, but  he's already made an impression.  Not as out of control as his American counterpart, but still a bit of a pain.  But I see the potential, so I resist knocking the little squirt out.

I think that's what gives me the most joy when it comes to teaching Sunday school.  Kids just have so much potential unlike us grown up farts who are dang near impossible to change.

We've started a serious, Principales Básicos, which is hitting on some fundamental principales of what it means to follow Christ.  We started out with The Fall of Humanity and God's Grace this past Sunday and it's exciting to see the kids truly read the bible, grow and watch the Holy Spirit move.

Pray for our youth.  Pray for your youth.  Better yet, if you have some time go invest in the youth at your church, find one that you want to knock out and watch him grow...hopefully in the right direction!