Staying afloat in Youth work

 Working with Youth is hard work, if you haven't tried it, you have been warned!  You get little thanks from the Youth or even most parents I've met.  Through voluntary work as an officer in the Boys' Brigade the kids simply expect you to be running these programmes as if it were your duty.  I've had parents who will complain at the simplest matter and never thank any officer, ignoring the work put in by the officers which goes far beyond the hour or so you have looking after their child.  The fact that they pay £2, which goes towards insurance through the BB, administration and resources, it is as if they think we're making profits ourselves.

So when you organise an event that the kids refuse without reason it's down heartening.  You design an event that could do great things but without a spark of interest from a ringleader, teenagers certainly won't go.  Even the best events can fail just through what seems cool from day to day.

But powering on is a part of youth work.  Even a paid youth worker stumbles just as much.  The problem is when we begin to question whether what we're doing is worthwhile, when it seems that we're simply treading water.  Sadly I think with a lot of our work, that is in fact all we can do, just keep our heads above the water for as long as possible.  With all the invitations for other things, like alcohol, music, movies, games and other such things drawing youth away from the organised groups it becomes a mission.  It is then that we need look towards God for a leg up!

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Galatians 6:9

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

So look back at the good things like the parents who are there to help, thanking you where they can but it doesn't matter if you get the thanks, what shows that you're making a difference is that they are there.

What about when a child learns something new, their behaviour changes or they're just having fun!  Think of all of that, because that's where it really matters.  Then drive forward once again, aim for the next programme, the next event and keep on working even when you're feeling low, it's then that God is asking you where you stand, He will lead you on if you let Him take the wheel.

Youth work is the change we need in our communities, to better our nations.  Know that ao long as you're doing Youth work and the Kids are coming, you are winning!

Finding a new stage

I'm at the point where my degree is about over, a couple exams left and I'm on blogger, perhaps not my best plan.  But I needed to let go for a bit so here I am, back for the first time in months!

All I can think about is how leaving the city after the last 3 years is going to go.  A new stage in my life is about to begin and I'm no closer to finding my way.  I'm still looking up and down the country at mechanical engineering jobs, not to mention youthwork jobs on the side.  But the more I look, the more it sinks in that in all likelihood I shall be leaving the city that has become my home.

Now I tell you that yes, I have asked God in prayer for the answer, I've asked many times.  I get the same answer;  That no matter where I choose to go, God has got something for me to work on.  For every mechanical engineering job I see a need for youth work in the area and a Boys' Brigade nearby where I see potential.  My friends say I am being taught patience, but the stress of a dwindling bank account and the thought of returning to my parents when a job doesn't come fills me with disappointment.

Then there is every Youth work opportunity that brings the need for extra qualifications and a paycheck far short of what i would receive in engineering.  But with each youthwork opportunity i see the space to return to mechanical engineering as a hobby, to rekindle a passion for which academia has removed in my recent years.  But I also see struggles, perhaps I fear failing my charges, but i suppose that is what I must face to move forward, even in engineering I see the job at hand very daunting, with new machines and complications.  Money is certainly not everything to me when I see a chance to help those who need it.

The facts are thus however, as of yet I have no offer for anything.  I have reached an impasse and only a true leap of faith will suffice if I am to continue on the proper path but perhaps I must choose the direction myself.