Give me Faith (an Update)

(Apologies for the run on paragraph. Not sure how to fix this.) This may not be a real deep, thought provoking blog, but I at least wanted to give as many people as possible and that are interested chance to catch up in the roller coaster that is my life. By the way, despite the occasional terrifying moments, I really do like roller coasters. Guess I am a sucker for punishment or I love the rush of the unboring, you never know what is next life. Somedays I ask God, "Why can't I hae a normal, boring life?" and He reminds me that with Him, truly serving Him there is no such thing as a normal, boring life. So here is where Scottie is at as of August 23rd, 2012. I am still the part time youth pastor of an amazing group of young people at Morning Gate Church and that is a good thing. I love these teens more and more every time I get to spend time with them. We had our mid week meeting last night and we played sports, danced and prayed together. Despite only having 8 show up last night we "prayed" together. I never know what to expect when we do our prayer time, but last night the 8 youth in front of me really prayed for each other. As the final amen was said we were all shocked to look at the clock and realize that it was 50 minutes later. Whoa!!! Awesome... I am AMPED to dive into the Fall with this amazing group of young people and see where God takes us and how He uses us/THEM in impacting our city, their schools and where ever else He wants His light to shine. In other news for those who do not know, I have quit my human services job and am diving into a faith based ministry in the city. www.boazministries.com Yup, faith based, doesn't pay, I have to raise support... All of the above. I've heard the comments about I should have done it this way or that way, but my reality is this; God told me to move and I did what I felt He wanted me to do even though it didn't financially make sense. Do I see the complete financial picture of how all this is going to play out? Not even close, but I am trusting that the one who called me to this ministry is more than able to provide. Can you help? Absolutely. I am in need of a monthly support team to help me fully invest in this ministry and in the lives I come into contact with. You can be a part of that and I would love it if you would be. I need one time givers and all time prayers. Reality is that God is moving in this ministry and lives are being changed. As I've been able to dive in, I see relationships changing, being built and practical needs being met. I've lead kids who are unchurched in sessions of unhindered, raw times of worships. I was able to share at teen camp this past Monday and 10-15 young people recomitted their lives or made 1st time decisions for Christ. Things are happening. Get on board! I've seen people buy into this ministry in sooooo many ways because it is making a difference in our community and it will globally as God's people buy in. Daily I am tempted to apply for other jobs to financially make up the difference of what "I'm" not making, but each time there is an anxiety in my heart that I cannot explain, so I trust God that He will provide as He has lead me to this place though often times I don't see or understand how things will be taken care of. So this is where I am at in this point of my life. Is it where I expected to be at the age of 34? Nope. Am I okay with this? Yup. God has been asking me some tough questions as of late and to be honest I know the right answer to them and some of them I struggle with, but again when I look at what He does daily how can I not recklessly drop my nets and "immediately" follow him? I may never buy my son the "stuff" that other kids have, but my desire is that he would look at his Dad and say, "He followed God, even if it didn't make sense to others." Let me end with this. If while reading this something stirred in you to be a part of this ministry or come along side me in this ministry that would be amazing. Your time, prayers and financial contributions are all greatly appreciated as they increase what this amazing ministry is able to do. It is changing lives and you can be a part of it. Contact me and I would love to talk to you as to how you can be a part or if possible I would love to come and speak at your churches or other events or meetings to share about the exciting work that God is doing through Boaz Lighthouse International Ministries. s.leighton2@gmail.com or (506)999-1355 I heard this song the other night and it quickly has become an anthem of mine. The bridge says, "I may be weak, but Your Spirit's strong in me. My flesh may fail. My God You never will." -Give Me Faith- Elevation Worship Lord Give me faith to do what You want no matter what I see, others say, and what circumstances dictate. Jesus above all is the hope of the world. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_Voi3JM8ZA