A Series of Reflections on Ministry
I was a Youth Retreat Leader a few years back, and passionate about engaging kids regarding their faith. But I found that many of them were reserved when it came to discussion. Embarrassed about sounding ‘dumb’ or just plain shy, my challenge was to get them to open up. So I invented an activity whereby they could submit anonymous questions about their faith. I would take those questions to the group as a springboard into discussion.
In the group that day were about 8 kids ages 9-12. Only one happened to be African-American; her name was Sky. (we all had ‘Nature Names’ for the week—I was ‘Green Bean’). So I went to through the submissions: “Do dogs go to heaven?” “What is hell?” etc. I offered them up to the group and the hands started going up. The wheels were turning. Enthusiasm and interest—this was great! Then I put my hand into the box and pulled out a question. “How did God make Black People?” As usual, I didn’t answer so much as offer it up to the group for discussion. I looked at the group, and Sky was sheepish—for I knew it was her question.
Sitting in the first row was Sun (Nature Names, remember?) whose hand was bobbing up and down in anticipation. This girl had an answer burning a hole in her pocket. I called on her and she replied with the most heartfelt sincerity: “With soya sauce.”
I think I sprained my face that day trying not to laugh.
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