The mandate to reach our youth is an ever increasing burden from the Lord. To accommodate this call, the Lord has given us key strategies:

On Saturday, August 2nd, as a family, we got a chance to do just that. The Lord has opened doors for Blaine and Joyce Vann to be part of a growing youth out-reach called Saturday Initiative located in Longview, Texas.  In order to impact these youth the kayak trip was designed to take them out of their familiar surroundings and into a place that was non-traditional and enjoyable.

With ages ranging between 11- 14, the group was almost evenly dived between boys and girls. Every one was from the inner city and most had never been to a lake before but each was willing to experience something new. In all: 13 youth, 11 kayaks, and a temperature of 103 degrees met us --- and the fun began!

The youth were very excited about the opportunity to learn and grow in a new skill like kayaking.

Brother Randy and Randal Mews did most of the hands- on instruction after a brief welcoming period. Then, Crystal Shankle led short kayaking expeditions with either Jeff or Arlene Arrington taking up the rear.

As the day moved on, confidence started to grow in the youth and their walls began to come down as the love of God was released  on them.

Dana Mews, Bruce and Alfreda Caraway, Darwin Harris and Jared Shankle all played a role in displaying the Kingdom of God. The young people's needs were great; many spoke to us  of their need for love and attention through their eyes . The Father of lights responded to them generously.

After a hearty meal (thanks, Resse) Jeff began to speak to the boys and girls about the importance of making Christ first in their lives.

Then, a real strategy from God emerged. Breaking the larger group down into one-on-one encounters or into groups of two, we began to distribute the youth among the family, touching theirs lives, not as ministers but as nursing fathers and mothers. A real anointing hovered over the shore of the lake as hearts was being opened and nurtured.

We thank God that for the opportunity He has given us to have access to these children and for the enrichment they have brought to our lives, as well. 

May the Lord of Heaven grant us even more open doors to showcase His Kingdom in the lives of our youth, here and abroad.

Yours truly,

Blaine