At times it is hard to concentrate. To focus, to really focus takes all your energy. It takes all of your ability.

Take golf for instance. In golf there are so many things going through your mind; keep your head down, pull the club back on a even line, shift your weight just right, swing the club head at just the right angle, swing at just the right speed to make solid impact with the round ball. Any sound, any slight movement, can distract any great golfer.

In Brunswick, Georgia, there is a public par three course that can test your concentration abilities. The course is lined out along the old airport. On either side of the course is a company that can try your patience. This old airport is also the headquarters for The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. They train all federal law enforcement officers such as the Customs Agents, FBI, CIA and Federal Marshalls.

They have a driving course set up on the old runway tarmac. They put the trainees through their high speed chase course. They must complete the driving course under a certain pre-determined time. The observation towers are at various points along the course. Hand held bullhorns are used to give direction to the drivers. On the other side of the golf course is their state-of–the-art firing range. Believe me, it is fully operational. They train the federal enforcement officers to be highly proficient with the various fire arms. They use fully automatic, semi-automatic and small arms in their training.

Picture yourself attempting to play a round of golf. You are lining up a putt with tires screeching, car sirens blaring and guns firing. You must really concentrate from tee to green. I think it has really helped my game but has also given me a twitch in my right eye.

In our life with Christ our ability to focus on Him is pulled and stretched beyond our ability. In working with youth we face young minds ready to be challenged. But these same young minds can also easily be distracted. The whole world is screaming for their attention.

In our ministry with youth we too can be distracted. We look for the latest hot t-shirt idea or spend time choosing the right paint for the youth room but fail to notice why one youth is quiet at a youth gathering. Worse yet, we are so busy, maybe we don’t even notice when one youth stops coming to youth group.

Consider Jesus and His Disciples. Jesus used many locations and many ways to teach the disciples. Jesus chose to walk through Samaria to show God’s love is for all people - Jew/Samaritans/men and women. Jesus used the storm tossed boat, a young boy’s lunch, the little children, even the death of a good friend to illustrate God’s character and love.

In the scriptures the disciples do not get high marks in hearing what Jesus is trying to say to them. They too are easily distracted. Some think more of their seat of power rather than sitting at the feet of the Master. Some think more of the use of the group’s money and the waste of costly perfume rather than appreciating the heart that was giving the gift.

At Isle of Hope we attempt to use the time we may have to reach one youth at a time. We try to take time to not only focus on Jesus call on our life but also take time to notice each youth in our care.

We attempt to offer many opportunities for Christ to be known or to grow in Christ. Sunday School classes, UMYF on Sunday evenings, youth choir, Tuesday Bible Study, Wednesday Small Groups, Retreats, and Mission Trips all offer opportunities for God to reach youth.

When it comes to paying attention to God, I guess we are in good company. Paying attention to the leading of Christ in one’s life is hard work. Use all of your power and ability to seek His way. I hope you will join us in our ministry with youth.

Rob