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VJ - End of Year Review
19-06-2009 | Christchurch Blog | Church | Vintage Jesus »

The first friday of every month is VJ Night at Christchurch, an evening for teenagers to come and have some serious fun, as well as hear all about Jesus and the glorious gospel! This has been another great year for us, with so much to give thanks for…
Firstly a big thank you to all the VJ workers who have served this year in making VJ a huge success. This year we have seen the number of young people attending triple with us averaging over 225 every month. VJ has the grace of God all over it, although we have had large numbers, He has provided numerous opportunities for VJ staff to interact with the young people about the gospel and real life issues on a monthly basis. Many relationships are being cultivated with the young people and we are starting to see God's work in young people's hearts as they hear and discuss the gospel.

This month I had a brilliant conversation with a young lad who was trying to get his head around the gospel and the incredible truth that people can actually be truly forgiven of all their sin through the life, death and resurrection of  Jesus. I had a great opportunity to pray with him and care for him as he was walking through a difficult season.  It is wonderful to get a front row seat and observe God at work in the lives of the young people attending. With this in mind I have asked Janelle to share her VJ experience, enjoy the read...

'VJ has been an exceptional tool to engage teenagers from the surrounding areas in Newport in conversations with eternal weight. I have been astounded by the opportunities the Lord provides as I sit on couches interacting with teens over a can and some penny sweets. Just last Friday, Ivy and I were chatting to a few girls from Bettws High School about the Ten Commandments in the foyer. With music blaring in the background, inflatables and rodeo bulls and hyper, sugar-stuffed teenagers screaming across the room to each other, we sat on a couch in the corner and told at least 10 lost souls the good news about Jesus. After the VJ message last Friday I asked two girls what they thought of the message. They mentioned Lewis' comment that no one knows when they're going to die, and it could be sooner than they think. Amazingly by God's grace, this conversation resulted in both of them praying and putting their faith in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour… a great moment. Immediately they had questions about the Bible. We pulled chairs up to a table and sat around as they marveled over the Truth: reading aloud, asking what different words meant; I was in disbelief. They were eager to come to church on Sunday. I consider it a privilege to be involved in VJ. To have a front row seat to the Holy Spirit at work in the teens in the area. Whether they're being saved, asking questions, or even just coming... we are watching God pursue the hearts of these young people.' Janelle- GAP TEAM


Thank you again to all the VJ staff who serve to make this project possible. I also want to honor and thank those who serve in the clear up team on a Saturday morning after VJ. You guys have served brilliantly to make sure that everything is set up and ready for Sunday morning, getting those chairs striaght is no easy task.  I also want to thank those parents who have encouraged their children to attend VJ over this year.



I know parents make trips ferrying their teens and mates to the church building for this event, we really appreciate all the effort and investment you are making into your teens.  Please continue to pray for the young people who have attended VJ and particularly for the young people who have recently put their faith in Jesus. For everyone involved, enjoy the summer off, I am looking forward to next year already!

Gavin
Gavin