In 1 Timothy 4:12 the Apostle Paul tells Timothy, "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers..."

Our society usually thinks of our youth as totally immature and irresponsible. They are portrayed as lazy and mischievous. A lot of what we hear is negative, with our future looked upon as bleak with them in leadership some day. Some people think that because someone is young that they can’t accomplish a whole lot; especially in the area of ministry to others; that they are self-centered and have no interest in helping others.

This past summer I witnessed some 75 or so youth from the various churches come together to work with "Helping Hands" for a whole week giving up their extra sleep time and fun summer stuff. I have been able to be a part of Rotary where we honor a Junior Rotarian of the month and listen to these young people’s involvement and their ambitions; this gives me hope for the future.

Recently I witnessed the involvement of young people at our annual Easter Extravaganza at the J. F. Gregory park. We had the youth from New Beginnings, Boy Scout Troop 486 led by Max Coles and the confirmation class from St. Annes led by Anne Durant all take part. They helped hide over 15,000 eggs, direct traffic and did anything asked of them.

I an proud of our local youth and I believe our heavenly Father is smiling from above as so many of them are ministering in His name and are being examples to we believers.

Next time you see one of our youth doing something positive tell them, "thank you," and tell them how proud you are of them.