APRIL 2008 NEWS
REACHING OUT TO YOUTH THROUGH THE MINISTRIES OF BETHEL TEMPLE

Contents:
A Teenager's Good Friday Sermonette
Councilwoman's Visit
Timoteo Flag Football http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KNSAKNuU-c4&feature=related
Prayer Requests
CityNet/YouthNet Update
Support Needs

(Please read the next three posts to see all the contents of the newsletter.)


Jesus Said, "I am Thirsty."
Bryant's Good Friday sermonette

Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:28-30

Recently, we experienced one of the proudest moments in our 9 years of youth ministry at Bethel Temple. A young man named Bryant, whom we have spoken about before, took an opportunity to share a sermonette at our Good Friday service. His task was to explain the significance of Jesus words, “I am thirsty.” We want to share it with you.

“I want to talk about a time at Edison (high school) with my football team. We are practicing, practicing really hard. Then at the end of the practice—it’s always the worst time—the coach makes us run wind sprints. If anyone knows what that means—we know it’s coming and we’re all tired. We gotta get up, then we just take off and run back and forth, back and forth. Nobody really wants to do it, we’re just so tired. At the end we’re all sluggish and we’re thirsty. And we’re thirsty because we are human...And our God, Jesus, was thirsty as we are. He was human, He came down. He was hungry as we are, He was tempted as we are, and He did not sin.”

Bryant went on to explain what he had learned about the pain of the crucifixion. He quoted a bible commentary that pointed out that Jesus never complained while he was whipped or when thorns were pushed on his head. However, at the end to fulfill scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” Bryant ended his talk with this:

“Whatever you are going through this week—just remember that Jesus has been through the same kind of suffering that we go through—or worse. Take comfort in whatever you are going through and give it all to God because He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

At the end of the service, Bryant’s mother (who is not a Christian) went forward for prayer. Continue praying for God to use Bryant reach his family!