Archive for the 'faith in action' Category

July 2, 2008

 I met Lindsey Kane when I spoke at the She Speaks conference. She stepped on to the stage and immediately led the filled-to-capacity crowd into worship. It was beautiful and real.

Just like Lindsey. 

Later we got to spend a little time together, and I got to see the heart behind this rising musical artist.

Lindsey and I talked, and here is the interview exclusively for you, the RTF reader.

 

Suzie: Lindsey, I know the obvious question is “when did you get started in your music”, but what I want to know is how you became such a cool human being? (more…)

Filed under: faith in action, music, real interviews

June 28, 2008

 

Making the Difference: An Interview with Jake

by Jamin Goecker, RTF Staff Writer

Try living a day without hearing bad news. If a politician hasn’t lied, then the economy has shrunk. If the economy’s intact, then someone died. If someone hasn’t died, you spilled milk over the newspaper.

What can one teen do in this world? Jake, a homeschooler from Texas, could tell you.

Jake volunteers at a nondenominational street ministry called House of Faith. A group of teens go to schoolyards in rough parts of town every week and engage the children with games, Bible lessons, and snacks.

The games feel like gang fights sometimes. Most of the kids come from rough backgrounds. What does Jake do? “I am mainly there to interact with the kids. That means playing with them, keeping them under control, and to encourage them,” he says.

But ministry is draining. Jake discovered that one of the hardest things is putting up with a kids rejection. “I hate you,” isn’t an unfamiliar phrase. (more…)

Filed under: Change*the*World!, Jamin Goecker, Real Teen Faith Writers, faith in action, real interviews, real missions

June 26, 2008

7 Steps to Wise Decisions

By: Debra Weiss, RTF Staff Writer

For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.  Proverbs 8:11, NKJV

Many of us, as teenagers, are at a point where every decision—no matter how small—has the potential to shape our futures for good or bad.

But God has not left us to make our own decisions. He offers guidance to those who are willing to seek His counsel.

I have found that there are seven steps to wise decisions. (more…)

Filed under: Debra Weiss, Real Bible Study, Real Teen Faith Writers, faith, faith in action, real advice

June 24, 2008

So, I was sitting around talking with the RTF Writing Staff about this month’s topic: Do Hard Things.

This is what came up in the conversation. These are the hard things:

• Trusting God
• Taking the time to stop and seek His direction
• Being nice to those around me (has to be the sibling factor)
• Letting something go when I think I’m rightNot trying to make someone be nice, if I think they are being unkind to another person, even it has nothing to do with me or a loved one
• Sharing my faith with spoken words
• Caring about someone who is rough around the edges
• Forgiving someone who has deeply wounded me
• Not complaining!

Why don’t you join the conversation? What does it mean to you to “do hard things”?

Filed under: faith, faith in action, real issues

June 23, 2008

 Hey Suzanne,
I am a 21 year old girl, with a huge calling. A couple years ago I came across my calling from God. Here is a link to my story: http://www.lifechurch.tv/message-archive/my-secret/5  

I am the last 16 minutes of the video. My goal is to start a home for girls in my community, for post abortion, addictions, and abuse, After I get out of school, but right now, I’m trying to establish a charity organization. One that is faith based and for the community. To get some experience and my foot in the door. I’m doing it on my own and need some advice. You are an amazing woman with many accomplishments. Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you could just give me a little advice for a girl doing this from scratch, that would be great. Thanks again. JY

(more…)

Filed under: Change*the*World!, T. Suzanne Eller, faith in action, loss, real links, real story, teens making a difference

June 9, 2008

When Life is Hard

by B.J. Hamrick, RTF Staff Writer

If you manage to stay calm in a situation when everyone around you is panicking, you probably don’t understand the situation.” - Unknown

The past few days have been a whirlwind. Sometimes life throws curve-balls at us. I can handle curveballs. But when life throws curve-balls at the ones I love. . . that’s when it’s hard.

If I could, I’d reach my hand out and stop the curve-ball. (more…)

Filed under: BJ Hamrick, Real Teen Faith Writers, faith in action, real issues

May 30, 2008

Jeremy Camp shares more about Compassion International.

Filed under: Change*the*World!, T. Suzanne Eller, faith in action, music

May 22, 2008

What Can One Teen Do?

Erica Savage and her mom just returned home from a trip to El Salvador where she got to meet a very special little girl, 3-year-old Yessennia. This is the child that Erica sponsored through Compassion International, a ministry that feeds and educates children all over the world through small monthly donations from sponsors. She and 35 others traveled on a Compassion Intl. trip.

Erica is 17 and works at a part-time job and several weeks ago she decided that she would sacrifice some things to sponsor a child for $32 a month. 

Check out the pics of Erica meeting Yessennia, and of her reading a children’s book in Spanish.

Erica arrived home yesterday. According to a blog about the trip, it was amazing how different the care was for a Compassion International sponsored child versus many of the other children in the community.

From Suzie: I’ve been to San Salvador, El Salvador. I love traveling on missions trips, but this was one of the hardest because I saw many children in the streets begging, or worse. . .

I’ve been a guest in the homes and seen the poverty and hunger. Thank you, Erica, for making a difference in the life of one little girl. You are awesome. What can one teen do? Change the life of a little girl.

Your Opportunity: If you are interested in sponsoring a child, click here to find out more about Compassion International.  

Every other week RTF will highlight a teen who is changing the world. Do you know of someone? Do you have a great idea on what teens can do in their community, school, world? E-mail us!

Filed under: Change*the*World!, faith in action, real missions, teens making a difference