Touching the lives of a younger generation can be a difficult thing, especially when we fail to realize that their heartstrings are different than ours. I was looking through a few statistics the other day and I was reminded of why the church has no choice but to step to the plate a swing away. I thought I would share a few of them with you so you can experience the same urgency that we do.
- 1 in 4 girls are physically or sexually abused by the age of 16
- 1 in 5 boys are physically or sexually abused by the age of 16
- 1 in 4 students will graduate high school with a sexually transmitted disease
- The national suicide rate is at an all time high and among the age groups rising fast is that of 9-14 year olds
There are so many other startling statistics about divorce, single moms, and depression among kids and teens, but the point is that I believe when Jesus said "let the little children come unto me," he actually meant it then as well as today! As Christ followers, we must engage in the lives of the younger generation. Our prayer is that God would equip us as a church and as individuals to impact the next generation. If the church does not step up, and statistics remain the same, only 1 out of every 25 of them will come to follow Christ with their life. What if you were born in the 21st century? What if you and I had to face our teenage years today? I would want someone to believe in me.
