Wyld Life – 2008 is in full swing!  I am more excited than ever about the opportunities God has given me and the rest of the team to build relationships with middle-school kids in Abilene.  Joining the team this semester are five new leaders:  Jackie, Sarah, Jaz, and Al. 
 A quick story…I recently made two new friends at Mann Middle School.  I remember the first time I met these guys last semester.  I remember meeting them a second time, a third time, a fourth time, etc.  I would sometimes get a nod hello, maybe a handshake, but for the most part, they kept to themselves and didn’t want much to do with me – until last week.  The lunch room was crowded and I was talking to some guys I had met the previous week, when I saw Scott and Billy, normally surrounded by a group of adoring females, sitting alone.  I knew this was my chance. 
I walked over and sat down next to Billy; across from Scott.  We laughed about the burned French-fries, talked sports, they cussed…a lot, and before I knew it, lunch was over.  Later that week, I walked back in to the lunch room and waited for the 8th grade kids to come in.  I prayed that God would show me who I needed to talk to.  I prayed that God would make conversation come easily.  I prayed for opportunities to love kids.  When Billy and Scott came in, I got hi-fives and an invitation to sit with them at their table. 
This no-big-deal example of friendships formed is a really-big-deal example of God’s hand in our lives.  Daily, I am more and more convinced that when we ask to be used by God, He is more than happy to put us to work and throw opportunities in our path.  Jesus’ ministry was a ministry of love and relationship.  Isn’t it exciting that we have the privilege of joining God in his relentless pursuit of lost hearts! 
I ask that throughout this semester you would be in prayer for Wyld Life.  Pray big.  Pray that kids would come to know Christ in new and awesome ways, whether for the first time or the hundredth time.  Pray that relationships would form and be strengthened between leaders and kids.  Pray that we leaders will grow closer to each other and closer to God.  Pray that Saturday night clubs would draw HUNDREDS of kids, not for the sake of having a huge club, but so that hundreds of kids will be hearing about Jesus and experiencing His love through us.  Thank you for joining in this adventure. 

For Christ,

Zach