Jonathan Fung
Youth Pastor
April 2020

God gave us creativity for times like these to find new ways to connect and minister to others. Social isolation is hard for everyone, but it is very hard for teens to shelter in place when they are developmentally driven to socialize and become independent from their parents. 

Last week we were excited to launch HOME VIBE that meets via Zoom on Wednesdays at 7PM to give the youth a space to laugh and interact with their friends and share their challenges and fears during this uncertain time. We had an awesome time playing virtual charades, worshiping with the Valui brothers, and talking and praying in virtual breakout rooms. We are also continuing with a virtual VIBE youth Bible study on Sunday mornings at 9:30AM, also via Zoom. This is a great opportunity to encourage your middle and high school kids to join us and invite their friends for some quality screen time! 

Here are some helpful ways to motivate your teenager during this time:

  • Give them opportunities to plan (and cook) a meal for the family.
  • Engage them to plan fun activities for the family to do together.
  • Set expectations and form a structure for homework, but allow them some freedom and responsibility without nagging.
  • Rotate family devotionals and set aside a daily prayer time with your family.
  • Take a walk, or a hike, together and enjoy the conversation.
  • Encourage them to send a text, or even a hand-written note, to someone who needs encouragement.
  • Acknowledge that all of this is hard. Many students are experiencing loss, anxiety, and stress that can become overwhelming. Kindness and understanding can help them cope.

I have been reflecting on the outbreak and how our world has radically been turned upside down. Now is a time for us to tap into our social value and find purpose and meaning in the impact that we can have on others. I encouraged our youth to start using their screen time for the good of others – check in on a friend, send them an encouraging prayer or image.

Last week I was blessed by my neighbor who is a manager at Whole Foods. I asked him when the best time was to try to purchase paper goods because I just couldn’t find any. The next day he brought me a 24-pack of toilet paper and paper towels, items that my family really needed. Such a simple thing, yet such an unexpected blessing.

"And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31