Generations Updates
By: Will Hoffman
“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” Psalms 145:4 NIV
Generations is the ministry at Grace that exists to reach the next generation; middle school through young adults. Our goal is to see the passion and purpose of the generation that began Grace transferred to the next generation(s).
As these generations begin to find, know, follow and multiply they will experience the love of Jesus in meaningful ways and share that with the world around them.
VICTORIA MEDRANO (YOUNG ADULTS LEADER)
“The overall community and the deep friendships I’ve been able to make have been a huge blessing. Young Adults has been a place I’ve found support in for my spiritual walk, my work, and my life. God continues to knit the group closer together, opening our hearts to one another, as we exemplify the united church within the book of Acts. The Lord has allowed each of us to be a vessel used for His glory, as we continue to grow spiritually and encourage each other.”
JOHN COCKROFT (YOUNG ADULTS MEMBER)
“I enjoy having a Godly community that is passionate in serving him. They have become a family, and the men have become brothers. This ministry saved me from falling back into my old habits and addiction. I shudder to think about where I would be without it. In terms of the men, I’m seeing God develop us into a brotherhood. Overall I have seen true, Christlike forgiveness be extended in a way that I’ve not seen other Christian communities emulate. It looks as though he’s beginning to stir revival overall and at the trajectory of the ministry it’s only going to get even better.
In the new year I personally want to see this brotherhood of men that has been formed to dive even deeper in accountability and in the Lord. I want to see prayer that we have on Fridays be packed with young adults seeking the Lord and enveloping the church in prayer. I want to see us going out into the community and actively impact the lives of others even more.
When I was younger the leaders above me always said how my generation, and the generation of college students below us is a generation that God is going to use in a dramatic way. I didn’t understand it then, because I was in addiction, but now I see it and I believe it and this ministry helped show me that. Are we perfect? By no means, but we have a heart for God, and he is honoring that.”
EVELYN MORGAN (COLLEGE LEADER)
“There are certain things that I can always rely on Cornerstone to have: their wonderful coffee shop, events such as Thursday night gathering to stay connected, and solid, young Christians who encourage me to live like Christ. These consistencies I am extremely blessed to have at the Cornerstone. Along with the constants, it is the unknown of what new student might walk through the door and finding how we can make them feel loved that keeps me coming back every week. This past semester, myself and a few leaders from both college ministry and the ESL team started a branch of ESL at the Cornerstone on Tuesday nights. It’s aimed at international students at UTA who may want to strengthen their English skills. We didn’t have anyone show up this semester, but I’m praying that the Lord grows the ministry so that we can show His love to young people in a practical way!”
SHARI MARSDEN (MIDDLE SCHOOL LEADER)
“I enjoy middle school students. They are like little sponges, curious, hungry and developmentally capable of great influence. Captivate their hearts to know Christ and they will impact not only their peers but often their family and community as well.
Our students ask lots of questions, relevant to discovering who God is and who they are in God. They take care of each other and look forward to being together. They have community.
To see each of them learn to open God’s word for themselves, trust the Lord Jesus at a young age and develop God’s truth in their own life in a way that impacts their generation to honor God wholeheartedly.”
JENNIFER MEJIA (HIGH SCHOOL LEADER)
“What I enjoy most about working with our HS ministry is learning more about each student. I enjoy hearing about their hopes and dreams, their hobbies, their current struggles, and where they are on their spiritual walk. And I enjoy having the opportunity to lovingly encourage one another. As we go on outings such as camping trips, serve events, and gatherings, we are able to bond and get to know each on a deeper level while learning more about Jesus. The Lord is working mightily through our HS youth group!”
DAVID GALLAS (COLLEGE STUDENT)
“I love Grace’s college ministry because of the people. There are so many different types of people who come from different backgrounds and countries, and it’s so cool to see everyone all coming together to worship Jesus.”
MATT KRAEHEMANN (MIDDLE SCHOOL LEADER)
“I love serving in middle school. I enjoy the games we do and especially enjoy our small group discussions. I’m happy to get to use my teaching skills to edify others whenever I get the opportunity.”
DAVID MARSHALL (HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT)
“God has used GYM in my life to teach me the value of community. I have formed strong relationships and as we build each other up and encourage each other, we guide one another to Christ and draw nearer to Him. I hope to see higher levels of community like this encouraged, taught, and practiced in a more bold manner than they already have been.”
We are excited to see what God has done, is doing and will do in the years to come as one generation tells the next of all that God has done.
Thank you for all you do to pray, encourage, and equip this generation!
