There is much good news to report from the Tampa Bay Church’s
Teen Ministry this year! The teen disciples have grown to a total of eight. Three teens graduated this year leaving two disciples in the teen ministry, one of which was baptized earlier this year. Since July there have been five
baptisms plus a disciple that moved here from South Florida. There are also multiple studies going on now so that number
is sure to grow.
I remember just a year ago feeling discouraged that my daughter Courtney seemed far
from becoming a disciple, but God already had a plan in motion and it was far
greater than anything I ever imagined.
Looking back it all started about three years
ago when Dave and Renea Hamilton began working with the Middle School Ministry. Dave taught Sunday classes for the
group and he and Renea also had separate devotionals for the middle school boys
and girls designed to turn their focus toward God. They continue
to lead the Middle School Ministry today.
Previous teen leaders such as the Peavey’s and the Becker’s had also
laid the groundwork with these teens.
In 2008, Jeff Chacon joined the Tampa Ministry Staff and one of he and his wife
Lisa’s very first focuses was the Teen Ministry. Jeff began teaching monthly Parenting classes on the first
Sunday of every month and the first series was about winning our teens to
God. Through these classes and through them sharing their
parenting experiences, they have provided great wisdom and encouragement to the parents. All three of their sons are disciples as well as their daughter-in-law. Jeff has also
taught numerous lessons for the teens — which they always enjoy.
This year God continued preparing the hearts of the teens through
events such as a South Florida Devotional, teen camp, and through the Godly
examples and ongoing support of their families. This summer God brought Rob and Tess Davis to Tampa
and they volunteered to lead the High School Ministry. They bonded with the teens almost
instantly and they give them so much love and encouragement. They allow the teens to take over their
house twice a month for lunch, games, and a devotional. They have also
organized many other events. Their son Sean is one of the eight teen disciples.
Christina Smith is another person God put into place to work
with the teen girls. She is
always studying the Bible with someone.
She’s had many studies going on at the same time and sometimes has two
in the same day. She
continues to study with those girls and has recently added a new Bible study to her
schedule.
The Teen Ministry is also blessed to have several other teen
workers such as Stevan and Noelina Alvarez who devote much of their time to serving
the teens. Many others have
volunteered their time to mentor teens in the High School Ministry.
The Campus Ministry has also been
a great source of encouragement to the Teens. They recently organized a teen preview weekend at the University of South Florida that
included a devotional and several fun events. They even housed any teens who wanted to stay overnight in
the dorms. The following day there
was a combined Campus/Teen Service which the teens enjoyed very much.
Steve and Sheila Tarte have witnessed three of their five
children become disciples. This year two of their teenage children
were baptized. Their daughter Sophie
was baptized on March 1st during the Sunday service and on the
evening of September 20, Thomas made Jesus Lord of his life. Their daughter Emma is also currently studying the Bible.
Courtney Wallace was also baptized on September 20. Her baptism took place during the worship service
earlier in the day. One of the
most encouraging things about Courtney’s baptism was that her father — who days prior
to her baptism persecuted her for wanting to become a disciple — not only came to
her baptism, but was moved to tears.
There was an encouraging time of sharing that afternoon for both Thomas
and Courtney. They both had friends come over from the Orlando Church to witness
their baptisms.
During the Summer Tomi Adegbola was baptized on Saturday
morning, July 18.
Tomi’s Sister Tobi is one of the three disciples who graduated this
year.
On September 24, Steven Lobo became the next to
make Jesus Lord of his life. His brother, Jonathan, became a disciple two years earlier. Hearing Jonathan share about the trials he and Steven
persevered through to become disciples was extremely encouraging.
Our newest sister in Christ is Rachel Rhomberg, who was baptized
on Sunday October 25.
She was baptized at Sand Key Beach in Clearwater and many teens and
family members were there to share about her and to witness her baptism.
In addition to the Teen Ministry, there have been many other baptisms
this year in the Married, Singles, and Campus Ministries.
Another encouraging story is that of
the Oquendo family. Nettie prayed specifically that all
three of her children would become disciples before the end of 2010 and she
petitioned God regularly. On
the evening of September 14, her 19-year-old son Sean became a disciple after returning home and allowing God to completely transform his
life. A little over a month later, her 21-year old-daughter Andrea made Jesus Lord of her life. The Oquendo’s 15-year-old daughter, Alyssa, is
currently studying the Bible and I have no doubt that she will also become a disciple and Nettie’s prayer will be answered.
It is incredible not only to see the number of baptisms and
studies thus far this year, but to see families who will now be going to heaven
together. A recent sermon series
was entitled “God’s Perfect Plan”. After
reflecting back on these events it is clear to me this was, in fact, “God’s
Perfect Plan” all along. I eagerly look forward to seeing what
God has in store next for the Tampa Church.
