The Johnson County Fair is in town! It is a one of a kind event that brings out a colorful plethora of people marching down the fairway to a symphony of gospel singing, merry-go-round tunes, and the oh-so alluring bellow of the carnies. Throw in the pungent aroma of funnel cakes, farm animals, and overripe humans, and you've got the full mental picture. The funny thing..... I haven't missed it in years!
Last night, my eldest daughter and I decided to make our annual visit. As we made our rounds, I did what I always do, people watch. I don't know why, I just like to take it all in. I scope them out from head to toe, analyzing every detail. I listen to their conversations. I watch their body language. And since the fair crowd is made up of such a diverse group of people and many of them are teenagers, you see it all.
The main thing that caught my attention last night was the large amount of preteens and just barely teens (probably twelve to fifteen) that were headed down a dangerously rebellious path. It's like they were out there to prove to their peers how bad they could be. They were cruel and degrading to each other, chain smoking, using curses at any given opportunity. I kept moving Sara away from their groups to try to prevent her from exposure. All this was just standing in line for a turn on the tilt-a-whirl!
I thought to myself, "Where are these heathens from?", "Where are their parents?". The sad thing is they're from right here. Right where we could influence them. It really made me aware of the task at hand. We have an awesome youth ministry at our church. We have great leaders, and great kids that have been raised by great parents. Great! But there are still so many kids out there that are way off in left field! What are we as Christ followers going to do about it?
I have decided that someone needs to do a documentary at the fair. We need to interview these kids, and find out where they stand spiritually. Although I think I have a pretty good idea. Everything about them tells me that they are just searching for acceptance, someone to notice them, and care. (A documentary would make a great witnessing tool, too.)
When I think about what a monumental undertaking it is to try to reach this newest generation of teens, it is overwhelming. But there is always hope! Just this morning I woke up thinking about them again, and God brought something to my attention. He reminded me that I was just like them at that exact age. I was searching and going crazy, and there was probably some adult that was worried that I was frightfully out of control (Her name was probably Granny). He pulled me out of all that, and they are not beyond His reach, either. So I am recharged with a new conviction to reach the hellions of Clarksville. I just don't know exactly how yet.
Here's a start..... and a plug. Our band, Beyond Walls, plays at the fair on Saturday at 2:00p.m. Outreach ministry is our goal, so hopefully their will be some little ears there that can be influenced by some people who love Christ. And we can always pray!
(The awesome art piece is by one of my favorite artists, Mark Ryden)
4 comments:
Very interesting picture!
I was one of those teens, too. I even have a memory of being very inappropriately dressed at the fair once. I doubt if my mother knew I was wearing shorts so short that my T-shirt covered them entirely, so it looked like I didn't have any pants on. Gross!
I think if I had gone to the FBC in my town during those years, I would have met Jesus, but my father refused to let me go to a Baptist church. He was afraid of them. God had to chase him down on a desert in Mexico after I had gone off to college to change his life. But that'a another story.
See ya tomorrow. I'll be praying at your gig!!!
I too was one of those fair kids. A smoking skater punk just trying to fit in. Thankfully, God got a hold of me when the cigarettes turned to pot. I can only explain it as a God thing that kept me from that road. I think a documentary is a great idea. Surely we don't have to wait until next year's fair to do it. It is, however, a good plethura of folks.
Did you see the dude on the bleachers with his shirt off drinking a 2 liter bottle of Fango soda. That guy ruled! LOL
I saw him! Did you see the people with the snakes? I petted one! Brant took some video!
Post a Comment