The other day I was sitting in a Bible study with seven members whom we have not seen in church for three years. Four of our members took a spiritual gifts inventory to discover how God gifted them to work for Him. Later on, one of the members asked us to pray because she wanted to begin a prayer group with her neighbors. During Sabbath school, a teenage girl with no religious background asked questions about God and the Sabbath. That same week, I saw ten children from the community with open Bibles at Pathfinders. This Christmas their parents joined us for worship. All of this occurred while 114 people were enrolled in the Discover Bible studies. Who, you ask, is heading up all this?

Let me introduce you to Jonathan Bert (19) of Berrien Springs, Michigan, and Brandon Cain (21), of Noblesville, Indiana—two young men who gave a year of their college education to become student missionaries here in North Vernon, Indiana.

In February 2007, we were given the opportunity to be part of the Mission: IN Possible program here in Indiana, where two student missionaries come to a local church for a year to do evangelism. We waited and prayed and the thought even crossed our minds that it would not happen. Then Jonathan called, but we still needed one more missionary. Later on, I met Brandon at camp meeting, and from there God reminded us that He had a plan.

I wish you could see what I see. I see two young people living I Timothy 4:12–16 in real time. What is equally impressive to see is how they interact, work and fellowship with those who are older and more experienced. I have observed in our church young and old working together in a common purpose, people asking questions, and people feeling safe to take ownership.

Working with youth volunteers has taught us to be brave and bold for Christ; it takes boldness to knock on strange doors. There is also a personal investment in our church, evident in their long hours of work. I am tempted to thank the Lord that these guys are doing the dirty work so I can sit back and enjoy some Roma in my lounge chair, forgetting that I am a volunteer as they are. Jonathan's and Brandon's year with us has reminded us that if they could do it, why can't we?

So what have we learned about how God uses young people? First of all, God uses our youth because they tend not to get hung up on outer appearances. Second, in our youth lies fertile ground for new ideas and even recycled old ones. In essence, we have learned not to chuckle away, explain away, or use the excuse of been there and done that, but to recognize that anything can work, as long as it comes from a humble heart led by the Holy Spirit. I think of all the movements in history where young people played a major role—especially one in 19th century New England where a 17-year old girl stepped up, defied the popular current, and told the world that Jesus was coming soon. Are we ready for this?

Manny Ojeda is pastor of the Columbus, North Vernon and Seymour churches in Indiana.

For information about the Mission: IN Possible initiative in the Indiana Conference, contact Peter Neri, ministerial director, at 317-844-6201 or rpneri@aol.com.