Sunny Pathway

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Worshipping With Old But Young Friends

Last Saturday was delightful. My husband Ken and I visited a youth group. Furthermore, we were part of them only five years ago. Really.

Firestarters Music, based in Ottertail, Minnesota, started before we met them when a group of high schoolers felt God calling them—and when their parents supported them by becoming their leaders. They include a Christian band that became the center of activities. Band members were all still in high school when Ken and I joined them—young enough to be our grandchildren. Most of the leaders were young enough to be our children. Yet they welcomed us because they thought we had kindred spirits.




Our impetus for visiting on Saturday was to take part in their special meetings called The Gathering, even if only briefly. The event is timed to coincide with Ottertail Days, and they’ve done something similar for several years. But they keep expanding it. In addition to special speakers—we heard Michael Terrell who also played with the band—they invite other local bands.

I was so disappointed in my picture of The Firestarters, but it's the best this beginning photographer has to offer.


The group has changed in several ways during the five years since we moved—a different base player, an additional rhythm person, additional vocalists, and additional instruments (including a keyboard). New members include siblings and wives. Most graduated from high school about the time we left.

Their music isn’t my style—some soft rock with edgy stuff thrown into the mix—but I’m musical enough to know they’ve matured as artists. They are, in fact, good. I heard a man identify them as a hidden treasure. Their focus is worship.

They now have dancers who wear masks!



In one sense I appreciated the masks because individual identities weren’t a distraction. Nevertheless, because they’ve changed since we last saw them, I wanted to identify them. Shame on me. Again, I’m not a good enough photographer to capture spectacular moments—and there were some. But aren't they lovely? They truly conveyed a sense of worship.

Several are involved in the visual arts. These gals were in their early college years five years ago.


Some activities don't lend themselves to pictures. One gal is a journalist and several write poetry. All believe they’re called to live for Jesus and to minister to Him and His people through their art.

Joining young people and entering into their enthusiasm is exciting. They help keep the mind supple, active.

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