Assignment 1

[Suzanne De La Paz]

Two years ago I was a parent and Sunday school teacher of a 5^th grade girl.  I remember as the school year was nearing its end, the 5th graders had a chance to visit the Fallout to check out the middle school ministry. I had a lot of fears about this next stage for my daughter.  I had heard many scary stories about middle school and it being some of the “craziest” times in the life of a preteen.  I also remember being a  pre teen myself and I could remember too well how insecure and lonely I felt. 

I talked with Will Berger during the 5^th graders trip to the Fallout and I remember saying, “As a mom, what is my role now in her faith journey?”  Will encouraged parent involvement and told me that he would like me to consider being on the Student/Family Ministry Committee.   The ministry was something that was a little different that I ‘d done before, but nonetheless, an area where I felt I could use my spiritual gifts.  Not to mention, I’d be able to serve right alongside one of my very best girlfriends!  I also knew that by being involved and being at Fishy each week, I’d have a tremendous opportunity to see how the ministry was run, what was being taught, and I’d get to know more of the leaders as well as my daughter’s leaders much better.

 I cannot deny that I had fears about my perceived influence on my middle schooler was not also a factor in my decision to serve in this capacity.  I had fears around the realization that I had less control over my daughter’s influences in her life.  This was a subtle way for me to stay plugged in to her friendships and her spiritual life.

Now, 2 years into my Committee service, I can say that I come each week because I appreciate this ministry team and the leaders who desire to grow in their own walk with the Lord and their desire to grow their relationships with middle school kids.  I have experienced God’s blessing on my family because of middle school ministries and its leaders. 

Suzanne De La Paz

[Dana Gallup]

I went through Fishy and Club when I was in middle and high school. Fishy was more of a time to go and hang out with friends and talk to the cute boys that went. I never got anything really out of it. But a had a leader that continued to want to hang out with us and be a mentor in our life. Looking back she loved on us so well but she was not a good influence on our lives. Which seems crazy to say but its true. I wont get into reasons why but she just didn't make the best life choices, but she did love us. Going into high school I had three amazing leaders! They were the best leaders we all could ask for. Senior year my leader Ali was the high school intern and she knew I was going to CU and she planted the idea of me being a leader. I thought about it and prayed about it and I knew I wanted to do it. I wanted to be a leader because my leaders were such a great part of my high school experience. However, to be honest with y'all I didn't want to start out doing Fishy, I wanted to start with Club. I didn't think I was "fit" to be a middle school leader. I thought this because my middle school years were the hardest years of my life and I didn't want to go back there. But a talk with Molly convinced me to start with 8th grade girls. My girls are so great, but it has been a really hard year for me. It has been hard to be a freshman in college and leading these girls. I am trying to figure out who I am and who The Lord says I am while I am leading girls in the midst of them dealing and seeing a lot of difficult things. Although it has been such a hard year for me with The Lord and trying to lead girls, I have never had any thoughts of quitting. I know that he has made this year hard for me and he has put me with these girls for a reason.