I love working with youth in the community. Others see statistics but I always see their potential. Being flexible is key when working with young people, because they change their minds in a heartbeat. I meet past students who I taught or led 10-20 years ago in various settings and they often remind me of advice I gave them which has held them in good stead. Youth work rewards are seeing changed lives, successful endeavours and dream chasers. For some, knowing their backgrounds, being alive today is being successful. “It takes a village to raise a child” reminds me that I am one of the villagers contributing in the raising of a young person – no matter what age they are. God has opened many doors allowing me to continue working with youth both personally, professionally and spiritually – in church. My family have been a part of this journey and they too have ‘caught’ the passion for young people. It’s also a calling/ministry that is not for the faint-hearted. Mentoring young people connects me with like-minded people who share the same passion. I mentor over a ‘coffee session’ and now have that as a hashtag experience (#coffeesessjohnf).
