The Challenge of Reaching Young People for Christ

Dear Friend or Co-laborer,
This evangelism ministry for reaching the out of school youth (OSY) of Mexico will put you on an emotional roller coaster and near the front lines of some very real spiritual warfare. I often receive requests for pictures to accompany the testimonies and stories that I share from this ministry, but honestly I cannot do that this time. The story that I am about to share just happens and I do not carry a camera with me. Nor would I want to show pictures that illustrate part of this story.
I feel sometimes a picture can be used to exploit a situation in order to sensational it, and that is not my desire. These youth are victims of the roaring lion who walks about seeking whom he may devour. They are his trophies. Sin has put them in this condition and it sickens me to even think of sharing photos of people in this sin-wrecked condition.
We do our best every camp to provide a safe environment for everyone including our staff. For that to happen we search bodies and bags of every camper. We are not trying to police their life, we are merely trying to remove as many obstacles as we possibly can that may stand between them and the Gospel in these next 24 hours. Our staff understands the only thing that will help these youth is a new life in Christ. But how can they hear that message when chemicals are controlling them or they are preoccupied with violence - for those reasons the safety inspection and confiscations.
Well after more than 20,000 youth passing through this ministry the word gets out and some know there will be a check, so some have gotten very clever in bringing in contraband. (use your imagination here, I am not going into details.)
A few nights ago we had an incredible camp which had all of the major elements of a good OSY camp. We had a large crowd. We had disgruntles who left the property, we had lots of drugs and alcohol confiscated. We had hidden weapons found. We had glitches in the program and distractions during the sharing of God's Word. But in the end we witnessed an amazing movement of the Spirit if God in the lives of over 200 OSY as they came forward to be dealt with at the invitation time. I personally counseled with 12 that evening and each made a profession of faith.
I remember standing with another pastor as the counseling was being finished up that would see more than 180 professions of faith, and we were rejoicing in what God was doing. I stood amazed not only at the working of the Holy Spirit, but also at the responsive hearts and our incredible staff who continued to labor and fight this spiritual warfare at 11:30 at night. Then it hit. Just like I would imagine the feeling of being hit in the stomach with a baseball bat.
Something said you have got to get to Dorm #1 and check on things. I dismissed myself for my conversation with this pastor and quickly made my way to one of the boys dorms. I passed through the bathrooms and shower area where a lot of horseplay was taking place, but nothing unusual. I came back out and began walking up and down between the bunk beds. Still not sure what was happening, all I knew is that I felt I had to be here for something.
I finally made my way to the farthest corner of the dorm among 9 bunks pushed together. The young men seemed relaxed and quiet, no apparent problems or disturbances, but then I smelled it. The unmistakable smell of "activo". Contraband had made it through our security check.
Jokingly I asked for it, but denials all around and even questions like "what is acitvo?" It didn't take long to know who was using it. Standing in front of me with a hollow look on his face, totally disconnected from reality, was a young man of about 15 years old. The blank look in his eyes, the unresponsiveness of his whole body made me sick and angry and the same time. Sick to see a young man in this condition, knowing that he was causing serious damage to his brain and body. Angry because the roaring lion was licking his chops and ready to devour another.
Checking his bedding the "mona" was found and removed. I walked away thinking, we may have just saved his physical life tonight, but what about his soul? The battle continues. Ten minutes ago my heart was full of joy for the decisions that were being made for Christ, but now my heart is broken as I continue to witness, touch, smell and interact with lives that are being brutally destroyed by sin and its effects.
When I want to quit, I pray I will never forget that blank, drug induced stare and that once again I will find God's strength to go back into the battle and be a part of God's rescue mission.
Pray for God's continued working and favor on this ministry. Pray for these youth that are targets for the enemy, and be very very grateful for the life you have in Christ. If you do not know Him as your personal Lord and Saviour, do not wait. Call out to Him today, He wants to forgive you of your sins and give you a gift of eternal life, a new life in Him.
For His Kingdom,
-Allen Owen, Mexico