On March 29th-30th our youth participated in the Leadership Training for Christ convention. At the convention site we attend, there were over 2,500 participants. All these 3rd through 12th grade students came to display the gifts and talents God has given them that they have been working on for the last few months. This year we took 15 students, and there were about 50 of us there in all when you count coaches and parents who were there to support them.

The purpose of LTC is to plan, organize, promote, and execute programs that assist young Christians to develop their knowledge of the Bible and biblical principles, enhance their communication and leadership skills, and orient their energies and abilities to areas of Christian service. Although I love seeing them come up for months and spend time together, and the convention is always fun, my favorite part this year was the group devo that we have while we are there. Several of our young men, without hesitation stepped up and just started leading songs. When we can see our young kids feel confident in their abilities and step-up to lead when there is an opportunity, the full goal of LTC is accomplished.

We also had 12 of our kids go to Texas Bible Bowl this last weekend. They have spent the last 7 months studying the Life of Moses on Sunday nights so they could travel down to Bandina and take a test over it. Our kids did so well we should be very proud of them. But just like LTC, it is not about the test or the ribbons they won. It is about seeing their knowledge and love for God grow. And that was evident in the way that they supported and interacted with one another and with the kids they just met that weekend. We really do have a great group of young people here at Baker Heights.

This evening some of our young men will be leading the services, and afterward we will be having a reception during which they will receive their awards and acknowledgements for LTC and Bible Bowl. I want to encourage everyone who can to stay and support our young people.