Sojourner #062: As Long As He Lets Me: Reflections On Two Decades Of Student Ministry

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)

At Sojourner Magazine, we don’t just tell stories, we live them. Ministry isn’t an abstract reality for us; it’s rooted in real places and unfolds over real time among real people we know and care for deeply.

In light of that, the reflection that follows comes from the final night of a youth camp at Falls Creek in Oklahoma, written by a longtime pastor from 7th & Main Baptist Church in Bonham, Texas, a dear friend of Sojourner Magazine and faithful servant of Christ Jesus. 

He and his wife brought their first group of just nine kids to youth camp in 2004. This year, by God’s grace, they took eighty-three students, some of them children of former students stepping into the same story that God has been telling since before the world began.

Outside of his reflection, he reminded us that this is clear evidence of how God blesses the faithful perseverance and long-suffering of His people (James 1:12; Romans 5:3–5), wherever they are, showing that He is able to use anyone, regardless of background or status (1 Corinthians 1:26–29; 2 Corinthians 12:9), who is consistent in students’ lives and willing to teach them the truth of the Bible - by faith (Hebrews 11:6; 2 Timothy 3:16–17).

What follows is his unedited journal entry, a brief reflection on long-term presence, the joy found in service of the King, and the lasting fruit that comes from staying the course and refusing to turn aside from those in need. It is not flashy or poetic, but it is genuine and real, something we happen to think is rather amazing.

His short reflection offers a firsthand glimpse into the lives of those who labor for the next generation, speaks to the role of the local church in this missional endeavor, and sets forth Christ as the only foundation and source of all endurance in life, ministry, and faithfulness. 

May it lift your eyes to the Lord of glory who works all these things by His most wise and holy providence, and may it encourage you to press on in the work that God has called you to - by faith.

---

The Last Night: Reflections On Two Decades Of Ministry

We are finishing up our last night of youth camp. Melissa and I took our first group in 2004. Every year on this night I reflect back on the week, and sometimes I reflect back on all those other years. We’ve had a lot of students come and go. Some of them are godly adults now. Many have kids of their own. We’re at the point now that many of our former students have kids old enough to be in our youth group. I think of how many students we've cared for over the years… how much we’ve prayed for them by name… how many of our conversations at home were about them and how to help them know Jesus better.

I’m thankful for such a great group of adults who give up their time to serve alongside us. I’m thankful for a supportive church staff… and when I say supportive, I mean here spending long hours ministering to students with me all week! I also mean back at home helping us do all the prep work it takes to make this work. I’m thankful for parents trusting us with their kids. I’m thankful for my wife, Melissa, who works so hard behind the scenes to make everything I do so much better. She is the perfect complement to me! 

I’m thankful for students, including my own kids, who are learning what it means to really follow Jesus in their words, actions, and motivations. I’m most thankful that 23 years ago God saved me and called me to serve in ministry. I was reluctant, but he pursued me.

Truly, I understand why Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:16, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel.” Everything else I do fails in comparison to this. It is a high calling, and I’m not worthy of it, but I’ll continue to serve as long as the Lord lets me!

About the Author:

Colby Rich is an elder at 7th & Main Baptist Church in Bonham, TX, and a Captain in the fire service. By the providential care and matchless grace of God, it is, without question, one of the greatest joys of his life to pastor the students at 7th & Main.

Editor's Note: There are few people in this world that I will claim as a brother. In the Lord's mysterious providence, Colby is one of those people. By his own admission, he cries a lot for a fireman, and that encourages me. It reminds me that true strength is not about holding it all together, and that it is okay to care deeply, to feel, and to let the beauty of God's grace move you to tears.

When I consider my friends in Bonham, I thank the Lord for His grace in bringing us together. The Lord, in His kindness, weaves lives together for His purposes, and I count it a mercy that ours have been among them. My life would be far poorer without their friendship and "partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now" (Philippians 1:5).

-

Visit the Sojourner Magazine Website here.

Please share this article with your friends and family. Follow the Sojourner Magazine Facebook page, visit our website to read other articles, and sign up for the Newsletter to receive updates, information about the print edition, and more stories from the front lines of the greatest fight in the world.

Questions? Email sojournermagazine@gmail.com