Using Our Influence

When you hear the word “Influence” what comes to mind? Negative influences that battle against us? Positive ones that we try to surround ourselves with? How about the influence we have as leaders?

At our recent Impact youth leadership conference we talked a lot about influence. We wanted to help the students recognize the influences and peer pressures around them, but more importantly how they have the power and potential to be positive influences in so many ways. Through decisions and choices, through interaction with friends, by being good examples and teaching others, by modeling leadership.

When we asked the question “What kind of influence do you have and how will you use it?” it was clear that they “got it”. Here is what some of our 7-9th grade leaders had to say.

“I have a very good influence and I will show it to others by being a great leader and setting good examples for them.”

“I am a believer in God and intend to use my faith to teach others about God and how much love He has for us.”

“Do my job with creativity and excellence. Deal wisely with difficulty. Be a model for others to follow. Offer creative ideas for change and improvement.”

“I have an influence of making people see the inside person of me, and by how I behave towards them. I mostly use it by encouraging them and showing them my best.”

“I have influence in leadership and I will use it to teach other people about leadership. I have influence in encouraging other people and I am using it.”

We can learn a lot from these young, wise leaders. Please join us in praying for them as they lead with godly influence.

Making an Impact

Young people have so many influences in their lives they often fail to realize the influence that they can be in the world around them, beginning with the choices they make.

On February 23rd, more than 400 youth and educators poured in for our first IMPACT youth conference of the year. The theme of “Arise and Shine” perfectly captures what the Lord expects from each of us. To shine His light in our schools, churches, and communities. To be godly influences. To make godly choices.

Each youth leadership conference will address a significant issue raised by our teachers and principals. This time the “hot topic” was about Sex and Choices. That sure got the kids attention!

The information was great, but it was the real life testimonies that cut straight to their hearts. Coach Thapelo shared about choosing sex before marriage, the consequences of his poor choices, and how Christ transformed his life. Coach Constance spoke about saving sex for marriage, withstanding peer pressure, and relying on God to stay pure.

But what about when kids have their choice stolen from them, such as through rape? June addressed this painful situation including how Christ can replace shame, anger and guilt with forgiveness, love and trust. We all have choices to make in every situation.

The youth were then given the choice to make a covenant with God to save themselves for marriage regardless of what may have happened in the past. Hundreds of youth responded.

What an amazing IMPACT!