Gardening is not my gift. The height of my skill was taking care of cress as a primary school child, and I cannot promise that went well! I do know, however, that growing a garden requires rain, sun, and a whole lot of waiting.
In this season of ministry in the Northwest, I have discovered something about helping seeds grow. I’ve learned that encouragement is the best watering agent for growth.
I’ve watched that principle come to life as young people step out for Jesus here in the North West. With the encouragement of teachers, youth workers, family members and friends, young people are taking ownership of their faith, and letting others know about it!
Each month in our DISCIPLES programme we gather to worship, open Scripture, and ask what it really means to follow Jesus in the places God has planted us — in classrooms, on sports pitches, at home with family. One of the most beautiful signs of growth has been our young people stepping forward to lead praise. It’s hard to describe the joy of watching teenagers encourage and lead one another in worship. Confidence has grown. Faith has deepened. And we get to watch it all happen and shout, “You can do this — God is with you!”
Our Disciples POD’s have become little greenhouses of grace. In a small circle (with a steady supply of snacks), we’ve been discovering a “better way” of living as God’s people. As leaders, we’ve seen again and again how a timely word of encouragement unlocks courage in a young person’s heart. When they feel seen, known, and believed in, growth follows, and freedom comes!
That was evident at our recent Disciples Weekend residential. Our theme was “Running the Race” — we explored perseverance and how to live our faith well for the long haul. Over the weekend there were powerful times of worship and honest conversations in small groups. The highlight, apart from the real life Mario Kart race? One young girl chose to commit her all to Jesus. It was a holy moment — the kind that reminds you that growth is ultimately God’s work. We simply water with encouragement and closeness; He brings new life.
We’re also seeing this growth unfold through our connection with local schools. Through SOAR, Alpha, and our ongoing partnership with Scripture Unions, young people are journeying from hearing the message, to exploring faith, to turning up at our drop-in, and eventually becoming part of Disciples. It’s like watching a garden come into bloom, one life at a time.
Thank you for being part of the watering.
Your prayers, generosity, and encouragement are bearing fruit.
And as always, we give God the glory — He is the one who makes it grow.
Brooke Lennox
North-West Area Worker
