“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young;
set an example for the believers in speech,
in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
— 1 Timothy 4:12
As the children and young adults of the Church enjoy a break from school during the summer months, the Foundation’s support is reinforcing many opportunities for the Church’s youth to learn and grow in their faith. These young people also set a lovely example for us all.
This year’s FUMCFW Mission Day Camp last month was another success. Led by Mark Burrows, young campers visited Lyle Lodge to learn, love, care and share. They packaged over 200 healthy snack bags and 140 hygiene kits for the First Street mission. The campers also worshipped together and experienced a Journey of Faith Nature Walk to learn about the teachings of Jesus. Beautification of Lyle Lodge was an added benefit, with the kids completing several landscaping projects. The money to make this happen comes from the Children’s Endowment, a fund that exists to impart timeless values and lifelong devotion to the youngest members of the family of God. And such support occurs year after year. Throughout its history, the Foundation has funded other projects at Lyle Lodge like the remodeling of dormitories, updating of the caretakers home, installing a new sprinkler system, repairing the swimming pool, and maintaining of all buildings on the beautiful lakeside site.
Also during June, middle school and high school youth participated in a mission trip to Houston where they prepared kids’ meals for the homeless and underprivileged of our largest Texas City. They provided lunches for the Open Door Mission in Houston, supported in part by money from the Foundation’s Ministry to Youth Endowment. The endowment assures that our children’s programs such as youth worship services, retreats, camps, service projects and mission trips all rise to the standard of excellence for which our Church is recognized. The programs are each designed to prepare our young people to be the leaders of tomorrow, God’s very best people in the world.
We think our Foundation’s structure sets an equally good example. Donors to the First Methodist Church of Fort Worth Foundation recognize the importance of showering our young people with opportunities such as these, now and in the future. The Foundation’s Betty Johnston Youth Endowment focuses on generating income in perpetuity so our youngsters of tomorrow have equally exciting programs throughout many generations.
Our Church’s youth can be the influential leaders to other believers. The Foundation enjoys making sure they can further their faith and leadership in our Church and in the community.
Sid