An average of five teenage girls curl up in the living room of the house where I live, books in hand, and Bibles sitting right there next to them, ready to pull them out at a moment’s notice. One other young woman and I are the main leaders of the study, and we alternate facilitating each week. We always begin with prayer, and then we dive in to our lesson, which is usually structured around a certain book. When I first began leading, we were studying the book Do Hard Things, a Teenage Rebelution written by the twins Brett and Alex Harris. For the year 2013, a main focus at Second RPC is prayer. So, to go along with this theme, we are studying the book Developing a Healthy Prayer Life by Joel Beeke. These books give us a theme to work with and a structure that can be used, but it is extremely imperative that the Bible not only be used but that we go to Scripture to try and back up all that is said. The word of the Lord is inerrant, and it is the authority for our lives, so it is important that we seek our answers and base a great deal of our lessons there. During these lessons, we usually ask questions and try to get every girl talking and engaged. We ask both questions from the book itself, and we rely a great deal on personal experience to drive home some of our points. When a verse from the Bible is to be read, we play a game called Swords. All of the girls hold their Bibles above their heads, the leader says the verse, and then all I hear is frantic page turning as each girl tries to locate that verse as fast as she can. It’s quite an entertaining way for all of us to learn how to find passages in Scripture quickly and efficiently.

At the end of each lesson we all take a turn and share prayer requests. This is a time for all of us to express to one another how the week has gone, any trials we might have faced, any praises that we must thank God for. Some of these moments can really show the vulnerability of the girls, and it is at these times where it is most clear to me that in some small way I am helping to shepherd a part of the flock. At other times, however, praises abound, and we all thank the Lord with glad hearts. We end this time of sharing with popcorn prayer, a process where any person can pray when the Holy Spirit leads her to pray. In most instances, every girl is given a turn, and hearing one girl lifting up her peers to God humbles me and brings my heart immeasurable joy.

Every Wednesday night is a new experience, an opportunity for each girl to grow in some way. I treasure these nights, and all of the beautiful moments they bring with them. From the downright silly conversation that has me in stitches, to the most serious of prayers that has my heart soaring with thanksgiving to the Lord, to the bursts of wisdom where my eyes blink in amazement, it is clear to see how God has used this study to glorify Himself and will continue to do so as it progresses.

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

The youth will grow up to be the leaders. What an honor it is to be involved in such an important part of the ministry of the church.
(Written by Rylie Robinson)

Gary Van Keppel leads the ministry in Broad Ripple each Friday night from about 10:45 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., weather permitting. There, Christians hand out gospel tracts, make new friends and engage in conversation with them regarding the best news ever known, the grace of God in Jesus Christ. Gary, and others, speak on a microphone, and though some are offended by the message, there are others who listen gladly.

Some Christians who walk past tell us they believe we are turning people off with our message. Other Christians will walk past moments later and thank us profusely because they know the need in the hearts of so many who walk past. We simple seek to be faithful to speak the truth in love and call all people everywhere to repent. We proclaim Jesus, and seek to win others to him by the power of the Holy Spirit through the word of God.

Some seek to argue, others listen, and others still walk up to the Christians present to pour out there hearts on various matters and seek counsel for their lives. We pray that God will change the hearts of hearers, just as he did for Lydia, the woman who heard Paul preach in the account of Acts 16. These opportunities on the streets of Broad Ripple also serve a second purpose; they equip God’s people to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in them when unbelievers ask.

One man who is regularly in Broad Ripple saw Gary witnessing over and over again. This Christian videographer finally decided he really needed to interview Gary. The two have since become friends.

His brief interview can viewed below:

The Lord calls his people to pray for those who are in high positions, and his people have the privilege of joining together in prayer on the opening day of the legislative assembly, January 7, 2013 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. in the Indiana Statehouse North Atrium.

Capitol Commission sponsors the event which is truly given to prayer, and little else. Various elected officials, public servants, and pastors will lead in prayer. Shortly after the service, the speaker’s gavel will fall in house chamber and the session will begin. Do not miss this opportunity to ask the God to give grace that he would be honored and that these servants would have wisdom from above to write laws that are in harmony with God’s law.

If you are wondering where to park, Circle Center Mall Parking is a good option.

More details can be found at the Capitol Commission website, and you can indicate your plan to join in on the Statehouse Prayer Service Facebook event page.