This week I am honored to be in Washington DC with approximately 1200 top high school students from around the country. I have the privilege of teaching them on the fact that God Calls every Christ follower to Himself…and to join Him in a mission to change the world. We are looking at that in the context of our Founding Fathers, the vast majority of who saw their work not as a “career†or “jobâ€, but as a vocation. And vocation derives from the Latin word vocation which refers to a divine calling.
Did you know that 24 of the signers of the Declaration of Independence had seminary degrees in their background? How about that 52 of the 55 founders of the Constitution belonged to orthodox churches in the colonies? And that Washington, after being the only officer of 86 for the British/American forces not shot down in a battle during the French and Indian War wrote to his family that he found 4 bullet holes through his coat yet not one hit his skin? Yet numerous horses were shot out beneath him.
We’ll also be looking at HOW TO LEAD FROM THE INSIDE OUT. What are the ingredients that God gave to Joshua for effective leadership? In Joshua 1:1-8 God gives a hand full of factors that have to be in place for a man or woman to be a godly and successful leader.
These kids are great! So, when people ask me if I am worried about the Next Generation I say, “Absolutely not!†There are some of the brightest stars I’ve seen in a long time in this group. I’m more worried about their parent’s generation who have too often settled into comfort zones and have too often lost the cutting edge. Overall, I would say the future is as bright as the promises of God!
How do you feel?
Dr. Reccord,
I feel our next generation wants to be part of something bigger than themselves. I’m concerned if we don’t offer those opportunities we could have a Judges 2:10 generation.
Dr. Reccord,
Let me thank you again for being here with our students this week. You are always a favorite! You challenge and teach our students in a way that only you can and we are very grateful for you taking the time to be with us.
I also agree with you that there is nothing to be worried about with the next generation. Having been a member of Student Leadership and now an intern, I have been privileged to see and meet thousands of the country’s future leaders. I feel that our generation will have a great impact on our world not only in the things we accomplish, but also in being lights for Christ wherever we go.
Thanks again for being here this week and I am so thankful for Godly men like you who invest in our students.
Dr. Reccord,
It was great to see you again in Washington DC. You are an encouragement to me and your continued influence in the lives of students is awesome. Thanks for being here so my students can hear from you and the fresh challenge you gave from the Lord.
This generation of students need to dream big and keep in step with the size of the God who lives inside them. Thanks for challenging them to do the same. Gog bless as you continue the journey.
For His Name and His renown
Jimmy Fogleman
Kevin, I think that it is essetial that we offer life-stretching experiences for the students of this generation. And it has too be something that takes them beyond the norm. Gets them out of their normal traffic patterns. Shows them they can make a difference right where they are…starting NOW! If we don’t, we fail them miserably. YOU were one of those growing leaders as a teen and young adult, and you’re still showing what leaders do.
Zach, it was great to see you and I’m thrilled that you are serving with Student Leadership University. They are blessed to have you and thank you for already turning around and equipping those coming up behind you. That is mentoring at its best.
You’re welcome Jimmy. It was a blast speaking to such great young leaders from around the country. I was impressed!!! I’m thankful for being a part of the team and having spoken for Jay Strack since the early years of Student Leadership University. I think it is one of the finest student programs on the planet.
Dr. Reccord,
As one of the students, I’d like to thank you for speaking to us! I am currently preparing a paper on the founding fathers’ beliefs for my very secular professor, and it was a relief to run to my old notes. I had begun to compromise with my teacher’s opinions on deism in our history. It was a breath of fresh air to rediscover the Christian facts.
Thank you again! It’s adults like you, who have faith in us, who inspire us to be more!