One of the hardest task as a youth leader is sending the youths off for their studies. And I'll tell you this, I may have done this many times over the years, but it never gets easier. Over these 2 days, we sent off Edwin on Sunday, and Matthew just now.
We started this 'tradition' of sending our members off during the time of AD John. He said that we should say goodbye to them, and bless them on their journey and so we did. I remember sending Thomson off the first time. He had to take the 6am plus flight so we all dragged ourselves out of bed and surprised him at the airport. He was touched (at least I hope he was!).
In the most recent departure, Edwin was interviewed by Eryn to say some parting words, you can catch that video in FB. He said he had mixed feelings about leaving, and I can safely say we also have mixed feelings whenever we say goodbyes. I hate to see them leave, but I know that youth ministry is like that, we can't keep them for long. And all of us who've ever left home for further studies (and am still away from home), you will know that feeling.
It is a fact that while many leave for studies, not many come back. I think in every batch of youth that leave for studies, the percentage of them coming back to KK to work and settle down is pretty low. Of course this could be due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, I'm not on a guilt trip here. Even lower is that they will come back to serve in the youth ministry. I am however, very blessed to have Vanessa serve now in the ministry together, and I look forward for more to come back and serve in the ministry.
So while you may be away from home, don't forget that you are still thought of fondly by us here in KK.
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