International Youth Day
This past week, the world celebrated International Youth Day, and that’s a day we take seriously at Orchard. From the beginning, our ministry has been all about championing children and youth—mentoring, equipping, empowering, encouraging, and releasing them into bold lives of faith and purpose. Heidi and I have committed our lives to fanning the flames of courage, compassion, and character
in the next generation.
And what a front-row seat we’ve had!
We thank God daily for the chance to walk alongside dear young people from diverse backgrounds and cultures who are growing into strong, faith-filled leaders. They are becoming lions who rise and rise again—beyond hardship, discouragement, failure, and sorrow. They’re running with purpose and roaring with boldness because they’ve discovered who they are and whose they are!
In Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA our youth group at Heart for the World Church is thriving. Students are stepping into leadership, taking up the towel to serve others like Jesus did, and boldly sharing their faith. Many recently returned from their first-ever international mission trip to Mexico—full of joy, servant-hearted attitudes, and a willingness to do whatever was needed. They’ve started prayer groups in their High Schools and are moving in great boldness…we couldn’t be prouder.
In Chifubu compound, Ndola, Zambia, our Upside Down Church is alive with laughter and life! Hundreds of children are gathering weekly, encountering the love of Jesus and growing together. Our Junior Lions Running Team is training hard for an upcoming race, and on International Youth Day, we had an all-ages soccer / gaga ball tournament (think four-square meets dodgeball—chaotic but so much fun!) to celebrate and flood our community with joy!
We believe young people are not just the church of tomorrow—they are the church of today. They have something vital to offer now: energy, honesty, resilience, joy, and perspective that the rest of us need.
Jesus made it clear that children matter deeply to Him
and the Kingdom He represents.
In Matthew 19:14 (NLT), Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” He brought them to the center and honored them—not just for what they would become someday, but for who they already were!
And in Matthew 18:6, Jesus issued a strong warning: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
That’s how fiercely Jesus defends the hearts and precious lives of the young!
So today, as we continue to celebrate International Youth Day, let’s remember the incredible value, strength, and beauty young people bring to our lives and communities. Let’s keep cheering them on, lifting them up, and pointing them to Jesus. The world needs their joy, their energy, their vibrance, and their roar!