The gospel according to Ian

The gospel according to Ian

This story was published for the St. Michael’s Youth Voice in September 1997.

Seven years ago, through the urging of a friend, I met Tammy Mansir (then the St. Michael’s Youth Minister) and began helping with the Youth Group, I didn't even know what I was getting into when Bob Thompson said, "We could use some help with the Youth Program," (in March 1990, even before Tammy came).

In September, he called me on a Monday and asked, "Where were you?" I had no idea what he was talking about. He said there was a Youth Group gathering the previous night. I didn't know they had expected me, but agreed to call Tammy; that's when it began, and it's been a wonderful seven years.

At that first Sunday meeting, Tammy split the youth
into three groups and the discussion was to be about family problems. The group
whose discussion I was to facilitate had six teenage girls; and I have no
sisters. I began to share about my family's experiences, and then they took over
and I barely had to say another word.

I came to this Youth Group with no experience working
with teens. Tammy's guidance certainly helped me with the challenging,
uplifting, growing. and learning opportunities that have come my way. Those
have included being a catechist, working on retreats, learning how to snow ski,
coaching youth volleyball teams, helping put together the newsletter, service
projects, lock-ins and much more.

This has been a story from the gospel according to Ian.

The Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)
didn't start out to write the Gospels. They were keeping journals of the things
they saw and heard about Jesus doing. The way that God works in our lives is
part of the gospel according to us. My story above is how God worked in my life
through Tammy and others.

I can relate to how the Disciples must have felt being
called into their ministry. I had no experience to work in Youth Ministry, but
I did have a willingness to try. And I didn't become a catechist, retreat
worker, or newsletter editor right away. I grew into those roles, and Tammy had
to get comfortable enough with me to offer those chances.  

Each of you has a mission that God has planned for you.  The pathway to that

goal may not be easy, and may not appear to be successful.  But God doesn't ask
us to successful, only to be faithful.  God will use your efforts to reach out to many
people.  It is all part of a beautiful and powerful story:  The gospel according to
you!

Each of you has a mission that God has planned for you. The pathway to that goal may not be easy, and may not even appear to be successful. But God doesn't ask you to be successful, only to be faithful. God will use your efforts to reach out to many people. It is all part of a beautiful and powerful 

story: The gospel according to you!