The transition to Emmaus Christian Fellowship has involved some major changes for the members of our congregation and this has included students in our Youth Ministry. After leaving BFC we have since been meeting as the Jr. High group on Tuesday nights at the Zerebny household from 7-8:30pm and as a the Sr. High group at the Vanderschuit household on Wednesday nights from 7-8:30pm. It has been encouraging to see the commitment and flexibility of our students as we have learned to adjust to Youth outside, without projectors for worship through music, and sometimes sitting on the grass.  However, as time has progressed we have realized that there are still changes that need to be made.

Starting Tuesday, July 19^th both the Jr. High and Senior High Youth Ministries will be combining to meet on Tuesday nights at the Zerebny’s house from 7-8:30pm. One of the primary reasons for this switch is due to the fact that I will be leaving in the fall to start school at BIOLA University.

For the last two years I have been blessed to have the opportunity to work in Youth Ministry while attending MSJC, but the time has come for me to transfer to a four year university in order to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies.  The university that I have chosen is BIOLA, located in La Mirada (1.5 hours outside of Hemet). As a result it would be difficult for me to serve as the Sr. High Director of Youth Ministry and perform well in school. So, starting in August I will no longer be in a leadership position with the Youth Ministry at Emmaus. Phil Anady will serve as the Director of Youth Ministry and oversee both Jr. and Sr. High on Tuesday nights. My goal is to stay in contact as much as possible while at school, attempting to come back to visit students on Tuesday or Sunday night at least once a month, as well as communicate with them through facebook and other medias. It is my hope to return to working in the Youth Ministry should my schedule in the future allow it.

This has not been an easy decision to make. I have enjoyed each moment with these students and I have been blessed to see many of them grow in their walk with Jesus Christ. I consider it a great blessing to be a part of the work that God has done in their lives. However, I am comforted in the fact that I know they are in good hands. Phil is an excellent teacher and a compassionate leader. I know that God will use Phil to continue the work that He has started in these students lives. I look forward to seeing and hearing what God is doing with the Youth Ministry at Emmaus Christian Fellowship in the years to come.

I was thinking tonight about how difficult this transition must be for some of the Youth of Bible Fellowship Church and I felt compelled to write to you. As I walked out of the Youth House on Wednesday night I felt a little of what I think many of you are feeling right now. It was strange to lock up the Youth House for the last time (at least on a Wednesday night) and I began to think back over the last ten years of youth ministry. There have been a lot of amazing students who have passed through that place, and we have been blessed with a wonderful group of students this year as well! I want to encourage you all to trust in Christ through this transition and to give all of this some time. In this moment I would assume that many of you don’t see the reason behind this move, but I would hope that, with time, you will see that God is going to do some amazing things through all of this!

You need to know that Phil, Sam, and I care deeply about all you and we are sorry that you have to walk through this; but we know it is ultimately for the good. You also need to understand that we are still here and available to talk if you would like. Both Sam and Phil will continue to serve as youth directors and you are welcome to join them on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7pm (new locations are listed on the home page).

Some of you, I’m sure, will be staying at BFC and attending their youth ministry, and in that case I want you to know that there should be absolutely no awkwardness between you and the folks at Emmaus. I’m sure that BFC will put together a solid youth program in the not to distant future and that both Emmaus youth and BFC youth will have an opportunity to mix it up at school and in the community as both groups grow in Christ.

Please know that you are all loved; change is never easy. Keep your eyes fixed on Christ, be people of prayer (not gossip or slander), and read the scriptures. I trust that you and I will come out of this trial stronger than before. If you would like to talk to us please find Phil, Sam, or myself on Facebook or call Emmaus at (951) 444-8765. We will be praying for ya’all!