OTM Emphasizes the Necesity of Teen Mentors in Today's Churches
Olivet Teen Mission is emphasizing to churches the importance of raising youth mentors.
Teenagers are looking for mentors to guide them. Though this may be shocking to some, especially because teenagers may seem rebellious towards adults, it is a very deep desire in their hearts. In fact, in today's society there are numerous difficulties that come about in an adult's life, which in turn affects the lives of the youth.
One main issue that affects today's teens is divorce. Over 50% of couples are divorced. This is not a percentage for just US, but also for all over the world. When parents experience this, their children are no doubt greatly affected. Because the parents often feel very difficult about the situation, they aren't able to fully care for their children's emotional needs. Their hearts are closed because of the emptiness and sorrow in their own lives causing youth, especially teenagers, to suffer. In this predicament, it is when teenagers need to talk the most to their parents, but their parents are not able to offer the support their children need.
When one is a teen they are often confused because of all that's going on outside and internally, yet they aren't fully able to express it. When a parent is closed off, this further creates this feeling of confusion in a teenager's life.
In the book, Hurt 2.0: Inside the World of Today's Teenagers, the author provides this quote from a high school student: "My parents divorced when I was seven years old. I live in two houses, switching every to day. My parents get mad at me when I need to go to the other house because I forgot something. I get so angry because no one ever asked me if I wanted to live in two houses...No one asked me if I wanted to split my life in two."
How important is it that a teen has someone that can guide them in a situation like this?
Let's all pray fervently that this we can raise numerous teen mentors so many youth may be able to experience the embrace of the Heavenly Father.
