Lancaster Mennonite School Chapel ~ by Alicia Kanode

This morning, we were able to lead a chapel service for the student body at Lancaster Mennonite High School. Dorcas, the campus pastor, opened the morning with Scripture, before handing it over to Sean and Jen. Sean spoke briefly before Jen presented the main message. Without knowing that it was Jen’s closing statement, he told the students that they were “world changers.” It was so neat to see God give the same words to both of them!

Jen then taught about the way of life versus the way of death. Seeing what she called “glazed looks” on many faces, she led them in an exercise to practice responding, before delving into her topic. Jen shared openly about some of her own story and the difference between hearing the truth and knowing the truth. She reminded the students that God has shown us the way of life but that, just as he did in Eden, Satan tries to convince us that God is holding something back from us. “Sin is fun for a while,” she said, “but it will mess you up.” She talked specifically about the trend of death in our culture, from fashion and entertainment to abortion and suicide. She encouraged the students to discern what it means to choose life in each of their lives.

Austin, Lauren and Josh then played the worship song, “Just to Be With You.” Although many students had not visibly responded to the teaching, we felt something break in the atmosphere as worship began. Jen asked students to stand if they felt the Lord showing them a specific area in which they needed to choose life. As the band played and sang, no one stood. Jen came up again and repeated the invitation. What a blessing to see the first person stand and then another and another. A couple people shared later that they were really struggling with the decision to stand up until Jen spoke the second time. Many said afterwards that they felt a tug in their spirits and throughout the song, kids continued to stand.

With the blessing of the leadership at the school, Jen invited anyone to stay who wanted to receive prayer. After Dorcas dismissed the assembly, the vast majority of students left for class, but a good number remained. What a joy it was to be able to pray for and bless these young men and women! We were able to encourage them and affirm their identities in Christ. Various students responded specifically to Jen’s encouragement to turn from dead religion, sexual sin, suicidal thoughts, etc. Praise the Lord!