Presence

When a birthday or a holiday draws near, it can be difficult to think of good gift ideas for the people around you. Do you get them something new at the risk of them not liking it? Do you get them the same thing from years past? While gifts come and go with years, there is one gift that stands the test of time. That is the gift of presence.

Part of the culture in FCC Student Ministries is a mentor program where high school students choose an adult from FCC to walk alongside them during a highly formational time of their lives. While this adult may impart wisdom or experience to their student mentee, the biggest gift they can offer is their presence. The impact of having caring adults present in the life of a teenager goes far beyond the time that student is in high school and is also one of the biggest factors in students maintaining strong faith as adults.

Jesus was the perfect example of God’s presence. Even the name “Emmanuel” carries the meaning “God with us.” As Jesus is present in our lives, adults can be present in the lives of younger generations and be a Christ-like influence on our students.