By Jackye Campion
As many of us know from headlines media and published statistics, there have been increases in violent crime and suicide among teens in the last few years. Abundant Life Church of God saw the need to give kids hope by spreading the gospel among teens in South San Antonio.
For three years, Abundant Life has been making great headway in getting Bible groups started in neighborhood schools. Teens from the church’s youth ministry first approached the schools to ask if they could have a small Bible study in the school cafeteria before the start of the school day. Two such studies were started the first year at Highlands and Fox Tech High Schools. These grew and are now official school clubs called Fusion Student Club (FSC).
According to Johnny Ortiz, Abundant Life’s youth pastor, as of January, there are now more than 20 Bible clubs at local middle and high schools ministering to more than 100 teens. This movement continues growing and impacting the community. The clubs are led by teens empowered by the church with sound Biblical training. Currently, there are 17 college-age team leaders and 23 student leaders involved in the ministry.
The impact has been so significant the ministry was invited to participate in school assemblies conducted last year on suicide prevention. The week of March 10-14, the ministry will present their “Crossroads” program at seven schools. With performances by the ministry’s dance and mime teams, the group will talk about important issues facing teens today, and provide opportunities for the students to meet the team members and ask questions.
This powerful presence in the schools on the south side has grown to touch the lives of more than 100 students, with at least 14 salvations. The Friday night Fusion Service now has over 300 in attendance, nearly 40% coming from the school clubs. There has also been an influx of parents coming to church eager to find out what has changed their children. Pastor Ortiz said that impact has also affected school counselors who are now coming asking for assistance in dealing with difficult problems.