General

Fellowship in Christ!

Fellowship. It is a word that I have always heard since I was little, but I didn’t fully comprehend the meaning of it until I was older. Fellowship is such a sweet gift from the Lord! In Genesis 3:18, the Lord had just created Adam, He then realized that this was not enough because Adam should not be alone. As a result, He created Eve. The Lord gave us friendships because He knows it is not good for us to be alone!

To be honest, this is something that I used to struggle with a lot. I was always searching to find a perfect friend. I spent so long praying that the Lord would send me a friend that would encourage me and uplift me! Little did I know, the Lord surely would bless me. Years later, I find myself surrounded by sweet souls that encourage me and are there for me!

Through S3 at my school, I met so many amazing people that I may have never met if it weren’t for my countless prayers and this organization! I have people that pray for me, people that will send me texts of encouragement throughout the week, people that will listen to me when I am going through tough times! Paul wrote in Galatians 6:2 that we should “carry each other’s burdens” and I have learned the beauty of that phrase! Friendships are supposed to be beautiful. Encouraging. Joyful. Truthful. Loving. 

If you already have God-centered friendships, that is amazing! Praise God for that right now! However, if you find yourself feeling lonely or discouraged and you are in need of a Godly friendship, I encourage you to call out to God in complete faithfulness to send you a friendship like this. I know that He will do so in His timing!

Now, I have a question for you: how are you being a Godly friend to others? Proverbs 17:17 says that “a friend loves at all times” and I hope and pray that you will take that to heart and truly comprehend what a good, God-given friendship is! Fellowship is a gift from the Lord. We are not meant to take on this world alone!

I am praying for you, sweet friend!

With love, Madelyn Garinger, S3 student

S3 Opened My Eyes

Hello, my name is Chloe. I was part of S3 during the 7th and 8th grades at Palombi middle school. My time at S3 opened my eyes to so many different teachings and scriptures I was never was able to understand before. Not only did S3 teach me about the importance of scripture it also allowed me to have some leadership roles in the classroom that pushed me out of my comfort zone. The S3 environment is so loving and strong. It’s a place where no one will judge you, and a place where you feel safe. 

My favorite part of S3 was when we all gathered in a circle and did prayer. We all told each other our prayers and wished upon them to God together. The environment during prayer reminds me of one of my favorite scriptures, “This is what the Lord says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears, I will heal you.” 2 Kings 20:5

-Chloe, S3 Palombi middle school graduate

Controlling What We Can’t Control

Hey! Today I’m going to be talking about controlling what we can’t control. And with everything going on around us, this pandemic is causing us to go into a big anxiety-filled ball. And that’s not good! 

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety onto him because he cares for you.” We should realize the world isn’t going to run out of supplies, and do we really need 140 rolls of toilet paper? No, but the reason we believe this is a need, is because of anxiety. Satan is just rolling around laughing and putting these little thoughts into your mind like, “You need this,” or, “You better get it for yourself before someone else does” And THAT’S NOT TRUE! 

What can we do to control our Anxiety? Here are some tips to help you, it’s what works for me.

1- Take a walk, Go Outside, while remaining social distancing, Just realize how beautiful the world is, and that how powerful God is.

2- Get off Social Media, because it’s ruining the brain, it brings negative messages.

3- Spend time with family, watch a movie, try and set a time to do that. 

We see the world as “NEGATIVE” point of view, and that’s not true. We want to control what we cant do. we look at ourselves and ask why don’t I have that, or why do they have what I need. Stop, Be in thanksgiving, for what you have, others might think the same.  It’s all in his control.  “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” Matthew 6:25. 

Today, I challenge you to stop worrying about what you cant control even when you want to, cast your anxiety to prayer and thanksgiving. take some time to pray, go for a walk, even set down your phone, and watch a movie. Just remember that God has a full toll on what is happening, even if we forget that sometimes.

-Shelbee, S3 Student

Trust in Him.

Inspiration can come from anywhere!! My brother and I started an S3 club in my school 2 years ago after the Lord put a spark in my Mom’s heart to do something more in our schools so that people could get closer to the Lord.  And since then, I have felt my relationship grow with God. I was excited to start the club right away. And it was a challenge, adding another activity to my already busy schedule. For a while, it was something I didn’t want to do. It was another thing to take up my time. Or so I thought.

 S3 was an opportunity I didn’t see at the time for me to have fun with friends while learning a lot about God and His word. Honestly, I didn’t think I would learn so much. God was able to respond to my doubts through some of the lessons and Bible verses. He showed me what I needed to know at the time I needed it most. It was a big learning experience for me!

If there is one thing you take out of my story, let it be this, always listen to what God tells you to do. He knows what is best and what you need more than you do. He loves you and wants what is best for you. As Psalm 37:5-6 says “Commit your way to the Lord; trust Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.” Trust in the Lord and He will show you what to do and when to do it. Don’t try to do things on your own, but ask God and He will tell you. Matthew 7:7 says “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” All it takes is for you to put your trust in Him.

Isabella,

S3 Student

First Liberty Institute

A few months ago, I had the privilege of meeting Terry Ann (S3 President) and learning more about the incredible work of Students Standing Strong in America’s public schools.

I was especially encouraged by the fact that S3 is committed to equipping and empowering students with sound Biblical knowledge, something that is necessary right now in our country more than ever before. Today, younger generations, and students especially, are constantly bombarded with information, news, arguments, theologies and not all of it helps edify their lives. This is partly the reason why so many students at times stray from their faith, or simply choose a path for their lives that isn’t what God wanted them to do.

I can tell you this from experience, as I grew up going to schools where both my peers and my teachers were rather hostile against Christianity. First, in high school and then through my college years, I saw first-hand how much lack of Biblical knowledge exists and how much distortion of Biblical truth often happens in our public schools and universities, particularly as it relates to our nation’s history, the Bible and the influence of Judeo-Christian values.

Thankfully, I had the opportunity to attend Liberty University for my graduate degree, where I was able to further solidify God’s calling for my life and to remain grounded in Jesus Christ even in today’s hostile climate against people of faith like myself. Today, because I opted to stand strong in my faith, I have the privilege of working for a fantastic nonprofit that defends religious liberty. This is precisely where God wants me to be and to use my talents, skills, and knowledge for His glory. As a volunteer worship leader at my church, God has given me a whole new level of appreciation and gratitude for being able to live out my faith and worship with my community.

The joy that I have now to work for a nonprofit and to use my creative side to worship God through music only came about, again, because at one point in my life I made the choice to “stand strong” in my faith. I encourage you if you’re reading this, to stand strong in your beliefs and to help others remain firm and faithful to God.

-Jorge Gomez