Delicate Matters

As part of its after-school prevention programming, Living Hope recently launched Teen Club, aimed at educating youth on issues specific to the adolescents and teenagers. In Red Hill, that takes place each Monday and Wednesday, led by me and a fellow American volunteer, Kendra Crabtree.

We just finished a lesson series on Godly character (e.g., courage, humility, wisdom, and so on). On Monday, we begin a new subject, one that I anticipate will challenge both student and teacher alike: puberty. Fortunately the Bible-based curriculum has different versions for boys and girls, so we’ll meet separately to make it easier for discussion.

But it covers some intensely personal and delicate matters – e.g., physical maturation, hormones, proper hygiene, masturbation, pornography – and no doubt will include some uncomfortable moments. And as a single guy who’s never had occasion to have “the talk” with a young man, I’m somewhat flying blind here. (There’s even a lesson titled “Understanding Girls” – is that possible?)

I’m looking to the example of Jeremiah, who initially resisted God’s call for him to be a prophet. God’s response: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you” (Jeremiah 1:7-8).

God then touched Jeremiah’s mouth and said, “Now I have put my words in your mouth” (v. 9). I may not be calling a group of hostile Israelites to repentance, but I can identify with the hesitant prophet. I will be trusting God to put the right words in my mouth, and I would certainly appreciate your prayers for this effort in the coming weeks.