Why Lads to Leaders

As we approach Easter weekend, we are also looking forward with great anticipation to the Lads to Leaders convention in Orlando. We have six participants attending this year: Dallion, Natalia, Landen, Cruze, Abby, and Cody. They have worked extremely hard this past year preparing for this event. This will be my second year attending L2L. Last year, I did not quite know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. It is a fantastic event, and everyone involved does an incredible job.

When I think about Lads to Leaders, I can think of few programs within the Lord’s church today that compare to it. I was a little skeptical at first, mostly because I had never been a part of it. What I have learned over the past couple of years is that L2L is a premier training opportunity for our young people. It not only teaches them skills that strengthen their spiritual lives, but also skills that help them in everyday life. It prepares them to lead in the church and teaches disciplines that shape their character and faith, many of which we have been discussing this past month.

So why Lads? I believe participating in Lads to Leaders should be the goal of every child, parent, and grandparent, because it is much more than speeches, songs, and Bible Bowl. It gives our kids the opportunity to grow spiritually and gain confidence they might not otherwise develop. It helps them find their place within the body and begins to hone their talents so they can serve the Lord now, not later. People often call young people “the future of the church.” That may be true, but I believe L2L is creating leaders now, not just for the future.

So what can you do? The biggest thing is to encourage our kids to participate. It would be an incredible blessing to see all of our kids in grades 3–12 attend next year. Encourage our younger children, even those under third grade, to participate in the year-round events and Sunday night training so they can be ready when they are old enough to compete.

And of course, pray. Pray for our safety as we travel. Pray for our teachers and leaders as we prepare and guide our kids. Pray for our parents and for our kids as they participate in their events. Pray that God will bless our entire group, from the smallest newborn to the graduating seniors. Ask God to help them grow in spirit and truth, and to bless them in everything they do. Finally, pray that our L2L program will grow and thrive so that our kids, and the generations after them, can be strengthened, and the Lord’s church can reach as many souls as possible for years to come.

Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” That is exactly what Lads to Leaders helps us do. Thank you all for your love and support. May God bless you all.

Always remember you are loved,

Eric