When I close my eyes, I can picture myself sitting in my grandparents’ living room. They had the ugliest carpet I have ever seen. I remember staying over at their house on occasional Saturday nights. Grandma would make popcorn on the stove in an old kettle, and my grandparents and I would watch Walker, Texas Ranger.
The plot of every episode was the same. A wicked criminal would break the law. Walker and his band of rangers would investigate the crime, prove who did it, track down the suspect, and apprehend him or her. One thing was always clear: the more wicked the criminal, the greater the heroes needed.
In a world where most students exit the church after graduation, it is evident we are dealing with a wicked enemy, one whose main goal is to “steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). He is on a crime spree to get students to question their faith and doubt the reliability of Scripture. Much like his encounter with Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), our enemy is planting seeds of doubt in the minds of our young people, hoping they will question the Word of God and abandon their faith.
In the words of Apostle Peter, our “adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). To be clear, Satan and his forces will always be on the attack until defeated once and for all by the Lord Jesus Christ. However, if believers continue to sit back and do nothing while Satan and his forces are on the offensive, the casualties will only increase. We face a wicked enemy, and a band of heroes are needed to thwart his tactics and save the day.
As believers, we must mentor, train, and guide the next generation of leaders. This endeavor involves investing in opportunities that help students discover their talents, develop their leadership, and dedicate their hearts to faithful service to God. This is the mission of Vertical Three, a ministry of D6 Family Ministry. Vertical Three includes programs such as the Youth Evangelistic Team (YET), Truth & Peace Student Leadership Conference, and CTS Ministry Expo. All three programs contain components to equip students to trust the Lord, trust His Word, and strengthen their faith.
Faithful financial giving from individuals, churches, and organizations enables these ministries to continue and thrive. Giving enables the next generation of leaders to receive necessary training to assist in placing their faith on a solid foundation that will endure the attacks of the enemy.
Satan and his forces are attacking the next generation. This is not a matter of if but when. The mission of equipping the next generation is a task bigger than any one hero can handle. It is a task requiring all to fulfill their roles and do their parts. Are you fulfilling your role and doing your part? Are you investing in the next generation? Are you willing to join the ranks of heroes who make ministries like YET, Truth & Peace, and CTS Ministry Expo possible?
Much like those old episodes of Walker, Texas Ranger, a wicked criminal is on the loose. He is on a crime wave to attack the faith and ultimately ruin lives. It is time to band together as heroes and protect the next generation of leaders. Will you join the ranks?
