From the Desk of Jill Keenon, Operations Director:
For two weeks I have been seriously devouring the Word of God and loving it. But today and yesterday the attack from satan has come. I feel sad, frustrated and a little angry. So, with you all as my witnesses I am standing firm against the devil and the word says he will flee from me. Some days it is hard to get the right perspective and going back to the Word is the only place to get the true perspective. Jesus gives us victory and satan is a toothless lion. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." He will provide all my needs through his riches in glory. Same goes for all of you. But we all have to say it and believe. So get going and believe what you believe! - JillIt's my turn to give a little of myself (PJ). "Change!" It is something I bear, but I struggle under. Last month and this month have brought lots of changes and next month more. I have been buffeted by the changes in aging, even though I am only going to be 60 in October.
I missed Project Serve this year for more than one (and some depressing) reasons. I believe I was not welcome because of my age and that I am a disciplinarian. I have a different style than is acceptable by leaders today. That is a huge change and one I suffer for. I believe in obedience and integrity, and I say it and expect respect. These are waning in our youth and some leaders. For the first time in twenty-five years of youth service I am worried about our "churched teens". The youth group at our church is in flux, and I stand unable to help.
Change! I have been active in his special group for over ten years. It is one way I made contact with many youth that we have mentored and counseled over these years. Even though the teens respond to me, these opportunities are slowly evaporating. My children are no longer in the youth group; do you think that makes a difference?
Jill and I are supposed to be "empty nesters". As usual nothing is what it should be; we still parent children from other families. All of our eleven children are out of the house. Hilly got married in May, as all of you know; she was the last Keenon sibling in the home. This is the first time we have had other people's children and none of our own at home. WOW! Next change God does not let us rest. If the youth group is not using my talents, He will not let me waste them.
I am going to continue with Student Body if they will have me, but the Glen Ellyn Rotary club elected and inducted me the President last week. This is going to be fun and a lot of work. I will be able to influence local and international charity work and hopefully affect more teens through scholarships. The last change I can think of is the move to the new church. I am more emotional and moved by this change than I expected. We are leaving our HOME and moving to a new HOME. I am going, as is my remaining family, but it is painful. Life changes - God takes us on the journey and then he carries us when it is needed. I hope he will carry me this next month.
QUICKS: 1. John is really causing problems with his lies. It is a sad ending. He is going to be moved today and probably go back to a mom who encourages lying. Pray for him to be changed through Jesus.
2. Bob is still waiting to go home with his first foster mom and be adopted by her. Pray for them to make a good family and to know the Lord. The mom is into a lot of new age stuff.
3. Pray for the baby. 4. It has been a rough week for Allison and Will. Pray for them to have renewed strength this week.
KEENONS: 5. We would like to go on vacation next week and do it from home because we have no money - but we can't find a way to have someone take care of Melissa and Margie. It will not be much of a vacation if they are here having seizures, making bad choices and whatever if we're here and are just trying to ignore them. That's not going to happen. Pray for a solution. (We had one and it fell through which is why the last-minute prayer.)
6. Our second car blew up today. We need prayer for a new one.
7. Pray for us to know who should come next. 8. Pray for Jill as she continues to study until July 31 for her licensing exam.
Have a great Fourth of July!
In Christ's Service for the Community,
Paul & Jill Keenon
Open Door for Teens, Inc.
