Now is not really a good time to talk about investments. Especially in a middle school ministry forum, of all places. But if you’ll let me be cliché for a moment... What if I told you about an investment opportunity that’s guaranteed to survive the stock market?

My youth pastor used to tell us (often, apparently, since it stuck) that only two things on earth will last forever: 1. God’s Word  2. People. So, let’s invest God’s Word in people.

If you’re a middle school youth worker, then you’re already vested in a portfolio that’s guaranteed a return. Forever.

(I did warn you this would be cliché, didn’t I?)

But do you actually realize the long-term impact of investing God’s living, active Word in a young person’s life? Every Sunday you patiently teach squirrelly students in Sunday school? Every time you cheer on Forrest at his baseball game? Every time you discuss High School Musical 3 over ice cream with Samantha?

What’s hard about investing in middle schoolers is, sometimes we don’t see the payoff for a long time. There are moments, sure, when God gives us a glimpse, but middle schoolers are only consistent at being inconsistent. Working with them can feel like as much of a roller coaster as our current economy.

At this point in the school year, some of you are seeing an amazing return on the investment of an almost-completed school year. But some of you aren’t. And don’t we all have those moments (weeks? months?) when we wonder whether all hours prepping for that Sunday school lesson really paid off? Whether bending over backwards to get Dylan on your retreat--and paying his way--was really worth it, since his family suddenly moved out of state 2 weeks later?

Thank you, God, for your promise that just like spring rains (or spring snow, apparently) bring fresh, green life to the earth, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire, and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).

Your investment in middle schoolers this year might not show a lot of fruit right now, but it will pay out in the years to come--and for eternity!

Don’t forget it!

To help you remember: This month’s free download is a U.S. Savings Bond! That’s right, FREE money for YOU in 10 years! Guaranteed!

Okay, it’s not. But it IS a Middle School Ministry Bond you can print and stick someplace you’ll see often to remind you that your investment today in a middle schooler’s life will bring a return over the next 10 years as the Holy Spirit works way beyond what you can ask or imagine…and certainly beyond what you can see today.

P.S. The download includes three bonds on one page: one for you, and two to pass on to others who need the same encouragement to keep investing in middle schoolers!

P.P.S. I was first given a similar Middle School Ministry Bond by a passionate team of youth pastors during an EQUIP in Lancaster County, PA nearly ten years ago. Thanks to Todd Henley & Co. for the investment!

~ Laura Wampach