From Seed to Sower

I'm excited to share a guest post by Jesse Saucedo, a young man whose youth ministry experience has changed his life. His decision to minister to other youth is captivating. Get ready to be inspired!

“One can only effectively minister once one has been ministered to.”
I still remember my earliest experiences of youth ministry. My mother gave me a choice; I could homeschool Confirmation or enroll in the parish youth ministry program. All my siblings before me had gone to youth ministry. They were the most incredible people in the world. Little did I know that this seemingly insignificant decision would shape the rest of my life.

Youth ministry was, in many ways, the start of my faith life; I had learned a lot about Jesus from being in a Catholic homeschool curriculum. However, I didn't know Jesus on a personal level. Youth ministry helped me to know Jesus, not just know about him. It could be the community of friends, trained and dedicated adult volunteers, or Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. Whatever the reason, I was fully committed to my faith when I graduated high school.

My faith determined every step, regardless of my wounds, fear, or uncertainty. I opened my heart to reconcile the wounds I endured. Fears hidden even to myself had suddenly become revealed, illuminated by the light of his love. God stepped in and brought peace and healing to these troubled, broken places. 

None of this would have happened without a community that genuinely cared for me. Youth ministry helped me believe that loving God was one of the best things I could do. My experience of ministry ignited a burning desire to give back. I wanted to serve the Lord intently and minister to his church just like I was ministered to. I wanted to become a youth minister but needed to figure out how.

I discovered Ablaze Ministries. The premise is simple: Ablaze Ministries partners with churches that can't afford a youth minister and provides them with not just one but a team of youth ministers to support youth programs. This brings us back to the first words I shared. "One can only effectively minister once one has been ministered to."  I want to minister to youth.

There is so much good work to be done through Ablaze, and I'm so glad God has called me to do this, but I can't do it alone. To devote myself to the ministry and to free myself to be available to the youth, I rely on the generosity of others to support me financially while I serve on the mission. People like you. Beyond just helping me, your gift benefits the mission of the church. I believe that, together, we can transform the church's future. 

Please consider donating using the link here to support my mission work with Ablaze. May God bless you for your generosity.

                                                                                                                -Jesse Saucedo