Joyful Student Dedication

SHREVEPORT, LA. – The sounds of youthful conversation and laughter echoed down the hall of the Shreveport First Seventh-day Adventist Church. The kitchen was full of young people who were busily working away as they talked and giggled. There were large mixing bowls on the counter and the young people were kneading mounds of dough with their hands. Flour seemed to be everywhere: on the counter, on the floor, and on the kids. They were preparing for a homemade Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza party that evening.

These young people are part of the Jesus First youth group from the Shreveport First church and they were hosting an End of Summer Student Dedication party. Other school-aged kids from the surrounding area were invited to an evening of pizza, fun, games, singing and worship to mark the end of summer vacation and the beginning of a new school year.

Letting the pizza dough rise, the kids were back in the kitchen placing the dough in a dozen large pans. When the rest of the kids arrived, the pizzas were ready to be made. The youth were paired up and each pair was responsible for building their pizza. When all the finished pizzas were ready to be placed in the ovens, it was time for worship, fun and games.

Tony Cash led out in lively, uplifting songs with the kids eagerly singing along. Cynda Grant’s worship and activities kept the young people interested and engaged. When the pizzas had finished baking, it was time to eat. It didn’t take long for all the pizzas to be devoured. After everyone had a full stomach, the evening concluded with David Grant teaching object lessons about school, friendships and sticking together. The adults then gathered around the students and prayers were offered for the success of the new school year.

By Richie Lawry