An Open Letter to my Senior Class of 2015:

Tonight, just before church started here at Crossroads Baptist Church, I checked my phone like I often do before service. (Am I a little addicted; possibly, but I am working on it.) There, on my screen, I had a notification from one of my Senior girls. She had sent me a picture of our seniors (minus Jacob Cosgrove and Ryan Corbin). I opened the message, and the message in turn opened my heart. I was flooded with emotions, and I thought it appropriate to type them out. I love to give honor to whom honor is due, and tonight, Impact Senior Class of 2015, is your night!

When I moved to Virginia last October, I knew that I was getting a good group of teenagers. Did they need some work? Haha. You better believe it. But did they have a stupid amount of potential? Absolutely. I knew I was getting some seniors in the mix. There were 7 seniors when I got here, and now, with the arrival of the ever-amazing Kayla Schages, we sit at 8 graduating seniors. On the surface, these kids were pretty good kids. They were well-mannered, eager to learn, respectful...ya know, the average run-of-the-mill Christian, Baptist-church-youth-group-Bible-believing kids. Ya know, those types!

But I was wrong. Drastically wrong. They weren't pretty good kids. Not even close.

They were amazing kids. Unreal kids. Unbelievable kids.

Over the last several months, I have adopted near 40 new teenage kiddos of my own. My wife and I have had our hearts opened up to an incredible amount of joy knowing all of these aggressive Impact Teens (inside joke right there if ya missed it.) The young ones in our youth group are set to do great things, the middle schoolers are growing at a fast rate and the sophomores and juniors are chomping at the bit to lead.

However, my heart has been especially knit to a small group of kids inside this large group called Impact. This small group bares the name "Seniors." Never have I been more tried spiritually and emotionally as a Youth Pastor than with these knuckleheads. Never have I cried more for a group of teens like these seniors. Never have I had a burden to help a group of kids like these seniors. BUT...never have I ever been given a greater privilege as a Youth Pastor than to know, lead, advice and love this group of seniors. Yes, they have had their bumps in the road, but I have never, and I repeat, never, seen a group of teens respond like they have. These seniors have time and time again risen to the occasion and pushed the bar up for those to follow.

We have talked together, cried together, loved together and led together. I know that anytime I need someone to step up and lend a hand, they are reliable. I know that if I ever need to rebuke or reprove, they will listen with a teachable spirit and make the necessary moves to be better. I have been encouraged to see these teens pray together and meet together to be the best senior leaders they can be in our church. I have witnessed a bond of unity that is rare amongst teens these days. I have been able to watch them mature on a pressurized stage and take honor with humility and chastening with grace.

If I were to build a youth group, I would choose these 8 seniors to lead my group. Do they still need work? Yes. But I wouldn't rather jump into any other trench to fight a battle with teens other than these guys and girls.

I tear up this evening because things are a little bittersweet. I am going to immensely miss the friendships that have blossomed and flourished in the last several months. I am going to miss having these 8 together again all at the same time. I am going to miss teaching these teens on a weekly basis. I am going to miss the late night chats, spur-of-the-moment advice sessions and laughter that billows through the halls of our upper wing. However, my tears are also those of pride...immense, deep, heart-felt pride in a group of kids that will indeed change their worlds for Jesus. I trust these kids with my testimony and will be in their corners until the day we get to Heaven.

I have not only had the opportunity to be their Youth Pastor. I have had the privilege of being their friend. I love you Kayla, Rachel, Josh, Ashley, Dustin, Whitney, Jacob and Ryan with all of my heart. Y'all have made me proud, and y'all will be leaving Impact Youth Group better than when y'all got it. This is in no way the end. It is just the beginning of greater things y'all will go on to do for the Lord and His Kingdom.

Live for Jesus always. Love unconditionally. Serve with abandon. Follow Christ whole-heartedly. Stay in the Bible. Pray often. Cry frequently. Laugh always.

I honor you tonight, Impact Class of 2015. Congratulations on graduation and just plain awesomeness. I love y'all!

Bro. Levi