| SPRING IS BROKEN | |
From: John Giotis [mailto:jkg2???@hotmail.com] |
When Jesus brings Spring we often think of a return to nice weather, the start of baseball season, and the blessed celebration of Easter and our Lord's resurrection. But unfortunately, Spring also brings in one large problem: Spring Break. Many students (high school and college) descend upon our great state of Florida to "let loose." But that phrase has turned into code for engaging in hedonistic behavior, with adverse consequences on the communities which host Spring Break and on the students themselves.
According to some studies, 20% of girls get pressured into having sex an 10% report being sexually assaulted. A large majority of students polled admitted to excessive binge-drinking on more than one occasion during Spring Break. (Which can have severe long-term negative consequences on developing minds.) Finally, many students, also have mentioned the ease with which it is to find illegal narcotics of every type. Not too mention, that with the advent of the internet, this behavior is increasingly finding its way into the public domain for the world to see.
But let us remain steadfast, because the ultimate carpenter for humanity, Jesus Christ, has told us to "walk in wisdom towards those who are outside, redeeming the time." (Colossians 4:5 NKJV) We must offer our young people something constructive and Christ-like to do while "outside" on Spring Break. There is a strong desire from many parents and students to have a "missions oriented Spring Break." For example, some students have used their Spring Break this year to go to New Orleans and help with the rebuilding efforts. I am calling for our great state of Florida to develop a formal program to allow students to come here and perform public service projects. (Ex: help at a homeless shelter, work with at risk youth, etc.,etc.) I have personally spoken to a number of students and parents in various parts of the U.S. and throughout the state of Florida and they were very enthusiastic about the idea. In addition,the number of Christian colleges around the country whose students would take part in this would number in the thousands(bringing more tourists and not stressing the municipalities who host them).
So I am asking for all of us to work with our local and state officials to help our young people "go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature' fulfilling the Great Commission. Thus repairing so many broken Springs.
God Bless America,
Mr. John Giotis