Biblical imagery exists of God creating man from the dust of the earth and then lifting humanity out of the mud of sin. The symbolism of mud provides a ready-made metaphor for ministry still today. So, how does it apply to a Geneva College Student Ministry internship?
Sophomore Justin Bellotti recently led a group of middle school youth group kids to Mud Weekend at Laurelville Christian Retreat Center (see photos below), and he reports the success of, literally, diving into the mud with them, and getting a little dirty to teach timeless lessons.
Laurelville Mud Weekends are sponsored each Fall by the Pittsburgh Kids Foundation, and Justin took a group of six boys and two girls as part of his Student Ministry Internship at Northway Christian Community’s Beaver Valley campus. A requirement for Geneva Student Ministry majors is that each student completes a 9-12 credit internship that includes opportunities to witness, experience and participate in the variety of practices and skills that make up student ministry.
“It was an awesome experience,” says Justin. “One of the boys had just started to come to youth group, and we encouraged him to come along.” He enjoyed the games and activities, culminating in crazy fun in the mud – musical chairs, tug-of-war, football and general horseplay – in addition to participating in worship time and talks, Bible studies and quiet times.
“He really opened up and was vulnerable with me,” said Justin. “He had gotten in trouble at other camps, and wasn’t sure that he would fit it, but he had a great time and we had the chance to talk about how a relationship with God can change his life. He asked questions about faith, the Trinity, and the Crucifixion, and I’m looking forward to continuing conversations with him in the future.”
In his Intro to Student Ministry class with Geneva professor Dr. Doug Bradbury, Justin has been learning about developing relationships and being intentional when ministering to kids. He is also taking Family Ministry, and feels that his coursework and class discussion is really helping him hone his skills for student ministry.
“I went to Mud Weekend when I was a youth group kid, and it’s really exciting to join in the ministry as a leader,” Justin says. “I felt prepared to tackle hard questions, and I look forward to more growth experiences here at Geneva, and through my internship at Northway.”
Two other Geneva students – Junior Student Ministry major Marissa Kotanichek and Junior PK-4/PK-8 Special Ed major Emma Ferguson – also served as leaders at Laurelville Mud Weekends this year with their home churches.
To learn more about Laurelville Mud Weekends, go to https://www.pittsburghkidsfoundation.org/camps.
Photos of Justin and his friends during Mud Weekend at Laurelville
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