Dear Patron 3.

Dear Patron 1 

Dear Patron 2

Last week, we unpacked authenticity—the necessity of living and ministering with a heart that's consistently real on and off the podium. Today, we turn to the next cornerstone of effective ministry: availability.  


It’s often said that presence outweighs presents. Why? Because presents are cheap, but presence is costly—it demands time, love, and sacrifice. The beauty of availability is that it mirrors God’s own approach to humanity. God didn’t stay distant, operating from His throne room. No, He came down to dwell among us. In Exodus 3:7-8, God tells Moses, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people...I have heard them crying...so I have come down to rescue them.”

- What have you seen as the misery in your students? 

- What have you heard them complaining about?

- How do you plan to be present for them?



Likewise, in Jesus, we see divine availability in action. Philippians 2:6-8 reminds us how Christ “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness…even to death on a cross.” This wasn’t just a heavenly visit—it was a sacrificial, transformational presence.

- Presence will call for a major sacrifice on your part.

- A sacrifice that will demand humility and change.


As teachers or ministers, it’s easy to think, “I’m always at school, so I’m present.” But availability is more than mere physical presence. It’s about being emotionally and spiritually accessible. It’s about setting aside your busyness to actively listen, empathize, and journey with the teens under your care.  


Jesus exemplifies this kind of presence. In Mark 10:13-16, despite being busy, He welcomed little children, laying hands on them and blessing them. His actions said, “You matter.” That’s the kind of availability our teens notice and remember.  


Let’s be honest: being available isn’t always convenient. It may mean staying behind after a fellowship to talk, attending their events, or simply giving your undivided attention when they open up. True availability transforms us because it prioritizes their needs over our schedules.  


Think about Jesus. He gave up the splendor of heaven to live, laugh, and ultimately die for humanity (John 1:14). He didn’t just send angels—He came Himself. This is the standard of availability God calls us to reflect.  


Reflection Questions:

1. What should you START doing?

   - Are there specific ways you can show your presence—attending their school games, inviting them to group discussions, or hosting small prayer meetings? Is there another teacher or minister you can engage to help in presence ministry?


2. What should you STOP doing?

   - Are you too distracted by tasks, timelines, or even technology when teens are reaching out? Are you giving excuses instead of time? Do you leave school too fast?


3. What should you CHANGE?

   - Is there a way to adjust your schedule to prioritize meaningful connection? Do you need to shift your mindset from being in the compound to being truly connected?  


4. What should you CONTINUE doing? 

   - Reflect on the moments where your presence made a difference. Are there specific habits—like consistently showing up for them—that you can sustain or amplify?


So, as you reflect on your ministry this holiday, remember: availability isn’t easy, but it’s powerful. Just as Christ’s presence transformed lives, your availability is planting seeds that will bear fruit in ways you might not see today.  



Blessings as you prepare to minister with a heart that’s present, loving, and sacrificial!

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