The Story of Sam at SuperStart!

Well we've just launched our fourth SuperStart! tour and everything's going great. I always underestimate how excited, energetic, and loud the preteen students can get at these events. If you've never heard 700 preteens worshiping Jesus at the top of their lungs then you're missing out on one of the most amazing sounds I've ever heard. Kyle Fleet, one of the preteen pastors that brought his students to SuperStart! in Wichita, shared with us something that happened with one of his preteens at the event. This story sums up exactly why we do what we do. Enjoy!

Patrick Snow

"When I broke my kids into small groups I put Sam, one of our "Extra Grace Required" kids with myself so that I wouldn't scare any of my volunteers away. Sam is a boy that is always pushing the limits and can cause trouoble without lifting a finger. I figured if I was going to have any issues with any of the kids it would be with him.

We had an ice cream bar for our late evening snack so I brought the group together, gave them some house rules, and released them by their small groups. When Sam's group was dismissed I noticed that he did not get up. I continued releasing other groups until they were all dismissed. While all the other kids were in the room getting their icecream and I noticed Sam was still sitting in his chair looking kind of sad. I waived him over to me and asked him if anything was wrong.

Sam looked me in the eyes and said, "nothing's wrong, I'm just waiting. Isn't that what we talked about tonight? Putting others first? All these people are my friends and friends put each other first".

I was overwhelemed! Sam wouldn't even get ice cream until I first got mine. At an age where kids are learning that the Bible should guide decisions and have practical implications for their lives, Sam hit it right on the head!

Kyle Fleet
Upper Elementary Director
Central Christian Church