Check out a report by CNN.com, “Surveys: Young adults searching spiritually” (http://www.cnn.com/2005/EDUCATION/04/13/young.adults.religion.ap/index.html ) about a survey conductedy by UCLA of more than 100,000 college freshman that “found four in five reporting an interest in spirituality, with three in four searching for meaning or purpose in life.”
In light of this report, it’s also interesting to note that pewinternet.org’s online usage data reflects that 81% of 18-29 year olds are online. People are searching, not necessarily for the sake of being religious, but rather to experience life holisticly–mind, body and Spirit. God’s Spirit is moving in this world in incredible ways–moving the hearts and minds of many so they can only be satisfied by the working of The Spirit in their lives.
I believe this because I was one that wanted so much to experience more than what I saw in the world. I looked for satisfaction in higher ed, work, and basically everything–but nothing satisfied this yearning that was at the core of my being. The crazy thing is that I don’t have the words to explain what happened or what I did other than I started reading about Jesus and His life. It really impacted me in a huge way. Then when I read the Bible about Jesus’ ministry on earth and began implementing what He taught His disciples in my life, I began to see things differently, very differently. Little by little I began to change in the way I lived my life and the way I interacted with others. I’m still changing. The more I learn, the more I push away what I thought I wanted and instead pursue a journey that I feel compelled to travel–not for me, but for God and who God created me to be.
“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out–plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen.
When you come looking for me, you’ll find me.
Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” GOD’s Decree.” ~~ Jeremiah 29:11-14, The Message
Great perspective on the article. Evangelism and outreach are going to look so much different in the years to come. I am glad that the TNI consulting group plan on being on the front edge of this.
E
04.15.05 @ 17:32:53