The Youth Ministry is AWESOME
in Tonasket, WA
by Cynthia Schnereger

Another year of youth ministry has passed at Tonasket (WA) FMC under the leadership of Paul Koval. "We have much to boast about, and His name is Jesus," says the youth leader with great enthusiasm. "We shall boast about His love, His faithfulness, His justice … and the cross of Christ that is foolishness to the world — but to us who are being saved it is the power of God unto salvation. And we shall boast about our future — eternal life in Christ Jesus."

A brief glance at some of the statistics from Tonasket this past year reveals the hand of God on its youth ministry — in a BIG way:

Koval attributes his success in working with youth first and foremost to his deep personal relationship with God — the God who rescued him out of a 23-year addiction to drugs and alcohol. "He set me free, without any treatment except His own," says Koval, who describes himself as outside the box when it comes to directing youth ministry.

Paul Koval

Koval's long-time involvement with snowboarding and skateboarding (he ran a "hardcore" shop in Omak, WA) made him a hero in the eyes of alternative kids in the area and a nemesis to the city council. But after the Lord entered his life Koval turned his time and attention to serving God and bringing young people into relationship with Him. He also attributes much of the positive impact of his ministry to his very supportive wife, Shawna, and his pastor, Ron Wise, who's mentored him and stood by him when his unorthodox ministry methods have brought out questioners and doubters.

It's Not About Games

Students lead their peers in worship at a Wednesday night service.

Koval's youth ministry isn't about fun and games. It's clearly and blatantly about Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Wednesday nights, young people gather in droves for dinner at the church, followed by student-led worship (they especially love contemporized hymns) and Koval's teaching. He aims to make the church "a place of refuge," a place where kids can "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8). And it's working. The Tonasket youth group had seven attendees when Koval came three years ago — now they're nearing 100. And many are being saved.

The ministry uses a lot of video, drama and testimonies. "The world is so fast-paced," explains Koval, "things are just thrown at us — and the kids are used to that. Sometimes on Wednesday nights I throw out a question — like asking the kids to define freedom or hypocrisy or some biblical term — and they throw out answers."

He says it's fascinating to watch the interactions among the kids — how quick they are to follow those who are prominent or popular. "I don't want to be their friend," says Koval, "I'm 44! I just want them to follow me as I follow Jesus." And that fits right in with the way he sees the kids choosing whom they will follow. "When they perceive something to be true, they hop on board." Koval and his ministry team are praying these young people will choose Christ as their model and mentor.

Not Just for Kids
The rest of the Tonasket church is involved in Koval's program, too. Many donate cash, food and helping hands for the Wednesday night gatherings. Many pray faithfully for the church's youth and those who have yet to come. "We're tearing down the wall between youth and the rest of the church," says Koval. "Some of our best advocates are over 60 years old. They love kids getting saved, being transformed, getting baptized and sharing testimonies!" And they help in another way too: through encouragement cards.

Janis Fowler (left, in blue) and Angela Olivera (center, right) — both youth group graduates now involved in leadership — join Paul in recognizing one of the many teens baptized in a special service.

Every young person who attends Sunday school, a small group, Wednesday night — or any other youth gathering at Tonasket FMC — receives an encouraging note once a month from an adult member of the congregation. More than 100 cards are sent every month. Based on Isaiah 55, the notes are distinctly aimed to encourage kids with Scripture. "At first, the grown-ups wanted to know all about the kids so they could pray for their activities, families, etc." explains Koval. "But I told them I wasn't going to provide that information because I wanted them to use God's Word to esteem these kids for their faith in God and their relationship with Jesus." Now the adults eagerly search the Scriptures to find verses to share, and young people are being esteemed and encouraged about the way they are walking out their faith in Jesus Christ.

A growing group of lay people is directly involved in the ministry as well — all of them described by Koval as "leaders who are willing to pay the price of discipleship, coming and toiling after their day jobs — just to serve the King."

Both young and old gather together weekly to pray for every youth, leader, pastor and family at Tonasket who has attended youth ministry events.

Small Groups and Sunday Mornings
Four small groups are up and growing: middle school girls, middle school boys, high school girls and high school boys and girls together.

High school Sunday school attendance is also growing, with the young people currently studying what the Word of God says in relation to what they put into their minds. "Media is a stronghold of the enemy," says Koval. "We will only tear it down through fasting, prayer, obedience and the Word of God." He's asked the church to join in the fight for the minds and souls of the young people. "No weapon fashioned against us will stand!"

Middle school girls join together weekly with Sue Johnson for "Tea and Truth," a delightful Sunday school class where these dozen or so young women share the Word of God over tea and crumpets served in beautiful china teacups and saucers. Middle school boys have been studying Lee Strobel's book, The Case for Faith, under the leadership of Lloyd Caton Jr.

Standing Firm
"Pastors have to fight off the enemy so the sheep can eat and grow," says Koval with deep conviction. "When people aren't serving it's because the enemy is pressing in hard," he adds. But that's not what's happening at Tonasket FMC. The congregation is praying, giving and serving. God is breaking down strongholds and young people are flocking to the Lord. They're praying for each other, caring for each other and, in turn, wanting to serve. They're eating and growing. To God be the glory!

"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God"
— (John 1:12,13).