Build relationship with kids

After reading the editorial in last week's Acorn regarding teenage drinking, I was compelled to respond. I don't think information is going to change anything.

The partying that goes on in this town--and most every town around the nation--is dangerous, I agree completely. But if you think telling high school students about what alcohol does to their bodies is a response that will challenge them to stop partying, I think that's missing the mark.

There's a deeper issue of character and morality that should be addressed in each high school student as they grow and prepare for college. They all know information about STDs, they know the information regarding drunk driving; where the decision-making process breaks down is at more of a core level.

They have the information, yet they're still choosing to be sexually active and to get drunk and high every weekend.

I'm a high school pastor at Evfree, a local church, so I see the struggle every day of students trying to make the right decisions that will keep them out of trouble and challenge them to a deeper walk with God. The bottom line is, even if you change the behavior, you haven't dealt with the core issues of identity, personal value and general wisdom that still exist.

My encouragement to parents: If you've got kids in high school, talk to them, build a relationship with them, don't be afraid to deal with deeper issues, and if you need help you've got me, Shawn Pritchett, Marty Milligan, Aaron Hallstrom, Evan Gratz, Drew Sams and several other youth pastors in town who would consider it an honor to help out.
Matt Larson
High school pastor, Evfree Conejo Valley