The Best of Both Worlds
Cavin and Carter created a cross-generational partnership to bring the good news of the gospel to students.
“Sometimes we’re so focused on our differences,” Cavin Harper says.
He continues, “Instead, what if we said, ‘What do we share and how can we build on that?’” It would be Cavin’s relationship with Carter Birky, and their shared ministry to middle school boys, that would help him realize that we really can work together.
From being a worship and music pastor, to helping with children’s choirs and serving in AWANA, Cavin has been involved in Cross-generational ministry for decades.
When COVID-19 hit, AWANA stopped and Cavin was left wondering how he could continue serving youth at Woodmen. That’s when Cavin called Tyler Woolley, one of Woodmen’s student directors, to see if he could be of any help. Tyler replied, “As a matter of fact, you can — with our middle school students.”
CAN I KEEP UP?
“Well, I wasn’t thinking middle school,” Cavin reluctantly responded. Tyler assured Cavin that he could do it, through God’s strength. Cavin’s experience had been with elementary school children. But he realized in that moment, it was time to get out of his comfort zone.
For Cavin, leading a group of 15 middle school boys seemed daunting: “I didn’t know what to expect. How could I, at 74 years old, keep up with boys that age?”
Cavin wondered if his limitations might prevent him from serving the students well. Then he realized, “My physical constraints can’t keep me from building relationships.” It was important for Cavin to do his part and trust God to do the rest.
WHEN CARTER MET CAVIN
Around the same time, Carter, who was in high school himself, was inspired to find a way to serve younger students. That’s when Carter met Cavin.
Whew! Praise God for Carter. The two of us can do this! Cavin thought at their first meeting. Carter was an answer to Cavin’s prayers.
“There’s so much I can say about this young man,” Cavin shares. “I admire the way he leads with integrity and his spiritual depth and maturity despite the challenges he faces himself as a young man.”
A WINTER CAMP WONDER
During Woodmen’s Winter Camp, Cavin was invited into a moment he’ll never forget. During free time, Carter was approached by one of the boys from their group who had burning desire to know more about Jesus. Despite being nervous, Carter was reassured by the ministry he’d seen Cavin model in the preceding months. Carter led the student to Christ.
Later that day, Carter and the boy met with Cavin to discuss next steps. “You can’t get a better thrill than that! To be invited into the conversation to affirm what was taking place in this young man’s heart was exciting for me, but Carter was ready to go! It was an honor to support Carter in that moment,” Cavin recalls.
Cavin learned early in their ministry partnership that he could pass the reigns to Carter. “The joy in watching Carter connect with the boys — he really has a rapport with them,” Cavin says.
Carter is grateful for Cavin as well: “Over the years I’ve learned a lot from him. Hearing the wisdom he provides to the group and to me personally has been a big encouragement.”
DISCOVERING GOD’S WAY
The unique partnership between Cavin and Carter means the boys get the best of both worlds: the common ground relationships they share with Carter and the wisdom brough by Cavin. Carter notes, “We, the younger generation, don’t often hear encouragement from older generations. We need that. It’s so important.”
Cavin adds, “These kids need someone to tell them they’re valuable and cared for. It’s not about getting them to do it your way, but rather helping them to discover God’s way for them.”
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