I love when I find a business that manages to support ministries in a creative way so I have to share my latest find (well, someone showed it to me so i'm really just passing it along..) It's called Sevenly and they sell t-shirts to support different ministries/causes around the world. Each shirt is uniquely designed by the Sevenly team and for every shirt sold the ministry it represents gets $7. It's an easy way for ministries to raise money and awareness for their cause. Each shirt is only available to order for one week which means you have to move quick and check back every week for the new ministry and design.
Enough from me, just check it out!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
1 Corinthians 1:25
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Poland
It has taken me a few weeks to readjust to being home and to process my summer. In the month of July I was only in my house for 7 nights and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love every minute of being away!
This summer was packed with lots of adventures; two youth summer camps and two trips to different continents, Nicaragua and Poland. I came home at the end of July exhausted yet revitalized and more torn than ever on where I’m supposed to be.
Poland was an incredible opportunity to serve in a way that I’m not used to. Every mission trip I’ve been on has been centered on serving some of the poorest people in the world and I almost went to Poland with an arrogance because I didn’t think it was going to “get me” like my other trips have. Of course, God proved me wrong and humbled me right away. While Poland may not be as financially poor as I’m used to seeing Poland is extremely spiritually poor. The population of Poland is 40,000,000 and it’s estimated that only 0.01% of the population are evangelical Christians. There are currently 39 evangelical churches in the entire country. These figures are still staggering to me and impacted me greatly as I ministered to the people in Poland.
Proem Ministries was a pleasure to work with as they are making great progress in the country in terms of raising young Christians to be a light to the country. Our team had the privilege of helping run a basketball camp that focused on teaching youth adults (ages 12-early 30’s) about Jesus. Every morning and evening we had a worship session, very similar to ones we put on at Roll Hill, and during the day we ran basketball drills and games. We also had the joy of seeing 54 young adults accept Christ for the first time, which is an incredible number when you think of the overall number of Christians in the country! Please join me in praying for their walk with Christ as there is not a lot of support outside of Proem Ministries and their sister church, Tomy Church.
I went to Poland excited to serve in another country and to get a better understanding of one of the trips Roll Hill offers every year and I came home longing to go back. I am confident that while the last ten months have brought about a lot of unexpected transitions, God is placing some really cool ministry opportunities in my path that might not have been possible without those changes. I am looking forward to continuing this journey of discovering where God wants me to serve.
I am extremely grateful for your support, prayers, encouragement and friendship. I ask that you please continue to pray for me and the different ministry opportunities God continues to reveal to me.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Challenges
"Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you." 1 Peter 4:12
Okay, so we know trials (challenges) are going to come our way and even though God's word says we should not be surprised by them we still manage to be shocked when they do, myself included. Recently I've been caught off guard by challenges that have been placed in my path but instead of crawling in a hole (like I've often felt like doing) I've decided to take this opportunity to work on myself, try new things, expand my comfort zone, and push myself. So far (among some other things) I've gotten two new tattoos, a new ear piercing, made new friends and smoked a cigar. However, the things on my calendar for the weeks to come are even more exciting. In a couple weeks I'm going skydiving, in October I'm running a half marathon in San Francisco (hills galore!), a full marathon in December and at the end of next month I plan to go to Nicaragua with my roommates.
We've been given an opportunity to work with the International Women's Coffee Association (IWCA) through my roommates families coffee company. The IWCA works to "empower women in the international coffee community to achieve meaningful and sustainable lives; and to encourage and recognize the participation of women in all aspects of the coffee industry". We know that trials are going to come our way yet for many women around the world life is a constant trial because of the circumstances they live in. I'm excited for the opportunity to go work with some women that are striving to improve their circumstances in order to raise healthy families.
The challenges I've been faced with have given me an opportunity to take more time to travel and work with people in other countries that have challenges of their own.
More to come on my adventures...
Okay, so we know trials (challenges) are going to come our way and even though God's word says we should not be surprised by them we still manage to be shocked when they do, myself included. Recently I've been caught off guard by challenges that have been placed in my path but instead of crawling in a hole (like I've often felt like doing) I've decided to take this opportunity to work on myself, try new things, expand my comfort zone, and push myself. So far (among some other things) I've gotten two new tattoos, a new ear piercing, made new friends and smoked a cigar. However, the things on my calendar for the weeks to come are even more exciting. In a couple weeks I'm going skydiving, in October I'm running a half marathon in San Francisco (hills galore!), a full marathon in December and at the end of next month I plan to go to Nicaragua with my roommates.
We've been given an opportunity to work with the International Women's Coffee Association (IWCA) through my roommates families coffee company. The IWCA works to "empower women in the international coffee community to achieve meaningful and sustainable lives; and to encourage and recognize the participation of women in all aspects of the coffee industry". We know that trials are going to come our way yet for many women around the world life is a constant trial because of the circumstances they live in. I'm excited for the opportunity to go work with some women that are striving to improve their circumstances in order to raise healthy families.
The challenges I've been faced with have given me an opportunity to take more time to travel and work with people in other countries that have challenges of their own.
More to come on my adventures...
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Mexico Changes People
I love mission trips. I love them because the people who serve come back changed and the people who are served are changed. I spent the last week in Mexico building 7 houses with 120 high school students and leaders. We built 7 houses in 3.5 days. On Thursday night, when the houses were complete I went to bed thinking about the families spending their first night in their brand new home-a home they waited years to receive, a home they couldn't build themselves, a home they couldn't pay for. It was an incredible feeling-it is every year.
Not only was this trip another life changing experience because of the work that was accomplished but for me this trip was another milestone in rediscovering myself. The trip went really smooth and at the end of the week I realized I can do this on my own. I can plan, organize and lead mission trips successfully and while I had a whole crew of leaders to make it work I was able to pull it off.
At a young age, I learned (from my beautifully strong mom) how to be an independent woman. I just recently realized how much my identity became wrapped up in my former husband. It's hard to tell when you're in it but once you're out of it you begin to see glimpses of how it really was. I'm an independent woman whose identity is in Christ Jesus and I can do this thing called life with Him and through His strength.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
New Starts
It's been a while since I've been active in the blogging world and man oh man a lot has happened!
It's been six months since my husband of over three years told me he was resigning from his position at our church and also walking out on our marriage. The last six months have not been the easiest, to say the least, but I have learned so much about myself, forgiveness and the promises God offers. I am finally at a place where I can recognize the good in the divorce and am able to forgive him for the pain he caused and the promises he backed out on.
Forgiveness is not an easy or quick road to walk down but it is one that I feel benefits me more than it benefits him. Just yesterday I was able to send him an email explaining to him that I had forgiven him for the pain and chaos he threw into my life-it wasn't about releasing him from any consequences of his actions or validating his choices, it was about releasing myself from the burden of his decision and letting myself move on. I forgave him because Christ first forgave me. Did he deserve my forgiveness? Maybe not but then again I don't deserve the forgiveness Christ has given me either.
So, what is "and this happens" now about? It's about the adventures I take as a single woman rediscovering herself, her purpose in life and her purpose in Christ. It's about seeing the silver lining in what seemed like a very dark, thick cloud.
It's been six months since my husband of over three years told me he was resigning from his position at our church and also walking out on our marriage. The last six months have not been the easiest, to say the least, but I have learned so much about myself, forgiveness and the promises God offers. I am finally at a place where I can recognize the good in the divorce and am able to forgive him for the pain he caused and the promises he backed out on.
Forgiveness is not an easy or quick road to walk down but it is one that I feel benefits me more than it benefits him. Just yesterday I was able to send him an email explaining to him that I had forgiven him for the pain and chaos he threw into my life-it wasn't about releasing him from any consequences of his actions or validating his choices, it was about releasing myself from the burden of his decision and letting myself move on. I forgave him because Christ first forgave me. Did he deserve my forgiveness? Maybe not but then again I don't deserve the forgiveness Christ has given me either.
So, what is "and this happens" now about? It's about the adventures I take as a single woman rediscovering herself, her purpose in life and her purpose in Christ. It's about seeing the silver lining in what seemed like a very dark, thick cloud.
Friday, January 8, 2010
On to 2010...
or 2KX as some of my friends are calling it. It is interesting to hear all the variations, I wonder what will be most popular by the end of the year.
I ended 2009 with one of my most challenging accomplishments which was running a full marathon. I finished it in 4:30:36 and never walked! I had a great team of friends and family supporting me the whole way-through the training and during the actual run. It felt amazing to complete my challenge from CIY and to also raise $1100 for a well in Malawi, Africa. And, to answer your question-no, I have not run since! I have been working out but no running-my body needed a serious break after 4 months of training. However, I am registered for a half marathon in March so I need to get myself back on the road! My goal for 2010 is to run two half marathons and I have already registered for one and am close to registering for the second! I'm not sure I'll run another full one but I can sure do a half!
I am looking forward to 2010 because we have lots of exciting things to look forward to. As I'm sure you have done, I've set some goals for myself and can't wait to see how God works through me to accomplish them.
At the end of March we are planning on taking about 115 high school students and adult leaders to Mexico to build houses for the poor. We had to cancel this same trip last year due to the media hype but we are going full steam ahead this year! We are going with a new organization this year which not only focuses on building houses but also focuses on teaching communities about the love of Jesus Christ. I can't wait for this trip...when I was a senior in high school I went on this trip and it totally changed the course of my life.
Another thing that I am really excited for is a new adventure Matt and I have started with a couple of our friends. Every year we take high school students to a conference but there aren't really any great, affordable conferences for junior high students. This lead us to plan one on our own! It is a huge task but we are really looking forward to offering a high quality conference for junior high students in Northern California-so look forward to more information about Collision 2010!
I think that's all for now! I hope that you have a great 2010 and can't wait to see what 2KX has in store!
I ended 2009 with one of my most challenging accomplishments which was running a full marathon. I finished it in 4:30:36 and never walked! I had a great team of friends and family supporting me the whole way-through the training and during the actual run. It felt amazing to complete my challenge from CIY and to also raise $1100 for a well in Malawi, Africa. And, to answer your question-no, I have not run since! I have been working out but no running-my body needed a serious break after 4 months of training. However, I am registered for a half marathon in March so I need to get myself back on the road! My goal for 2010 is to run two half marathons and I have already registered for one and am close to registering for the second! I'm not sure I'll run another full one but I can sure do a half!
I am looking forward to 2010 because we have lots of exciting things to look forward to. As I'm sure you have done, I've set some goals for myself and can't wait to see how God works through me to accomplish them.
At the end of March we are planning on taking about 115 high school students and adult leaders to Mexico to build houses for the poor. We had to cancel this same trip last year due to the media hype but we are going full steam ahead this year! We are going with a new organization this year which not only focuses on building houses but also focuses on teaching communities about the love of Jesus Christ. I can't wait for this trip...when I was a senior in high school I went on this trip and it totally changed the course of my life.
Another thing that I am really excited for is a new adventure Matt and I have started with a couple of our friends. Every year we take high school students to a conference but there aren't really any great, affordable conferences for junior high students. This lead us to plan one on our own! It is a huge task but we are really looking forward to offering a high quality conference for junior high students in Northern California-so look forward to more information about Collision 2010!
I think that's all for now! I hope that you have a great 2010 and can't wait to see what 2KX has in store!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Mission Accomplished!
I'll post more later...when I can feel my legs again. For now, I just wanted to post that I officially finished my first marathon! 4 hours 30 minutes and 36 seconds! Thanks again for your support!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
One week!
I can't believe the day is almost here-I have one week until the California International Marathon! I am really excited to complete this challenge and truly appreciate all the support and encouragement you have given me. I have about 6 people ready to run alongside me during different parts of the marathon and I'm looking forward to sharing this experience with my friends.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The Death of Me
Not very many people can say they know the day they will die...I have a sneaking suspicion I may know the day and even a time range...December 6, 2009 between the hours of 7:00am and 11:15am. These are the hours in which I will be running my first marathon. Okay, now I don't really think it will be the death of me but it might bring me closer. Training has been taking up a lot of my "free time" which was already hard to come by. I have enjoyed the challenge and I am looking forward to the actual race but I can also say that I can't wait for it to be over! This whole thing started from a challenge at a summer conference called CIY and now in just a few weeks I will be completing the challenge! All the money I raise for the run will be going to bring clean water to a community in Malawi, Africa through playpumps international. Please read my support letter and pray about supporting playpumps either through my marathon or through their website. I have included my support letter in this post and ask that you would consider supporting the children in Malawi.
I hope this letter finds you well and getting ready for the quickly approaching holiday season! I can’t believe it is already November - I feel like I just returned from India! This year has been great as I graduated school last December, and was then offered a job at our church as the student ministries coordinator - Matt is now my boss! It is working out really well and I think we make a great team. I can’t imagine doing anything else right now.
This summer we took 150 high school students to a conference in Southern California where everyone was given a challenge card, which contained one of many possible challenges. A group of 4 junior girls and myself decided to open our cards together so that we could keep each other accountable for our challenges. I was the last one to open my card and on it reads, “26.2- commit to being healthier. Train and run a marathon before next summer.” While I have always been active, I have never been a long distance runner by any means! I have already started my training and actually ran a half marathon in preparation for my full marathon on December 6.
I have decided to raise support for my marathon and donate all proceeds to PlayPumps International. This organization supports a cause that has really been on my heart - providing clean water for communities that do not have access. 1.1 billion people in our world do not have access to clean drinking water, which leads to premature deaths. Every 15 seconds a child dies of a preventable disease related to unsafe water. In addition, in many communities, young girls walk an average of 5 miles a day to get this unsanitary water, which results in the girls not being able to attend school.
PlayPumps International installs wells in areas that don’t have access to clean water. These wells are attached to a merry-go-round, and every time kids spin the merry-go-round, water is pumped from the ground. Not only does this system provide clean drinking water, but it also provides a place for little kids to play. PlayPumps also hires local men to maintain the system. In addition, girls get the opportunity to attend school because they don’t have to walk for hours a day to get water.
I would love for you to join me in bringing awareness to this cause and this organization. I also ask that you would consider sponsoring me as I run 26.2 miles to bring awareness. All the support raised will go towards a PlayPump in Malawi, Africa. My goal is to raise $2500. If you are able to support this challenge of mine, you can make checks payable to PlayPumps International. Thank you for always supporting me in my adventures! This is by far the most challenging for me, so I ask that you keep me in your thoughts and prayers-especially as December 6 gets closer.
With love and appreciation,
Heather
I would also like to add-I was not the only one who received a challenge at CIY and by the time I cross the finish line one of our students will have memorized the first chapter of Ephesians...on his way to memorizing the whole book by July 2010! Go Taylor!
I hope this letter finds you well and getting ready for the quickly approaching holiday season! I can’t believe it is already November - I feel like I just returned from India! This year has been great as I graduated school last December, and was then offered a job at our church as the student ministries coordinator - Matt is now my boss! It is working out really well and I think we make a great team. I can’t imagine doing anything else right now.
This summer we took 150 high school students to a conference in Southern California where everyone was given a challenge card, which contained one of many possible challenges. A group of 4 junior girls and myself decided to open our cards together so that we could keep each other accountable for our challenges. I was the last one to open my card and on it reads, “26.2- commit to being healthier. Train and run a marathon before next summer.” While I have always been active, I have never been a long distance runner by any means! I have already started my training and actually ran a half marathon in preparation for my full marathon on December 6.
I have decided to raise support for my marathon and donate all proceeds to PlayPumps International. This organization supports a cause that has really been on my heart - providing clean water for communities that do not have access. 1.1 billion people in our world do not have access to clean drinking water, which leads to premature deaths. Every 15 seconds a child dies of a preventable disease related to unsafe water. In addition, in many communities, young girls walk an average of 5 miles a day to get this unsanitary water, which results in the girls not being able to attend school.
PlayPumps International installs wells in areas that don’t have access to clean water. These wells are attached to a merry-go-round, and every time kids spin the merry-go-round, water is pumped from the ground. Not only does this system provide clean drinking water, but it also provides a place for little kids to play. PlayPumps also hires local men to maintain the system. In addition, girls get the opportunity to attend school because they don’t have to walk for hours a day to get water.
I would love for you to join me in bringing awareness to this cause and this organization. I also ask that you would consider sponsoring me as I run 26.2 miles to bring awareness. All the support raised will go towards a PlayPump in Malawi, Africa. My goal is to raise $2500. If you are able to support this challenge of mine, you can make checks payable to PlayPumps International. Thank you for always supporting me in my adventures! This is by far the most challenging for me, so I ask that you keep me in your thoughts and prayers-especially as December 6 gets closer.
With love and appreciation,
Heather
I would also like to add-I was not the only one who received a challenge at CIY and by the time I cross the finish line one of our students will have memorized the first chapter of Ephesians...on his way to memorizing the whole book by July 2010! Go Taylor!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
1/2 Marathon down...
I ran my first official 1/2 marathon race and boy was it exhilarating! I'll tell ya-sometimes it is difficult to go out and run 15 miles around town but I had a lot of fun at the race. There were thousands of other people there walking and running, bands every couple miles and lots of people lining the streets to cheer for people. My official finishing time was 2:08:15 which is quite a bit faster than my training pace so I am excited about that! When running for over two hours straight there are lots of interesting thoughts that pop into my head and I sort of wished I had brought my cell phone along so I could Tweet updates.
Since I didn't think ahead to bring my phone I will recap some of those thoughts here:
Mile 1: Are you kidding me...why is it so stinkin' cold?! (We started at 7:30am)
Mile 3: Are you kidding me-it's only been 3 miles?!
Mile 5: Oh yeah! I can do this...who chose that band? They are terrible!
Mile 5.5: Just saw a girl with a shirt that said "I'd rather be at church"-laughed to myself then pondered whether that was because she really enjoyed church or because she really hated running.
Mile 6: Got passed by some kids that looked all of 11 years old and realized I'm not even 1/2 way finished.
Mile 7: Took some Cytomax from the volunteers handing it out at the hydration station, spilled it all over myself...great, now I'm sticky.
Mile 8: I think the guy in front of me pooped his pants...I've heard of that in the Olympics and the Boston Marathon but come on...this is the Cow Town 1/2 marathon...take a few to use the porta-potties!
Mile 10: If someone offered me $100 to chop my foot off I would consider...my left foot is hurting so bad, ow...ow...ow. Dang it, an old man just passed me.
Mile 13: this is by far the longest mile ever...is this some sick joke?!
Mile 13.1: How am I going to do double that in a couple months?!!
I actually really enjoyed the whole race atmosphere and also like my cowbell finishing medal! I'm really glad I did the 1/2 and will consider carrying my phone with me for the full-if not to Twitter at least for use in case I need someone to pick me up and drive me to the finish line :-)
Since I didn't think ahead to bring my phone I will recap some of those thoughts here:
Mile 1: Are you kidding me...why is it so stinkin' cold?! (We started at 7:30am)
Mile 3: Are you kidding me-it's only been 3 miles?!
Mile 5: Oh yeah! I can do this...who chose that band? They are terrible!
Mile 5.5: Just saw a girl with a shirt that said "I'd rather be at church"-laughed to myself then pondered whether that was because she really enjoyed church or because she really hated running.
Mile 6: Got passed by some kids that looked all of 11 years old and realized I'm not even 1/2 way finished.
Mile 7: Took some Cytomax from the volunteers handing it out at the hydration station, spilled it all over myself...great, now I'm sticky.
Mile 8: I think the guy in front of me pooped his pants...I've heard of that in the Olympics and the Boston Marathon but come on...this is the Cow Town 1/2 marathon...take a few to use the porta-potties!
Mile 10: If someone offered me $100 to chop my foot off I would consider...my left foot is hurting so bad, ow...ow...ow. Dang it, an old man just passed me.
Mile 13: this is by far the longest mile ever...is this some sick joke?!
Mile 13.1: How am I going to do double that in a couple months?!!
I actually really enjoyed the whole race atmosphere and also like my cowbell finishing medal! I'm really glad I did the 1/2 and will consider carrying my phone with me for the full-if not to Twitter at least for use in case I need someone to pick me up and drive me to the finish line :-)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
"Kids these days"
I'm always a little frustrated when I hear people talking about "kids these days" because they can have such a negative view of today's youth. I happen to love junior high and high school students and while I realize they can be a little noisy and energetic at times (or all the time) they are kids and they have some of the most amazing hearts that I have ever seen. As a youth group we have a goal to raise $5,000 to put towards a playpump Last night at Impact (our junior high service) I was standing by the information table which also has our Well Project donation box on it when I saw a group of seventh grade girls walk up with wide grins and fists of waded up money. They began stuffing the money into the donation box so I asked them if they had been saving up their allowance and they proceeded to tell me that they had been setting up a lemonade stand to raise money for the well. How amazing! These girls spent hours of their weekends in the 100+ degree heat to raise money to provide people they will never meet with clean drinking water. "Kids these days" have hearts for things far greater than themselves and want to make an impact in the world like we have never seen...sometimes they just need a little direction and guidance on where to spend their energy and creativity. "Kids these days" have more faith in our Savior than most adults I have encountered and more dedication to learn more about Him. "Kids these days" have a heart to serve the people that "adults these days" don't. Encourage the kids of these days and just see what happens!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
26.2 and play pumps
Okay, so I am about 4 weeks into my marathon training and feeling pretty good...a little tired but good! This past Friday I ran 13 miles as part of my training and while I could not run another mile I wasn't feeling too incredibly bad. I was right on for my 10 minute mile pace. December 6 is my marathon date and I just pray that it doesn't rain. I don't mind the cold-it will be better than the 95 degrees now but I can't take the rain!
So, what am I running for? Other than to prove to our students that you can do anything you put your mind to and that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Phil. 4:13) I am running to raise money for a project that has really been on my heart.
There are 1.1 billion people in the world who do not have access to clean drinking water.
Young girls have to walk an average of 5 miles a day to get water, carrying up to 40 pounds of water.
The water they get is often contaminated.
These young girls cannot go to school because they have to get the water every day.
Every 15 seconds a child dies of a preventable disease related to unsafe water…every 15 seconds…that is 5,760 kids every day…that’s over 172 thousand every month!
The organization I am running for is PlayPumps International. PlayPumps is an amazing organization that installs some really cool water pumps in Africa. These aren't your ordinary pumps-these ones are connected to a merry-go-round that kids can play on. Each spin of the merry-go-round pumps water into an above ground, sanitary holding tank that the community can pump water from. PlayPumps also hires local men to install and maintain the pumps and guarantees them a job for at least 10 years. These pumps not only provide safe, clean drinking water for a community but the pumps offer an opportunity for girls to go to school to get an education, for men to get local jobs to earn money to support their family, play equipment for kids to enjoy and of course clean water to cut down the amount of deaths caused by contaminated water.
I tell you about this organization so you can spread the awareness and check out the organization for yourself. A little goes a long way and clean water is something that every person should be able to enjoy.
Check out the website www.playpumps.org to get ideas on how you can support a playpump in Africa!
Kids Play. Water Pumps.
So, what am I running for? Other than to prove to our students that you can do anything you put your mind to and that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Phil. 4:13) I am running to raise money for a project that has really been on my heart.
There are 1.1 billion people in the world who do not have access to clean drinking water.
Young girls have to walk an average of 5 miles a day to get water, carrying up to 40 pounds of water.
The water they get is often contaminated.
These young girls cannot go to school because they have to get the water every day.
Every 15 seconds a child dies of a preventable disease related to unsafe water…every 15 seconds…that is 5,760 kids every day…that’s over 172 thousand every month!
The organization I am running for is PlayPumps International. PlayPumps is an amazing organization that installs some really cool water pumps in Africa. These aren't your ordinary pumps-these ones are connected to a merry-go-round that kids can play on. Each spin of the merry-go-round pumps water into an above ground, sanitary holding tank that the community can pump water from. PlayPumps also hires local men to install and maintain the pumps and guarantees them a job for at least 10 years. These pumps not only provide safe, clean drinking water for a community but the pumps offer an opportunity for girls to go to school to get an education, for men to get local jobs to earn money to support their family, play equipment for kids to enjoy and of course clean water to cut down the amount of deaths caused by contaminated water.
I tell you about this organization so you can spread the awareness and check out the organization for yourself. A little goes a long way and clean water is something that every person should be able to enjoy.
Check out the website www.playpumps.org to get ideas on how you can support a playpump in Africa!
Kids Play. Water Pumps.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
CIY
A few weeks ago we had the great opportunity of taking 150 people (high school students and adults) to a Christ in Youth (CIY) conference in Southern California. CIY is an incredible organization that hosts conferences all over the US and even overseas. They bring in great bands and gifted speakers and have great programs designed to inspire and challenge high school students.
Here are some of the highlights from the conference:
2 girls from our group committed their lives to Christ for the first time.
6 students were baptized in the ocean.
Dozens of students committed to serving in full time ministry.
Dozens of students committed to serving in missions.
At the end of the week CIY handed out a sealed envelope to everyone and explained that what was inside was a challenge that was to be completed within the year. The CIY director explained that it should only be opened if you were completely serious about finishing the task that was inside the envelope. A few of us decided that we would open the cards together and that we would support and encourage each other in whatever task we opened. I'll tell you my challenge in a minute. A lot of our students decided to open the cards and we are very excited to see how God uses the tasks. Some of our students were challenged to take an overseas mission trip within a year, provide breakfast for the teachers at their school every month, fast one day a week for a whole year, raise $2000 to pay for 10 students to attend the conference next year and one of my favorites...do something nice and unexpected for your youth pastor once a month for a year. There are lots of others but those are the ones I can remember right now.
So, here we go...the card I opened said that I need to train and run a marathon within a year to raise money for a clean water organization! I'm actually really excited about it and have already started training. My marathon date is December 6...26.2 miles here I come! I have decided to raise money for playpumps.org and will explain more about that ministry later.
All in all, CIY was a great week-lots of awesome conversations and decisions and I'm already looking forward to next year!
Any running tips?
Here are some of the highlights from the conference:
2 girls from our group committed their lives to Christ for the first time.
6 students were baptized in the ocean.
Dozens of students committed to serving in full time ministry.
Dozens of students committed to serving in missions.
At the end of the week CIY handed out a sealed envelope to everyone and explained that what was inside was a challenge that was to be completed within the year. The CIY director explained that it should only be opened if you were completely serious about finishing the task that was inside the envelope. A few of us decided that we would open the cards together and that we would support and encourage each other in whatever task we opened. I'll tell you my challenge in a minute. A lot of our students decided to open the cards and we are very excited to see how God uses the tasks. Some of our students were challenged to take an overseas mission trip within a year, provide breakfast for the teachers at their school every month, fast one day a week for a whole year, raise $2000 to pay for 10 students to attend the conference next year and one of my favorites...do something nice and unexpected for your youth pastor once a month for a year. There are lots of others but those are the ones I can remember right now.
So, here we go...the card I opened said that I need to train and run a marathon within a year to raise money for a clean water organization! I'm actually really excited about it and have already started training. My marathon date is December 6...26.2 miles here I come! I have decided to raise money for playpumps.org and will explain more about that ministry later.
All in all, CIY was a great week-lots of awesome conversations and decisions and I'm already looking forward to next year!
Any running tips?
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Kiva
Okay, I have a lot to write about from CIY and Amplify but first I need to tell you about this organization I just heard about- Kiva. Kiva is a micro-lending organization that allows you to lend money to an entrepreneur either in another country (and a few in the US). These entrepreneurs are working people living in poverty that want to start up a business or make a repair on their existing business in order to support their families. They aren't looking for handouts, they just need a little financial assistance to get things up and running. The lowest amount you can lend is $25.00 but it is a loan-the entrepreneur pays you back-and then you can loan to another entrepreneur! You even get to see a picture of the person you are lending to, read a little bit about them and you can pick what industry you want to support...health, agriculture, transportation, clothing, etc. Go check it out while you wait for my stories of our summer camps!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Summer!
Summertime in youth ministry is my favorite time of the year. Summertime is crazy busy but totally rewarding and so much fun! In just a couple days we leave for Biola University with 130 high school students and 20 leaders for a Christ In Youth Conference (CIY) which will be attended by thousands of other high schoolers. This is going to be an awesome week and I hope that you will join me in praying for all the students and that they will be open to being changed by God.
We will return from CIY with just one day before leaving for Amplify-Junior High Summer Camp in Tahoe. We are taking about 80 junior high students to summer camp and pray that they will be changed as well and excited to show their community the love of Christ when they return home.
I always look forward to these camps and conferences as our students walk away challenged, changed and refreshed in Christ. I look forward to writing again in a couple weeks to update you on all the exciting happenings from camp!
We will return from CIY with just one day before leaving for Amplify-Junior High Summer Camp in Tahoe. We are taking about 80 junior high students to summer camp and pray that they will be changed as well and excited to show their community the love of Christ when they return home.
I always look forward to these camps and conferences as our students walk away challenged, changed and refreshed in Christ. I look forward to writing again in a couple weeks to update you on all the exciting happenings from camp!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Why I'm a junior high leader...
As the school year comes to an end my junior high small group is taking a break for the summer. My wonderful girls decided to have me over for an end-of-the-year dinner party. Each girl was responsible for a different part of the meal and when I arrived they were great hosts. The table was decorated with candles and flowers and name tags for where each of us was to sit. The girls brought their parts of the meal out-salad, bread sticks, spaghetti and soda, we prayed and they insisted that as the guest of honor I make my plate first. The food was delicious and we had some fun conversations. After dinner we had round one of desert and then the girls decided to play dress up. They found some old Halloween costumes and each girl dressed up as a princess and then of course we had to walk around the neighborhood...a sort of princess parade. The girls were cracking me up as they walked around "looking for their prince charming"...let me tell ya, the way they were singing would have sent anybody in their path running :-) After our walk we returned to the house and the girls proceeded to entertain me with dance performances and their own renditions of current songs.
One of the best parts of the night was just getting to watch the girls and how they interacted with each other. They each wrote me a note that touched me deeply and the whole night made me feel very honored to be a part of their lives.
There are times during small group where I wonder if they are getting it and wonder if they ever will and of course times when all I can do is laugh-like when one of the girls asks how to cure cavities when all the other girls are asking serious questions about Christ, or when one of the girls spits root beer float all over your face because someone made her laugh, or when one causes your toilet to overflow all over the bathroom and stares at it screaming instead of grabbing a towel-I love every moment of being their leader and really feel honored to be their junior high leader.
One of the best parts of the night was just getting to watch the girls and how they interacted with each other. They each wrote me a note that touched me deeply and the whole night made me feel very honored to be a part of their lives.
There are times during small group where I wonder if they are getting it and wonder if they ever will and of course times when all I can do is laugh-like when one of the girls asks how to cure cavities when all the other girls are asking serious questions about Christ, or when one of the girls spits root beer float all over your face because someone made her laugh, or when one causes your toilet to overflow all over the bathroom and stares at it screaming instead of grabbing a towel-I love every moment of being their leader and really feel honored to be their junior high leader.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
If only...then maybe
If only you knew that we spend our vacation thinking of ways to improve the youth group then maybe you would be slower to judge our decisions.
If only you knew how many hours we put into the youth ministry then maybe you would be less likely to tell us to add another event to benefit you.
If only you took a few minutes to ask the vision and purpose of the group then maybe you would understand the meaning behind our decisions.
If only you knew how much we truly care for each student then maybe you would understand that it breaks our hearts when we hear students are partying...and if only you knew how much we try to keep them on a healthy path then maybe you would be slower to put the blame on us when it does happen.
If only you would offer to host an event at your house or sponsor an event then maybe we could put some of your ideas on the calendar.
If only you encouraged/made your child attend youth group then maybe they would know what events are going on.
If only you were a parent to your child rather than a friend then maybe they would not go out and drink.
If only you volunteered in the youth ministry then maybe you could help "those" kids...you know, the ones who go out and drink...not yours, "those".
If only you spent some quality time with God then maybe your child would too.
If only you knew that youth ministry is more of a way of life than it is a job then maybe you would be less critical and choose your words more carefully.
If only...
If only you knew how many hours we put into the youth ministry then maybe you would be less likely to tell us to add another event to benefit you.
If only you took a few minutes to ask the vision and purpose of the group then maybe you would understand the meaning behind our decisions.
If only you knew how much we truly care for each student then maybe you would understand that it breaks our hearts when we hear students are partying...and if only you knew how much we try to keep them on a healthy path then maybe you would be slower to put the blame on us when it does happen.
If only you would offer to host an event at your house or sponsor an event then maybe we could put some of your ideas on the calendar.
If only you encouraged/made your child attend youth group then maybe they would know what events are going on.
If only you were a parent to your child rather than a friend then maybe they would not go out and drink.
If only you volunteered in the youth ministry then maybe you could help "those" kids...you know, the ones who go out and drink...not yours, "those".
If only you spent some quality time with God then maybe your child would too.
If only you knew that youth ministry is more of a way of life than it is a job then maybe you would be less critical and choose your words more carefully.
If only...
One more No-No
"Are you tired?"..."No, oh, you look tired"
Oh, gee, thanks for that boost of confidence!! Really, does anyone want to know when they look tired?? Let's just leave this question out of our conversations...uh, how about forever!
Oh, gee, thanks for that boost of confidence!! Really, does anyone want to know when they look tired?? Let's just leave this question out of our conversations...uh, how about forever!
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