Witness...
Testimony by word or deed to your religious faith
A close observer
Someone who sees an event and reports what happened
What does it mean to actively be a witness? To witness?
Think about the definitions listed above. How do we as witnesses to the Christian faith now make witness a verb?
How are you witnessing by word or deed to your faith?
Yes, it often starts by us observing what God is doing in the world and then reporting it to others. But if we all do is witness with words we have missed a vital part of what it means to witness as a follower of Jesus.
Christian witnesses are not only to be hearers of the Word and tellers of the Word. It is essential that we are doers of the Word as well. We must seek to live out the message we proclaim.
In Romans 12:9-21, Paul provides one of the best summaries of what it means to witness to the presence of God in the world...
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-21 NIV)
Notice the first and last phrases in this passage...
Love must be sincere.
Overcome evil with good.
So simple, but yet so challenging. Easy to say, but often difficult to live.
How will you witness to the Kingdom of God? As you seek to live out the characteristics described above, what will you do to embody these characteristics?
God wants us to do more than talk about love. He desires more than telling others how to live. He calls us to follow Him and discover ways in our lives to live out the kind of love and goodness that offers glimpses at the Kingdom of God.
shine!
Jason
Showing posts with label Serving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Serving. Show all posts
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Monday, February 20, 2012
Blessed to be a blessing
This week in our student classes we encountered one of the most confrontational parts of James letter. He “gets in the face” of the rich and challenges them about the ways in which they use and abuse their riches.
Most of us would not consider ourselves rich. I mean, think about it, we don’t live in mansions. We don’t drive $100,000 sports cars. Rich people are people like Bill Gates and Mike Ilitch.
But think about this…
According to a recent statistic, more than 80% of the world’s population lives on less than $10 per day, or $3,650 per year. While we may not see ourselves as rich, I am sure that almost all of us live on more than $3,650 per year. That means we are richer than at least 80% of the world.
I think that James words speak directly to us and challenges us to consider our stewardship. While there are hundreds of ways we can help those who struggle to survive every day, I want to suggest one.
World Vision is an organization we have worked with for several years through our 30 Hour Famine. They also offer opportunities to adopt children and make a different in the lives of those who are not as blessed as we are. Here is some information from their website about sponsoring a child:
Child Sponsorship is an opportunity to personally connect with a child and walk alongside their family and community as they work on lasting solutions to the causes that keep vulnerable children from reaching their God-given potential.
When you become a child sponsor, you will be connected to one special child who will correspond with you, including sending a letter to introduce themselves. We encourage you to continue this relationship and get to know your sponsored child better by writing letters or sending cards. It is very exciting for a child to receive a letter from their sponsor knowing that someone far away cares about them and their future.
Your sponsorship donations will help build a stronger community and give children and their families access to programs that will provide greater opportunities. For just $35 a month, you will help your sponsored child and children in their community enjoy good health, be educated, cared for, protected, and participating in making their community a better place to live—and to love God and their neighbors.
The well-being of children is the focus of all the work World Vision does. Your donations, and the donations of other sponsors like you, work together within the community to address the needs and conditions of children and families and have maximum impact in the lives of children, families, and communities.
We help to change a child’s life by changing the world in which they live. The well-being of your sponsored child is tied to the well-being of their family and community. We work with the whole community to address issues that are important to them so they can better care for their children. The best solution to poverty, one that will last, is not about giving people handouts or doing the work for them. It is about working alongside them to build a better community. We work with many people that contribute to the well-being of a child, including their families, organizations, groups, churches within their community, and their government.
Each community that we work with faces different challenges and has different needs. Therefore, the way that we do our work is unique to each community. World Vision listens to the people in a community to understand what hinders their children from reaching their full potential. We then help to improve the lives of children by working with their community to address the needs they have identified.
As you consider the words of James 5:1-6 this week, consider whether sponsoring a child might be a way for your family to be a blessing to a child (and his or her family) living in poverty.
shine!
Jason
Most of us would not consider ourselves rich. I mean, think about it, we don’t live in mansions. We don’t drive $100,000 sports cars. Rich people are people like Bill Gates and Mike Ilitch.
But think about this…
According to a recent statistic, more than 80% of the world’s population lives on less than $10 per day, or $3,650 per year. While we may not see ourselves as rich, I am sure that almost all of us live on more than $3,650 per year. That means we are richer than at least 80% of the world.
I think that James words speak directly to us and challenges us to consider our stewardship. While there are hundreds of ways we can help those who struggle to survive every day, I want to suggest one.
World Vision is an organization we have worked with for several years through our 30 Hour Famine. They also offer opportunities to adopt children and make a different in the lives of those who are not as blessed as we are. Here is some information from their website about sponsoring a child:
Child Sponsorship is an opportunity to personally connect with a child and walk alongside their family and community as they work on lasting solutions to the causes that keep vulnerable children from reaching their God-given potential.
When you become a child sponsor, you will be connected to one special child who will correspond with you, including sending a letter to introduce themselves. We encourage you to continue this relationship and get to know your sponsored child better by writing letters or sending cards. It is very exciting for a child to receive a letter from their sponsor knowing that someone far away cares about them and their future.
Your sponsorship donations will help build a stronger community and give children and their families access to programs that will provide greater opportunities. For just $35 a month, you will help your sponsored child and children in their community enjoy good health, be educated, cared for, protected, and participating in making their community a better place to live—and to love God and their neighbors.
The well-being of children is the focus of all the work World Vision does. Your donations, and the donations of other sponsors like you, work together within the community to address the needs and conditions of children and families and have maximum impact in the lives of children, families, and communities.
We help to change a child’s life by changing the world in which they live. The well-being of your sponsored child is tied to the well-being of their family and community. We work with the whole community to address issues that are important to them so they can better care for their children. The best solution to poverty, one that will last, is not about giving people handouts or doing the work for them. It is about working alongside them to build a better community. We work with many people that contribute to the well-being of a child, including their families, organizations, groups, churches within their community, and their government.
Each community that we work with faces different challenges and has different needs. Therefore, the way that we do our work is unique to each community. World Vision listens to the people in a community to understand what hinders their children from reaching their full potential. We then help to improve the lives of children by working with their community to address the needs they have identified.
As you consider the words of James 5:1-6 this week, consider whether sponsoring a child might be a way for your family to be a blessing to a child (and his or her family) living in poverty.
shine!
Jason
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
It's almost iChristmas
This is the last week before Christmas, so I wanted to encourage each of our teens to think about what they are planning to give for iChristmas. As we focus on the idea of love, it’s a great time to consider what is most important to us and how we can bless others.
Our society tells us over and over again that this is a season to want. What is on our Christmas list? What do you want for Christmas? We hear so many messages that our joy comes from what we get, that we can lose sight of what is really important. I believe that Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount have a lot to say to our culture of consumerism…
19“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Where is your treasure? What are the things you consider most important? What do you really need and what is want?
Most of us are blessed beyond belief. Even those of us who consider ourselves to have little have more than most of the world. Our needs would be a dream to much of the world’s population.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying our blessings, but we must always remember to put things in context. It is important to remember that most of the things we “need” are really things we want. Real needs, such as food and shelter, are things that we take for granted, but that much of the world struggles to find on a daily basis.
Just as God gave to us, we are called to give to others. As we enter the final week before Christmas, take time to think about how blessed you are and, more importantly, how you can be a blessing to others.
shine!
Jason
Our society tells us over and over again that this is a season to want. What is on our Christmas list? What do you want for Christmas? We hear so many messages that our joy comes from what we get, that we can lose sight of what is really important. I believe that Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount have a lot to say to our culture of consumerism…
19“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Where is your treasure? What are the things you consider most important? What do you really need and what is want?
Most of us are blessed beyond belief. Even those of us who consider ourselves to have little have more than most of the world. Our needs would be a dream to much of the world’s population.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying our blessings, but we must always remember to put things in context. It is important to remember that most of the things we “need” are really things we want. Real needs, such as food and shelter, are things that we take for granted, but that much of the world struggles to find on a daily basis.
Just as God gave to us, we are called to give to others. As we enter the final week before Christmas, take time to think about how blessed you are and, more importantly, how you can be a blessing to others.
shine!
Jason
Sunday, February 28, 2010
30 Hour Famine
Last weekend, thirty-three students participated in the 30 Hour Famine. We learned about hunger and poverty, served our church families and God’s Helping Hands, and raised over $2,300 to help Haiti earthquake victims (with some students still collecting).
During the weekend, we focused on the following passage from James:
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (James 2:14-26)
I was so impressed seeing our students’ faith in action this past weekend. They listened and participated in discussions where Scripture engaged our lives. Some students helped sort and organize at God’s Helping Hands, which makes it easier to help those who are hurting economically in the area. Other students provided childcare for the parents who attended our parenting seminar. All of them worked to surpass our goal of $2,000.
I am so proud of the students who participated, not just because of how much they raised, but because of their actions and attitudes throughout the weekend. They served without complaining. Some even asked for more work when they finished their task. In devotionals and discussions they were engaged. They continue to grow in their faith and actions as they work together.
Thank you as well to the adults who helped with the weekend: Karen Benedict, Bill Flowers, Barb Huey, Laura Stewart, Holly Hebert, Dalaina Harrell. Your time and energy are greatly appreciated!!
shine!
Jason
During the weekend, we focused on the following passage from James:
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (James 2:14-26)
I was so impressed seeing our students’ faith in action this past weekend. They listened and participated in discussions where Scripture engaged our lives. Some students helped sort and organize at God’s Helping Hands, which makes it easier to help those who are hurting economically in the area. Other students provided childcare for the parents who attended our parenting seminar. All of them worked to surpass our goal of $2,000.
I am so proud of the students who participated, not just because of how much they raised, but because of their actions and attitudes throughout the weekend. They served without complaining. Some even asked for more work when they finished their task. In devotionals and discussions they were engaged. They continue to grow in their faith and actions as they work together.
Thank you as well to the adults who helped with the weekend: Karen Benedict, Bill Flowers, Barb Huey, Laura Stewart, Holly Hebert, Dalaina Harrell. Your time and energy are greatly appreciated!!
shine!
Jason
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Fasting for 30 Hours
In preparation for this week’s 30 Hour Famine, I am sharing Isaiah 58 for our students to meditate on. I am encouraging them to read this Scripture throughout the week:
1“Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet.
Declare to my people their rebellion and to the house of Jacob their sins.
2For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them.
3‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.
4Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.
5Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?
6“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
7Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
9Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
11The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
12Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
13"If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
14then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob." The mouth of the LORD has spoken.
shine!
Jason
1“Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet.
Declare to my people their rebellion and to the house of Jacob their sins.
2For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them.
3‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.
4Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.
5Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?
6“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
7Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
9Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
11The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
12Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
13"If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
14then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob." The mouth of the LORD has spoken.
shine!
Jason
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Cards for Cass Park
We want to do something special for our friends in Cass Park this Christmas season by sending as many Christmas cards as possible down to Cass Park.
On (or before) that Sunday, December 20, there are several ways you can help:
1) Donate Christmas cards.
Whether they are last year's unused cards or cards you purchase and donate, we hope to gather as many blank Christmas cards as possible by Wednesday, December 16. To donate cards, please drop them off at the Cards for Cass Park table in the main lobby beginning Wednesday, December 9.
2) Students to Volunteer for Set Up.
We need 3-4 students to come early (8:25am) December 20 to help set up. Contact me to volunteer.
3) Breakfast Donations.
On Sunday, December 20, we need 6-8 families to offer to bring 2-3 dozen donuts or breakfast baked goods. Contact Trudy Kesler to sign up to bring these food items.
4) Assist at Card Signing Tables.
We need at least 4-6 students to "man the card tables" between services on December 20.
5) "Attend the Christmas Card Party".
Sunday, December 20, between services, there will be a Christmas card "party" where you can sign cards in the main lobby. There are no classes between services on that Sunday, so there will be coffee (and donated donuts/breakfast foods) that will be available as well as several tables set up around the lobby with blank cards to sign. Please grab a cup of coffee, a donut, and sign some Christmas cards.
6) Students to Volunteer for Clean-Up.
We need 4-6 students to assist with clean up and putting away tables.
After second worship on Sunday, December 20, our Cass Park team will take these cards and distribute them to our friends at Cass Park. What a great opportunity to bless our friends during this holiday season.
shine!
Jason
On (or before) that Sunday, December 20, there are several ways you can help:
1) Donate Christmas cards.
Whether they are last year's unused cards or cards you purchase and donate, we hope to gather as many blank Christmas cards as possible by Wednesday, December 16. To donate cards, please drop them off at the Cards for Cass Park table in the main lobby beginning Wednesday, December 9.
2) Students to Volunteer for Set Up.
We need 3-4 students to come early (8:25am) December 20 to help set up. Contact me to volunteer.
3) Breakfast Donations.
On Sunday, December 20, we need 6-8 families to offer to bring 2-3 dozen donuts or breakfast baked goods. Contact Trudy Kesler to sign up to bring these food items.
4) Assist at Card Signing Tables.
We need at least 4-6 students to "man the card tables" between services on December 20.
5) "Attend the Christmas Card Party".
Sunday, December 20, between services, there will be a Christmas card "party" where you can sign cards in the main lobby. There are no classes between services on that Sunday, so there will be coffee (and donated donuts/breakfast foods) that will be available as well as several tables set up around the lobby with blank cards to sign. Please grab a cup of coffee, a donut, and sign some Christmas cards.
6) Students to Volunteer for Clean-Up.
We need 4-6 students to assist with clean up and putting away tables.
After second worship on Sunday, December 20, our Cass Park team will take these cards and distribute them to our friends at Cass Park. What a great opportunity to bless our friends during this holiday season.
shine!
Jason
Sunday, November 22, 2009
iChristmas Kick-off
With “Black Friday” less than a week away, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone about our annual iChristmas campaign. Here is what has been previously announced:
The ARISE Ministry will once again be celebrating iChristmas. This is an opportunity to live out the true meaning of Christmas. Here is the challenge to our students:
As you are making a Christmas list for your parents, write this on the list: “Please buy me one less gift and put the money you would have spent on that gift into an envelope marked ‘iChristmas’ and put it under the Christmas tree with my other gifts.” The one gift should be more than a pair of socks, but what you are willing to sacrifice is up to you.
Starting on Sunday, December 27, students can turn in their iChristmas money. They can either put it in the ARISE Black Box on the wall in the main lobby, or you can drop the money in the iChristmas gift box.
Each year, the money raised for iChristmas supports a ministry of the Rochester Church. In the past, the ministries we have supported include our missionaries in Rio and Uganda as well as Cass Park. This year, we are planning to contribute all iChristmas funds to the Rochester Church Member Care Fund, which helps our members in need.
Thank you to all of the students who participated in iChristmas in previous years. Continue the iChristmas tradition this year. For those of you who didn’t have an opportunity to give an iChristmas gift last year, make this the year to start a new tradition.
As the push for Christmas begins, please consider what you are going to sacrifice for iChristmas this year. We have around 75 people actively involved in our youth group. Imagine if each person contributed $20 this year. As a ministry we would collect $1,500. That amount could probably pay someone’s mortgage and utilities for a month.
As you think about iChristmas, consider the blessing you could be to another family in our church. You might think $20 isn’t much, but together we could have a huge, positive impact on some of the families with worship with each week.
shine!
Jason
The ARISE Ministry will once again be celebrating iChristmas. This is an opportunity to live out the true meaning of Christmas. Here is the challenge to our students:
As you are making a Christmas list for your parents, write this on the list: “Please buy me one less gift and put the money you would have spent on that gift into an envelope marked ‘iChristmas’ and put it under the Christmas tree with my other gifts.” The one gift should be more than a pair of socks, but what you are willing to sacrifice is up to you.
Starting on Sunday, December 27, students can turn in their iChristmas money. They can either put it in the ARISE Black Box on the wall in the main lobby, or you can drop the money in the iChristmas gift box.
Each year, the money raised for iChristmas supports a ministry of the Rochester Church. In the past, the ministries we have supported include our missionaries in Rio and Uganda as well as Cass Park. This year, we are planning to contribute all iChristmas funds to the Rochester Church Member Care Fund, which helps our members in need.
Thank you to all of the students who participated in iChristmas in previous years. Continue the iChristmas tradition this year. For those of you who didn’t have an opportunity to give an iChristmas gift last year, make this the year to start a new tradition.
As the push for Christmas begins, please consider what you are going to sacrifice for iChristmas this year. We have around 75 people actively involved in our youth group. Imagine if each person contributed $20 this year. As a ministry we would collect $1,500. That amount could probably pay someone’s mortgage and utilities for a month.
As you think about iChristmas, consider the blessing you could be to another family in our church. You might think $20 isn’t much, but together we could have a huge, positive impact on some of the families with worship with each week.
shine!
Jason
Monday, August 10, 2009
Cincinnati Recap
Wow! What a week!
Due to very limited internet access, I was not able to post a blog during our mission trip to Cincinnati, so here is a recap of our week...
Monday was primarily a day of travel as we loaded everyone up in the vans and drove to the camp where we would be staying for the week. After our arrival and unloading we went to downtown Cincinnati for Donatos pizza and a Cincinnati Reds game. The Reds, of course, lost. ;-)
Tuesday we awoke to the sounds of thunder and heavy rainfall. Our first stop was the CUMO (Cincinnati Urban Ministry Outreach) church, where we set up for our VBS. It rained most of the day and after handing out flyers in the rain and hanging out at the community center we headed back to the church. We were ready and waited to see who would show up. You could sense the disappointment when only around a dozen children showed up. However, our students keep their chins up and made it a great time for those who came.
Wednesday morning was spent seeing a movie and grabbing lunch at Johnny Rockets before another afternoon at the community center. With the nicer weather, there were many more children at the community center. We also decided to go out and hand out pamphlets again. We weren't sure what to expect after such a small turn out the night before. This time, we ended up having seventy-five children show up for our VBS. After a fairly easy and laid-back night on Tuesday, Wednesday provided a real challenge. In spite of the craziness of so many children, many of whom come from homes with little structure or discipline, our students adjusted and did a good job.
On Thursday, Pat took us to a park down by the Ohio River for a few hours to eat lunch. People engaged in a variety of activities, including football, volleyball, and renting bikes to ride around. Then we went back to the center for another afternoon with the children. By now you could see that our team and the children were really starting to bond. That night we had eighty-five people show up for VBS. Our students made a lot of adjustments and they did a fabulous job. It was really exciting to see the students learning and adapting. It was a great night!
Friday morning we went to the Creation Museum. It was an interesting day since there was a group of approximately 200 atheists visiting the museum. Some of our students had conversations with some of the atheists. While there were a few of the atheists who made snide comments, overall there were no real problems. After the museum, we went to the community center for our last afternoon there. It is always a joy to see our students interacting with the children. They laugh. They play. Piggyback rides. Basketball. Our students show them love in a way that many of these children may not see the rest of the year.
Friday night's VBS was our biggest of the week with ninety-one children in attendance. The team did a great job and they ended the week on a high note. God was certainly at work throughout the week and everyone did a great job leading groups and teaching classes.
Saturday was our reward for a week of hard work. We headed to King's Island for a day of roller coasters and fun. We got into the park and everyone went off in their groups. While we were at the park, seven students and I were in line for a ride when one of the riders experienced a serious health problem. At first, we weren't sure what was going on. We stood there for a few minutes until medics arrived and we were sent back through the line with everyone else waiting for the ride.
The experience had a significant impact on those who were in line with me as well as a few other students waiting for us by the exit. A little later, we gathered everyone and left the park to get dinner at Cici's. After dinner, we headed back to the camp to debrief. It was truly a blessing to have Dave Palmer as a part of our team. He helped walked our group through a time of processing. Dave met with me and the other students directly impacted by what happened. Other students who were affected indirectly spent time with our other adults. The other students who were not impacted had time to go to their cabins and begin packing. Following the debriefing time, we gathered everyone back together for a time of prayer before going to bed. I was so impressed with our entire team of chaperones and the way they responded to minister to students in need.
Sunday morning we woke up, cleaned up the camp, loaded our stuff up, and headed up to breakfast at Sonic. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we headed off to CUMO for worship. Worship started around 11:30am and lasted until around 2:30pm. It never seemed like three hours and the Spirit was moving among us. Our time together included singing, praying, testimonies, and more. God is obviously working in Pat and the group that meets there. Following worship we enjoyed a final meal together and started the journey home.
We arrived at 250 West Avon to find a church full of parents waiting to see their children. We all gathered in the auditorium to thank the team and present awards to the students as well as a gift to the adults. The night ended with the baptisms of three of our students. Kylie Cohu, Kaitlyn Butka, and Emily Martinko dedicated their lives to God and were baptized into Christ. What a great ending to a great week of Kingdom work!!!
shine!
Jason
Due to very limited internet access, I was not able to post a blog during our mission trip to Cincinnati, so here is a recap of our week...
Monday was primarily a day of travel as we loaded everyone up in the vans and drove to the camp where we would be staying for the week. After our arrival and unloading we went to downtown Cincinnati for Donatos pizza and a Cincinnati Reds game. The Reds, of course, lost. ;-)
Tuesday we awoke to the sounds of thunder and heavy rainfall. Our first stop was the CUMO (Cincinnati Urban Ministry Outreach) church, where we set up for our VBS. It rained most of the day and after handing out flyers in the rain and hanging out at the community center we headed back to the church. We were ready and waited to see who would show up. You could sense the disappointment when only around a dozen children showed up. However, our students keep their chins up and made it a great time for those who came.
Wednesday morning was spent seeing a movie and grabbing lunch at Johnny Rockets before another afternoon at the community center. With the nicer weather, there were many more children at the community center. We also decided to go out and hand out pamphlets again. We weren't sure what to expect after such a small turn out the night before. This time, we ended up having seventy-five children show up for our VBS. After a fairly easy and laid-back night on Tuesday, Wednesday provided a real challenge. In spite of the craziness of so many children, many of whom come from homes with little structure or discipline, our students adjusted and did a good job.
On Thursday, Pat took us to a park down by the Ohio River for a few hours to eat lunch. People engaged in a variety of activities, including football, volleyball, and renting bikes to ride around. Then we went back to the center for another afternoon with the children. By now you could see that our team and the children were really starting to bond. That night we had eighty-five people show up for VBS. Our students made a lot of adjustments and they did a fabulous job. It was really exciting to see the students learning and adapting. It was a great night!
Friday morning we went to the Creation Museum. It was an interesting day since there was a group of approximately 200 atheists visiting the museum. Some of our students had conversations with some of the atheists. While there were a few of the atheists who made snide comments, overall there were no real problems. After the museum, we went to the community center for our last afternoon there. It is always a joy to see our students interacting with the children. They laugh. They play. Piggyback rides. Basketball. Our students show them love in a way that many of these children may not see the rest of the year.
Friday night's VBS was our biggest of the week with ninety-one children in attendance. The team did a great job and they ended the week on a high note. God was certainly at work throughout the week and everyone did a great job leading groups and teaching classes.
Saturday was our reward for a week of hard work. We headed to King's Island for a day of roller coasters and fun. We got into the park and everyone went off in their groups. While we were at the park, seven students and I were in line for a ride when one of the riders experienced a serious health problem. At first, we weren't sure what was going on. We stood there for a few minutes until medics arrived and we were sent back through the line with everyone else waiting for the ride.
The experience had a significant impact on those who were in line with me as well as a few other students waiting for us by the exit. A little later, we gathered everyone and left the park to get dinner at Cici's. After dinner, we headed back to the camp to debrief. It was truly a blessing to have Dave Palmer as a part of our team. He helped walked our group through a time of processing. Dave met with me and the other students directly impacted by what happened. Other students who were affected indirectly spent time with our other adults. The other students who were not impacted had time to go to their cabins and begin packing. Following the debriefing time, we gathered everyone back together for a time of prayer before going to bed. I was so impressed with our entire team of chaperones and the way they responded to minister to students in need.
Sunday morning we woke up, cleaned up the camp, loaded our stuff up, and headed up to breakfast at Sonic. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we headed off to CUMO for worship. Worship started around 11:30am and lasted until around 2:30pm. It never seemed like three hours and the Spirit was moving among us. Our time together included singing, praying, testimonies, and more. God is obviously working in Pat and the group that meets there. Following worship we enjoyed a final meal together and started the journey home.
We arrived at 250 West Avon to find a church full of parents waiting to see their children. We all gathered in the auditorium to thank the team and present awards to the students as well as a gift to the adults. The night ended with the baptisms of three of our students. Kylie Cohu, Kaitlyn Butka, and Emily Martinko dedicated their lives to God and were baptized into Christ. What a great ending to a great week of Kingdom work!!!
shine!
Jason
Monday, June 15, 2009
Reaching out across the street
I am so excited about yesterday! Sunday morning our students and parents partnered to reach out to our community. Instead of sitting in a classroom talking about our faith (which is not a bad thing), we were able to get out of our comfort zone and live out our faith.
Across the street from our church building is an apartment complex with 526 units. For some time, God has placed a burden on my heart (and on the hearts of other members of our staff) to reach out to this community with the love of Jesus. There are literally a few thousand people within shouting distance of our building who may never have experienced the love of God. I am sure there are hundreds who are hurting in a variety of ways.
We did not go to set up Bible studies, preach to them about salvation, or take a survey. We simply went to extend a hand of friendship. On Sunday, July 5, we will be having our Jubilee Sunday. On this special Sunday, there will be one combined service at 10:00am, followed by a BBQ and activities for all ages. It will be a great day!
Our purpose in going across the street is simply to invite the members of that community to get to know us better. My prayer is that through knowing us, they will come to know Jesus.
Above anything else, God is a God of relationship and community. In Genesis 1:27, it says, “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
God created us in His image. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit live in community with one another, we are created and called to live in community. We are designed to know and be known. We find our value in living out our purpose.
Yesterday, just as God reached out to us through Jesus of Nazareth, we reached out. We reached out to those who may very well need a smile, a hug, or just a place to belong. We want to be His hands and feet to bring light to the darkness, hope to the hopeless, and peace to the restless. There is no greater purpose than that.
shine!
Jason
Across the street from our church building is an apartment complex with 526 units. For some time, God has placed a burden on my heart (and on the hearts of other members of our staff) to reach out to this community with the love of Jesus. There are literally a few thousand people within shouting distance of our building who may never have experienced the love of God. I am sure there are hundreds who are hurting in a variety of ways.
We did not go to set up Bible studies, preach to them about salvation, or take a survey. We simply went to extend a hand of friendship. On Sunday, July 5, we will be having our Jubilee Sunday. On this special Sunday, there will be one combined service at 10:00am, followed by a BBQ and activities for all ages. It will be a great day!
Our purpose in going across the street is simply to invite the members of that community to get to know us better. My prayer is that through knowing us, they will come to know Jesus.
Above anything else, God is a God of relationship and community. In Genesis 1:27, it says, “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
God created us in His image. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit live in community with one another, we are created and called to live in community. We are designed to know and be known. We find our value in living out our purpose.
Yesterday, just as God reached out to us through Jesus of Nazareth, we reached out. We reached out to those who may very well need a smile, a hug, or just a place to belong. We want to be His hands and feet to bring light to the darkness, hope to the hopeless, and peace to the restless. There is no greater purpose than that.
shine!
Jason
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
30 Hour Famine
The weekend of May 1-2, twenty-six of our students and several adults participated in the 30 Hour Famine. This is an event created by World Vision to raise awareness and funds to battle world hunger.
Starting after lunch on Friday, May 1, these students dedicated themselves to go without food until 6:00pm on Saturday. Around 6:30pm on Friday, we gathered at the home of Dave and Karen Benedict. Friday evening we spent time hanging out, studying God’s word, worshiping, praying, and played a game of hide-n-seek with a unique angle. Students were also divided into “tribes” that represented nations in South America where hunger is a major issue.
Our Bible study that evening focused on Jesus’ preparation for ministry through fasting. We looked at Matthew 4, and discussed how fasting was central to Jesus’ ability to resist Satan’s three temptations as well as prepared Him for the start of His ministry. We also looked at Acts 13 and 14, where we see fasting as a crucial component for selecting leaders or preparing for ministry.
We played a game called “Hide” where most of the students hid in the house while five “guerilla soldier” searched for them. This game brought to life for our students the reality that many in some countries deal with every day where gangs hunt down their rivals.
We woke up the next morning and began a day that was focused on serving others. After our morning juice break, we loaded up and headed out to Michigan Christian Youth Camp, where we spent a few hours helping prepare the camp for the summer. Several of the students commented about the challenge to work while not having eaten for almost twenty-four hours. It gave them a new appreciation for those who often go without food for that period of time.
After returning to our “home base” (the Benedicts), we went out into Clarkston for a canned food drive for God’s Helping Hands. In the course of a little under an hour, our students gathered 345 food items and $39 for GHH. We were all amazed at how much God provided in that short time period. The people in the community were so generous.
After returning to the Benedicts we held a few more competitions between our “tribes” that taught our students more about the plight of those in countries challenged by extreme poverty and starvation. I enjoyed watching students, some of whom barely knew each other at the start of the weekend, working together in teams.
Shortly before 6:00pm, we all gathered in the living room for a time of sharing. Students shared how God had been speaking to them throughout the weekend. It was incredibly encouraging for me to hear how so many of them had been touched in a variety of ways. I can’t begin to express how impressed I was with their insight and how proud I am of the ways they allowed God to work in their lives over the weekend.
We broke our fast together by sharing communion, praying together, and heading out to the kitchen for our first meal in 30 hours. Many students expressed how much they now appreciated the food they usually take for granted and how good it was to eat. Thank you to Bob and Susie Wilson, Dave and Carolyn Palmer, and Barb Huey for preparing our food. They were a huge part of this weekend – just ask the students!
Through 30 Hour Famine, our students raised over $1000 to battle world hunger (and some of them are still collecting funds), collected 345 food items and $39 for God’s Helping Hands, collectively served over 50 hours at MCYC, and were shaped by the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives through fasting, prayer, and service. It was a great weekend where God came to life in a powerful way for many of our students. Thank you to those who donated, those who prayed for us, those who served, and the parents who are the primary ministers for their children. You are all a part of a community that is working together to develop our teenagers into followers of Christ.
shine!
Jason
Starting after lunch on Friday, May 1, these students dedicated themselves to go without food until 6:00pm on Saturday. Around 6:30pm on Friday, we gathered at the home of Dave and Karen Benedict. Friday evening we spent time hanging out, studying God’s word, worshiping, praying, and played a game of hide-n-seek with a unique angle. Students were also divided into “tribes” that represented nations in South America where hunger is a major issue.
Our Bible study that evening focused on Jesus’ preparation for ministry through fasting. We looked at Matthew 4, and discussed how fasting was central to Jesus’ ability to resist Satan’s three temptations as well as prepared Him for the start of His ministry. We also looked at Acts 13 and 14, where we see fasting as a crucial component for selecting leaders or preparing for ministry.
We played a game called “Hide” where most of the students hid in the house while five “guerilla soldier” searched for them. This game brought to life for our students the reality that many in some countries deal with every day where gangs hunt down their rivals.
We woke up the next morning and began a day that was focused on serving others. After our morning juice break, we loaded up and headed out to Michigan Christian Youth Camp, where we spent a few hours helping prepare the camp for the summer. Several of the students commented about the challenge to work while not having eaten for almost twenty-four hours. It gave them a new appreciation for those who often go without food for that period of time.
After returning to our “home base” (the Benedicts), we went out into Clarkston for a canned food drive for God’s Helping Hands. In the course of a little under an hour, our students gathered 345 food items and $39 for GHH. We were all amazed at how much God provided in that short time period. The people in the community were so generous.
After returning to the Benedicts we held a few more competitions between our “tribes” that taught our students more about the plight of those in countries challenged by extreme poverty and starvation. I enjoyed watching students, some of whom barely knew each other at the start of the weekend, working together in teams.
Shortly before 6:00pm, we all gathered in the living room for a time of sharing. Students shared how God had been speaking to them throughout the weekend. It was incredibly encouraging for me to hear how so many of them had been touched in a variety of ways. I can’t begin to express how impressed I was with their insight and how proud I am of the ways they allowed God to work in their lives over the weekend.
We broke our fast together by sharing communion, praying together, and heading out to the kitchen for our first meal in 30 hours. Many students expressed how much they now appreciated the food they usually take for granted and how good it was to eat. Thank you to Bob and Susie Wilson, Dave and Carolyn Palmer, and Barb Huey for preparing our food. They were a huge part of this weekend – just ask the students!
Through 30 Hour Famine, our students raised over $1000 to battle world hunger (and some of them are still collecting funds), collected 345 food items and $39 for God’s Helping Hands, collectively served over 50 hours at MCYC, and were shaped by the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives through fasting, prayer, and service. It was a great weekend where God came to life in a powerful way for many of our students. Thank you to those who donated, those who prayed for us, those who served, and the parents who are the primary ministers for their children. You are all a part of a community that is working together to develop our teenagers into followers of Christ.
shine!
Jason
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Illuminate thank you's
Illuminate 2009 was a great weekend! We had over 250 students and adults registered for the event as well as a number of special guests who were a part of the weekend. Students from here at Rochester and around the region joined together for times of worship and teaching. In addition, there were several breakout sessions that included a variety of topics and learning styles. We had comedy and a very entertaining concert.
Don McLaughlin, from the North Atlanta Church of Christ, was our keynote speaker who brought the word of God to life in a powerful way. He also stayed and spoke on Sunday morning.
Sean Algaier, from the Jenks Church in Oklahoma, lead us in worship on Friday night and taught a parents/teens class on Sunday morning.
Our own Chris Lindsey led worship on Saturday as well as coordinating everything that happened during our worship times.
Ambassadors, from Ohio Valley University, provided dramas that enhanced the message of the weekend. They also led several breakout sessions.
Hoss Ridgeway provided a lot of laughs through his comedy and led two breakout sessions.
Pat Pugh, from Cincinnati Urban Ministry Outreach, led several breakout sessions.
Randy Hendrickson, from Parkersburg, West Virginia, shared his story in a breakout session.
John Reuben performed a great concert on Saturday night.
In addition to all of those guests, there was an army of people from here at the Rochester Church that made Illuminate happen. I want to thank each and every one of them for their time and energy to make this event possible. Without them, Illuminate would not have been possible:
KITCHEN
Scott Vasseur
Sue Vasseur
Gary Osborn
Dawn Osborn
Jim Lytle
Heidi Lytle
Paul Patrico
Michelle Patrico
Rick Hillman
Paul Shinsky
Barb Huey
Tracy DuBaere
Karen Demsich
Nora Muntz
Lisa Patrico
Jeanie King
Patti Jenema
Carolyn Palmer
Amber White
Dave Turner
SECURITY
Kerry DuBaere
Josh DuBaere
Jerry Ward
Reggie Hansen
Dave Palmer
Joey Kesler
Kevin Stewart
Duncan Mead
Gary Turner
Keith Huey
Bob Stewart
Allen Meinhard
Joe Demsich
Jim Lytle
Elijah Blake
Keith Huey
REGISTRATION & HOUSING
Laura Stewart
Barb Huey
Carolyn Palmer
Lisa Patrico
Heidi Lytle
Debi Gibbs
BREAK OUT SESSION REGISTRATION
Michelle Steckel
Betty Turner
Patti Jenema
GUEST HOSPITALITY
Katie Dear
Dana Spivy
Jenny Hoggatt
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Gary Anspach
Jon Knutson
Dave Cassilly
Matt Brown
Woody Woodward
SET-UP/CLEAN-UP
Kevin O'Sullivan
Rick Hillman
Debi Gibbs
Joey Kesler
Trudy Kesler
SICK ROOM
Tammy Ward
VIDEOGRAPHY
Lee Higginbottom
PRAISE TEAM
Chris Lindsey
Vicki Lindsey
Jeremy King
Veronica King
John Knutson
Holly Knutson
Steve Corp
Brenden Davison
PRAISE TEAM BAND
Chris Lindsey
Sean Algaier
Andy Robinson
Neil Graney
Teresa Graney
Ben Ayers
Aaron Mize
BREAK-OUT SESSION TEACHERS
Patrick Mead
Brian Bowers
Robert Martin
Sara Barton
Scott Ockerman
Shaun Hover
Adam Hill
Adam Hacias
Katy Hacias
David Watts
David Rotberg
Krystal Rotberg
Ty Warczinsky
Brandi Warczinsky
Joe Howard
Chris Lindsey
SPONSORS
Rochester College
Ohio Valley University
York College
Harding University
Great Lakes Christian College
STAGE PREPARATION
Jodie Anspach
Vicki Lindsey
BABYSITTERS FOR VOLUNTEERS
Kerri O'Connor
Allyson Huey
Melody Hastings
Sarah Ageno
Meghan Palmer
PEOPLE WHO HOUSED (approx. 100) GUESTS
Russel & Karen Wilkinson
Bob & Sheila Sparks
Jerry & Tammy Ward
Bob & Laura Stewart
Gayle Flanigan
Duane and Pat Harrison
Bill & Paula Flowers
Todd & Patti Jenema
Mark & Linda Dear
Jeff & Mollie Debandt
Tom & Sara Hayman
Dave Cassilly
Jerry & Julie Parks
Scott & Renee Tekely
Dave & Karen Benedict
Gary & Dawn Osborn
Rick & Merry Hastings
Fred & Lisa Hartman
Keith & Barb Huey
EVERYWHERE
Trudy Kesler
Michelle Steckel
Jason Steckel
Once again, I want to thank everyone who was a part of the weekend. I hope I have not forgotten anyone’s name here, because I really appreciate all of you. Let me end this article with a comment from one of the youth ministers who was here for Illuminate:
“Illuminate was AMAZING! It is quickly becoming my favorite event of the year. Everyone involved did a great job. John Reuben was, as expected, excellent. Well, I am running out of synonyms for really good.”
shine!
Jason
Don McLaughlin, from the North Atlanta Church of Christ, was our keynote speaker who brought the word of God to life in a powerful way. He also stayed and spoke on Sunday morning.
Sean Algaier, from the Jenks Church in Oklahoma, lead us in worship on Friday night and taught a parents/teens class on Sunday morning.
Our own Chris Lindsey led worship on Saturday as well as coordinating everything that happened during our worship times.
Ambassadors, from Ohio Valley University, provided dramas that enhanced the message of the weekend. They also led several breakout sessions.
Hoss Ridgeway provided a lot of laughs through his comedy and led two breakout sessions.
Pat Pugh, from Cincinnati Urban Ministry Outreach, led several breakout sessions.
Randy Hendrickson, from Parkersburg, West Virginia, shared his story in a breakout session.
John Reuben performed a great concert on Saturday night.
In addition to all of those guests, there was an army of people from here at the Rochester Church that made Illuminate happen. I want to thank each and every one of them for their time and energy to make this event possible. Without them, Illuminate would not have been possible:
KITCHEN
Scott Vasseur
Sue Vasseur
Gary Osborn
Dawn Osborn
Jim Lytle
Heidi Lytle
Paul Patrico
Michelle Patrico
Rick Hillman
Paul Shinsky
Barb Huey
Tracy DuBaere
Karen Demsich
Nora Muntz
Lisa Patrico
Jeanie King
Patti Jenema
Carolyn Palmer
Amber White
Dave Turner
SECURITY
Kerry DuBaere
Josh DuBaere
Jerry Ward
Reggie Hansen
Dave Palmer
Joey Kesler
Kevin Stewart
Duncan Mead
Gary Turner
Keith Huey
Bob Stewart
Allen Meinhard
Joe Demsich
Jim Lytle
Elijah Blake
Keith Huey
REGISTRATION & HOUSING
Laura Stewart
Barb Huey
Carolyn Palmer
Lisa Patrico
Heidi Lytle
Debi Gibbs
BREAK OUT SESSION REGISTRATION
Michelle Steckel
Betty Turner
Patti Jenema
GUEST HOSPITALITY
Katie Dear
Dana Spivy
Jenny Hoggatt
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Gary Anspach
Jon Knutson
Dave Cassilly
Matt Brown
Woody Woodward
SET-UP/CLEAN-UP
Kevin O'Sullivan
Rick Hillman
Debi Gibbs
Joey Kesler
Trudy Kesler
SICK ROOM
Tammy Ward
VIDEOGRAPHY
Lee Higginbottom
PRAISE TEAM
Chris Lindsey
Vicki Lindsey
Jeremy King
Veronica King
John Knutson
Holly Knutson
Steve Corp
Brenden Davison
PRAISE TEAM BAND
Chris Lindsey
Sean Algaier
Andy Robinson
Neil Graney
Teresa Graney
Ben Ayers
Aaron Mize
BREAK-OUT SESSION TEACHERS
Patrick Mead
Brian Bowers
Robert Martin
Sara Barton
Scott Ockerman
Shaun Hover
Adam Hill
Adam Hacias
Katy Hacias
David Watts
David Rotberg
Krystal Rotberg
Ty Warczinsky
Brandi Warczinsky
Joe Howard
Chris Lindsey
SPONSORS
Rochester College
Ohio Valley University
York College
Harding University
Great Lakes Christian College
STAGE PREPARATION
Jodie Anspach
Vicki Lindsey
BABYSITTERS FOR VOLUNTEERS
Kerri O'Connor
Allyson Huey
Melody Hastings
Sarah Ageno
Meghan Palmer
PEOPLE WHO HOUSED (approx. 100) GUESTS
Russel & Karen Wilkinson
Bob & Sheila Sparks
Jerry & Tammy Ward
Bob & Laura Stewart
Gayle Flanigan
Duane and Pat Harrison
Bill & Paula Flowers
Todd & Patti Jenema
Mark & Linda Dear
Jeff & Mollie Debandt
Tom & Sara Hayman
Dave Cassilly
Jerry & Julie Parks
Scott & Renee Tekely
Dave & Karen Benedict
Gary & Dawn Osborn
Rick & Merry Hastings
Fred & Lisa Hartman
Keith & Barb Huey
EVERYWHERE
Trudy Kesler
Michelle Steckel
Jason Steckel
Once again, I want to thank everyone who was a part of the weekend. I hope I have not forgotten anyone’s name here, because I really appreciate all of you. Let me end this article with a comment from one of the youth ministers who was here for Illuminate:
“Illuminate was AMAZING! It is quickly becoming my favorite event of the year. Everyone involved did a great job. John Reuben was, as expected, excellent. Well, I am running out of synonyms for really good.”
shine!
Jason
Monday, February 23, 2009
Don't miss the call
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said the following: “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
We have been created in the image of God to reflect the glory and character of God into a world covered by darkness. Christianity is not a private thing to only be practiced at church. This is a lifestyle. It is a way of living. That is why the church was called “The Way” in the first century. It was not something people did. It was who they are.
Consider what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth as well as his “sons in the faith,” Timothy and Titus:
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1)
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
Encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:6-8)
We are not Christians solely and primarily for our own benefit. We are called to be a part of a larger community where we seek to live as Christ-followers in every aspect of our lives.
One of the most troubling trends I have seen in my decade or so of youth ministry is the way that older Christian teens seem to neglect their call to mature in their faith at a time when they are positioned to have significant impact.
Whether it’s the example they set for their peers or the way that younger teens and children look up to them, older teenagers have power and influence that they often fail to realize. This is a great opportunity not only to grow as individuals; it is a great time to contribute to the larger Christian community.
My prayer is that instead of buying into the lie where culture teaches older teens to become more self-absorbed, Christian teenagers would hear the call and live a life where they are the light that shines in the midst of a dark world.
shine!
Jason
We have been created in the image of God to reflect the glory and character of God into a world covered by darkness. Christianity is not a private thing to only be practiced at church. This is a lifestyle. It is a way of living. That is why the church was called “The Way” in the first century. It was not something people did. It was who they are.
Consider what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth as well as his “sons in the faith,” Timothy and Titus:
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1)
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
Encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:6-8)
We are not Christians solely and primarily for our own benefit. We are called to be a part of a larger community where we seek to live as Christ-followers in every aspect of our lives.
One of the most troubling trends I have seen in my decade or so of youth ministry is the way that older Christian teens seem to neglect their call to mature in their faith at a time when they are positioned to have significant impact.
Whether it’s the example they set for their peers or the way that younger teens and children look up to them, older teenagers have power and influence that they often fail to realize. This is a great opportunity not only to grow as individuals; it is a great time to contribute to the larger Christian community.
My prayer is that instead of buying into the lie where culture teaches older teens to become more self-absorbed, Christian teenagers would hear the call and live a life where they are the light that shines in the midst of a dark world.
shine!
Jason
Monday, November 10, 2008
An afternoon at Focus: HOPE
Yesterday was our first Sunday afternoon at Focus: HOPE. We had over two dozen students and adults venture down to the Focus: HOPE campus in Detroit to make some new friends. While there were not a lot of children this first time, I feel like we made an impact on the children and adults that were there.
During our time there, we were able to share a meal, play some games, and build relationships. In the months ahead, I am hopeful that the numbers will grow and we will be able to meet more children from inner-city Detroit. But one thing I have learned in ministry, is that numbers aren't the most important thing. If we are able to make a positive impact on the life of one child, our trip has had value.
I am looking forward to developing an on-going relationship with the children and adults at Focus: HOPE. As we seek to live out Jesus-shaped lives, this is a great opportunity to live out our faith. And in the process, we can show the love of Jesus to those we encounter.
shine!
Jason
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Focus: HOPE
This week I had an exciting meeting down in Detroit. I met with several people who work with Focus: HOPE. This is an organization that aims to celebrate diversity and help build up their community.Here is Focus: HOPE’s Mission Statement:
"Recognizing the
dignity and beauty of every person, we pledge intelligent and practical
action to overcome racism, poverty and injustice. And to build a
metropolitan community where all people may live in freedom, harmony,
trust and affection. Black and white, yellow, brown and red from
Detroit and its suburbs of every economic status, national origin and
religious persuasion we join in this covenant." (Adopted March 8, 1968)
Starting on November 9, our ministry will partner with Focus: HOPE
one Sunday a month to interact with some of the children in the
community. In some ways, this will look much like a smaller version of
our Mission: Cincinnati summer mission trip. We plan to engage in
activities with the children as well as help with things like reading.
I am looking forward to our time in Detroit with the children.
Please be praying for our group, the children, and the community where
we will be taking the love of Jesus.
Jason
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Arise
I know that some parents and students are already working to build up their hours. I have been excited to hear how some of our families are already looking for new and exciting ways to serve.
Our theme for this year is built around this challenge to serve. God calls us to be salt and light to the world. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.†(Matthew 5:14-16)
Our faith is not just something we think. It shapes the way we live. We need to let our actions reflect our words.
Isaiah 60:1 says, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.â€
This year, the families in our ministry will strive to live their lives in such a way that they shine for God while serving others. Let the glory of the Lord rise upon us.
shine!
Jason
Sunday, September 07, 2008
A challenge to serve
So what counts? Most time spent serving counts. However, if the service involves getting paid, that doesn’t count. Family chores and responsibilities at home do not count either. Outside of that, just about everything is fair game. (If someone participates in a mission trip, they can count up to twenty hours for that trip.)
You may think, wow, 2009 hours is a lot of time. It might be, but think about this. We have over 80 students in our youth group. If each student performs 25 hours of service, that equals 2000 hours. (So a few students need to go the extra mile – or rather, hour.) That is about half an hour a week. Who can’t give half an hour a week?
What makes this goal even more attainable is that any student wishing to go on Mission: Cincinnati will need at least 40 service hours. If the team is the same size as this past summer, thirty-five, then that would be 1400 of the 2009 hours.
Here’s an equally important question. What about the parents? We have over 100 parents in our ministry. They only need about 20 hours each. An even easier task.
Who will come out on top? Only time will tell.
Over the next couple of weeks, there will be more details. I am looking forward to seeing what God can do with 4018 hours of our time over the next 11 months.
So why do this?
My experience over the last decade of serving in youth ministry has taught me that most people experience their most significant spiritual growth when they serve. I really believe that if we can get serious about serving, God will not only impact those around us, He will change us. And in the process we will be shaped more and more into the image of the living God.
shine!
Jason
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Mission: Cincinnati Wrap-up
Anyway... I wanted to take a few minutes to reflect back on M:C2008.
Last week was a great week. I have already talked about some of our adventures in my previous posts, but this is a chance to look back at the week as a whole.
As I have mentioned earlier, everyone on the team did a GREAT job last week. I don't remember ever having to ask someone twice to do anything. (Well, except when it was time to leave the center. Then I had to ask a dozen times, but I understand that.) They were more focused on their purpose than ever.
Last night in our Wednesday night youth gathering we had "circle time" (a time where we sit in a circle, turn off the lights, and light a candle in the middle of the room). Our sharing time centered around how Mission: Cincinnati 2008 impacted those who went and - just as importantly - how it was going to change the way they live now that they are back home.
One theme that surfaced several times was a desire to be a more welcoming group. Like most youth groups, we often struggle with integrating new people. One of the things that was really cool about our mission trip was that it didn't really matter what grade students were in, our team was a team. I watched juniors and seniors in high school interact with middle schoolers. There didn't appear to be an attitude of "we're better than you" that often haunts youth groups. This was a team in every sense of the word.
In addition, we struggle with welcoming people who are visiting our youth group. Whether it's the friend of a youth group member or someone who just moved into town, or even more shy students who have been at the church for a long time, we struggle with helping those students feel included. It is good to know that our students realize that and want to change it.
While there are several amazing things I could share from the trip and last night, the other one I want to focus on is the idea of boldness. Last night one of the students shared an experience from earlier this week. She talked about how she was in line at a clothing store and got into a conversation about God with a guy in line with her. She talked about the fact that she had never really done that before and she was somewhat surprised by her boldness.
Another student talked about how she met a guy who did not go to church, but the more they talked about Jesus, the more intrigued he was. That weekend, he ended up going to church and when they saw each other again, he thanked her for giving him a new outlook on Christians.
One of phrases I remember from last week was "crazy enough to believe." This was something Pat Pugh said a number of times as he talked about how God is working in Cincinnati. Whether it was their new building, the direction their ministry is going, or the ways he sees God at work, Pat kept telling us he is crazy enough to believe.
I am crazy enough to believe that God has changed the lives of some of our students. That He is about to unleash something powerful through the students in our ministry. That God is about to pour out His Spirit among us in a very powerful way.
I am crazy enough to believe that God will fulfill His promises when we are crazy enough to follow.
shine!
Jason
Friday, August 08, 2008
Mission: Cincinnati Update #2
Several years ago I met Pat Pugh. Pat serves in a full-time inner-city ministry called Cincinnati Urban Ministry Outreach (CUMO). For the last seven years or so, Pat has been leading CUMO. For the last several years, he has worked in the Millvale Community. Two years ago, we brought a group of eleven students to spend a week working with the children in this community. Last year we brought nineteen students. This year, thirty-five students are serving here in Millvale.
Much of our work occurs in the Millvale Community Center. We build relationships with the children through games and activities. We help Pat in his ministry through various tasks. And we usually end our time at the center with Bible time. I hope this provides a brief overview of our work here.
The picture with this post is the new building that CUMO will be moving into next month. God has truly blessed the ministry with a great opportunity in the middle of a community that needs God's love.
Yesterday morning, we traveled to the location (it's a few minutes from Millvale) to pray over the community, the church building, and the move. We met Yack while we were there. Yack (obviously his nickname) has family in the neighborhood. When it came time to pray, Yack joined us and began our time of prayer. It was truly an encouragement to meet and pray with this man. This is further evidence that God is at work in inner-city Cincinnati.
During the time at the Community Center, our students have continued to shine! Even now, they are playing sports, talking with children, and building relationships. At our evening devotionals, students have shared how much these kids and this experience have touched them. It is obvious to me that the children here in Millvale are impacting our students as much as - if not more than - our students are impacting them.
Our team has continued to do a great job of serving and laying down their lives. They have poured everything they have into this work. They are maturing as Christians right before our very eyes. I believe that many of them are experiencing life-changing moments this week. God is certainly at work!
This morning, we went to the school here and assembled over 400 bags of school supplies for the children. We were visited by the principal during our time there. We asked him if we could pray for him and he was excited to let us do that. Our team of over forty people surrounded the principal and another staff member and we spent close to 10 minutes praying over them, for the students, for the staff, and for the upcoming school year. We could sense that God was present among us in a special way.
Well, its almost Bible time and I need to get back. I just wanted to let you know how things are going. This will probably be my last update until our return. I will likely not have internet access again before I get home. Thanks again to all of the parents who allowed their children to be a part of this experience. You may not get the same person back that you sent down here.
shine!
Jason
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
M:C 2008 Update
Monday was mostly a travel day. We pulled out of the RCC parking lot shortly after 9:00am and started the journey south. After a few bathroom breaks and lunch at Wendy's/Taco Bell, we arrived at Pat Pugh's house in time for dinner. We spent most of the evening hanging with Pat, his family, and a few friends who were there. We ended our time there with Pat bringing us up to speed with what is going on in their ministry.
I want to share with you something Pat shared with us. He told us that at the beginning of June, some of the people from the church started meeting an hour before service on Sunday mornings and walked about the community. They would stop at certain places and pray. This is something that have continued to do. Then in a meeting about a week ago, some of the officials from the community informed Pat that the crime rate had dropped significantly in the community for the month of June! Praise God for His faithfulness!! Before we left, we surrounded Pat and prayed for his, his family, and his ministry.
When we arrived at the retreat (our home base for the week) everyone unloaded and got settled in. We ended the evening with a brief devotional. It was good to hear many of the students share what they hoped God would do this week.
Tuesday morning we awoke to rain...a lot of rain. We were supposed to go hand out postcards in the community for a few hours, but instead we went to the center. This actually worked out great. We were able to connect with the kids in the center. After lunch we ran an obstacle course and played kickball. I was so impressed with the way our students worked together and worked hard, without having to asked very much.
When it was Bible time, our students went right to work again. They were singing, smiling, and helping the children get engaged. And when they went to class time, they jumped right into their tasks. It was amazing to see how hard they working and how on task they were. I told them last night that this was my seventh mission trip with a group of teens and Tuesday was the best day on a mission trip I had ever experienced. Every time I looked, everyone was working. I didn't have to ask anyone to do something more than once. They always did it the first time. When they were with the children, they were focused on the children and not engrossed in each other.
If you are a parent of one of the students on this trip, you should be proud. Your children are doing an awesome work down here. They are displaying the love of Christ. They are revealing their character. They are growing spiritually right before my eyes. Thank you to the parents who have labored for years to plant the seeds that are now bearing fruit. You have helped make this trip unfold the way it is. Your work has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Thank you!
On a less serious note, we did get to enjoy dinner at Sonic yesterday. The troops were very happy! :-)
shine!
Jason
Monday, July 28, 2008
Countdown to Cinci
shine!
Jason
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