Monday, June 30, 2008

Mission Kansas: Day 2

Today was a GREAT day here at Morning Star Ranch...We had an awesome morning devotional time, and then sausage and cereal for breakfast. Then, it was off to our worksites for the day. The job? Paint a huge corral and scrape paint off bleachers to prep them for painting. The girls did the corral and the guys worked on the bleachers. Lunch was hamburgers, and then it was back to work.

We spent time in the pool after work, and just ate dinner. We're all having a great time, and wish you were here.

Our devo time last night focused on our relationship with God....where are we now? We all say we want to get closer to God, but what does that look like? Are we just creating legalism when we talk about daily scripture reading and prayers, or are those things a necessary part of our relationship with our Father?

Be sure to check out our pictures! We add some each day!

Album 1
Album 2

We made it! Travel day.

We had a long drive, and after a stop at Subway, a gas break and some shopping at Emporia, we arrived last night about 7:15pm. We unpacked, and then spent time checking out the camp, iking, basketball, volleyball, ropes course, it's all here.

The camp director, Jim Elam gave us an orientation for the camp, and then we talked about or devo for the week. We also got our assignments for the week, painting, painting and more painting.

The students all had time to spend with God, and then we got together to talk about what we could expect from God this week. So...what can we expect? That he'll talk to us, loudly, clearly and openly. And it's our job to listen for it.

For some pictures, go here.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Mission:Kansas, -1 Day

The bags are packed, the trailer is attached to the van, and we're fueled and ready to go.  

We are taking 17 people to Morning Star Ranch in Florence Kansas for a "beginner's" mission trip.  Most of the students going are in grades 6-8, with a few high schoolers and adults along. We'll be painting, cleaning, clearing brush, hiking, swimming, relaxing, camp-firing and everything in between.  

We'll be doing a study through the book of Ephesians for our devotional time.

Tomorrow, we leave by 9am and hope to be at MSR by 6pm.  I'll post updates and pictures throughout the week, so be sure to check back often!!

Friday, June 27, 2008

Please Read

Due to the number of "off-campus" events during the month of July, there will be no Sunday night or Wednesday night meetings for July.

No youth group or d-group.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Youth Culture Watch

I heard the song, "I Kissed a Girl" by Katy Perry last week, and was quite disturbed by it. Today, I received a "Culture Update" from CPYU, The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding about the song and video. First, the video...



I recommend reading the "3D Evaluation" of this song and video at Walt Mueller's website, found here.

Finally, go to the MTV link where people can leave comments about the video. Here are some sample comments...

"You never really know if you are straight or gay unless you try with both genders."

"I love it!!! I think every girl at some point in their life "kissed a girl" "just to try it" :-)"

"About time American publicizes girls that swing towards boys but are fully capable of enjoying their gfs on occasion :)"

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Youth Group Tonight

I understand that there are travel problems due to all of the water issues...we are still planning on meeting tonight, so if you can make it...we'll see you there!

Monday, June 2, 2008

Eastview Parent's Weekly, June 1-7

There are some exciting things taking place in the coming weeks!

First, this week is our promotion week...we had 2 high school seniors graduate, and are welcoming in 5 new 6th graders!

Second, we have had enough donations to purchase a church van. This will make a HUGE difference in our ability to bring kids to Eastview, both Wednesday nights and on Sundays. A big thank you to all who donated.

Third...Mission Kansas is less than 4 weeks away. Transportation plans are being finalized...devo’s being written, food prep being done...please pray for those going on this trip: Derek Lochner, Katie Fortner, Kyle Hoback, Jordan Linhoss, Evan Linhoss, Beth Frederick, Brittany Kiley, Nathan Mulholland, Katie Mulholland, Larissa Bisig, Ben Bradshaw, Merle & EJ Stone, Anne and I, and John 3.

Fourth...Mission Mexico is only...6 weeks away. We have 2 more trip meetings scheduled (June 22 and July 12). Please pray for those goingg on this trip as well: Nathan Mulholland, Katie Mulholland, Dillon Bisig, Kassi Hoback, Breanna Smith, Nickie Smith, Samantha Holley, Jenai Holley, Adam Bates, Ben Bradshaw, Merle and EJ Stone, Laurie Thomas, Josh Davis and myself.

Not to mention camps, youth group, Sunday school and d-groups...

ONE CRAZY SUMMER!