Early Summer Update

I thought I’d just give you a brief update of the goings-on for our ministry over the next few months.

Here are a few pictures of “Big Purple” (our van) and our newest purchase, a 6’ x 8’ trailer:












































Speaking of events:

LAST WEEK was Middle School Camp for 9 of our students. We talked about the concept of thirst and water as found throughout scripture. Specifically, we talked about the Exodus from Egypt and how the Israelites were constantly thirsting for water, we talked about Noah and the Ark, King David and his “mighty men” bringing him water from a well in Jerusalem and then Paul “being poured out like a drink offering” in Philippians 2.

NEXT WEEK (June 28-July 3) is our second mission trip to Morning Star Ranch in Florence Kansas. We’re taking 6 of our middle school students (Ryan Carmody, Kelsey Zieser, John Mulholland, Tyler Wright, Beth Frederick and Brianna Scott) and 3 adults (Kathy Thomas, Rob Frederick and me). We’ll leave early next Sunday morning and be home by mid-afternoon on Friday, July 3. For our devotional times, we’ll be talking about the 10 Commandments and how God desires our obedience to His Law as a way to honor and love Him.

THE WEEK AFTER (JULY 5-11) is our high school week of camp. As of right now, we have 4 high school students going (Samantha Holley, Jenai Holley, Nathan Mulholland and Heidi Dickerson) and one adult (me). We’ll be focusing on chapter 4 from the Gospel of John and how Jesus truly meets all of our needs. He knows everything about us and simply wants us to allow Him to fill us. It’s going to be a great week!

FINALLY, JULY 26-AUGUST 1 is our high school summer conference trip to CIY MOVE on the campus of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale Illinois. We have 12 students (Samantha Holley, Jenai Holley, Katie Mulholland, Nathan Mulholland, Brittany Kiley, Ashley Heald, Heidi Dickerson, Amanda Williams, Courtney Des Forge, Kayla Buffington, Nickie Smith, Breanna Smith) and 4 adults (Betty Dickerson, Monna Kreher, Steve Novak and me). This year, the focus will be on following God where He leads, and He always leads us close to Him.

AUGUST will find our team re-tooling and preparing for the BIG CHANGE to a “Two-Night” youth group model in September. We’ll be moving our high school night to Sundays and middle school night will remain on Wednesdays. Also in August, we’ll have our ministry team retreat to get away, plan, recap and train our youth workers.

As you can see, I’ll be out of the office much of the summer, and when I am in Cedar Rapids, my time will be spent with my family. If you need to get in touch with me, the best way will be through my cell phone (319-389-5384). I’ll also be using our parent website for some “on the spot” event updates (especially during Kansas and CIY-our camp has dial-up!), so be sure to check that out a few times during the summer.

As always, our ministry covets your prayers. We’ll be putting a mile or 2 on big purple, and God will be speaking to many of our students in ways they have not heard. Don’t forget our sponsors; these events leave them tired, mentally, spiritually and physically, and God speaks to them, too.

Look for another update in 3 weeks!