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(To view entire web album click on photo.)
Here are more photos of Jaden James settling into our family!
Monday, April 27, 2009
More of Jaden James
(To view entire web album click on photo.)
Here are more photos of Jaden James settling into our family!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Jaden James Zerr
Let me introduce you to the second Champ in the Zerr house. 
His name is Jaden James Zerr an
d he was born on April 24th @ 21:04. He weighed in at 5pds 14ounces. He has already eaten a couple of time and is doing well, as is mom.
An emergency C-Section was needed again, just like his big brother. There was fluctuation in his heart rate during a contaction and then fluctuation after that. Which meant to the doctor that a C-section was needed.
Everything from there went great!!!!
Jaden is Hebrew in origin and means "God has heard", James means "supplanter" or to take another place.
Enjoy the pics!
We look forward to having a chance for Jaden to meet you sooner or later.
More pics to follow in the coming days!
Blessings and Love,
Ronnie, Janelle, Caleb & Jaden +
His name is Jaden James Zerr an
d he was born on April 24th @ 21:04. He weighed in at 5pds 14ounces. He has already eaten a couple of time and is doing well, as is mom.
An emergency C-Section was needed again, just like his big brother. There was fluctuation in his heart rate during a contaction and then fluctuation after that. Which meant to the doctor that a C-section was needed.
Everything from there went great!!!!
Jaden is Hebrew in origin and means "God has heard", James means "supplanter" or to take another place.
Enjoy the pics!
We look forward to having a chance for Jaden to meet you sooner or later.
More pics to follow in the coming days!
Blessings and Love,
Ronnie, Janelle, Caleb & Jaden +
Thursday, March 26, 2009
2 Days in my Life - England to Romania
I have just finished a full day in Romania. This is a trip that I have to admit in many ways I was not looking forward to...
It all begins with the current global financial reality and the increase in the Euro and decrease in Canadian Dollar and British Pound. In our Romania Church Planting project the money that is coming out to Romania to enable these courageous men and women to make disciples and work with Jesus so he can plant His church was committed in Euros. However the vast majority of our partner churches in this project come from Canada & the UK (in fact all but 1 church comes from a country who's currency has declined against the Euro). So we have had to make decisions that will affect the church planters here in Romania, not by choice, but out of necessity. The first reason I was not looking forward to this trip was this was my responsibility to explain this to the church planters and regional leadership team. Something I was not looking forward to as I would love to have another story to tell them. One about amazing provision and increased support, but that one is still in the making at this time. IN JESUS NAME!!!
Reason 2 is the simple fact that it is not easy leaving Janelle & Caleb for any period of time, but 9 full days is a long time to be away, especially with Janelle being 8 months pregnant :(
Reason 3 is the fact that the airline I was flying on Wednesday had changed my flight from leaving out of Birmingham @ 10am to 6am. Meaning I had to leave my house at 4:40 in the morning. Not fun!!!!
Reason 4 was because of this flight change I would either have to wait in Bucharest for about 4 hours in the train station, just to catch a 5 hour train ride. So this meant I had to take the dreaded bus for 3:30 hours. You see the train takes longer, but is so much more comfortable, no need to smell everyone else (like it is on the bus) and much easier to work on or watch a movie. Anyway, just another thing that I was not looking forward to.
So I guess my attitude was not really good to begin with?!
Isn't it great how God uses those situations to totally blow us away when we are obedient to doing what he asks of us. I think it is.
So I finally arrived in Constanta close to 7pm, where I was greeted by my good friend and our project director Traian. I have to admit that seeing Traian and listening to his English when I first arrive is always a treat for me. He is a great brother with a huge heart and so much love. The English part is that he always seems to start my trips with broken English (as he only really learned to speak it 15 months ago at the start of the project) and ends them speaking in full sentences like he has done it for years. He is so brave to translate for me with a number of the church planters. I love him.
Traian and I are able to meet for an hour and talk about the project, the church plants and what is happening on this trip while we wait at their church office (Traian is the pastor of a church in Constanta, mother church of the church plant in the Old City - Turkish/Gypsy area of Constanta) for a truck full of Crocs, Car Seats and Beans to arrive from Canada.
I was able to join with about 20 other people from their church for the next hour or two unloading these goods
that will be used for the church and a great ministry they have here called Heart to Heart.
It was really fun and rewarding to be able to do this with them and to see how grateful they were for these gifts. In fact it was humbling to see how excited they were that each of the young guys who helped out was able to take home 3 cans of beans each. They were totally blessed by that.
Then it was off to Traian's for a late unplanned dinner. The cool thing was because it was unplanned, I had to have a traditional Romanian meal. Which was excellent!
Tasty homemade chicken noodle soup followed by the Romanian version of Pork & Beans (which I have to admit is much better then the Canadian kids staple meal).
So after dinner it was off to the missions school where I am staying and the training is taking place on Friday & Saturday. Got to talk to my family on Skype, send a few emails and off to bed. Made it through the travel day that started at 4:40 in the morning and was looking forward to meeting with a number of church planters tomorrow.
My attitude had already began to change and I was feeling blessed to be in Romania.
Day 2 was going to be a long day, I knew that. But what was going to happen in the meetings was nothing you can ever really prepare for. You see meeting with these amazing people and seeing what they are sacrificing, asking, believing and needing Jesus to do is truly humbling. Seriously.
You see we spent 12 hours today visiting 5 church planters and having one meeting with a mother church leader of a church plant that is unfortunately not able to be part of the project anymore. But it was so encouraging that I am sitting in my room here in Romania at 1am writing this article to tell you all about it.
Matthew from the old city was the first church planter we met with. We joined him in the Old City to have breakfast and talk about what is happening in this poor, spiritually deprived, moffia driven area of Constanta. You know, God is working in the lives of these Turkish/Gypsy people. Kids are committed to the club they run and use to teach them about Jesus and help them make better choices, stay in school, get better grades and realize there is someone who loves them more then they could understand. But because they have recently lost the use of the building they were meeting in and the prices of rentals in this area are so high and moffia owned they are at a place where they are desperately needing Jesus to find them a place where they can continue meeting. They have started an alpha coarse in a house owned by family who has been saved this past year and Matthew has invested so much time into. However just recently the son has left his wife and kids and moved to Germany with another lady; devastating this family and attacking their faith.
We also met with the two Gabi's. These young men have been trying to plant a church in Eforie Sud, but it has not been easy. You see there is a small group of older believers in this place and when they began last year they wanted to work with them and were invited by one of them to use their house to begin meeting. However this lady was not very open to new people coming and the group was only committed to prayer. As valuable as that is, it was not going into Eforie and sharing the love and truth of Jesus with the people there. So they
knew they needed a new place to meet. Praise Jesus, at the beginning of this year they were finally able to find an old, run down pub to rent and renovate. This is the start they have been needing and are very excited about all the ways that God is going to be able to use this building to create community and allow them an opportunity to share the truth and love of Jesus. However the renovations have been even more than they had anticipated with a large section of the ceiling being damaged by rain and all the electricity in the place needing to be redone. They are ready to clean things up and begin the work again with the building they have finished, but this is just a shame as they do not have the £1000/$2000 needed to complete the renovations. However they press on and continue to believe Jesus and are committed to remaining faithful to the work he is calling them to do in Eforie Sud, to make disciples and watch Him build his church in this city.
The last couple I want to share with you is one that has gripped and touched my heart in a really powerful way. You see in many ways the season of life they are in is just like mine. Irenel & Christina are a younger couple (late 20s, early 30) and they have a 2 year old son, Sammy. This couple has planted a church in Lumina of about 20 adults, 10 kids and 10 youth. They are faithful, growing and have faith that really challenges mine. You see they are not really getting by, they live in a home with his mother & step-father and have just enough money to pay their utility bills. Irenel is unable to work as he has only the use of one of his arms and it very much limits the things he can do. Christina works part time, but is only able to do that so that Irenel has some time to invest in the church, while they share the duties of watching Sammy. You see their living situation is not as good as it may sound. Irenel's step-dad is an alcoholic and the environment that is created when he is there is not good for any of them. They are unable to have guests and notice a real difference in themselves and especially Sammy when he is around. I say when he is around as both Irenel's mom and step-dad go away to (Germany & Italy) work from time to time. During this time their family thrives, they are able to enjoy the house, each other and open their home to others as they so desperately desire to do. But the problem is the parents are on their last trip as they are getting to old to go work abroad and will be coming back to Lumina for good. Irenel, Christina and Sammy just don't have the money to rent their own place and that is a real shame and detriment to the work they are trying to do with Jesus in Lumina.
So you see I come back to my room tonight, not thinking the same way I did before I left. Not looking at life the same, not wishing I wasn't here. But feeling humbled to be a part of these peoples live, being able to encourage them in the work they are doing, pray with them and believing with them for God to show up and work things out.
I consider it an honor and a privilege to come alongside these courageous men and women who are living sold out lives for Jesus, trusting Him to meet their needs when it doesn't even seem possible. All just to see other come to an understand of how much Jesus loves them and wants to change their lives with His amazing love. How great is that!!! How great is my life!!! How blessed am I to be here!!!
It doesn't mean I am not missing my family loads, cause I am. But really it does make the sacrifices we each have to make as a family worth it. That is why we do what we do, that is why we are willing to make those sacrifices. Because people just like Matthew, Gabi, Gabi, Irenel & Christina. Thank you for them Jesus, they are heroes of our faith and examples to us all!!!
It all begins with the current global financial reality and the increase in the Euro and decrease in Canadian Dollar and British Pound. In our Romania Church Planting project the money that is coming out to Romania to enable these courageous men and women to make disciples and work with Jesus so he can plant His church was committed in Euros. However the vast majority of our partner churches in this project come from Canada & the UK (in fact all but 1 church comes from a country who's currency has declined against the Euro). So we have had to make decisions that will affect the church planters here in Romania, not by choice, but out of necessity. The first reason I was not looking forward to this trip was this was my responsibility to explain this to the church planters and regional leadership team. Something I was not looking forward to as I would love to have another story to tell them. One about amazing provision and increased support, but that one is still in the making at this time. IN JESUS NAME!!!
Reason 2 is the simple fact that it is not easy leaving Janelle & Caleb for any period of time, but 9 full days is a long time to be away, especially with Janelle being 8 months pregnant :(
Reason 3 is the fact that the airline I was flying on Wednesday had changed my flight from leaving out of Birmingham @ 10am to 6am. Meaning I had to leave my house at 4:40 in the morning. Not fun!!!!
Reason 4 was because of this flight change I would either have to wait in Bucharest for about 4 hours in the train station, just to catch a 5 hour train ride. So this meant I had to take the dreaded bus for 3:30 hours. You see the train takes longer, but is so much more comfortable, no need to smell everyone else (like it is on the bus) and much easier to work on or watch a movie. Anyway, just another thing that I was not looking forward to.
So I guess my attitude was not really good to begin with?!
Isn't it great how God uses those situations to totally blow us away when we are obedient to doing what he asks of us. I think it is.
So I finally arrived in Constanta close to 7pm, where I was greeted by my good friend and our project director Traian. I have to admit that seeing Traian and listening to his English when I first arrive is always a treat for me. He is a great brother with a huge heart and so much love. The English part is that he always seems to start my trips with broken English (as he only really learned to speak it 15 months ago at the start of the project) and ends them speaking in full sentences like he has done it for years. He is so brave to translate for me with a number of the church planters. I love him.
Traian and I are able to meet for an hour and talk about the project, the church plants and what is happening on this trip while we wait at their church office (Traian is the pastor of a church in Constanta, mother church of the church plant in the Old City - Turkish/Gypsy area of Constanta) for a truck full of Crocs, Car Seats and Beans to arrive from Canada.
I was able to join with about 20 other people from their church for the next hour or two unloading these goods
that will be used for the church and a great ministry they have here called Heart to Heart.It was really fun and rewarding to be able to do this with them and to see how grateful they were for these gifts. In fact it was humbling to see how excited they were that each of the young guys who helped out was able to take home 3 cans of beans each. They were totally blessed by that.
Then it was off to Traian's for a late unplanned dinner. The cool thing was because it was unplanned, I had to have a traditional Romanian meal. Which was excellent!
Tasty homemade chicken noodle soup followed by the Romanian version of Pork & Beans (which I have to admit is much better then the Canadian kids staple meal).So after dinner it was off to the missions school where I am staying and the training is taking place on Friday & Saturday. Got to talk to my family on Skype, send a few emails and off to bed. Made it through the travel day that started at 4:40 in the morning and was looking forward to meeting with a number of church planters tomorrow.
My attitude had already began to change and I was feeling blessed to be in Romania.
Day 2 was going to be a long day, I knew that. But what was going to happen in the meetings was nothing you can ever really prepare for. You see meeting with these amazing people and seeing what they are sacrificing, asking, believing and needing Jesus to do is truly humbling. Seriously.
You see we spent 12 hours today visiting 5 church planters and having one meeting with a mother church leader of a church plant that is unfortunately not able to be part of the project anymore. But it was so encouraging that I am sitting in my room here in Romania at 1am writing this article to tell you all about it.
Matthew from the old city was the first church planter we met with. We joined him in the Old City to have breakfast and talk about what is happening in this poor, spiritually deprived, moffia driven area of Constanta. You know, God is working in the lives of these Turkish/Gypsy people. Kids are committed to the club they run and use to teach them about Jesus and help them make better choices, stay in school, get better grades and realize there is someone who loves them more then they could understand. But because they have recently lost the use of the building they were meeting in and the prices of rentals in this area are so high and moffia owned they are at a place where they are desperately needing Jesus to find them a place where they can continue meeting. They have started an alpha coarse in a house owned by family who has been saved this past year and Matthew has invested so much time into. However just recently the son has left his wife and kids and moved to Germany with another lady; devastating this family and attacking their faith.
We also met with the two Gabi's. These young men have been trying to plant a church in Eforie Sud, but it has not been easy. You see there is a small group of older believers in this place and when they began last year they wanted to work with them and were invited by one of them to use their house to begin meeting. However this lady was not very open to new people coming and the group was only committed to prayer. As valuable as that is, it was not going into Eforie and sharing the love and truth of Jesus with the people there. So they
knew they needed a new place to meet. Praise Jesus, at the beginning of this year they were finally able to find an old, run down pub to rent and renovate. This is the start they have been needing and are very excited about all the ways that God is going to be able to use this building to create community and allow them an opportunity to share the truth and love of Jesus. However the renovations have been even more than they had anticipated with a large section of the ceiling being damaged by rain and all the electricity in the place needing to be redone. They are ready to clean things up and begin the work again with the building they have finished, but this is just a shame as they do not have the £1000/$2000 needed to complete the renovations. However they press on and continue to believe Jesus and are committed to remaining faithful to the work he is calling them to do in Eforie Sud, to make disciples and watch Him build his church in this city.
The last couple I want to share with you is one that has gripped and touched my heart in a really powerful way. You see in many ways the season of life they are in is just like mine. Irenel & Christina are a younger couple (late 20s, early 30) and they have a 2 year old son, Sammy. This couple has planted a church in Lumina of about 20 adults, 10 kids and 10 youth. They are faithful, growing and have faith that really challenges mine. You see they are not really getting by, they live in a home with his mother & step-father and have just enough money to pay their utility bills. Irenel is unable to work as he has only the use of one of his arms and it very much limits the things he can do. Christina works part time, but is only able to do that so that Irenel has some time to invest in the church, while they share the duties of watching Sammy. You see their living situation is not as good as it may sound. Irenel's step-dad is an alcoholic and the environment that is created when he is there is not good for any of them. They are unable to have guests and notice a real difference in themselves and especially Sammy when he is around. I say when he is around as both Irenel's mom and step-dad go away to (Germany & Italy) work from time to time. During this time their family thrives, they are able to enjoy the house, each other and open their home to others as they so desperately desire to do. But the problem is the parents are on their last trip as they are getting to old to go work abroad and will be coming back to Lumina for good. Irenel, Christina and Sammy just don't have the money to rent their own place and that is a real shame and detriment to the work they are trying to do with Jesus in Lumina.
So you see I come back to my room tonight, not thinking the same way I did before I left. Not looking at life the same, not wishing I wasn't here. But feeling humbled to be a part of these peoples live, being able to encourage them in the work they are doing, pray with them and believing with them for God to show up and work things out.
I consider it an honor and a privilege to come alongside these courageous men and women who are living sold out lives for Jesus, trusting Him to meet their needs when it doesn't even seem possible. All just to see other come to an understand of how much Jesus loves them and wants to change their lives with His amazing love. How great is that!!! How great is my life!!! How blessed am I to be here!!!
It doesn't mean I am not missing my family loads, cause I am. But really it does make the sacrifices we each have to make as a family worth it. That is why we do what we do, that is why we are willing to make those sacrifices. Because people just like Matthew, Gabi, Gabi, Irenel & Christina. Thank you for them Jesus, they are heroes of our faith and examples to us all!!!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Camp Hill Outreach
This morning we were able to get some sleep - we didn't have our normal routine. So we went and got some shopping done - I am sure you all are now experiencing your stuff. Hope they shopped well.
But the afternoon was dedicated to sharing Jesus very publicly to this crowd. It was a day where the kids we hung out with all week were able to bring their parent/guardian so it was deemed a family day.
Lots of people showed up. We were doing a program. So Taylor lead the songs, we did 4 dramas, we had Jazmyne and Candra share their testimonies and once again did very well. 
There were games, and food - we made poutine (which none of them had ever had) they were a hit. Huge thanks to Torry and Holly. Also Jarius a friend of mine from Spain came and joined us, a chef from Spain, he helped out in the kitchen.
But this day was about Jesus, and leaving that message. The amazing part was that our students led kids to Jesus personally, I think this was a big deal.
Josh personally led this boy to Jesus - Cory - an amazing kid. Our last 2 days, we were seeing people giving their lives to Jesus. WOW.
The kids even made us a gift, which we will hang in the church. A banner to remind us of ministry in Camp Hill.
Walking in there at the beginning of the week, it was different and difficult. But Jesus really opened the doors and we saw some amazing results.
After this event we were officially done our ministry aspect of England. We went to Ronnie and Janelle's house for one last team dinner - so good. Then everyone went home early that night to pack, and hang out with host families. We had an early morning the next day heading to London.
But the afternoon was dedicated to sharing Jesus very publicly to this crowd. It was a day where the kids we hung out with all week were able to bring their parent/guardian so it was deemed a family day.
Lots of people showed up. We were doing a program. So Taylor lead the songs, we did 4 dramas, we had Jazmyne and Candra share their testimonies and once again did very well. 
There were games, and food - we made poutine (which none of them had ever had) they were a hit. Huge thanks to Torry and Holly. Also Jarius a friend of mine from Spain came and joined us, a chef from Spain, he helped out in the kitchen.But this day was about Jesus, and leaving that message. The amazing part was that our students led kids to Jesus personally, I think this was a big deal.
Josh personally led this boy to Jesus - Cory - an amazing kid. Our last 2 days, we were seeing people giving their lives to Jesus. WOW. The kids even made us a gift, which we will hang in the church. A banner to remind us of ministry in Camp Hill.
Walking in there at the beginning of the week, it was different and difficult. But Jesus really opened the doors and we saw some amazing results.After this event we were officially done our ministry aspect of England. We went to Ronnie and Janelle's house for one last team dinner - so good. Then everyone went home early that night to pack, and hang out with host families. We had an early morning the next day heading to London.
AWAKEN
Well our whole week has been geared for this day. Sorry it took me so long to get this but our last few days in England were very busy and internet free. But I will do my best to fill in the blanks.
Anyway, this was our last day for Create (Dance/Drama) and sports ministry. We had an awesome last day. Janelle shared her testimony with the sports crew and shared on her deathly allergies and how it relates to her relationship with God - very impressed.
We were preparing everyone for the night event Awaken - done at the church - evangelistic in style. In the afternoon, although not in our original schedule was a trip to Warrick Castle - they convinced Ronnie to find us a driver to take us. 
So we spent the afternoon there checking our something older than our nation. I think everyone really enjoyed themselves. History is very intriguing and this was no shortfall.
Then it was showtime - All of our relationship building through the week was directed to this night where we could speak Jesus with no hindrances. As a leadership team we chose Joselyne to host the night in an MC format with Chris the youth pastor from the church.
We also chose Letitia to be the one student to share her testimony with the whole crowd. Her story we felt was the one that could reach a non-Christian crowd - and she speaks very well. Needless to say she did amazing. 
Got a great response from those who were there. She was fantastic on the trip, I am glad we chose her for this chance. From here our team did a dance they were working on all week. Preparations for this dance didn't go as planned but the team committed the night before to get it accomplished and they delivered so well, very proud of them. 
You can even see Shawnee in this picture, boy was I impressed with her. She was strecthed tons in this process.
Our team also performed a couple of other dramas, and then Matt and Janelle did the Heart Drama for me at the end of my message. As you can see the theme of the night was LOVE. So as far as the heart was concerned, it was a fitting drama for them to do.
So much hard work really paid of for us as a team on this night. We had a tremdous result that night as teenagers made decisions for Jesus for the very first time. This is what it is all about. I cannot express how I felt at the end of this night. A year of accomplishment, study and desire came down to this. And they brought it!! The comments I received from their leadership, volunteer base, and students was overwhelming. Everyone loved our team and what we were able to bring. I just love that we saw salvation and incredible growth in our own students. Praise God. We needed to take a team picture, so we did. But there is still one more day to go.
Anyway, this was our last day for Create (Dance/Drama) and sports ministry. We had an awesome last day. Janelle shared her testimony with the sports crew and shared on her deathly allergies and how it relates to her relationship with God - very impressed.
We were preparing everyone for the night event Awaken - done at the church - evangelistic in style. In the afternoon, although not in our original schedule was a trip to Warrick Castle - they convinced Ronnie to find us a driver to take us. 
So we spent the afternoon there checking our something older than our nation. I think everyone really enjoyed themselves. History is very intriguing and this was no shortfall.Then it was showtime - All of our relationship building through the week was directed to this night where we could speak Jesus with no hindrances. As a leadership team we chose Joselyne to host the night in an MC format with Chris the youth pastor from the church.
We also chose Letitia to be the one student to share her testimony with the whole crowd. Her story we felt was the one that could reach a non-Christian crowd - and she speaks very well. Needless to say she did amazing. 
Got a great response from those who were there. She was fantastic on the trip, I am glad we chose her for this chance. From here our team did a dance they were working on all week. Preparations for this dance didn't go as planned but the team committed the night before to get it accomplished and they delivered so well, very proud of them. 
You can even see Shawnee in this picture, boy was I impressed with her. She was strecthed tons in this process.Our team also performed a couple of other dramas, and then Matt and Janelle did the Heart Drama for me at the end of my message. As you can see the theme of the night was LOVE. So as far as the heart was concerned, it was a fitting drama for them to do.
So much hard work really paid of for us as a team on this night. We had a tremdous result that night as teenagers made decisions for Jesus for the very first time. This is what it is all about. I cannot express how I felt at the end of this night. A year of accomplishment, study and desire came down to this. And they brought it!! The comments I received from their leadership, volunteer base, and students was overwhelming. Everyone loved our team and what we were able to bring. I just love that we saw salvation and incredible growth in our own students. Praise God. We needed to take a team picture, so we did. But there is still one more day to go.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Hi Everyone! Its Holly here today -- just filling in for Pastor Shawn on the blog today.
We had a truly fantastic day yesterday. As far as activities go, the morning started off as per usual -- half the team went to the sports camp in the morning, while the rest of us stayed for drama and dance at the church. The difference today, was the time we spent as a team prior to breaking off into our groups. The Lord met with us as a team. Through his word and prayer, the Lord challenged us to be strengthened and renewed and to take the opportunities He'll provide to share His love with others. We were especially challenged to do this, not just through our actions but through our words. And with this, we started our day...
DANCE SESSION:
The vision of the dance sessions this week was to host a dance camp for unchurched kids and put on a big production at the end of the week where friends and family could attend. The students have been working hard all week to prepare for the production. I have personally watched Carly, Ashton, Jocelyn, Latitia, Taylor, and Candra through each day of dance. They have been stretched, and sweated -- and taken the opportunities to share the love of Christ as they work alongside other students to create this dance production. Its awesome! Props to Jocelyn for stepping up and teaching dance for a portion of the morning.
Its hard to believe its already Friday and the production is happening tonight. Pastor Shawn will have the opportunity to share the gospel message with all the families who attend. Please be praying for him today!
SPORTS CAMP:
The team working the sports camp this week have been fantastic. They've played relentlessly all week. I had no idea playing could be so hard! Actually, they've had to be very creative with their sports because they haven't had all the right equipment. In addition, the heat in the school hasn't been on due to underground construction in the area -- but they have been troopers and it has paid off. They have built great relationships with kids, teenagers, and even some moms in the area. This is exciting because they have been building a bridge between the community and the church.
CAMP HILL:
In the afternoon, we were off to Camp Hill to spend time with the local kids and serve the finest in Canadian Cuisine -- Hot Dogs grilled on the George Foreman! Before heading to Camp Hill we stopped for lunch at a Chinese Buffet! The food was awesome -- and we took full advantage of the 'all you can eat.' We were stuffed -- except for Matt who seems to have a hollow leg. He was first in line for Hot Dogs upon arriving at Camp Hill.
We were in Camp Hill for only a few hours, but God opened many doors for our student team to be a witness. Taylor shared her testimony -- it was very moving and it set the tone for the rest of the evening. I've heard stories from Josh, Jasmine, and Candra about opportunities they had to share about Jesus -- I'm sure there were many more.
Its obvious that God is working in the lives of each person on our team! Please keep praying for us. We still have a few that are struggling with cold and flu. Taylor stayed home again today to rest; Carly is spending a lot of time resting; and a few others are extremely tired and suffering from cold symptoms. We know that the enemy wants to hinder the work that God has given us to do, so please pray along with us for health and strength to make every day count!
We had a truly fantastic day yesterday. As far as activities go, the morning started off as per usual -- half the team went to the sports camp in the morning, while the rest of us stayed for drama and dance at the church. The difference today, was the time we spent as a team prior to breaking off into our groups. The Lord met with us as a team. Through his word and prayer, the Lord challenged us to be strengthened and renewed and to take the opportunities He'll provide to share His love with others. We were especially challenged to do this, not just through our actions but through our words. And with this, we started our day...
DANCE SESSION:
The vision of the dance sessions this week was to host a dance camp for unchurched kids and put on a big production at the end of the week where friends and family could attend. The students have been working hard all week to prepare for the production. I have personally watched Carly, Ashton, Jocelyn, Latitia, Taylor, and Candra through each day of dance. They have been stretched, and sweated -- and taken the opportunities to share the love of Christ as they work alongside other students to create this dance production. Its awesome! Props to Jocelyn for stepping up and teaching dance for a portion of the morning.
Its hard to believe its already Friday and the production is happening tonight. Pastor Shawn will have the opportunity to share the gospel message with all the families who attend. Please be praying for him today!
SPORTS CAMP:
The team working the sports camp this week have been fantastic. They've played relentlessly all week. I had no idea playing could be so hard! Actually, they've had to be very creative with their sports because they haven't had all the right equipment. In addition, the heat in the school hasn't been on due to underground construction in the area -- but they have been troopers and it has paid off. They have built great relationships with kids, teenagers, and even some moms in the area. This is exciting because they have been building a bridge between the community and the church.
CAMP HILL:
In the afternoon, we were off to Camp Hill to spend time with the local kids and serve the finest in Canadian Cuisine -- Hot Dogs grilled on the George Foreman! Before heading to Camp Hill we stopped for lunch at a Chinese Buffet! The food was awesome -- and we took full advantage of the 'all you can eat.' We were stuffed -- except for Matt who seems to have a hollow leg. He was first in line for Hot Dogs upon arriving at Camp Hill.
We were in Camp Hill for only a few hours, but God opened many doors for our student team to be a witness. Taylor shared her testimony -- it was very moving and it set the tone for the rest of the evening. I've heard stories from Josh, Jasmine, and Candra about opportunities they had to share about Jesus -- I'm sure there were many more.
Its obvious that God is working in the lives of each person on our team! Please keep praying for us. We still have a few that are struggling with cold and flu. Taylor stayed home again today to rest; Carly is spending a lot of time resting; and a few others are extremely tired and suffering from cold symptoms. We know that the enemy wants to hinder the work that God has given us to do, so please pray along with us for health and strength to make every day count!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Villa, Villa, Villa
Another day has come and gone now. And our routine is very similar every day, but different stories evolve in them. But the great part is that our whole team was back together again. Taylor and Carly joined us. Holly joined us later in the day. Shawnee and Letitia brought the testimonies today to the students, and like everyone else did a great job. 
I really love how attentive these students are when listening to their stories. The cool part is that our students are doing their testimonies non-verbatum. They are leaving their notes behind and just flowing with whatever God brings back to mind with what they wrote in the beginning.
Our morning sessions are developing quite nicely. We even had a mom from the community come and play football with us. The best part is she was so aggressive, not backing down to any male on the floor. She would be knocked down, but would get back up. She even scored the game tying goal on Micah. Please ask him about that. The cool part is that her son was playing with us - a mother/son tandem.
This afternoon we went back into Camp Hill to distribute the last of the flyers. This is our bus ride getting over there. You can see you noticed.
This picture shows the land scape but it is only a minor part. This area is much more larger. We had some time doing acts of service for their community. We picked up garbage and kids who we have made relationship with showed up to help us do this. That is very unique.
I was able to get the camera out today, but still need to be discreet in it. It is sensitive especially when children are around because of legalities within families.
The Chess Center is where our home base is when it comes to Camp Hill.
It is where we play sports, make food, and hang out. A multi-million dollar facility, which is barely touched by the community - very weird situation. But this is where we spend our afternoons.
And then it was off to Brimingham in the evening where we would all witness one of the most amazing events in our lives - a European Football Match.
This blew the doors off of any Canadian hockey team and its fans. 40,000 people, all singing, cursing everything under the sun when the play didn't go their way. It was sensory overload - I loved it and so did all of our students. The funny part was all of their singing was to church hymns, nursery rythmes and holiday songs. They of course create their own lyrics, we even had the song When the Villa Go Marching In. The team was Aston Villa - the only Premiereship Team that sponsors a Christain organization (very unheard of). Anyway our team decided to buy lots of Villa sports stuff.
We then headed home to bed.
Pray: We are past day 4 which means we should be losing our fatigue factor, so they say. So everyone seems to be coming around. But pray for attitude and attack of the enemy. We recognized our defenses were down yesterday - and it showed in us. We have been walking through the armor of God in church, maybe pray along those lines. Have a great day, talk to you tomorrow.
I really love how attentive these students are when listening to their stories. The cool part is that our students are doing their testimonies non-verbatum. They are leaving their notes behind and just flowing with whatever God brings back to mind with what they wrote in the beginning.Our morning sessions are developing quite nicely. We even had a mom from the community come and play football with us. The best part is she was so aggressive, not backing down to any male on the floor. She would be knocked down, but would get back up. She even scored the game tying goal on Micah. Please ask him about that. The cool part is that her son was playing with us - a mother/son tandem.
This afternoon we went back into Camp Hill to distribute the last of the flyers. This is our bus ride getting over there. You can see you noticed.
This picture shows the land scape but it is only a minor part. This area is much more larger. We had some time doing acts of service for their community. We picked up garbage and kids who we have made relationship with showed up to help us do this. That is very unique.
I was able to get the camera out today, but still need to be discreet in it. It is sensitive especially when children are around because of legalities within families.
The Chess Center is where our home base is when it comes to Camp Hill.
It is where we play sports, make food, and hang out. A multi-million dollar facility, which is barely touched by the community - very weird situation. But this is where we spend our afternoons.And then it was off to Brimingham in the evening where we would all witness one of the most amazing events in our lives - a European Football Match.
This blew the doors off of any Canadian hockey team and its fans. 40,000 people, all singing, cursing everything under the sun when the play didn't go their way. It was sensory overload - I loved it and so did all of our students. The funny part was all of their singing was to church hymns, nursery rythmes and holiday songs. They of course create their own lyrics, we even had the song When the Villa Go Marching In. The team was Aston Villa - the only Premiereship Team that sponsors a Christain organization (very unheard of). Anyway our team decided to buy lots of Villa sports stuff.We then headed home to bed.
Pray: We are past day 4 which means we should be losing our fatigue factor, so they say. So everyone seems to be coming around. But pray for attitude and attack of the enemy. We recognized our defenses were down yesterday - and it showed in us. We have been walking through the armor of God in church, maybe pray along those lines. Have a great day, talk to you tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Best Day of Ministry so far . . . . .
Today was an amazing day of ministry. We went on with our normal routine in the morning, doing dance/drama and sports. Today was stronger in numbers for sports, which was a real encouragement to those involved. 
But us Canadians were introduced to the game the English call Football - the game where actually use your feet, not arms!! We call it soccer. But these guys are good. We would rule at hockey, well they rule at football. It is funny when an 8 year old kid is running circles around us.
It was lots of fun. We look forward to playing, it is growing on us. Meanwhile back at the church our dance/drama team was in form. We were minus Carly and Taylor as they took the day off to sleep and recover. As I write this, they are back with us this morning. Still not 100% but feeling better. Our students are having lots of fun with the dance component, which I am glad for.
Joselyne and Jazmyne shared their testimonies today and did a fantastic job. Students are very attentive when they talk and enjoy their stories.
In the afternoon session we went back to Camp Hill - we rented a center in this project where we had a gym a games room of sorts and a kitchen. As soon as we arrived their were students waiting for us because of our advertisement the day before. They were lined up at the doors, trying t break in which is a big NO-NO there.
Anyway, when we get ready to go, kids just stream in. The idea for this day was to have a football game, other gym games. We would teach dance, do crafts and cook a Canadian meal - which was pancakes. Everyone loved it, the staff at the center encouraged us not to get our hopes high, and saying that no respect would be given. You should have seen their demeanor after we were done, they couldn't believe what they witnessed. It was awesome. And the staff even liked the pancakes. As well as the kids, they came back several times for more. Thanks to Holly and Torry for prepping everything.
But throughout the afternoon we played with the kids, got to know them. Several of our students shared testimonies to the crowds, and they sat their with full attention. It really was great. Students hung around until we had to kick them out. We go back Thursday to do a similar day, we can't wait to go back.
And then tonight we were all taken to a Pub to eat our meal. We would liken it to a local restaurant so hopefully Charmaine didn't just fall off her chair. The meal was great. Many of our students went with the staple meal of Cheeseburger - something familiar.
Prayer: Still strength. Couple more people not feeling well this morning. Fatigue and jet lag aren't helping.
But us Canadians were introduced to the game the English call Football - the game where actually use your feet, not arms!! We call it soccer. But these guys are good. We would rule at hockey, well they rule at football. It is funny when an 8 year old kid is running circles around us.
It was lots of fun. We look forward to playing, it is growing on us. Meanwhile back at the church our dance/drama team was in form. We were minus Carly and Taylor as they took the day off to sleep and recover. As I write this, they are back with us this morning. Still not 100% but feeling better. Our students are having lots of fun with the dance component, which I am glad for.
Joselyne and Jazmyne shared their testimonies today and did a fantastic job. Students are very attentive when they talk and enjoy their stories.
In the afternoon session we went back to Camp Hill - we rented a center in this project where we had a gym a games room of sorts and a kitchen. As soon as we arrived their were students waiting for us because of our advertisement the day before. They were lined up at the doors, trying t break in which is a big NO-NO there.
Anyway, when we get ready to go, kids just stream in. The idea for this day was to have a football game, other gym games. We would teach dance, do crafts and cook a Canadian meal - which was pancakes. Everyone loved it, the staff at the center encouraged us not to get our hopes high, and saying that no respect would be given. You should have seen their demeanor after we were done, they couldn't believe what they witnessed. It was awesome. And the staff even liked the pancakes. As well as the kids, they came back several times for more. Thanks to Holly and Torry for prepping everything.But throughout the afternoon we played with the kids, got to know them. Several of our students shared testimonies to the crowds, and they sat their with full attention. It really was great. Students hung around until we had to kick them out. We go back Thursday to do a similar day, we can't wait to go back.
And then tonight we were all taken to a Pub to eat our meal. We would liken it to a local restaurant so hopefully Charmaine didn't just fall off her chair. The meal was great. Many of our students went with the staple meal of Cheeseburger - something familiar.
Prayer: Still strength. Couple more people not feeling well this morning. Fatigue and jet lag aren't helping.
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