Wednesday, March 30, 2011

20%, Earthquake Update, and Teenagers!!!!

This week I officially reached the 20% mark on Faith Promise!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!! I am a fifth of the way there! :) This is a small milestone and a huge one all at the same time! I love reaching goals, and this was the first one! I have lots of churches scheduled still in the future and just started another mass mailer to churches in neighboring districts and states, so please continue to pray for God to send supporters!

Also, please do not forget New Zealand in your prayers in light of the Christ Church earthquake. There is still so much to be done, and the country is still hurting tremendously in the wake of such a tragedy. My good friend Stephenie Garey just returned to the Auckland area after serving in Christ Church with the Salvation Army. Another GP missionary, Rob Reynolds, is there currently. Steph just reported, "Being in a disaster zone for a week is an indescribable experience. Going door to door, asking to people if their needs are met & how they are coping- wow- I saw so much: destruction, loss, sadness, and tears. YET, I also saw rebuilding, strength, resilience, and HOPE. ...I am amazed at what the Salvation Army is doing- the compassion & organization- what an honor to join with them. It is a long, difficult road for the Cantabrians. Be encouraged that as the city rebuilds, a Christian organization is helping lay that foundation by supporting the community tangibly, emotionally & spiritually in this secular environment." Please keep the prayer coming New Zealand's way!

It has been three weeks of TEENAGERS! I love teenagers, have I ever mentioned that before? :) Two weeks ago, I subbed four of five days. The first two were spent with 5th, 6th, and 8th graders at a Christian school, and the last two were with high school students. I LOVE TEACHING! :) The next week, I was blessed to go with my good friend and fellow youth pastor, Beth Brown, to take some awesome students to an event in Minneapolis. We had an incredible time that involved a LOT of slap-happy moments. The night before the trip, Pastor Beth and I both only got four or less hours of sleep. We were up for almost 24 hours that day... The trip home was the same, and we drove through the night. I got home at 5:30 in the morning feeling like I'd been hit by a really big truck!!!! It was such a great time though. God really encouraged me through the messages, and the students we took were able to encounter God in a pretty powerful way. I started this week by subbing again at the high school.

Last night at The Grounds, four students made spiritual commitments in my living room!!! Two put their faith in Christ, and two others were seeking God for a renewal of joy and love in their walk with Him. It was so encouraging! To think, I initially said I did not want to be in youth ministry while I was home... This journey to New Zealand is involving a lot I didn't expect, but God is so good. I sense Him preparing me in ways I didn't realize I needed preparation! I am so thankful for His presence and work along the way. This weekend I have a double-header; I will be speaking at a church in Evansville in the morning and a church in French Lick at night. Please pray for God to work!

In His Love, Amber

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Life in the Fast Lane! :)

Life has been busy in a good way lately! Substitute teaching has turned into almost a full-time job. I LOVE IT! I get to spend 8 hours a day with teenagers! I have always enjoyed teaching, and I jump at any opportunity to be around students outside the church. It is such a blessing to build relationships with students, teachers, and staff in the schools. Some of my students have a hard time remembering my last name and have nicknamed me "Liverpool." This was a common nickname from some of my students in youth ministry, so I feel right at home.

I have been in three awesome churches the last three weekends. All of them were unique and beautiful portrayals of the Body of Christ. Greenwood Wesleyan is a beautifully diverse congregation with a sweet, welcoming spirit. I discovered upon arrival that the pastor's daughter was one of my "camp kids" back in the day. Of course, she has her own "kids" now as she is almost finished with a degree and has already done her student teaching. The reunion was sweet, and I loved this congregation. On a Sunday night, I was able to visit Clarks Chapel General Baptist Church in Oakland City. Their church family was so enjoyable, and their pastor was one of the best Southern Gospel singers I have ever heard! Finally, this past weekend was spent with Northside Wesleyan Church in Terre Haute. The pastor's family and I had some connections and really enjoyed getting to know one another. The church family reminded me of my home church growing up. We had a GREAT time together. Some of their youth were brave enough to sample Vegemite, and it started a trend at the carry-in lunch. I really enjoyed all the puckered faces and cries for a drink of something to help wash it down. On the financial front, after turning in some faith promises I received this weekend, I should reach the goal point of 20%! I'm excited, because I needed to reach that percentage in order to attend Missionary Training Institute in June. I am rejoicing over a small victory!

This week I also was able to visit some friends during my travels since the schools here are on spring break. I got to spend some quality time with some of my former students who are now young adults and good friends along with visiting a couple I lived with years ago. The fellowship was sweet. After youth group tonight, I have to get to bed early since I am going with a great youth pastor friend and some of her students to a youth conference in Minnesota. I'm excited for the fellowship and the chance to soak up some good worship/rock concerts!!!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Ignite Youth Camp Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3Yvdf46t7M
Check out this awesome video from the combined Wesleyan and Nazarene Ignite Youth Camp 20011 in New Zealand!!!! A lot of my friends are in this video... I so wish I could've been there!