|
Just Another Day in Youth Ministry!
from Kevin Barra, Youth Pastor
A day in youth ministry-that's difficult to describe, it's constantly changing. The past several weeks, we have been researching the newest pop culture songs, writing elaborate scripts for skits, organizing a band to play pop songs and worship songs, training people to share the gospel, and capturing video of youth kids dressed up as superheroes. Why? This may be your first question. It's just another day in youth ministry.
I don't think it was until I was at Bryson Park filming with Nathan Shaub painted blue, Clark James in a ridiculous blond wig, and Luke Strain wearing a Mr. Incredible costume that it hit me, "I live a very odd life." People were walking by looking confused and laughing, even their dogs were doing "double-takes" at us. As I was climbing a tree to film another scene I realized that God probably has a blooper reel specifically for youth ministry in heaven.
Let's come back to the question, "Why?" Well, we are putting on a week of camp for Dominican students at a Young Life Camp called Pico Escondido in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. I know, that's a mouthful!
 | Welcoming kids at the beautiful Pico Escondido!
|
While you are reading this our team of 37 Americans (30 of which are high school students) is in the middle of a week of camp. We are serving as the camp counselors, skit team, worship team, small group leaders, speakers, planners, and organizers for an amazing camp experience. Last year we had an incredible time and led many to the Lord, and we pray for the same this week.
Please pray for our energy level to stay high and the Spirit of God to lead us invade the hearts of these students to know him. For a fuller picture of a day in youth ministry at camp in Dominican Republic, follow along with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr! Pictures (like those shown here) and updates are posted from the team daily.
|
Budget Update
Dear Grace Family,
Thank you for your generous response to our financial need. As mentioned last month, we were projected to fall $100,000 short of our 2011-2012 fiscal year budget. Through your generosity, the month of June ended in the black by $5,830. However, based on our updated projections, we will still need very strong giving in July to cover our necessary expenditures. We are thankful for God's faithful provision.
Let us continue in doing well and "excel still more." (1 Thess. 4:2)
The Elders of Grace Bible Church
|
|
News and Events
Volunteer at The Giveaway | August 18
The Giveaway is an annual service opportunity providing small appliances, furniture, and home goods to new international students in Bryan/College Station. If you are local, there are several times and ways you can help in addition to donating items. For more information, visit our website or email JanineFord@grace-bible.org.
|
|
|
|
|
Connect with Grace
 |
Ministry Updates
Children: Elementary parents: Look for a new Monthly Parent Resource (no longer weekly) every 1st Sunday! All resources are also available online. Youth: WINTER OLYMPICS - End of summer youth party; Aug 1st, 7-8:30pm at Southwood Campus. Wear clothes that can get wet and dirty. College: It's not too late to jump into a summer Bible study! Join us Thursday nights as we study the Psalms! Sign up now!
Ministry 20|30: Singles in their 20's & 30s join us for Bible study, fellowship & service. For weekly activities visit our website or email us.
Women: Make plans to join one of our awesome Women's Small Groups this fall. Registration begins Aug 19. Click here to see all the options!
Men: Make plans to join one of our Men's Small Groups this fall. Registration begins Aug 19. Click here to see the options!
Global Outreach: Grab a prayer calendar from the foyer, and join us in praying for our summer short-term trips!
Community Outreach: Youth Impact students will attend KAA and Stoney Creek camps this month. Pray for safety, soft hearts, the making of disciples, & a lot of fun for our students!
South Asian Fellowship: The summer dinner outreach programs are going very well. The India team leaves July 18; pray for safety, good health & effective ministry.
Grace Bible Mandarin Church: Cell group fellowship and Bible studies, adult Sunday School and children Mandarin Sunday classes have run well. Praise the LORD. Please pray for group leaders and teachers.
|
|
|
