The HARVEST is plentiful, but the workers are few...

The past couple of weeks have been bittersweet for us as we say goodbye to Mandy. Tonight was the official going away party for her. We ate at the Pizza Ranch and enjoyed a few rounds of bowling. It's always a hoot hanging out with these chicas!!

I must say it has been such a blessing to have met Mandy and have her as a part of this experience. One of the greatest blessings of my life has been this youth group and these girls. We've been meeting now for over a year and truly our little group has become like a family. We have seen the girls grow in the Lord immensely, and every week a seed is planted in their hearts, and God's word will never return void.

Also, these past couple weeks in our Rewired series, we've been talking a lot with the girls about inherrant sin and the need for Jesus. I truly want them to see how gracious God is, and that it is truly grace through faith that saves and that it is not of ourselves. I also want them to know how much He truly loves them. I pray that they'd feel even an iota of that love through us as leaders. My most earnest prayer is that they'd see Christ in us. That they would "taste and see that the Lord is good..."

God has been dealing with me a lot lately as well. It would be true to say that the enemy has tried very hard for the past year to steer me in the wrong direction, he attacks those who he knows God is trying to use. He tries to lie to us. I am now more determined than ever that I will not let his ploys and lies cause me to give up or give in. I know that He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world. I will continue to press on not only because God has called me to this, but I also do it for all the hugs, the laughter and the sound of these young ones' sweet voices singing praise to the Most High. How thankful I am that God uses broken imperfect people like me to accomplish his purposes. I nearly broke down in tears the other night while we were worshiping, (not only because the girls and I will miss Mandy's wonderful guitar playing) but because the sound of their voices and their praise to God was so sweet. And I was so thankful for this opportunity to be a part of their lives.

Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. " (Matt 9:37-38)

I desire to continue bringing the good news of the gospel to these kids. Healing and salvation in their lives, their families' lives and their in their community can only come from the Lord Jesus Christ. It starts with the youth. But I cannot undertake this effort alone. It is not safe for me to drive through the 'housing' at night by myself. I am asking for anyone who is even remotely interested to seriously consider serving the kids of Lake Andes with me. All it requires is a few hours of your time to hugely impact the lives of these kids forever.

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send ME!' " Isaiah 6:8

REWIRED

Well,
I haven't posted to this blog in a while because I forgot my password and I finally just remembered it! Ha. SoRrY!

Well, we are continuing to meet every Wednesday with the gals. This year we've been doing a series called Rewired. It is all about wiring our brains to see the world from a Christian perspective. It has been going very well. It is so amazing to see how much the girls have grown since we started this a year ago. They are really comprehending a lot of what is taught in this series. The series involves using a DVD to teach the lessons-it has video clips and teaching screens which are really helpful! This week we learned about the cosmic battle of good vs. evil, and how we are involved in that battle.

Grateful for This Opportunity:

I cannot express truly how grateful I am for the opportunity to be a part of these girls' lives. They are such awesome kids. We have a core group of girls that has been very faithful in attending youth group and being a part of the activities. I think back to a year ago when we handed out Bibles to any girl who did not have one...most received a Bible from us. We covered the basics: how to look up scripture and use your Bible ect. Now they are quite good at looking up scriptures when I ask them!

For those who are not familiar with what we do: Last year Mandy Chaplin and I decided it would be fun to do a Wednesday night youth group for the older kids in the Lake Andes/Pickstown area. So we did! We get our big blue van roaring every Wednesday and start picking up the girls at about 6pm. It usually takes at least 45 minutes to do the route. We take them to the church in Pickstown which has so graciously allowed us to use their facility, they even fixed up a room specifically for us to use. It is very cozy and so cute! We generally start the session with Praise and Worship, Mandy on guitar. The girls love to sing! We often have snacks hot cocoa or whatever treat we decide to bring. We have a lesson, and then if we have time we play games (which the kids LOVE). This year we have spent a lot more time doing the lesson so we haven't been doing as many games. Also, we sometimes take special trips or have special parties with the girls: bowling, going to concerts, lock-ins, campouts, and boating! (It is fun to re-live adolescence at times with these gals!) We even took a trip to Minneapolis to attend Revolve. I feel like these activities have really made a lasting impact on the girls and created memories they will cherish for life.

The sad but exciting news this year is that Mandy is going to be moving to SINGAPORE! We are excited for her new adventure. But we will miss her so much! I am in prayer for workers to rise up and help me in this endeavor to disciple these young girls. It has, at times, been the joy of my life, keeping me grounded and accountable. I have so much fun with the kids! God is doing mighty things and it only takes one person to take action. I am also praying for workers for Sunday School because that is where it all begins. I am praying that area churches with a passion to spread the Word will rise up to bring to word to the kids in Lake Andes. God can and will start a revival , but he needs us to be vessels for him to work through. I am humbled that he would choose me...I am not worthy and I'm very imperfect. But, He uses me nonetheless.

Long before I was given the opportunity to be a part of this endeavor, I prayed that God would move mightily among the Dakota and Lakota nations in our area. I never knew he'd let me be involved so mightily with their youth. I know that God's word does not return void. I pray that these kids would grow up with the knowledge and love of the Lord and spread it throughout our area! How awesome!

"And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands." Psalm 90: 17

Making Decisions Based on Facts and Faith

Tonight we discussed what the Bible has to say about Alcohol and Drinking.

One of the biggest dilemmas facing Christian teens today is how to handle the pressure to drink alcohol.

Here are some facts, scripture, and truths about alcohol to help Christian teens to make Godly decisions:

According to the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, there are 3 million teens suffering from full-blown alcoholism. That number does not even include the millions more that have an unmanageable drinking problem.

Also, teens that begin drinking before age 15 are 4 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who wait until they are 21.

A far greater concern is that alcohol is a major factor in the 3 leading causes of death for people age 15 to 24 - car crashes, murders, and suicides.

The fact that alcohol contributes to the leading causes of death should be of more concern to Christian teens, because it doesn't mean that the teen who is harmed has to be the drinker. For instance, 75 percent of rapes happen when at least one party is under the influence of alcohol.

While all of the physiological effects and statistics about drinking sound scary, many Christian teens adhere to the philosophy, "Well, it won't happen to me." Most of us like to believe that those bad things won't happen to us. It is for this reason that legislators in many countries have created a legal drinking age. Thus, if you are under that drinking age (in the U.S. it is 21), you cannot purchase or drink alcohol legally.

So, what does that mean for Christian teens?

Well, the Bible says that Christians are to follow the law of the land. If you are breaking the law by drinking when you are not of legal age, then you are also not doing right in God's eyes.
(See Romans 13:1-2)

What Else Does the Bible Say About Alcohol?
Ephesians 5:18
"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."


Romans 13:13-14
"Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature."


Proverbs 20:1
"Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise."


What should we do then, if people around us are telling us something contrary to God’s Word?

Romans 12:2

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Taking the Walk

What is the WALK?
1 John 2:6
“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

Each of us has a journey in life that we must take. We are all on the “walk of life.” Our walk is our life. What is the Bible saying when it refers to “walking as he walked”?

How we “walk” is how we live our life. It is the paths we choose to follow and the actions we choose to take. Have you ever heard the saying…”He talks the talk, but does he walk the walk?” We should think about this regarding ourselves.
Do you claim to be a Christian?
If the answer is yes, then the second question should be “Do I show it in the way I live my life?”
This doesn’t mean that we show it by simply coming to church or youth group every week. This means our day to day actions and choices reflect our love for God and our desire to do His will.

In past lessons, we talked about peer pressure and the lies of the world along with the schemes of the devil…all of these things can affect your walk with God. Many influences can steer us of off the path.

Think about the game “Follow the Leader.“ The rules of the game are to go wherever the leader takes you, and do whatever the leader does…sometimes it’s something you really don’t want to do! Let’s not be like the followers in follow the leader…following whoever is in front of us no matter where they go! Some people will lead you astray. The only one who should be leading you in your life should be JESUS! “Walk as HE Walks!”

Colossians 1:10
“…that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

Colossians 2:6
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.”

1 Thessalonians 2:12
“…walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory."

Ephesians 4:1-2

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love…”

Memory Verse:

Psalm 139:14

"I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marvelous are thy works, that my soul knows very well."

TRUE BEAUTY

Wednesday night at Youth Group the girls explored the meaning of true beauty. Our world is chock full of lies about what beauty is. So many of us feel ashamed of how we look. But what is true beauty?
God created each one of us the way he wanted us. He doesn't make junk. Some are tall, some short, some thin and some heavier. Each person has a gift and is valuable to the Lord. Our world tries to tell us youth and beauty is what is valuable in society.
The Word tells us a different story.
"Charm is deceptive, beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
We must find our worth in being a child of God and not on anything else.
Attention from guys, looks, talents, material possessions, fame, money, popularity, sucess...these are not what define us as human beings.
Who we are in Christ is where we need to find our worth...for this life is fleeting and apart from Him is no good thing.
"Live, learn, laugh, love, die, dust, gone..."
We are but dust, and our life is but a breath.
Always
Living
In
View of
Eternity

-Heidi

Plan of Salvation Presented at Youth Group

Tonight was another fun night at youth group. We never quite know what to expect about who is going to show up! We had a first-timer there tonight and she really seemed to have fun! We opened with Praise and Worship as usual. We sang a long time. The kids really seem to enjoy the praise and worship.
The lesson focused on our future with God and how we will all ultimately stand before him when this life is over. I explained that those who accept Christ will not have to be judged based on "works" or basically all the things they've done in their life. I explained that we as Christians have our names written in the Lamb's Book of Life, and when we stand before God on that day of judgment the blood of Christ will cover our sins. I handed them all "invitations" from God and they were to "RSVP" God and let him know whether they accept his invitation or not. Basically all of them accepted or stated that they've already received his free gift. I am so joyful for that!
For fun we played MOW-a CrAzY card game that drives most newcomers nuts! And an acting game called CLUE. We ended the evening with an energy burning activity called "Strong Woman"...it basically entailed the girls pushing the van around Pickstown while it was in neutral and Mandy and I sitting in the seats laughing our butts off! Another evening well spent! LOL
Keep us in your prayers! We have about 2 weeks left of regular meetings and then we will meet monthly throughout the summer. We will be formulating a plan and a format for next year. Hopefully we will be able to expand the number of kids we are reaching with this ministry.

Always
Living
In
View of
Eternity

-Heidi-

Appendicitis

Well tonight Joel is getting his appendix out. He had a terrible amount of pain and was vomiting today in the boat. He ended up in the ER in Platte right when I was at work! Luckily, I have great co-workers and they covered for me so I could be with Joel. I had to take him to Queen of Peace hospital in Mitchell! I drove about 80mph the whole way there. It was the longest drive to Mitchell I've ever experienced! But we made it, and the doctors and nurses here are really great. They were all really great at Platte, too. They have internet here, which is AWESOME! Joel was in so much misery...but everyone was really nice. Once some of the pain meds kicked in, Joel got to talking with the surgeon about fishing in Canada...I thought maybe he was going to book a fishing trip right there in the hospital...LOL. Anyway, I'm praying for him right now, he's in surgery as I am typing this. I know he'll be okay. This is the biggest thing health-wise that has happened to us since we've know eachother. But God is in control!!
LOVE Y'ALL!
-HEIDI-

Youth Group

I've been so blessed to be able to lead and be a part of this adventure in Lake Andes. Last summer my friend Mandy and I decided it would be great to create and extension of the Sunday School program in Lake Andes.
A Little Background Info:
Every sunday in Lake, two big blue vans drive around the town and the "housing" area, pick up kids, and bring them to church for a short sunday school lesson and a treat. The former leaders of this event, Orville and Adeline VandenBos, who ran the program for over 30 years, have now "retired" from it and passed it on to my friends Mandy Chaplin and David and Ruth (VandeZande) Baker . (Orville and Adeline still help out quite a bit). It is really something that has blossomed. Some weekends over 80 kids come to sunday school to heard the Word! People from many area towns are involved in helping out, teaching lessons, and coordinating the efforts. There are people from Avon, New Holland, Platte, Geddes, Menno and more...
Our Adventure:
Sunday School has been highly sucessful amongst the small kids. But we noticed there were a group of kids (mostly girls) who continued to come, but who needed something more. These girls were heading into 6th and 7th grade, and we wanted to create a ministry that would meet their needs. For me, I love little kids, but my heart and my passion are for middle and high school age kids. For me, youth is where it's at! I love digging into the marrow of the Word with these girls and seeing them get a revelation and a true understanding for the first time.
So in the fall of 2007, the Youth Group was created. It has been such a blessing! The Pickstown Community Church opened their doors and gave us a room to meet in. There we have a pool table (though we rarely use it to actually play pool), room to play games, have lessons, praise and worship, snacks and just good girl time! Since we only have the 2 of us to lead, we limited our members to girls in the 6th and 7th grade. Right now we have about 10 girls...about 8 of them come regularly. We've really had some fun. Some of the activities we've been able to do with the girls include a pizza and bowling party in Platte, a Christmas party, a lock-in, and a trip to see GO ministries in Mitchell! This Friday I am hoping to take some of the girls to see Don Piper (author of 90 minutes in heaven) in Winner, SD. It should be great!! I am so excited!
Call for more workers:
The harvest is plenty but the workers are few. I have had such a blast with just our core group of teens/pre-teens. But I feel the Lord telling us to expand! We could use some men to mentor and teach the boys. We also need more women leaders so we can keep the girl's groups small. I think next year we want to open up the youth group to anyone in grades 6-8! Pray for our adventure!!

Not only have these girls' lives been touched. I think the one getting ministered to the most is me. God is so awesome!!!