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