Hmmm . . . what to call it?

So summer is basically over. One sleep until school. Wow, what did I do with myself? So how were your summers? I can't really complain. I really enjoyed growing in my own spiritual walk with the Holy Spirit . . . and you guys have no idea how much you have helped me with that. Reading your posts about what you struggle with and what we should do really makes me get to thinking. (And of course, talking with most of you played a fairly large part in it, too.) I want to take this opportunity to say thank you all for helping me be drawn even closer to God's side. You're all such an encouragement to me.
I'm looking forward to another year of Youth, and - dare I say it - another year of school! Seriously, I don't think school is all that bad. Of course there are the times when teachers just tend to give you tons and tons of homework all at once, but obviously we still live through those stressful times. I just enjoy seeing all the new faces and old friends, but I think the most important thing of all is to remember that our own schools can be our very own "mission fields". Obviously I still have a lot to learn, so I'm not going to say that I have all the answers to anything and/or everything. I just want to encourage you all as you continue on with the next year of your lives, basically saying that you've been great and I hope you continue to stay in step with the Holy Spirit (and I hope I will also be able to do the same).
Well, I really have nothing else to say. I'm going to go finish my last art project, now. Wow, what a good way to start off the year! Well, see ya later, all!

Can't Think of a Creative Title

So I just finished frying my brain by going back and reading the blogs/comments from this month. However fried my brain may be now, my soul was definitely encouraged. Everyone seems to be striving after God and that in turn encourages me and makes me want know Him more.

I've been struggling too lately about approaching people and talking about God. Some things were finally made clear to me: Fear shouldn't hold me back from doing what the Holy Spirit asks me to do. But my courage shouldn't override His voice, either. I know I can take something God teaches and run with it, instead of waiting for His command and His timing. God has a plan for everybody, and I may not know how long the next guy has to live, but I know God does. To me, that gives me a peace, knowing that it isn't our job to save someone---it's God. We're just simply asked to be obedient so He can use us in that process. I know sometimes I feel like I haven't done anything good if I haven't shared the gospel with someone. But God knows where they're at. He knows if they just need someone to listen, or if they need someone to share what Jesus has done. But I know I get impatient so much and I don't listen. Trusting God with my life, as well as others' lives, is very difficult for me. I know so many people who have heard of God and salvation, but won't choose it, and I feel like it's my fault. Sometimes I know I am too timid and hold back when I shouldn't, in which case it is definitely my fault. But I need to trust God more with the outcome.

We are to be courageous in Christ, not our campaign. That is something I have to work on quite a bit. I know that I am safe as long as I am in His will. Whether it turns out well or bad by my standards, if I know I did what God wanted me to, that is the only thing I need. However, there is no worse feeling than stepping out and doing something ahead of God, and knowing that I stepped out of His will, no matter how "right" it seemed. "All a man's ways seem innocent to Him, but motives are weighed by the Lord." Proverbs 16:2. That verse seems to keep popping up in my life. No matter how right something may seem to me, if it's not God's timing, it's wrong. I know sometimes my motives have been wrong—I've wanted to do something so I wouldn't feel as guilty, or so that I may feel good about myself, when my focus shouldn't be on me at all—my focus belongs on God. Still, I know, even if I mess up, God is bigger than me and my mistakes, and He is still sovereign. My prayer and hope is that I don't disappoint Him in the first place.

That was a bit of a rant, sorry guys, but that's some things I've been thinking about, and Josh's post on evangelism sparked a whole bunch of thought. Anyway, I would love to go to the park or anywhere and "relive SEMP" because I have missed out on a bunch. I want an opportunity to share Jesus! Whether that's at Wal Mart or with the neighbours. I'm going back into piano lessons next Tuesday, so if you guys could pray that I could be a witness to my piano teacher, that would be awesome. This is my last year with her, and I don't want to mess up what God has planned by any reluctance on my part.

Anyway, our company should be over in one minute, so I should really make my bed (Mom just reminded me for the second time) So I'll be going. I could yack on and on, but I won't. You guys are so encouraging, it's almost discouraging! Hopefully I'll see you all soon.

Staff meeting...Ha! Ha!

Staff meeting - as in staffs, long pieces of wood they used like canes Ha! Ha!, staff meeting!

The Sword of the Spirit

Ephesians 6:17
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Oh soccer!

Thanks Jesus!

Thank you God!!!

Army wear

Prayer Anyone? .... Seriously this time.

Ok guys... I think we should get togeather and pray at the ledge. So everyone meet at the ledge at 7:00p.m. on Wednesday. If you plan on going... make sure you post a comment.

If for some reason Wednesday does not work... well, let's just make it work, because school for most of you guys(I believe) starts on Thursday. We don't have much time... so we should all pray that tons of people will come out... and that this thing will be a big success (and It will be because God is on our side!)

We need prayer for so much... school is no exeption, and since we all are going to be spending huge amounts of time at our schools this year... we need to pray, a whole lot... because (I'm going to Bible Collage, so I will have it easy!) God answers prayer, and there are so many people in your schools that need God ... and God wants to reach them.... (maybe) THROUGH YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone... please pray for your school years... your ISCF groups and leaders, your friends, teachers, principal... REVIVAL IN REGINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!... and that is just begining.

Thank you all for being in my life,

Jonathan

Martinsville

Well, some of us Martinsville people got back last night. Over all VBS there and even just the impact on the community was more than we ever could of hoped for. I'd like to say that it was us that made it a success, but it wasn't. God blessed us so much that we can't even take a tiny little bit of credit. You guys might of heard, we had to call in "reinforcements". Before VBS, and during, the church had been praying for more than they would handle...And their prayers were answered! Last year the first day we were there, 15 kids came to VBS. By the end of the week we got up to 60 kids. On the first day this year we had 61 kids! Our highest day we had 105 KIDS (that registered, but the number of crafts that were made with different names on them were 117)!!!! In total 140 kids came throughout the week! For the size of that church, that's like our church having 900 kids. Over half of the kids are non-church kids. Aimee was telling about how before she got called as a reinforcement, she was reading in John 21 when the disciples are fishing and they can't catch one fish, but then Jesus tells them to put their nets on the other side of the boat and they catch 153 fish and their nets overflow. But it says that "even with so many fish, the net was not torn". This fit so well with VBS, because even though God gave us more than what we could handle, we did not break, instead we able to call for more workers to come.
What is happening in Martinsville Baptist Church is amazing and clearly God is behind it. Pray for Harv, the pastor there. He is such a blessing to that church. Just pray for his leadership and that he will be able to make discerning desitions and that he will be filled with wisdom. Pray for tomorrow, as they are having a VBS Sunday and that so many parents and kids would come that there is standing room only. Also if you read this before the night is over, tonight they are having their annual cornroast. It's basically an outreach thing to the community. Pray for Rick, the gas station attendant. He is not a Christian and went to church once in his life (2 weeks ago), however he has a really good relationship with Pastor Harv (Harv goes into the gas station everyday to buy a coke). Anyway, he heard some noise and saw a bunch of cars and so came to see what was going on at VBS, and by the end of the week, he was helping with crafts and even donated some prizes for VBS.
Anyway, that's just a little insight for you guys, and please pray and praise God for the work he's done and is continuing to do in Malrtinsville.

kara.

Prayer Anyone?

So... a long time ago we were talking about going to the ledge and praying sometime. We all thought (or at least I thought) that it was a good idea.... but we haven't done it yet.

Why not?

I am now offically calling a prayer meeting tomorrow night at 7:00. Everyone should come and invite as many friends as you want!!! If you are coming... make sure you post.... so I don't get dissipointed if there is like three people that show up.

By the way... It's at the ledge... and ...hmmm....let's meet .... on the steps of the ledge!

Hey everybody, how's it going today? I am kind of board- don't tell my parents or else I will have chores until the end of the summer. Since I really don't have anything to do I thought I would post a blog. This morning I went to the dentist and now my mouth really hurts. The lady working there really hurt my gums when she flossed my teeth :( Anyway . . . call me if anything is happening today, of tomorrow. I am going for a hair cut and should be home soon. I know, I know. Yes, Kiersten and Alayna, I DID say a hair cut. I am kind of worried about the outcome, but I guess we will just have to wait and see.
over and out, Allesha

PS- Alayna . . . are you still sick. I hope not. Please get better. I LOVE YOU!!

Everybody pray for Jym!!!!!

Hey everybody, there is a guy named Jym who really needs a whole lot of prayer right now. We had a SEMP follow up meeting on Sunday, and after we went down to Waskana Park to talk to people. God led me to the perfect person - that needs him so increadably much.

His name is Jym ... and he is gay. (Please check my comment on gay people to read what I have learned about them)

Jym is such a cool guy! And from the moment I did that first little magic trick - his eyes lit up and he got just a huge smile on his face - he couldn't help getting cracked up. Jym he believes in God - and Desperatly wants to know him (he did not tell me this but I could tell) but with God comes pain, because he must deny his lifestyle - and he is 55. I have no doubts that God asked me to talk to him for a reason. Jym needs God!!!!

He was totally open to me, and everytime I stopped talking - he would ask questions, and God provided the answers. I explained to him that we are all sinners - it doesn't matter how big your sin is - God is willing to forgive us for that. I had my Bible with me, and I read him the part in Romans where Paul talks about how he even struggled with sin ( what I want to do, I do not do, but it is the sin living in me that does it). I got to explain the whole gospel to him, and I prayed for him. I invited him to church, and got his e-mail (however, the email that I got didn't work).

Everyone please pray for Jym everytime you think of him.

-pray that God will protect him from temptation
-pray that he will have an increadible thurst for God, so that he starts reading his Bible more
-pray that he will flee from sin, places or people that will cause him to sin
-pray that he will have an increadible peace - that God does, and will forgive all of our sin
-pray that I will be able to find out his real e-mail adress, and hopefully meet him again in the park
-pray that he will have the curage to come to church

Most of all - Jym needs support. Through people. But we can also give him support through prayer as well - and he needs a lot.

Thanks a lot everyone!

guess who's baaaaaack?!?!?!?

KIERSTEN!!

(me!) since i'm on Kara's account, because, frankly, I cannot remember my own username. ha. ha. ha. just thought I'd let you all know, because that is vital information to ALL of you.

love
Kiersten

Back from camp - and two weeks till Collage!!!

Yes, I am back from camp - and snuff, snuff, tear --- GOING TO COLLAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was so glad to get out of highschool... but now I am only doomed to go strait back to the books [mind you, I don't mind so much as I will finally be learning something of value (and it will mostly be God's book that I will be studying)] but ohhhh, the agony!!!!!!!!!!


Yeah, so camp was awesome, and I'm really looking forward to spending some time with you guys (o.k., alright, fine - I'll check my daytimer and see if I can squeese in some time with you girls as well. But hey -I'm a busy guy:)!! before I leave you all for eight whole months!!!

Actually - To tell you the truth, I haven't been thinking much about going to school, and it kind of snuck up on me. So, I wouldn't say that I'm nervous - but mabey a little queezy. But hey, I know I can trust God know matter what happens!! (That's just one reason why he's my best friend!!).

If you really want to know what I will miss the most out of anything - It is leaving all you wonderfull people.... right when there is no other other place I'd rather be. For a place that I know very few people - and those I barely know at all (exept my sister). Seriously, I will be missing you guys (and girls) sooooooo much. That is why I am going to try to squeese everything I can out of these two weeks.

You guys, I don't know about you - but I see huge things happening in Regina, Hillsdale (especially our youth group) and most(kind of least) importantly - all of our lives!!! Most importantly - because as (we let) God changes our lives, we will change other peoples lives. Least importantly because we should not be focused on ourselfs, but on others. I am not saying this is even a strength in my life - but I believe that true joy comes when we live to serve others, and focus on other people's needs.

In John 15: 9-17 Jesus told his followers to "remain in my love"... "so that my joy will be in you and that your joy may be complete." How do we remain in God's love? In verse 12 Jesus says "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." (Jesus lived as a servant, and was constantly focused on his lost sheep's needs) verse 17, he repeats the command, "This is my command: Love each other." Jesus repeated that command for a reason - it is a basic Christain principle. But do we take it seriously enough?

I think we should really try harder - because if we do what he says THEN we become his friends. Vs. 14: "You are my friends if you do what do what I command." Interesting enough that Jesus then says (vs. 16) "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."

Wow!! That last phrase is very interesting! "Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." I'll let you guys think about that one.

Well - I did have a lot of other things to say... but I kinda lost my train of thought
see ya - Jon

prayer is nice...and...good

could you guys pray for alayna, she's sick and missed out on vbs and the spa, i know all the grade 12 girls missed her there. get better soon alayna.


and by the way all you sempers, aimee's calaway park bracelet fell off today. i think its only karen and i left :)

polka dot pyjamas

hey y'all!
so my phone is working now (finally!) so i can get and give phone calls again! yay!
but anywho, rachael has been sick for awhile, she's having lung troubles, so if you could pray for her to have a speedy recovery, that would be super!
also, she's hoping not to have to get surgery on her shoulder, because it's been bugging her for awhile, so pray for that too.
sincerely,
alayna

PRAYER REQUEST

Hey guys and gals, I have a prayer request for yall. If you didn't know, tomorrow is my last day of work. I don't really like it and now I can do VBS. Which I am totally excited for. But I met this girl at my work. Her name is Vanessa and she is going into grade twelve. We talk whatever chance we get and I found out that her little brother goes to my new school- Regina Christian and is going into grade ten, but she doesn't go there. Her family is Christian, but she is really mad at God right now and won't go to church and uses work as an excuse not to go. Two of her grandparents died less than a year ago and she feels like God doesn't care anymore and isn't, or wasn't there for her while she was going through that tough time. I asked her if she will ever go back to church and she said maybe. But, I invited her to our youth group and I am hoping she will come out and try it once we get back there. I am going to try and keep contact with her, but it could be hard since I won't be working anymore. Please pray. It would be much appreciated by me and hopefully God has a plan that involves me and her in the next few months.

Thanks, Allesha

Let's Get Evangelizing!

Matthew 28:19
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."

Jesus has commanded us to make disciples of all nations. There are so many people in this world that are not living for Christ! Straight to the point, these people are going to Hell when they die! We need to be sharing the gospel with these people becuase the last thing I want to know is that someone is in that place forever when they didn't have to be, had they only heard the gospel. Let's set aside our fears and be bold, courageous, and determined to preach Christ, and Him crucified to the unbelieving.
This is something that God has been teaching me this week. I have often been afraid with the fear of man and just plain scared to talk to people about God at many a time. Yet, what is more important? My personal comfort? Or an unbeliever's eternal destination? God, give me courage and help me overcome my fears!!!! I really like this quote that I heard in a sermon the other day. "Courage isn't the absence of fear but the conquering of it!" Even Paul admits that he felt this fear while in Corinth.
1 Corinthians 2:3
"I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling,"
Paul wasn't just somewhat fearful, he had much trembling! Yet he preached the gospel with courage anyway.
Revelation 20:15
"And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."
It kills me to think that anyone would ever have to go there. Out of sheer compassion, because of our knowledge of the terrible fate of the unsaved, we should be willing to step out of our comfort zones and share the gospel with the unsaved.
Our willingness and obedience in sharing the gospel with the unsaved is a reflection of how much we love God...whether we are willing to obey Him. I pray that we would all experience God in a way that would give us the perfect love for Him that casts out all fear. (1 John 4:18)
Do we have time to build up relationships with people just so we can feel comfortable in sharing the gospel with them? What if the friends with whom we hope to build up a good relationship and share the gospel with die before they completely trust us? What if today was the last time you saw a person before they died? Would you care about not offending them with the truth? I know that if I knew someone was going to die soon in ignorance and unbelief, I would plead with them from the bottom of heart to believe in His name! The people we know aren't garaunteed their next breath! May compassion set our hearts ablaze to reach the lost!
For me it all comes back to fear. In a sermon I listened to this week I was challenged greatly regarding overcoming the fear of man.
For $1000 per person, would you be more zealous to witness to people? I know I would be! Would you be more zealous to witness to people for money then for God? I hate to think that for a $1000 I would have an easier time sharing the gospel with a stranger than I do right now! Could you deal with your fear of man problem for the love of money when you can't deal with it for the love of God?
That's where I was hit right between the eyes this week. If the fear of man, what he will think, say, or do hinders us from sharing with others, are we not fearing man more then Almighty God who commands us to make disciples of these people?
Let's Get Evangelizing! Togethor we can challenge each other in this! Forget about not knowing what to say to people, and listen to the Holy Spirit, as we plead with the lost, that they may come to the Light and escape the eternal lake of fire!

Confusion has now officially ended!!!!!

OK! for all of you who were confused as to when we were coming come....WE'RE HOME!!! I know, I know......we haven't been home at all last month but I had an awesome, great, super, fantastic, splendoususss, crazy fun time!!!!!!! Ya so we'll be home all of August accept for maybe five days we might go camping again....or as Melinda would say "trailer parking"! Ya so it took me forever to read all the blogs and comment on every single one of them!!! Oh well....man it's good to be home!!! my own shower, my own bed.........man, it's the life!!!! well I can't think of anything really funny that happened while we were gone accept that Americans are crazy!!!! They had no idea what runners, touques, bunny-hugs, and elastics were! like how karazeee is that??? Oh I just thought of something else to tell "y'all".....All the Dad's at the family camp we went to were basically all above 6feet 5inches I felt so short! Two of my female friends were pushing 5'11"! my one friend's Dad was 6'9" I got a picture by them that I have to show you all!!!!!! Man it was karazee!!!!!!! Well that's all for now folks!! see you later!!!
Love Aimee