Sunday, June 21st 2009 3:28 pm
Over the last week, there have been numerious changes, both in scheduling, service options and the team roster. The week hasn't even oficially started and several leaders have been attacked. Several of the team leaders have had physical difficulties. A couple are physically drained and a couple are emotionally drained. We've also had some printing difficulties. Many leaders and team members have run into financial hurdles, vehicle difficutlies, illness and the loss of loved ones.
On the flip side, God continues to provide and is GENERIOUS! Our Executive Director Rob has been hustling on connecting with leaders praying and coming up with options for this upcoming Family Fun Day. God worked through a Sacramento Inflatable Company to provide not one but THREE Inflatables for the 27th! Rob was also able to work out a deal to save over $1,500! Rob was also able to get over $200 discounted for the team tshirts. Community Evangelical Free Church of Susanville or CEFC ran into some plumming issues, but God has worked out details so that the team could still stay there. Jennifer Ururburu and Michelle Fong have been connecting with farious individuals and groups to provide appropriate meals for the team members. Jim Lovercheck from Susanville Christian Fellowship or SCFworked out some details for this upcoming week's GForceProgram. We also received some assistance from Susanville's Safeway for the Family Fun Day.
On the flip side, God continues to provide and is GENERIOUS! Our Executive Director Rob has been hustling on connecting with leaders praying and coming up with options for this upcoming Family Fun Day. God worked through a Sacramento Inflatable Company to provide not one but THREE Inflatables for the 27th! Rob was also able to work out a deal to save over $1,500! Rob was also able to get over $200 discounted for the team tshirts. Community Evangelical Free Church of Susanville or CEFC ran into some plumming issues, but God has worked out details so that the team could still stay there. Jennifer Ururburu and Michelle Fong have been connecting with farious individuals and groups to provide appropriate meals for the team members. Jim Lovercheck from Susanville Christian Fellowship or SCFworked out some details for this upcoming week's GForceProgram. We also received some assistance from Susanville's Safeway for the Family Fun Day.
Sunday, June 21st 2009 (Some time really late at night)
Slowly but surely, the team arrived from around Lassen County as well as from Sacramento County. After a brief time of greeting and renewing old friendships (From those who have participated in years past) we gathered from our home site and traved to the Indian Church on the Upper Reservation. "Reaching Nations For Christ" is a multi tribal church. After a time of Worship and Open Testimony, "Brother Mac" shared from 2 Corinthians 4:7-12. The idea of how to deal with difficulty and the willingness to deal with hardship interconnected with the question of "How serious will you be with your Faith?" Three of our team members were inspired to take the time to personally (re)dedicate their lives to Christ to start off the week.
After the message concluded, team members took time to share and to listen to various church members and enjoy a dinner of "Indian Pizza".
After the message concluded, team members took time to share and to listen to various church members and enjoy a dinner of "Indian Pizza".
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Monday, June 22nd 2009 11:19 pm
As team members are settling down to sleep, and others are snoring loudly already, here is the compact overview from today:
The morning started out with a blur as most of the team had difficulty sleeping. It didn't matter where they slept or when they went to bed, most of the team struggled this morning. After Showers, Breakfast, and a Shared Testimony, team members went off alone to spend some one on one time with God. As this Serve Susanville week is shorter than normal, we ended up coming back together to debrief on this morning's reading.
This morning's work project was located on a nearby Indian Reservation. We spent the morning clearing out a fair amount of brush and several hundred pounds of rocks for our Native American Brothers and Sisters in Christ. The team got done in record time and was also able to do some specialized landscaping for them. There was a short period of uncertainty when the Pastor of RNFC called to inform us that we had to stop work due to some issues with the local tribal council, but by God's grace, things were rapidly worked out. You may want to check out the video clips for some of the specifics.
Our sister church was quite blessed and decided to bless us with lunch. This is a great blessing as we were short several meals for this week. The team was blessed by meeting several local Natives (Tim, Brooke, Andre, Haley, Jarod, and others) There was a great amount of joy and appreciation that we experienced in working with them. as well as going through the community.
In the midst of the first half of the day, we ran into several difficulties. One of our adult Leaders, Michelle Fong, became intensely ill. A couple of hours later, Sandra Cardenas also became violently ill. After taking some time to rest and after sitting through a traing session, Sandra ended up returning home due to her health constraints.
This afternoon was packed with training and assignments.
Our puppet team and part of the Children's team left dinner early to prepare for tonight's Evening Program at Crossroads. There were about 20 children who attended the children's program this evening. Overall, things went well, but there were several minor accidents that happened this evening (Several splinters, minor cuts and a couple micro glass shards.).
Tonight in our Closing Session, the team returned to the Indian church, here, Pastor Valerie shared from her heart about 2 Corinthians 7:14 and the importance of serving God with our whole heart. She shared her testimony where most of us were pretty caught in the awe of the power of God.
This evening as we closed up our time, we spend some more time debriefing and sharing our thoughts. Team members were then given the opportunity for some personal reflection as well as taking time to connect with their prayer partners. The group is already exhausted. Please pray for strength, healing for the members who are ill and cohesiveness with the new team members who will join us (or hopefully return) tomorrow.
The morning started out with a blur as most of the team had difficulty sleeping. It didn't matter where they slept or when they went to bed, most of the team struggled this morning. After Showers, Breakfast, and a Shared Testimony, team members went off alone to spend some one on one time with God. As this Serve Susanville week is shorter than normal, we ended up coming back together to debrief on this morning's reading.
This morning's work project was located on a nearby Indian Reservation. We spent the morning clearing out a fair amount of brush and several hundred pounds of rocks for our Native American Brothers and Sisters in Christ. The team got done in record time and was also able to do some specialized landscaping for them. There was a short period of uncertainty when the Pastor of RNFC called to inform us that we had to stop work due to some issues with the local tribal council, but by God's grace, things were rapidly worked out. You may want to check out the video clips for some of the specifics.
Our sister church was quite blessed and decided to bless us with lunch. This is a great blessing as we were short several meals for this week. The team was blessed by meeting several local Natives (Tim, Brooke, Andre, Haley, Jarod, and others) There was a great amount of joy and appreciation that we experienced in working with them. as well as going through the community.
In the midst of the first half of the day, we ran into several difficulties. One of our adult Leaders, Michelle Fong, became intensely ill. A couple of hours later, Sandra Cardenas also became violently ill. After taking some time to rest and after sitting through a traing session, Sandra ended up returning home due to her health constraints.
This afternoon was packed with training and assignments.
Our puppet team and part of the Children's team left dinner early to prepare for tonight's Evening Program at Crossroads. There were about 20 children who attended the children's program this evening. Overall, things went well, but there were several minor accidents that happened this evening (Several splinters, minor cuts and a couple micro glass shards.).
Tonight in our Closing Session, the team returned to the Indian church, here, Pastor Valerie shared from her heart about 2 Corinthians 7:14 and the importance of serving God with our whole heart. She shared her testimony where most of us were pretty caught in the awe of the power of God.
This evening as we closed up our time, we spend some more time debriefing and sharing our thoughts. Team members were then given the opportunity for some personal reflection as well as taking time to connect with their prayer partners. The group is already exhausted. Please pray for strength, healing for the members who are ill and cohesiveness with the new team members who will join us (or hopefully return) tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 23rd 2009 2:56 pm
This morning, after showers, a testimony by Sherry, breakfast, Alone time with God and Small Groups, the team headed out to Janesville. This morning, Aaron Bowman joined the team. Then we went to Janesville Bible Camp. At the camp, the team spent some time with the Camp founder "Doc" Larraway and the lead Medical Personnel, Debbie Kinkaid. The team spent some time listening to camp history and this year's updates. The team then spent time at each of the six camp sites helping with camp maintenence and praying over each site and the staff of each site. The majority of the team is taking time to rest. Yasha Truxton just joined us. Sandra Cardenas is feeling better and has returned to join us. Unfortunately, Jennifer, our team lead overseeing the food for the week, has been struggling physically and has been going through a batttery of alergy tests, of which everything she has been tested on, she has tested positive for. Please keep the team in prayer for health, rest and energy.
Tuesday, June 23rd 2009, 11:35 pm
The team was a little quicker to go to bed today. The intensity of the activities and even the emotional and mental push has started to have connected with the ones who are "bundles of energy". All kidding aside, after a much needed but too short nap time, Rob took the team into another time of Training, then Michelle led the team into additional training and preparation for the night's GForce progam. The Moreno family brought an incredible dinner that rapidly dissappeared. James Lowe, a Serve Susanville Team member for our first Serve Susanville, made time to stop by to reconnect with the team a little before having to return to his job in the Air Force.
Tonight, part of the team spent some time in the area around Crossroads to connect with some of the neighbors. This evening's program at GForce went extremely well. The children were vibrant and several students that had attended the year before reconnected with workers from last year. The children better connected with the puppets and the music, and greatly enjoyed the games.
After the program at GForce, the team returned to our home site and took a short breather, when Nancy Cardenas joined the team. Brother Jim Lovercheck, from Susanville Christian Fellowship and the GForce Lead Director came by and shared from his heart, the possibilities of what God was working in his life. We looked at John 17 and at the power of what God desires to do with, in and through us when we are coming together with Christ. The team took some additional time to debrief and then was let in a short worship set by Nancy.
Please pray for renewed energy and Good health as well as that God would continue to move in the team as well as through it. Praise God for His healing in Michelle and Sandra. Praise God for the additions to the team. Praise God for His movement in the projects and in the people. Praise God that the team tshirts arrived. Pray for good health and rest as a couple of the team members have started to struggle with their health. Praise God for enough vehicles and drivers for this evening. Please pray that God would continue to provide for tomorrow. Pray for the leaders at Janesville Bible Camp as there have been some intensive 'speedbumps' that they have encountered physically, emotionally, mentally, financially and spiritually. Please also pray for our equipment as we have been expreiencing technical difficulties. (Cameras, Batteries, Video, Computer, and Projector) Pray that God would continue to open doors for projects and that we would have enough energy and staff to complete the projects well.
Tonight, part of the team spent some time in the area around Crossroads to connect with some of the neighbors. This evening's program at GForce went extremely well. The children were vibrant and several students that had attended the year before reconnected with workers from last year. The children better connected with the puppets and the music, and greatly enjoyed the games.
After the program at GForce, the team returned to our home site and took a short breather, when Nancy Cardenas joined the team. Brother Jim Lovercheck, from Susanville Christian Fellowship and the GForce Lead Director came by and shared from his heart, the possibilities of what God was working in his life. We looked at John 17 and at the power of what God desires to do with, in and through us when we are coming together with Christ. The team took some additional time to debrief and then was let in a short worship set by Nancy.
Please pray for renewed energy and Good health as well as that God would continue to move in the team as well as through it. Praise God for His healing in Michelle and Sandra. Praise God for the additions to the team. Praise God for His movement in the projects and in the people. Praise God that the team tshirts arrived. Pray for good health and rest as a couple of the team members have started to struggle with their health. Praise God for enough vehicles and drivers for this evening. Please pray that God would continue to provide for tomorrow. Pray for the leaders at Janesville Bible Camp as there have been some intensive 'speedbumps' that they have encountered physically, emotionally, mentally, financially and spiritually. Please also pray for our equipment as we have been expreiencing technical difficulties. (Cameras, Batteries, Video, Computer, and Projector) Pray that God would continue to open doors for projects and that we would have enough energy and staff to complete the projects well.
Wednesday, June 24th 2009 3:34
This morning we awoke to the smell of freshly cooked pancakes, Jimmy Urburu came and made several batches of pancakes for us for breakfast. Glen shared his testimony with us this morning. After our one on one time with God and our small group time, we were off and running. We went to the County Fairgrounds and the team participated in numerous projects, from cleaning barn walls, to scraping old paint, to painting fences, to weeding, there was much to do. At first, things seemed a little overwhelming, especially as our team divided into two groups and the other half went to crossroads to help with some cleaning renovations and spent some time with several of the homeless and the local in need. The team took some time to rest, and then we tatched a video by Louie Gigilo about "How Great Is Our God". It was packed with not only scripture references, but also Scientific references that were pretty awe inspiring. The team is now off to prep and train for tonight's GForce program. Please continue to pray for strength, wisdom, and God's provision. Pray that the team would continue to grow in sensitivity and that we would continue to connect with local needs and hurts. Pray that God would continue to enable us to get from one place to another since we are down a car.
Wednesday, June 24th 2009, 11:13 pm
This evening, we had a couple of groups go around town to connect with residents. This evening at the GForce program, we were welcomed by not only most of the returning students, but also several new students, including several one of our team clusters had connected with the day before. This evening we focused on God walking through life with us. Both the children and the team enjoyed themselves. After cleaning up at Crossroads, the team settled down for a group game to take a break.
Tonight Michelle shared with the team about connecting, both with God as well as with each other and its’ importance. She had several video clips to help the team connect with her message. After a time of team sharing, Nancy led the team in a worship set. The team has taken time with prayer partners and personal reflection time.
Please pray for us to continue to bond as a team. Please pray for greater team unity, clearer team communication, strength, protection, growing acceptance with people in the community, and additional ministry opportunities.
Tonight Michelle shared with the team about connecting, both with God as well as with each other and its’ importance. She had several video clips to help the team connect with her message. After a time of team sharing, Nancy led the team in a worship set. The team has taken time with prayer partners and personal reflection time.
Please pray for us to continue to bond as a team. Please pray for greater team unity, clearer team communication, strength, protection, growing acceptance with people in the community, and additional ministry opportunities.
Thursday, June 25th 2009 11:35 pm
Whew! Today has been really busy and hectic, but things have been pretty incredible. After the typical showers, breakfast, one on one time with God and small group times, we went to M.AM.A.'s Crisis Pregnancy center. We started off hearing about background of the center and the Director's personal introduction of her experiences and introduction to the question of abortion. We took some time to pray and then the group divided up throughout the pregnancy center doing everything from setting things up for a yard sale for the ministry, to organizing baby clothes, to weeding a lot, to clearing out a storage lot. It was pretty amazing to see how God worked things out. There were some obsticals that The direcor had faced, where she was wondering how it was going to get done and God brought us to her. Things ended up where God used us to save her months of work. It was pretty incredible.
The Armachia Family brought us lunch. We had a great time, not only with lunch, but also with each other's company. Once Lunch and rest time were over, the team spent time preparing for tonight's program as well as working out additional details for Saturday's Family Fun Day. So many things are coming together. It's pretty neat how God is working everything out.
This evening we sectioned the team out into four groups. we ended up connecting with a couple of hundred households in multiple areas in about 45 minutes. It was an unexpected blessing. Some connections were a little rough. Many we connected with were pretty amazing. It's interesting to note that when people return for an additional year with Serve Partnerships, things seem to fall into place in ways that wre pretty awe inspiring. Tonight's GForce program not only went well, but there were a couple that made decisions. It was really neat. In spite of a lack of resources, a lack of adult and college participation, a lack of funding and even a lack of trtansportyation, God has enabled things to come together in ways that are kind of overwhelming.
Tonight the Urburus connected us with dinner. The group had a pretty amazing time together. We are blessed with a team with a lot of energy , enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. After dinner and a special desert, we connected together for another worship set that was followed up by a message from Joe V. The concepts of the "Masks" that we put on in dealing with each other was pretty powerful. It's been a great day, a little tough and tiring at times, but good nonetheless.
Please pray for continued strength, additional staffing, resources, and supplies for Saturday's Family Fun Day, more growth in unity, a solid time of rest as we take to time for a break in the afternoon, an intimate time of growth and sharing for our evening program tomorrow night, and that we would be efficent and effective in our prep work tomorrow as well as for our ministry service projects.
The Armachia Family brought us lunch. We had a great time, not only with lunch, but also with each other's company. Once Lunch and rest time were over, the team spent time preparing for tonight's program as well as working out additional details for Saturday's Family Fun Day. So many things are coming together. It's pretty neat how God is working everything out.
This evening we sectioned the team out into four groups. we ended up connecting with a couple of hundred households in multiple areas in about 45 minutes. It was an unexpected blessing. Some connections were a little rough. Many we connected with were pretty amazing. It's interesting to note that when people return for an additional year with Serve Partnerships, things seem to fall into place in ways that wre pretty awe inspiring. Tonight's GForce program not only went well, but there were a couple that made decisions. It was really neat. In spite of a lack of resources, a lack of adult and college participation, a lack of funding and even a lack of trtansportyation, God has enabled things to come together in ways that are kind of overwhelming.
Tonight the Urburus connected us with dinner. The group had a pretty amazing time together. We are blessed with a team with a lot of energy , enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. After dinner and a special desert, we connected together for another worship set that was followed up by a message from Joe V. The concepts of the "Masks" that we put on in dealing with each other was pretty powerful. It's been a great day, a little tough and tiring at times, but good nonetheless.
Please pray for continued strength, additional staffing, resources, and supplies for Saturday's Family Fun Day, more growth in unity, a solid time of rest as we take to time for a break in the afternoon, an intimate time of growth and sharing for our evening program tomorrow night, and that we would be efficent and effective in our prep work tomorrow as well as for our ministry service projects.
Friday, June 26th 2009 11:50 pm
On one hand, it seemed like we were dragging a little this morning. I think that the majority of the team desired to sleep in, but desiring to be a good witness not only in physical service, but also desiring to serve by good hygene, the team decided to take showers. "Hot Showers are good!" :) It's one of those simple things I think the majority of us take for granted. In either case, after the showers, we were blessed by Jimmy cooking us some amazing chocolate chip pancakes. Sandra shared her testimony with us this morning. Once again the team took some time to personally connect with God and then a half an hour later, met in small groups to break down the possibilities, the directions and the personal connection of the daily reading. The team's small groups, though they are an interest blend of personalities, lifestyles, ages and genders, have had some phenominal discussions and challenges.
After small group discussions, the groups recombined to prepare the church building for their evening program. Once that was completed, The group moved on to continue preparations for tomorrow's Family Fun Day. We had some great connections with Kentucky Fried Chicken and Jack in the Box. Prepparing for games, food, sound and music, Rob received a call indicating a little "Speedbump". The truck carying the inflatable activities broke down in San Diego. Saddened, but undeteered, the team continued to prepare promotionals, prizes, and assign jobs. In the midst of these preparations, a portion of the team took a break to head to the river to help clean trash. Though not a glamorious job, the team took the time to do the job well and moved fairly rapidly throughout the process. This group covered a fair amount of ground with very little difficulty. In the midst of the Family Fun Day preparations, the team took a break for lunch which the Urburus generiously provided. Joey shared his testimony this afternoon. During and after lunch, the team continued to clean and to prepare for Family Fun Day. As we continued to prepare and look over the vast amount of opportunities, we noted a shortage of volunteers. Several phone calls, emails and text messages have continues to move around to ask for support. After a great amount of preparation, cleaning and contacting others, the team wrapped up what they were able to and then traveled to several apartment compexes and a mobile home park to connect with the local residents. The vast majority of all the contacts were positive and many remembered us from last year. Once we ran out of flyers, the team took some time to rest and to enjoy each other's company, Part of that included what we have created to be what we hope to be a Serve Susanville Tradition - Rubber Ducky Races. Each team member takes the time to choose and to decorate a rubber ducky. Once all the team has decorated their duckys, the team then races their ducks down a portion of the river. Once again, sometimes the simple things of life can be the funnest. Ellie Laine joined us for this. As the evening settled, the team went to Jackson and Michelle's for a potato bar dinner mixed with some time to enjoy each others company as well as to take a little time for games. With the team settling down from dinner, we had taken time for the Serve Susanville Awards, an affirmation and confirmation of team members use of gifts and abilities. This was followed by the highlight of the night, a Serve Partnership staple, the "Family Circle". Unless you have been a part of it, it's kind of difficult to explain this. The best way that I can explain it is a format and set of time designated for team members to bless and encourage each other. Tonight the team also celebrated Jackson and Michelle's 5th anniversary. Tonight the team has settled down quite rapidly. We eagerly await what God will do tomorrow, though we are saddened that this may be the last week long Serve Susanville. Please pray that the team would be rested for the Family Fun Day. Pray that enough vollunteers will arrive. Pray that all the food supplies will be met. Pray that all who have committed will follow through. Pray that those who attend tomorrow's program will be enriched, encouraged and enlightened. Pray that those transporting the inflatables would arrive in Susanville safely. (Target time is 530 am) |
Saturday June 27, 2009
Whew! The week ended with a pretty intensive blast.
The inflatables and the "Sit and Spin" ride arrived this morning at 6:30. The driver had had multiple difficulties on the road. After taking time for breakfast, a testimony from Tony and some closing thoughts, the team came together for some prayer and a group picture. Once completed. the team rushed off to make last minute arrangements to set up for Family Fun Day. God was incredibly gracious as over 290 attended. God supplied plenty of food, ice, volunteers and more! We enjoyed music for the GForce children, music by Solid McKnight, and a message from Sam. Numerious expressed interest in finding out more. Time flew quickly. When it was time to close up and for the team to go home, it was difficult, but the group was glad to go home to sleep. |