Hi team!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers through these last 3 weeks!
The Cadence Student Ministry retreat is finished, but the work continues!!!
For all of you keeping count: more than 100 students attended the Spring Break retreat/camp….at the foot of the German Alps. AND….at least 4 students made 1st time decisions to follow Christ. Plenty more were challenged in their faith walk…and lots of lives changed.
BUT…the work continues: Our small group leaders (i.e. Ricky, David, Amber, Bree) are continuing their relationships with their students: working through More Than A Carpenter…long distance, challenging the students to not be "comfortable" Christians, training to be better listeners to the Holy Spirit. (Love Facebook for that help) And the adult helpers continue contact with the other adults.
And because several key families (and students) are about to "PCS," we all have brothers & sisters across the USA.
It was a thrill to see David & Brenda leading worship, Ricky leading some crazy games, Don, Brenda, and Greg helping in the kitchen & setting up the games, and of course getting a few photos along the way. Rainy was so happy that the illnesses & injuries were minor!
Josh Patty was an excellent speaker with wonderful illustrations regarding choices between blessing & sin, listening to the Holy Spirit, reading Scripture relationally. God used him to impact both students & adults.
The Shackelfords are doing a wonderful ministry herein Germany: leading Junior High, High school & College groups—and leading Bible studies for guys & gals Did I mention Jeff is coaching baseball & Julie is doing a lot of crafts? It's definitely their sweet spot.
So, if you remember, please continue to pray for the Shackelfords & these students: when you see those little green Army men, or you see the US flag! Or on Mondays: for the missionaries to the military! Pray for growth in the students' faith walk, working through the emotions of constant moving & missing friends. And pray for the Shackelfords, as they miss some close friends also.
We fly back to the USA in about 2 hours…..but still connected to the ministry here. Sojourners…..
Thanks again!!!!
Gene & Rainy
PS And for the past week, we also had the super blessing of visiting the Huisjens, Mormances, Pattys, & Jacksosns on their own turf!
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Camp Wrap-Up
We went to Chapel on base this morning and saw many of the kids from camp one last time. They are all such great kids! Today and tomorrow are a chance for us to debrief and share stories from camp, and see just a little more of Germany before part of the team flies home on Tuesday, some are staying a few extra days.
We can't express how much we truly appreciate your prayers. We could tangibly feel them as we all went about our daily tasks at camp... leading small groups of kids, making lunches, washing dishes, moving chairs, playing worship music, setting up rec games, serving snacks, and a hundred other things.
Here's a couple pics of the camp kids we saw at Chapel this morning. :)
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Day Four Update
We are now in our fourth day at camp! It is so exciting to be the recipient of so many prayers!
Here's why: Yesterday was predicted to be rain & snow. Hard to do outdoor activities. Yet, the rain came only at night (ground only slightly damp) and the snow dusted the foothills! So, we had our bucket ball (Yes, folks—invented by Josh Patty himself)—with modifications: No contact!
Soooooo…….those prayers for no illnesses & injuries? Yes— no injuries (yet)…and the only illnesses have been sore throats (Hey—they get points for cheering on their team). Please keep up the prayers for illnesses (we have 3 more days to go!). And the afternoon weather held out for geo-caching around a glacial lake (for several students—other activities too).
Josh & Kristi have connected with the students! Yesterday morning was Q & A with them. As predicted, the 1st question was "How did you meet?" (We know that: At GSCC!) But there were very thoughtful questions & answers to relationships.
Evening session: A highschooler's delight: Josh's cooking show! Josh taught 2 students how to make a special "Slovene" cookie complete with a special "ingredient". Hmmmmmmm… that was dog poop. The illustration was to say, do you want only a little or a lot? How about NONE! So, he countered with how not to have that in your life, by way of Phil 4:8, dwelling on whatever is honorable, pure, good, etc. And how to do that! We're certain they grasped the concept—and won't forget that one!
Our team has had several one-on-one serious conversations with students. Please, keep praying students are open to Jesus!
Bottom line:, please, please, please continue to pray! Josh Patty is lighting a fire with the students from military posts around Germany! He truly is "fanning the flames!"
Today, we will be at a ropes course that will be physically and emotionally challenging - it should create more opportunities for conversations. (Oops—and injuries—please pray!) Please pray the Holy Spirit is fanning the flames in their hearts! Pray for opportunities to share more about Jesus!
Thanks for your prayers. Keep it up!
Rainy, for the team
PS For those of you who remember the "Surfer Dude" skit: Yes, it resurfaced last night as a skit by students. Evidence that, even after one year, they can quote: Mass, mega, plethora etc……and anyone should be able to memorize Scripture :)
Here's why: Yesterday was predicted to be rain & snow. Hard to do outdoor activities. Yet, the rain came only at night (ground only slightly damp) and the snow dusted the foothills! So, we had our bucket ball (Yes, folks—invented by Josh Patty himself)—with modifications: No contact!
Soooooo…….those prayers for no illnesses & injuries? Yes— no injuries (yet)…and the only illnesses have been sore throats (Hey—they get points for cheering on their team). Please keep up the prayers for illnesses (we have 3 more days to go!). And the afternoon weather held out for geo-caching around a glacial lake (for several students—other activities too).
Josh & Kristi have connected with the students! Yesterday morning was Q & A with them. As predicted, the 1st question was "How did you meet?" (We know that: At GSCC!) But there were very thoughtful questions & answers to relationships.
Evening session: A highschooler's delight: Josh's cooking show! Josh taught 2 students how to make a special "Slovene" cookie complete with a special "ingredient". Hmmmmmmm… that was dog poop. The illustration was to say, do you want only a little or a lot? How about NONE! So, he countered with how not to have that in your life, by way of Phil 4:8, dwelling on whatever is honorable, pure, good, etc. And how to do that! We're certain they grasped the concept—and won't forget that one!
Our team has had several one-on-one serious conversations with students. Please, keep praying students are open to Jesus!
Bottom line:, please, please, please continue to pray! Josh Patty is lighting a fire with the students from military posts around Germany! He truly is "fanning the flames!"
Today, we will be at a ropes course that will be physically and emotionally challenging - it should create more opportunities for conversations. (Oops—and injuries—please pray!) Please pray the Holy Spirit is fanning the flames in their hearts! Pray for opportunities to share more about Jesus!
Thanks for your prayers. Keep it up!
Rainy, for the team
PS For those of you who remember the "Surfer Dude" skit: Yes, it resurfaced last night as a skit by students. Evidence that, even after one year, they can quote: Mass, mega, plethora etc……and anyone should be able to memorize Scripture :)
Team Update April 10
We are now in our fourth day at camp! It is so exciting to be the recipient of so many prayers!
Here's why: Yesterday was predicted to be rain & snow. Hard to do outdoor activities. Yet, the rain came only at night (ground only slightly damp) and the snow dusted the foothills! So, we had our bucket ball (Yes, folks—invented by Josh Patty himself)—with modifications: No contact!
Soooooo…….those prayers for no illnesses & injuries? Yes— no injuries (yet)…and the only illnesses have been sore throats (Hey—they get points for cheering on their team). Please keep up the prayers for illnesses (we have 3 more days to go!). And the afternoon weather held out for geo-caching around a glacial lake (for several students—other activities too).
Josh & Kristi have connected with the students! Yesterday morning was Q & A with them. As predicted, the 1st question was "How did you meet?" (We know that: At GSCC!) But there were very thoughtful questions & answers to relationships.
Evening session: A highschooler's delight: Josh's cooking show! Josh taught 2 students how to make a special "Slovene" cookie complete with a special "ingredient". Hmmmmmmm… that was dog poop. The illustration was to say, do you want only a little or a lot? How about NONE! So, he countered with how not to have that in your life, by way of Phil 4:8, dwelling on whatever is honorable, pure, good, etc. And how to do that! We're certain they grasped the concept—and won't forget that one!
Our team has had several one-on-one serious conversations with students. Please, keep praying students are open to Jesus!
Bottom line:, please, please, please continue to pray! Josh Patty is lighting a fire with the students from military posts around Germany! He truly is "fanning the flames!"
Today, we will be at a ropes course that will be physically and emotionally challenging - it should create more opportunities for conversations. (Oops—and injuries—please pray!) Please pray the Holy Spirit is fanning the flames in their hearts! Pray for opportunities to share more about Jesus!
Thanks for your prayers. Keep it up!
Rainy, for the team
PS For those of you who remember the "Surfer Dude" skit: Yes, it resurfaced last night as a skit by students. Evidence that, even after one year, they can quote: Mass, mega, plethora etc……and anyone should be able to memorize Scripture :)
Here's why: Yesterday was predicted to be rain & snow. Hard to do outdoor activities. Yet, the rain came only at night (ground only slightly damp) and the snow dusted the foothills! So, we had our bucket ball (Yes, folks—invented by Josh Patty himself)—with modifications: No contact!
Soooooo…….those prayers for no illnesses & injuries? Yes— no injuries (yet)…and the only illnesses have been sore throats (Hey—they get points for cheering on their team). Please keep up the prayers for illnesses (we have 3 more days to go!). And the afternoon weather held out for geo-caching around a glacial lake (for several students—other activities too).
Josh & Kristi have connected with the students! Yesterday morning was Q & A with them. As predicted, the 1st question was "How did you meet?" (We know that: At GSCC!) But there were very thoughtful questions & answers to relationships.
Evening session: A highschooler's delight: Josh's cooking show! Josh taught 2 students how to make a special "Slovene" cookie complete with a special "ingredient". Hmmmmmmm… that was dog poop. The illustration was to say, do you want only a little or a lot? How about NONE! So, he countered with how not to have that in your life, by way of Phil 4:8, dwelling on whatever is honorable, pure, good, etc. And how to do that! We're certain they grasped the concept—and won't forget that one!
Our team has had several one-on-one serious conversations with students. Please, keep praying students are open to Jesus!
Bottom line:, please, please, please continue to pray! Josh Patty is lighting a fire with the students from military posts around Germany! He truly is "fanning the flames!"
Today, we will be at a ropes course that will be physically and emotionally challenging - it should create more opportunities for conversations. (Oops—and injuries—please pray!) Please pray the Holy Spirit is fanning the flames in their hearts! Pray for opportunities to share more about Jesus!
Thanks for your prayers. Keep it up!
Rainy, for the team
PS For those of you who remember the "Surfer Dude" skit: Yes, it resurfaced last night as a skit by students. Evidence that, even after one year, they can quote: Mass, mega, plethora etc……and anyone should be able to memorize Scripture :)
Sunday, April 6, 2014
"Lets Roll"
Well, looks like crunch time has finally arrived!! Vans are loaded, bags packed, and the advanced team has departed. The bus team is here bonding over ridiculous YouTube videos along with face timing supporters back home! These last few days have flown by as we have been preparing for camp and spending time with the kids at the Shacklefords youth house. The team God has placed together couldn't be more of blessing. We all come from different backgrounds yet, God knew that each of our gifts would fit perfectly together as we serve overseas for the kingdom just as it says in 1 Corinthians 12:15-20 ,
"Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body."
He knew what He was doing when he prompted Gene and Rainy's hearts on who should be on this team this year and by doing that we have been able to accomplish more than I ever thought possible. Thank you Jesus, for always blowing my expectations out of the water when it comes to who You are and what You are capable of.
With the common denominator in all of this being Jesus, all that is left to say is, "Lets Roll".
-Amber Nicole
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Heading to camp!
Guten Abend!
We're heading to bed after a long day of errands & catch-up/clean-up. (We are 9 hours ahead of Pacific time) It's the final day of prep (with some cultural things in-between).
Tomorrow, we attend chapel & then hit the road for a long drive to our retreat.
Please pray for safe driving & health. Today, 4 of our team members had "wunderbar" intestinal issues, so we hope it's only a 24 hour issue—and no one else gets it. (Or could just be "travelers" illness….) Pray that we share Christ's love in real ways!
So encouraged to hear Jeff & Julie's stories of ministry with these students—and the connections & support they are to many families (not just the students). I know this year's team members feel privileged to jump in with junior high, high school & even college age ministry—and see Shack & Mama Shack in action-- all firsthand. Greg has already had great conversations with students, Brenda has already jumped in on music, Amber & Bree are welcomed back, and Ricky's life story spoke to many.
For those of you who prayed for students (by name) last year: We're excited to give you updates when we get back—especially encouraged by last year's seniors.
For this year's "named" students: Please continue to pray for connections, growth & depth in their faith walk.
Don't forget to pray for the Pattys—that God uses them in these students' lives too!
For Christ & His Kingdom—
Gene & Rainy for the team
We're heading to bed after a long day of errands & catch-up/clean-up. (We are 9 hours ahead of Pacific time) It's the final day of prep (with some cultural things in-between).
Tomorrow, we attend chapel & then hit the road for a long drive to our retreat.
Please pray for safe driving & health. Today, 4 of our team members had "wunderbar" intestinal issues, so we hope it's only a 24 hour issue—and no one else gets it. (Or could just be "travelers" illness….) Pray that we share Christ's love in real ways!
So encouraged to hear Jeff & Julie's stories of ministry with these students—and the connections & support they are to many families (not just the students). I know this year's team members feel privileged to jump in with junior high, high school & even college age ministry—and see Shack & Mama Shack in action-- all firsthand. Greg has already had great conversations with students, Brenda has already jumped in on music, Amber & Bree are welcomed back, and Ricky's life story spoke to many.
For those of you who prayed for students (by name) last year: We're excited to give you updates when we get back—especially encouraged by last year's seniors.
For this year's "named" students: Please continue to pray for connections, growth & depth in their faith walk.
Don't forget to pray for the Pattys—that God uses them in these students' lives too!
For Christ & His Kingdom—
Gene & Rainy for the team
Supplies are all ready for camp!
We spent many hours at the Youth House on base yesterday gathering and preparing supplies for camp: game equipment, music equipment, painting paper mache rocks for the campfire. A few of the student leaders came to help us, and it was fun to have the opportunity to get to know them while we worked together. We will load it all up after chapel in the morning and five of us will be off with the advance team to camp to decorate and prepare for the students. The other four will come on Monday morning, riding the bus with the students. Our camp location is about six hours from here, so we'll get to see more of Germany on our drive. It's truly beautiful here!
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