We had an amazing night at youth group this week. We had a guest speaker who gave an incredible plain but challenging gospel message.

We have a number of kids who aren't saved- and they were certainly challenged to make a decision.

He talked about letting God be the "boss" of your life- and I know that even our saved kids have to think about that and surrender.

I spoke to my small group after- and my two unsaved girls were so honest about not wanting to surrender to anyone! Not wanting to give control of their life to anyone else- even God.

I asked them- "How do you define God?"- they said He is all-powerful, he keeps the world running, made all things.

So I said, "Basically, you believe He can create the world, and decide when it will rain or have lightening and He is able to keep us safe and not allow the earth to self-combust. But, you're not willing to trust Him to be in control of your little life?"

Today, my heart has been so burdened for the girls. I know some of our kids get nervous that they will get turned off to the Lord. But- we have a responsibility to teach truth and to challenge them to a decision- while remaining loving and focused on the relationship we are trying to build.

Both girls wrote some pretty impressive stuff on their myspaces today. They both acknowledge their need for Christ- but the area of submission is holding them back. It was neat to read their impressions- that their perspectives are being changed and they do feel feel loved and accepted.

Please pray for these gals- and the others who are unsaved. My heart is so burdened for them. I know that God can reveal His truth and take away the blindness from their hearts. They have come so far. Pray we have wisdom as we minister to them. Pray that this challenges our kids and that it increases their faith.

Always~
Elisabeth

The last few weeks have been super busy- I'm enjoying a day of just relaxing and catching up.


Teens Involved was a great day! The kids did a great job with their presentations- had great attitudes and really supported one another! We were proud of them. Teens Involved always allows for teachable moments and it was good to challenge them in service and presentation.

The gang- don't we look good!

Not sure what Matt is doing here.....

Last weekend was our Mission's Conference. It was challenging and great to hear from a variety of our missionaries.

This year, I was asked to plan a youth meeting for the conference. One night, as I was laying in bed, God clearly gave me the idea of a Ministry Fair for Youth. It seemed like an incredibly daunting task and I'm sure a few people thought I was crazy. With Katie's help, it turned out to be amazing! We had 20 different ministries represented and 4 youth groups attending. There were about 160 people there! Everything ran so well! The teens had the opportunity to visit the displays and then they choose 2 presentations that they wanted to know more about- meeting over dinner and dessert. How great to hear the kids say, "there wasn't enough time to see it all!". They were all so engaged and interested! Everyone seemed to walk away encouraged- the teens, youth leaders and presenters. Many got excited about serving the Lord and are actively pursuing opportunities.

Some of our kids with a presenter-



We ended the night with a large rally- worship band, youth choir, drama team, testimonies, media presentations and our speaker. With so many players, I was wondering how it would all flow. And- it was all great! Everything was seamless. There are always some technolgy glitches but everything worked out.



I am overwhelmed by the event- how everyone helped out- how things were received- how it all flowed. It was amazing! God is so good. We are pumped to do another fair next year- actually considering turning it into an all-day conference for youth/youth leaders. Very exciting.


I've really been challenged to step up ministry with our teens- I think it was it lacking and allowing them to be apathetic. They do a lot of ministry- but we have not "forced" them out into truly uncomfortable situations where they have to rely on God- we have not sufficiently trained them to share the gospel. So- this will be our goal in the coming year. Pray we have wisdom as we pursue our purpose.


Everything else is coming along- New Orleans in a few weeks. I did decide to go to Germany this summer- July 27-Aug 11th. That will be exciting. I should be in Haiti in July sometime to.

We just received a large gift for Haiti- awesome! I'm praying that God uses 1 person to meet our financial need. A big request- but I know HE can do it!


We are heading into the very busy season of annuals at school- lots of meetings to attend. But- three months until summer break! Yippee!

I heard this song at our Youth Rally and I've been meditating on it since...

Here Am I Lord by The Micah Tawkls Band

You are the Lord of sea and sky, You have heard Your people cry

all who dwell in dark and sin, Your hand will save

You who made the stars of night, You will make their darkness bright,

You will give Your light to them, who will You send?

Here Am I Lord? Is it I Lord? I have heard You calling in the night.

I will go Lord, if You lead me, I will hold Your people in my heart!

You are the Lord of snow and rain, You have bore Your people's pain,

You have wept for love for them, they turn away

You will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone,

You will speak Your words to them, who will You send?

Here Am I Lord? Is it I Lord? I have heard You calling in the night!

I will go Lord, If You lead me, I will hold Your people in my heart!

You are Lord of wind and flame, You turn the poor and lame

You will give Your life to them, Who will you send?

That's it for now- thank you for praying for me and checking in to see that I'm still alive!
God is good and He is daily challenging me.
Always~
Elisabeth