MFUGE 2011 Report

Well, what else can I say...God is good! Our MFUGE trip to the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, KY was great. God moved in some mighty ways in our youth and chaperones! I'd like to brag on our students by conveying how impressed I was with their servants' hearts last week. I personally witnessed some at work, but heard awesome stories from their ministry track leaders of how our students rose up and were leaders within their groups.

MFUGE and her sister camps partner with the IMB to focus on particular people groups for 5 year segments. This year began such a partnership with missionaries to Sub-Saharan Africa. Each week, at each FUGE location, a missions offering is collected. Individual church groups set a goal and then give to the collective camp offering. I challenged our students to start praying about the offering months ago. I am proud to announce that our group took up $319.54! Our youth rose to the challenge in a big way this last week.

In closing the camp report, I would ask a couple of things from you...First, that you would be faithful to lift our students and all those who work with them up in prayer-consistently. The strongest of buildings and other structures collapse without proper support. The mission fields that our students navigate every day is one of definite peril. We must encourage them each and every step of the way.

Secondly, I urge you to join me and other student laborors to set a godly example in all that we say and do. Like many of you, I learned of Christian character and servant leadership by watching those around me. What kind of legacy do we want to leave?

I am in the early stages of reviewing resources for youth, children, and parents. My goal is to share those reviews with you on this blog in hopes of creating a thirst and hunger for us to all grow together in our Deuteronomy 6 charge to create homes and churches that spiritually grow and nurture students. I hope to be able to begin a discussion group which will meet periodically to discuss issues, current issues and helpful resources to assist us all in our shared endeavor. If you are interested in helping me facilitate this, please drop me an email and we can talk some more.

Along these lines...I will be preaching in David's stead this Sunday while he is gone with the Ohio mission team. In your devotions this week, read through the first chapter of John and mull these questions over:
Q: How many "God" conversations do we typically have in our home?
Q: Is there anyone in my family who is not in a right relationship with Christ?
Q: What am I doing about it?

See you Sunday,
Joe

MFUGE Reminder

Although it's hard to believe, we will be leaving for camp in two days. I hope you are as excited as I am about what God is going to do in and through us in Williamsburg next week. As you finish your final preparations keep a couple of things in mind...
1. You need a SMALL over night bag to bring into the hotel with you.
2. If you want to swim at the hotel, put your swimsuit in your over night bag. We will NOT open the trailer up to dig through suitcases.
3. Don't forget to bring enough money for 3 meals going, and 2 meals for the return trip.
4. We will begin loading the bus at 7am Sunday morning. We need to be leaving the church parking lot at 8am sharp, so please make sure you are on time, and have already eaten breakfast before you come, or after you load your suitcases on the trailer.
5. Remember, ipods are ok...cell phones are not.
6. Don't forget to think through missions offering.
7. I will have an ice chest on the bus with bottled water for the trip. Upon arrival, the boys will have access to an ice chest for the week, as well as the girls, in case you want to put some drinks in it.

If you have any questions before we leave, give me a buzz either Friday night or Saturday before 8pm.

Love you guys!
Joe

CentriKid and Other Things

CentriKid was amazing! I had the privilege of taking 13 students to Millsap's College last week for an incredible week of kid's camp. I have been bragging on our children for a long time now, but allow me to do so again. All of the children that went to camp are involved in our AWANA program, so they know the Word. Those same children are actively involved in Sunday School each week, as well as RA's and GA's, so they are being trained weekly to serve and to build relationships. Each time that we met as a church group before activities, I challenged them to "set the example. No matter what you're doing, whether it be Bible study time, your track times, worship, or even as you eat lunch in the cafeteria, set the example." I said it so much that some of the boys were completing my sentence by the end of the week as I gave the familiar challenge. As the week went on, countless adults from other churches and camp staff continued to approach our adults with praise for our students' actions and behavior in their activities. Obviously, our children have put their faith into action! I am so proud to have been able to claim each one of our students were with the "Immanuel crew!" Please pray for them as they return home to the "real world" that they continue to grow in their relationships with Christ and model that to the world.

If you're looking for an opportunity to have some fun with your kids, then this Thursday is for you! This Thursday, July 14th, we will all be meeting at Champion Lanes for their "lunch n bowl" special. For $8.75, adults and children can have lunch, get shoes, and bowl until 2:00. For directions, contact the church office.

MFUGE is just around the corner! We will be loading the trailer @7am and will depart @8am on Sunday, July 17th. We are having our pre-camp parent/student meeting this Wednesday, July 13th @6pm in the hut. Please make plans to be at the meeting promptly, because the youth will be going into the church forum to hear from the growth committee.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please call me at the office or drop me an email. It's an exciting opportunity to serve alongside you!

Joe