Hey guys,
Just wanted to send you a quick update to let you know what is happening in the HSM as we head into the Christmas Season.
1) Friday Nov 30 Baylor Men's Basketball is taking on the #6 team in the nation in Washington State and we have the chance to get discounted tickets. We will be selling tickets to the game for $5 each, but you have to let me know and have the money Wednesday night Nov 28th to get this discount. Sorry for the late notice, but we just got this offer Monday late afternoon so we are trying to get the word out.
2) High School Girls Shopping Extravaganza December 8th
Dawn is going to take a group of girls up to North Park Mall in Dallas on December 8th to have fun shopping and doing lunch at one of the best malls in the metroplex. We will be doing a sign up starting this week on Wednesday night so if you are interested in going then you need to sign up. The girls will leave Highland in the vans at 8:30am and return from their little excursion around 5pm. There is plenty of shopping fun in store for all who want to go so make sure to sign up soon!!
3) Last H2O of the year will be this coming Sunday Dec 2nd. Make sure to close out the year right by being apart of the last H2O until 2008. Directions are in the youth room on the blue tables for high school and junior high.
4) Anyone interested in helping out with HOPE ministry on Tuesday evenings needs to let Ronny or Matt know so we can get you involved.
5) HSM Christmas Blowout is coming!!! December 19th will be our annual Youth Christmas Party so make sure to mark the date on your calendars. We are going to have a night of fellowship with lots of gift exchanging, refreshments, and some live music so come ready to deck the halls!! Parents and SLT if you are interested in helping to get things set up for the night please contact Ronny by email or call the church office.
6) Disciple Now is just around the corner so don't miss your first opportunity to sign up at the HSM Christmas Blowout!! More info is coming to your mailbox soon!!
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and look forward to an amazing Christmas season. Don't forget to buy your tickets for the Point of Grace concert on Dec 9th. It is going to be a great event!! Tickets are on sale in the breezeway on Sunday mornings or you can call the church office for more details.
Blessings,
HSM
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Thursday, November 01, 2007
The Golden Compass
I just wanted to give you guys a head's up on a movie that is going to be coming out soon (December I think) starring Nicole Kidman that is based on a trilogy of books written by Phillip Pullman (who is a well known atheist) that talk about killing God. It may be just a movie and it may be watered down, but this is the kind of thing that we need to be protecting our students and children from. Here is a website where you can go and find out more about the movie:
http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp
This link will take you to a site that talks about themes of the movie and the intended purpose. Thought I would pass this along and hope that it is useful.
Peace out,
HSM
http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp
This link will take you to a site that talks about themes of the movie and the intended purpose. Thought I would pass this along and hope that it is useful.
Peace out,
HSM
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
No Intersection Tonight
Just a quick reminder that we will not have youth activities tonight because of the Fall Festival. We will return to our normal Wednesday schedule next week. See you on Sunday.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
HSM Update for Oct 24-31
Hello Friends,
Here is the latest buzz from the HSM:
1) No Wednesday night youth activities October 31st...not because it's Halloween, but because the Fall Festival is going on that night and so we are going to help with that. If anyone is interested in helping, please contact Katie Braun at katie_braun@baylor.edu.
2) We are selling No Man Left Behind shirts for $10 in the youth room for the High School. Come see Ronny or Matt if you would like one.
3) Highland Homepage went out this week...if you did not receive one then that means we don't have your info in our system. If you want to be added to our mailing list then please send your name, address, phone number, birth date, grade, school, and any other info that we will need.
4) Friday night after the game come hang out with us in the HSM Coffee House (formerly known as the youth room). We will be serving up some great java alongside baked goods (which you guys need to bring) while listening to some live coffee house music by Brian Patterson. We will also have games and other things to fill the time. And you will not want to miss the open mic part of the evening...last year it was the highlight of the night. So come hang with us from 10pm-midnight...you won't be sorry!!
5) Don't forget about SHOUTFest this weekend...we have been publicizing the wrong date though. It's actually on Oct 28th which is a Sunday and not Oct 27th which is a Saturday. So if you are planning on going, don't go on Saturday or you will be very lonely. You can get more info at http://www.shoutfest.com/.
This installment of HSM Buzz has been brought to you by the makers of robotic dogs...I just looked up on my shelf and saw one...nevermind.
Peace out,
HSM
Here is the latest buzz from the HSM:
1) No Wednesday night youth activities October 31st...not because it's Halloween, but because the Fall Festival is going on that night and so we are going to help with that. If anyone is interested in helping, please contact Katie Braun at katie_braun@baylor.edu.
2) We are selling No Man Left Behind shirts for $10 in the youth room for the High School. Come see Ronny or Matt if you would like one.3) Highland Homepage went out this week...if you did not receive one then that means we don't have your info in our system. If you want to be added to our mailing list then please send your name, address, phone number, birth date, grade, school, and any other info that we will need.
4) Friday night after the game come hang out with us in the HSM Coffee House (formerly known as the youth room). We will be serving up some great java alongside baked goods (which you guys need to bring) while listening to some live coffee house music by Brian Patterson. We will also have games and other things to fill the time. And you will not want to miss the open mic part of the evening...last year it was the highlight of the night. So come hang with us from 10pm-midnight...you won't be sorry!!
5) Don't forget about SHOUTFest this weekend...we have been publicizing the wrong date though. It's actually on Oct 28th which is a Sunday and not Oct 27th which is a Saturday. So if you are planning on going, don't go on Saturday or you will be very lonely. You can get more info at http://www.shoutfest.com/.This installment of HSM Buzz has been brought to you by the makers of robotic dogs...I just looked up on my shelf and saw one...nevermind.
Peace out,
HSM
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
HSM 411 for 10/17-10/24
1) Dodge Ball 5th Quarter, Oct 19th
We have reserved the Woodway Family Center from 9:30pm-11:30pm for our 2nd Annual Dodge Ball Extravaganza!! Last year was an incredible time of launching spherical objects at high velocities in the direction of unsuspecting victims…can’t get much better than that!! Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one.
2) Casting Crown Tickets $15
We will leave the church at 6pm to head to the Bell County Expo Center for the Casting Crowns concert. Your money reserves your spot…no verbal commitments, only money. We will return around 9:30pm to the church.
3) Church-Wide Picnic
This Sunday afternoon we are having a Church-Wide Picnic at the Speegleville Pavilion. The fun will start at 4pm and burgers will be served around 4:45pm. Come out and enjoy some fellowship with the entire Highland family.
4) H2O
Because of the Church Picnic, H2O will start at 7pm this week and still end at 8pm.
5) No Man Left Behind Shirts
We are selling t-shirts for the current series we are doing on Wednesday nights for the High School for $10 in the youth room. If you want one, please talk to Ronny.
6) 3rd Saturday Mission Project
Oct 20th we will be having our first 3rd Saturday mission project where we will be working with Waco CDC. We will meet up at the church at 9am ready to serve. We will return to the church around 3:30pm so you will need to make sure to bring a lunch. We are going to be working outside, helping clear brush from fields so you need to make sure to wear appropriate clothing and have gloves. Come serve Waco alongside us.
7) Shoutfest @ Camp Hope in McGregor, Oct 28th @ 1pm
This is going to be an incredible event with lots of Christian bands coming to rock out for you including Pillar, SuperChick, Building 429, and many more. Go check out their website at http://www.shoutfest.com/ for more details on bands and the extreme games they will have out there. You can get tickets at local Christian stores for $15 or you can get them at the door for $20.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Youth Pastors
We have reserved the Woodway Family Center from 9:30pm-11:30pm for our 2nd Annual Dodge Ball Extravaganza!! Last year was an incredible time of launching spherical objects at high velocities in the direction of unsuspecting victims…can’t get much better than that!! Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one.
2) Casting Crown Tickets $15
We will leave the church at 6pm to head to the Bell County Expo Center for the Casting Crowns concert. Your money reserves your spot…no verbal commitments, only money. We will return around 9:30pm to the church.
3) Church-Wide Picnic
This Sunday afternoon we are having a Church-Wide Picnic at the Speegleville Pavilion. The fun will start at 4pm and burgers will be served around 4:45pm. Come out and enjoy some fellowship with the entire Highland family.
4) H2O
Because of the Church Picnic, H2O will start at 7pm this week and still end at 8pm.
5) No Man Left Behind Shirts
We are selling t-shirts for the current series we are doing on Wednesday nights for the High School for $10 in the youth room. If you want one, please talk to Ronny.
6) 3rd Saturday Mission Project
Oct 20th we will be having our first 3rd Saturday mission project where we will be working with Waco CDC. We will meet up at the church at 9am ready to serve. We will return to the church around 3:30pm so you will need to make sure to bring a lunch. We are going to be working outside, helping clear brush from fields so you need to make sure to wear appropriate clothing and have gloves. Come serve Waco alongside us.
7) Shoutfest @ Camp Hope in McGregor, Oct 28th @ 1pm
This is going to be an incredible event with lots of Christian bands coming to rock out for you including Pillar, SuperChick, Building 429, and many more. Go check out their website at http://www.shoutfest.com/ for more details on bands and the extreme games they will have out there. You can get tickets at local Christian stores for $15 or you can get them at the door for $20.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Youth Pastors
Thursday, October 11, 2007
HSM News 10/11-10/18
Hey guys,
I also wanted to let you know that we are still meeting for H2O in homes. The directions are in the youth room for both Junior High and High School. This is a great opportunity for students to join the smaller group and to really dig deeper into God's Word...specifically the letter to the Corinthians. Make sure to carve out some time for discipleship, fellowship, and accountability. We meet from 6:30-8pm with a great group of college students leading the way. If you want to have snacks at your houses then you need to make sure to bring them with you.
This week high school started a new series called No Man Left Behind that is centering on being proactive in sharing our faith. This coming week we will have some t-shirts available to kind of give a little extra exposure for the theme. We will be selling them for $10 so that we can get close to covering cost. If you would like one, we will be selling the ones we had made and then taking orders for more. They will be available on Wednesday night in the youth room.
We are starting a new thing with the students this month called 3rd Saturday where on the 3rd Saturday of the month we will be going out and doing some work/service projects in our community. We will do this as faithfully as we can on the 3rd Saturday of each month, but please be flexible if we have to move it a week (that should be very rare and we will definitely give plenty of notice). More details will be coming, but go ahead and mark Oct 20th on your calendars as our first project.
Be watching for more info as the Fall rolls on!
HSM
Our 2nd Annual HSM Dodge Ball 5th Quarter is coming. We will be meeting at the Woodway Family Center on Oct 19th to see who can master the five D's of dodgeball: dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge! We'll be there from 9:30-11:30pm so come and enjoy a little sweat and dodging.
This week high school started a new series called No Man Left Behind that is centering on being proactive in sharing our faith. This coming week we will have some t-shirts available to kind of give a little extra exposure for the theme. We will be selling them for $10 so that we can get close to covering cost. If you would like one, we will be selling the ones we had made and then taking orders for more. They will be available on Wednesday night in the youth room.
We are starting a new thing with the students this month called 3rd Saturday where on the 3rd Saturday of the month we will be going out and doing some work/service projects in our community. We will do this as faithfully as we can on the 3rd Saturday of each month, but please be flexible if we have to move it a week (that should be very rare and we will definitely give plenty of notice). More details will be coming, but go ahead and mark Oct 20th on your calendars as our first project.
Be watching for more info as the Fall rolls on!
HSM
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Casting Crowns Concert
Hey guys,
Just wanted to let you know through an error in ordering, the tickets that we thought we had ordered a couple of weeks ago for the concert actually did not get ordered, so if you are wanting to go to this concert on October 20th at the Bell County Expo Center then you will have to buy your own tickets and find your own transportation. We tried to reorder the tickets so we could still take a group, but they no longer had enough seats in the section that would have been affordable for us. Sorry that this didn't work out, but we will have other opportunities in the future. See you all tonight!
Much love,
HSM
Thursday, September 27, 2007
HSM News
Hey guys,
Just a friendly reminder that H2O has started so you will want to jump in this week in our neighborhood homes. I wanted to make sure that everyone knows that for this week only the Pritchard house will meet with the Loughlin house in Woodway. Directions are in the youth room. Junior High houses will meet as usual at the Butlers and Abens. Remember that if you want snacks for the evening then you need to bring some.
Also remember that the FLOP has happened and the High School will meet in the College House this Sunday morning while the Junior High has Intersection in the Youth Room. You need to be sure to get there on time because we will start without you. It's going to be a great Sunday!Junior High Retreat is this weekend!!! WOOHOO!!! If you are signed up for the retreat then you need to be at the church at 5:30pm ready to go have a great time at Latham! If you need more details then email Matt.
Be looking for more info on the Casting Crowns concert on Sat Oct 20th. We will be selling tickets in the days to come. That morning we will also be having our first mission project of the semester...more info on that soon.
Have a great weekend and we'll see you on Sunday.
Blessings,
HSM
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
No PIE
Just so everyone knows, we are officially done with PIE until next summer. Since school has started back up we have moved back into our school year times for Intersection (which means we start at 6:30) and that would make us too late if we went out to eat afterwards. Anyway we'll all look forward to doing it again next summer!
High School Back to School Retreat
Hey guys,
Here is the info for the retreat this weekend. We will leave the church parking lot at 5:30pm and head out to Latham Springs for a great time of hanging out and digging into God's Word together. We will eat dinner once we get there and then have our first session later that night. We will have two more sessions on Saturday before heading back to HBC where we will arrive by 4pm. We'll hand out more info tonight at Intersection.
Peace out,
HSM
Here is the info for the retreat this weekend. We will leave the church parking lot at 5:30pm and head out to Latham Springs for a great time of hanging out and digging into God's Word together. We will eat dinner once we get there and then have our first session later that night. We will have two more sessions on Saturday before heading back to HBC where we will arrive by 4pm. We'll hand out more info tonight at Intersection.
Peace out,
HSM
Sunday, August 12, 2007
This week in the HSM...
Hey guys,
We will still be having Intersection this week...Daniel Horvath will be leading while Matt and Ronny are in New Orleans. We are still on the summer schedule for another couple of weeks so it will start at 6 and finish at 7:30pm. Daniel will let you know where you are going to eat afterwards.
High School Back To School Retreat sign ups start today...Sunday Aug 12th. If you are interested in going, it will be Aug 24th-25th at Latham Springs and it only costs $35. Come start the school year off the right way by hanging with us at the Retreat.
Please pray for the mission trip as we are gone. It is going to be hot and humid mixed with some hard work so we could use your prayer covering as we are gone. We'll see you soon!!
HSM
We will still be having Intersection this week...Daniel Horvath will be leading while Matt and Ronny are in New Orleans. We are still on the summer schedule for another couple of weeks so it will start at 6 and finish at 7:30pm. Daniel will let you know where you are going to eat afterwards.
High School Back To School Retreat sign ups start today...Sunday Aug 12th. If you are interested in going, it will be Aug 24th-25th at Latham Springs and it only costs $35. Come start the school year off the right way by hanging with us at the Retreat.
Please pray for the mission trip as we are gone. It is going to be hot and humid mixed with some hard work so we could use your prayer covering as we are gone. We'll see you soon!!
HSM
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
P.I.E. August 8
Hey guys,
Tonight our Post-Intersection Eats will commence at Jason's Deli immediately following an incredible worship gathering to send off our graduated seniors as they get ready to leave for college. Hope you can all be there. See you tonight.
HSM
Tonight our Post-Intersection Eats will commence at Jason's Deli immediately following an incredible worship gathering to send off our graduated seniors as they get ready to leave for college. Hope you can all be there. See you tonight.
HSM
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Six Flags Info
Hey guys,
Just a quick update for our trip to Six Flags...we are leaving the church parking lot at 8:30am! If you are not here at 8:30am then you will be sad waiting in the parking lot all day because you got left. If you are getting a ticket from us then you need to pay your $30 asap. If you have a season pass then you will still owe $5 because we have to rent vans and pay for parking so we need to cover our costs. You also will be responsible for your own meals in the park which will be about $8-10 each (lunch and dinner). We will return to the church parking lot around 10:30pm. It is going to be a full day of fun so hope you guys are excited. We are not signing any more people up for this trip because it is beyond full. See you soon.
HSM
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Pizza Tonight
We are serving pizza tonight before Intersection to welcome all of the new 7th graders into the HSM!! We will start serving up the slices at 5pm and go until we are out so come ready to chow down. We will also have some drinks iced down in case some people get thirsty from all that pizza. We will finish at our normal summer time...7:30pm. Come hang out with us cuz it's gonna rock!!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Youth Week Info
We mailed this to your houses this week with permission slips for paintball, but just so we can say that it was available online too here it is...the youth week schedule:
Monday
Paintball-$10 per person
We will be leaving the church parking lot at 9:30am to go shoot each other up with some paint. All are welcome...make sure to wear jeans and long sleeves because the paintballs hit with some velocity! We will be back to the church by 1pm.
Release form must be filled out to play. You can meet us there (Power Play) at 10am if you don’t want to ride the vans! It’s gonna be a great time so come kick the week off right with us!
Tuesday
HSM Bowling League
Ok so it’s not really a league, but we’re gonna have some fun settin’ ‘em up and knockin’ ‘em down at Westview Lanes starting at 10am. The cost will be $5.50 for shoe rental and two games. So get your best pro bowler shirt and head out to the lanes with us. Vans will be available for transportation leaving the church parking lot at 9:30am. We will return sometime around 11:30 or 12 noon.
Wednesday
Free Pizza at Intersection to welcome the new 7th graders!! We’ll start eating at 5pm and Intersection will start at 6pm. Obviously we won’t be going to eat afterwards.
Thursday
Picnic at the Park
Since the lake is closed we are replacing Lake Day with Picnic at the Park. We are going to meet up at Redwood Shelter in Cameron Park for a cookout.
Make sure to bring frisbees, footballs, etc. and join us for an afternoon of fellowship and fun. We’ll be there at 10:30am and stay until 1:30pm.
Friday
Party on the Pavement
We’re going to finish the week off with a little evening fun up at the church. Bring the whole family up to the church parking lot on Friday night and we are going to have our very own HSM Drive-in Movie. The movie won’t start until after dark (which will be around 8:45pm), but come and hang out with us early starting around 8pm. Bring your own lawn chairs and snacks and we will provide a fun environment for the whole family. I can’t think of a better way to end our week of events welcoming the new 7th graders than taking in a great flick with all of your new friends!
That is the schedule for next week so make plans to be a part of all the excitement!
Courtesy of your Favorite HSM Staff
Monday
Paintball-$10 per person
We will be leaving the church parking lot at 9:30am to go shoot each other up with some paint. All are welcome...make sure to wear jeans and long sleeves because the paintballs hit with some velocity! We will be back to the church by 1pm.
Release form must be filled out to play. You can meet us there (Power Play) at 10am if you don’t want to ride the vans! It’s gonna be a great time so come kick the week off right with us!
Tuesday
HSM Bowling League
Ok so it’s not really a league, but we’re gonna have some fun settin’ ‘em up and knockin’ ‘em down at Westview Lanes starting at 10am. The cost will be $5.50 for shoe rental and two games. So get your best pro bowler shirt and head out to the lanes with us. Vans will be available for transportation leaving the church parking lot at 9:30am. We will return sometime around 11:30 or 12 noon.
Wednesday
Free Pizza at Intersection to welcome the new 7th graders!! We’ll start eating at 5pm and Intersection will start at 6pm. Obviously we won’t be going to eat afterwards.
Thursday
Picnic at the Park
Since the lake is closed we are replacing Lake Day with Picnic at the Park. We are going to meet up at Redwood Shelter in Cameron Park for a cookout.
Make sure to bring frisbees, footballs, etc. and join us for an afternoon of fellowship and fun. We’ll be there at 10:30am and stay until 1:30pm.
Friday
Party on the Pavement
We’re going to finish the week off with a little evening fun up at the church. Bring the whole family up to the church parking lot on Friday night and we are going to have our very own HSM Drive-in Movie. The movie won’t start until after dark (which will be around 8:45pm), but come and hang out with us early starting around 8pm. Bring your own lawn chairs and snacks and we will provide a fun environment for the whole family. I can’t think of a better way to end our week of events welcoming the new 7th graders than taking in a great flick with all of your new friends!
That is the schedule for next week so make plans to be a part of all the excitement!
Courtesy of your Favorite HSM Staff
South Texas Update
Hello to you blog readers from Edinburg, Texas! We are having a great week! Everything is running very smooth...almost too smooth...
We have done two days of basketball clinics and Kids Club activities. Last night we did a program at an apartment complex and 3 kids accepted Jesus as theis Savior! We have one day of ministry left before we go and chill at the beach!
Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure:......trying to upload.........trying again.........not working....I'll upload them when we get home.
We have done two days of basketball clinics and Kids Club activities. Last night we did a program at an apartment complex and 3 kids accepted Jesus as theis Savior! We have one day of ministry left before we go and chill at the beach!
Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure:......trying to upload.........trying again.........not working....I'll upload them when we get home.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
P.I.E. July 25th
Hey guys,
Set your tastebuds for some chicken this Wednesday night cuz we're heading over to Chick Fil A for the post-intersection eats. It's gonna be a great night so come hang with us.
This message brought to you by:
Your Friends at the HSM
Monday, July 23, 2007
And they're off...
Here is a picture of our group as they prepared to leave yesterday for an amazing trip to the border. Please be praying for our team as they minister through basketball clinics and VBS this week.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
High School Ranger Game
If you have signed up and paid for your ticket to the Ranger game then we will be leaving the church parking lot at 4:30pm on Thursday afternoon. It is going to be a great day at the ballpark watching the Rangers pound the Indians into submission. You will be responsible for your own snacks and drinks at the ballpark so bring some spending money. We will return about 2 hours after the final out.
P.I.E.
This week we will be heading over to Rosa's Tortilla Factory after Intersection so that we can enjoy the tasty treats provided by Mama Rosie. I mean seriously who doesn't enjoy the taste of Mexican delight? See you there.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
This week at HSM...
Tuesday: movie day...Evan Almighty starting at 3:15pm at Hollywood Theater. We will meet there.
Wedn
esday: Intersection starting at 6pm in the youth room...remember we will be saying goodbye to G so bring your kleenex boxes. Afterwards we will go eat at Wendy's on the corner of Valley Mills and Lake Air. Also remember that we are signing up for the high school Ranger game...$10 reserves your spot. Come cheer on the Rangers as they play the Indians.Thursday: Lunch at Double Dave's Pizza. Meet there at 11:30 and see how much pizza we can consume.
We'll see you soon!!
Monday, July 09, 2007
EVAN ALMIGHTY
We will be going to see Evan Almighty tomorrow at the Hollywood Jewell in Woodway. The movie starts at 3:15pm so come and laugh with us. See you there.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Camp Video Wednesday Night
Camp was awesome!! Hope everyone has caught up on sleep and ready for the fun that is to come this week. Remember tonight we have Summer H2O at Maggie and Murphy Blair's house starting at 6pm. Bring your swim suit and be ready to eat that great American treat...hot dogs!! We will provide drinks but if you want any other snacks, then you need to bring them. Also we will be showing the camp video this coming Wednesday night. Come relive our incredible week at Freedom Camp. Keep checking back and we'll let you know what else is happening with the HSM.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Camp Update- We're Coming Home!
It is 10:15 on Friday morning. We have just finished our last service. The buses are already loaded and we will be on the road before 11:00. We are shooting to be home between 9 and 10 tonight. Students will begin to call you when we are getting a little closer to home.
Pray for our safety as we travel. Also pray that the ride home will be a productive time for us all to reflect on what the Lord has spoken to us this week.
Thanks and talk to you soon!
HSM
Pray for our safety as we travel. Also pray that the ride home will be a productive time for us all to reflect on what the Lord has spoken to us this week.
Thanks and talk to you soon!
HSM
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Freedom Camp Update- Thursday
This has been a great week! We are all, students and leaders, being challenged by what the Lord is doing at Camp and among us. Despite some being homesick, some being annoyed (or annoying, depending on who you ask...), despite personality clashes and tired bodies and minds, (everything I just listed is all normal camp type drama!) we are learning lots of good and applicable stuff.
In the morning sessions, Mike Curry has been talking about the nature of sin. We have learned about the "Lust of the flesh" and will be learning about the "Lust of the eyes" and the "boastful pride of life". In his words, "all sin begins with a passion and ends in a perversion". We have learned that the enemy hasn't created anything...ever. He has only perverted the good things that God, The Creator, has created.
The night sessions have been focused on trusting God. We have learned how worry takes away from our trust in God, how wanting control shows our lack of trust. It has been very eye opening and we are all learning a lot!
Please continue to pray for us. Pray that we may be focused on the things God is placing on our hearts. Pray that our hearts would be soft, fertile soil. Pray that all distractions would be thrown down.
We look forward to seeing you tomorrow night when we arrive at home. Check back here to see our travel plans for tomorrow.
HSM
In the morning sessions, Mike Curry has been talking about the nature of sin. We have learned about the "Lust of the flesh" and will be learning about the "Lust of the eyes" and the "boastful pride of life". In his words, "all sin begins with a passion and ends in a perversion". We have learned that the enemy hasn't created anything...ever. He has only perverted the good things that God, The Creator, has created.
The night sessions have been focused on trusting God. We have learned how worry takes away from our trust in God, how wanting control shows our lack of trust. It has been very eye opening and we are all learning a lot!
Please continue to pray for us. Pray that we may be focused on the things God is placing on our hearts. Pray that our hearts would be soft, fertile soil. Pray that all distractions would be thrown down.
We look forward to seeing you tomorrow night when we arrive at home. Check back here to see our travel plans for tomorrow.
HSM
Monday, July 02, 2007
Camp Update- Monday
With equal amounts of eager anticipation and 16 hour old charter bus breath we arrived safe and sound at Windermere this afternoon at 4:00. We quickly settled into our room assignments and went to dinner. The taco meat was very scary- pray for us!
After dinner, we experienced our first worship service of Freedom Camp 2007 and Mike Curry taught us out of Psalm 56:3-4. This week promises to be a wonderful time for all of us here. Know that all of us are well and after a good night of sleep tonight, we will be even better.
Keep us in your prayers and we will see you all soon.
HSM
After dinner, we experienced our first worship service of Freedom Camp 2007 and Mike Curry taught us out of Psalm 56:3-4. This week promises to be a wonderful time for all of us here. Know that all of us are well and after a good night of sleep tonight, we will be even better.
Keep us in your prayers and we will see you all soon.
HSM
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Wednesday Night Meal
Hello all! We will welcome home the Namibia team sometime tonight (Thursday) and look forward to catching up with them tomorrow night (Wednesday) at Intersection from 6:00-7:30. After Intersection, we will be eating together at the Chic-fil-a off Franklin (in front of Wal-Mart). If you are planning on going to eat with us, have your ride pick you up there! Talk to you soon.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Final Namibia Update
Hello all,
Well our long journey on this side of the Atlantic is coming to a close. We had an amazing trip and saw God move in so many ways within our team as well as in the students here in Namibia. YWAP Camp was the icing on the cake of what was already a great experience. We spent this past weekend at an encampment about 45 minutes north of Windhoek worshipping and celebrating the truth that we as Christians are aliens/foreigners in this world. It truly was a time of spiritual renewal for those who were there. In all, there were 190 people at Camp which means it was packed out. Our students helped lead in drama, music and so many other ways. I don't think there is any way for me to truly describe in detail all that happened there, but we saw 25 kids come to Christ and many others make commitments to rededicate themselves to Christ and live for Him in their daily lives. We have been so blessed to be a part of this whole movement that God is doing here in Namibia.
It is kind of weird that we will be getting on a plane in about 6 hours to head back to Texas. It is hard to process through all that has happened on this trip, but I know that God has truly spoken to our students and that they will be coming back changed forever. I wouldn't be surprised if some of them start asking to come back again in the near future. As the youth pastor, I can honestly say that I have been so proud of all of these students and how they have handled themselves throughout this entire experience. The leadership here in Namibia has continually commented on how great the team has been and that it is obvious how hard they worked before getting here and how they appreciate how hard they have worked since we landed. They have said on numerous occasions that they really feel like this team is anointed by God and they can't wait to see how God moves as a result of us being here. I don't say that to say look what we've done, but just to let you know that God truly has been at work.
We are sad to leave this place today, but feel as though we have been able to accomplish what we set out to do in encouraging believers, sharing the message of God's love for the people here, and beginning relationships with so many that will be carried on through email and Facebook. Thanks so much for praying for us and know that God has answered in big ways. Don't stop praying yet because we have a very long trip home. We will see you when we get back on Tuesday. Love to you all.
Blessings,
HSM Namibia Team
Well our long journey on this side of the Atlantic is coming to a close. We had an amazing trip and saw God move in so many ways within our team as well as in the students here in Namibia. YWAP Camp was the icing on the cake of what was already a great experience. We spent this past weekend at an encampment about 45 minutes north of Windhoek worshipping and celebrating the truth that we as Christians are aliens/foreigners in this world. It truly was a time of spiritual renewal for those who were there. In all, there were 190 people at Camp which means it was packed out. Our students helped lead in drama, music and so many other ways. I don't think there is any way for me to truly describe in detail all that happened there, but we saw 25 kids come to Christ and many others make commitments to rededicate themselves to Christ and live for Him in their daily lives. We have been so blessed to be a part of this whole movement that God is doing here in Namibia.
It is kind of weird that we will be getting on a plane in about 6 hours to head back to Texas. It is hard to process through all that has happened on this trip, but I know that God has truly spoken to our students and that they will be coming back changed forever. I wouldn't be surprised if some of them start asking to come back again in the near future. As the youth pastor, I can honestly say that I have been so proud of all of these students and how they have handled themselves throughout this entire experience. The leadership here in Namibia has continually commented on how great the team has been and that it is obvious how hard they worked before getting here and how they appreciate how hard they have worked since we landed. They have said on numerous occasions that they really feel like this team is anointed by God and they can't wait to see how God moves as a result of us being here. I don't say that to say look what we've done, but just to let you know that God truly has been at work.
We are sad to leave this place today, but feel as though we have been able to accomplish what we set out to do in encouraging believers, sharing the message of God's love for the people here, and beginning relationships with so many that will be carried on through email and Facebook. Thanks so much for praying for us and know that God has answered in big ways. Don't stop praying yet because we have a very long trip home. We will see you when we get back on Tuesday. Love to you all.
Blessings,
HSM Namibia Team
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Namibia Update for Thursday
Greetings from Namibia,
Today started off with a short assembly at St George's Primary School. We only had time to do a couple of songs and the Prayer Skit. Once again our students did a great job in the assembly and the children loved hearing our kids. We had been told that we would have 35 minutes for that assembly, but we all know that mission trips survive on the concept of flexibility and adaptability so we shortened it and all went well.
We returned to Cafe Schneider one more time for an excellent breakfast before starting on our camp preparations. The guys worked on some platforms that will be used during recreation during the weekend and the girls helped in putting together all of the camp booklets that the students will receive with all of the info for the camp. They did an incredible job serving the ministry staff here by willingly stepping in to finish whatever project necessary to get ready for camp. The majority of the afternoon was spent doing this. A group actually went out to the camp to get some of the sound system set up as well as make a video for the camp rules while the rest of the group stayed at the house to write names on head bands for recreation.
After we returned to the house and had supper, we spent some time praying together for our time this weekend. Specifically we prayed that God would be able to use us as His instruments to speak His truth to the students there. We prayed that God would unify us so that our message would be strong.
Please pray that we would be salt and light to these students at the camp and that God would move in the hearts of our students and those that are a part of YWAP. This will be the last email until after camp so we will let you know how God answers these prayers on Sunday. Thanks and we love you all.
Blessings,
HSM Namibia Team
Today started off with a short assembly at St George's Primary School. We only had time to do a couple of songs and the Prayer Skit. Once again our students did a great job in the assembly and the children loved hearing our kids. We had been told that we would have 35 minutes for that assembly, but we all know that mission trips survive on the concept of flexibility and adaptability so we shortened it and all went well.
We returned to Cafe Schneider one more time for an excellent breakfast before starting on our camp preparations. The guys worked on some platforms that will be used during recreation during the weekend and the girls helped in putting together all of the camp booklets that the students will receive with all of the info for the camp. They did an incredible job serving the ministry staff here by willingly stepping in to finish whatever project necessary to get ready for camp. The majority of the afternoon was spent doing this. A group actually went out to the camp to get some of the sound system set up as well as make a video for the camp rules while the rest of the group stayed at the house to write names on head bands for recreation.
After we returned to the house and had supper, we spent some time praying together for our time this weekend. Specifically we prayed that God would be able to use us as His instruments to speak His truth to the students there. We prayed that God would unify us so that our message would be strong.
Please pray that we would be salt and light to these students at the camp and that God would move in the hearts of our students and those that are a part of YWAP. This will be the last email until after camp so we will let you know how God answers these prayers on Sunday. Thanks and we love you all.
Blessings,
HSM Namibia Team
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Wednesday Namibia Update
Today was another great day for our team. We spent the entire morning at St Paul's School doing assemblies which was very long but so fun. We began by doing the assembly for the 1st and 2nd grade students. Instead of trying to figure out what parts of our program would be age appropriate, we decided to do some games and songs from our time at Beautiful Gate. The kids really seemed to have fun playing and singing with our team. Paul finished the assembly by teaching the lesson that he did from our previous day at Beautiful Gate. Our second assembly was a bit different because we had the 5th-7th grades. This time we did a portion of our normal program with Kirsten sharing about how God really helped her through the healing process after her mom passed away. The children really responded well to her and the entire program. Then we went back to doing some of the Beautiful Gate material for the 3rd-4th grade class. We had already done part of our program for 1st-6th grades so we were trying to do some new things that they hadn't already seen so it was a good thing that we had prepared some extra songs. After this group left to go back to class, we did our program for the 8th-9th grades. Cassie and Nathanael both shared testimonies with this group that really challenged them on the subject of prayer and salvation. It was a great opportunity for these students to hear the Gospel. We finished off our time at St Paul's by facilitating a religious education class for the 12th grade. This was a class where the students came and watched a couple of our skits and then we had some question and answer time where many of our students responded to questions about why does it have to hurt when God disciplines us, how do you stand strong as a Christian when the world tries to tempt you, and what do you do when you are a Christian with non-Christian friends who influence you negatively. They did an incredible job of answering questions and I truly believe that our students enjoyed being able to share from their experience in their walk with Christ to encourage these 12th grade students.
We came back to the Bullingtons house after the assemblies to get ready for our last day at Beautiful Gate. Our program today consisted of some fun children's songs, some more spontaneous melodrama, followed by giving out power bands (colored beads on a string) which basically explain how we are born in sin, but the blood of Christ cleanses us from that sin and then we follow Christ in baptism leading us into spiritual growth and eventually opening the door for us to go to heaven because of our relationship to Jesus. I'm not totally sure that the kids understood the whole concept, but they were given a few little keepsakes over the last few days that will hopefully be a reminder of a group of American teenagers who loved on them and cared for them. After saying goodbye to the children there, we drove through Katutura which is the township that Beautiful Gate is in. The name literally means a "place you don't want to live" because it is such a transient place. It is a poverty stricken area of town that has houses made from sheet metal and plywood. It made a pretty big impact on our students to actually see some of these places where the children at Beautiful Gate live.
Tomorrow is our last day of assemblies and then we start getting prepared for YWAP camp. The time has really flown by but our students have really been amazing at how they have served and loved the students of Namibia. Many have said that this is one of the first mission trips that they weren't ready to go home yet when they got this far into the trip. Again thank you so much for continuing to pray for us and please ask God to encourage us and give us energy as we are pretty run down from a long week of service. Love to all of you and we'll talk to you again tomorrow.
Blessings,
HSM Namibia Team
We came back to the Bullingtons house after the assemblies to get ready for our last day at Beautiful Gate. Our program today consisted of some fun children's songs, some more spontaneous melodrama, followed by giving out power bands (colored beads on a string) which basically explain how we are born in sin, but the blood of Christ cleanses us from that sin and then we follow Christ in baptism leading us into spiritual growth and eventually opening the door for us to go to heaven because of our relationship to Jesus. I'm not totally sure that the kids understood the whole concept, but they were given a few little keepsakes over the last few days that will hopefully be a reminder of a group of American teenagers who loved on them and cared for them. After saying goodbye to the children there, we drove through Katutura which is the township that Beautiful Gate is in. The name literally means a "place you don't want to live" because it is such a transient place. It is a poverty stricken area of town that has houses made from sheet metal and plywood. It made a pretty big impact on our students to actually see some of these places where the children at Beautiful Gate live.
Tomorrow is our last day of assemblies and then we start getting prepared for YWAP camp. The time has really flown by but our students have really been amazing at how they have served and loved the students of Namibia. Many have said that this is one of the first mission trips that they weren't ready to go home yet when they got this far into the trip. Again thank you so much for continuing to pray for us and please ask God to encourage us and give us energy as we are pretty run down from a long week of service. Love to all of you and we'll talk to you again tomorrow.
Blessings,
HSM Namibia Team
Namibia Team Updates
Every update we receive from the team in The Africa (as I like to refer to it) will be posted on the blog. Here is what we have, in the order that we received it.
Tuesday, June 12
Hey guys,
Just letting you know that we all survived the trip over and are getting ready to have dinner at the Bullingtons. We enjoyed our time in London by watching for celebrities which we saw and met two of them. Terry O'Quinn (John Locke from LOST) and Chad Michael Murray from a lot of CW shows were both in the airport so that was fun for the kids. We are really tired and worn down from the long trip, but we are very excited about what we will get to experience over the next couple of weeks. I'm going to keep this short, but know that we will be updating regularly.
Blessings,
Ronny
Saturday, June 16th
Hello all,
We returned from the game park yesterday afternoon. It was a really great experience for all of us. We were in the gates of the park for about 20 minutes when we came across our first lion! Now being one who has been to this game park and searched for 3 days for lions this is a pretty amazing thing. We enjoyed seeing all kinds of animals in their natural habitat which is truly an incredible thing. Here's a quick list of the things that we saw in our trip there: lions (4), rhinos, elephants, zebra, giraffe, hyenas, springboks, kudus, gemsboks (oryx), wildebeest, ostriches, impalas...needless to say, we saw alot. We had a little bus trouble (go figure that on a youth trip) where our bus broke down in the middle of the park. Something happened to the hydraulics on the bus which affected the brakes, but God is good and after a little prayer and some funny video clips (which we will love showing when we return), we were on our way again.
We returned back to Windhoek yesterday afternoon in time to get a little rest before heading off to YWAP (the weekend Bible study). We got set up and ready to go quickly before the students arrived then our kids got to meet their Namibian counterparts. It was a little awkward at first, but eventually the two groups began to mix and the comfort level increased greatly. During the worship service that night our band did a worship set and they did an incredible job as usual. Then Aeriel Butler got up and gave her testimony. The students in the school hall really absorbed all that she said and I can say that I was a very proud youth pastor. The night ended with more fellowship time with the students. It was a beautiful moment to watch these American students stand and talk and interact with the students at YWAP. Our host families picked us up from there and everyone went home for a nice deserved rest.
Tonight we will get to do it all over again for the young youth. We expect God to do some great things in this trip and so far we have not been disappointed. This weekend is the last chance for these Namibian students to sign up for their youth camp so we can just pray that many will come and hear a fresh word from God. Keep praying for us and we'll talk to you all soon.
Be Blessed,
Ronny
Sunday, June 17th
Hello everyone,
We wanted to give you the update from last night and this morning. We had the younger YWAP Bible Study last night and it was great! Over the weekend we got to meet about 200 students and try to remember their names. Our band did a great job once again...they performed "Party" for the first time and the kids loved it! We are really loving the time here so far.
This morning we worshipped with the church here and it was really great. We led worship for the church and Ronny preached so we had to hear him speak...again. Haha! It was a really great time for our team to worship with the Namibians here. We are preparing to start the assemblies tomorrow so be praying for us as we go to the schools. We are very excited and can't wait to perform the program that God has led us to put together.
Please pray protection for our group as many have had some cold type symptoms due to the change in weather. We are trusting that God is going to use this program to great things. I am attaching a personal note from each student for your reading pleasure to give you an idea of what is happening from their perspective. Thanks for your prayers and we'll email again soon. Love you all and Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there.
HSM Namibia team
Monday, June 18th
Hey guys,
Last night we made a trip up one of the mountains surrounding Windhoek so that we could get a view of the entire city...the ride up itself was worth the trip. We rode on a vehicle (buffel...buffalo in Afrikaans) that could seat 25 and it was open air so we got to see everything. When we got to the top, we had dinner made by some church members that was really good. We ate Gemsbok sirloin and boerwors which is really great meat. We watched the sun go down and prayed over the city. It was a very cold ride down, but again way worth the trip.
We started the morning off by meeting at St Paul's chapel to perform part of our program for the primary (elementary) school students at 6:45am...needless to say it was a very early morning. The assembly went well. The students enjoyed having our group...there was plenty of laughing (in the appropriate places of course) and the kids seemed to really love "Party". Kyle gave his testimony and did a great job of relating his relationship with Christ to these young students. Once we finished we had to pack everything away (sound system stuff) and then head over to another school to perform our entire program for their college (high school).
When we arrived at St George's we had to get everything set up all over again and ready for the students break time. This assembly was really tough because the kids were all over the place getting snacks and talking, but our kids did an incredible job. This was the first time to do the entire program and they pulled it off flawlessly. Maggie and Benjamin gave their testimonies and the students really responded well. After we finished the break time, our students went out into the crowd of St Georges kids and had a great time mixing it up with them. It was a rough assembly because we were outside and it was hard to hear, but we know that God was glorified through all that we did today.
After the two assemblies this morning, we took the kids shopping for a second time (the first was really short and so not everyone got to get what they wanted). We went to the Craft Center in downtown Windhoek and it was a very cool experience for the students. We then headed back to the Bullingtons for lunch which was homemade lasagna...mmm, good!!
After lunch we headed out to Beautiful Gate which is a day care center for AIDS orphans. We had a fun time ministering to the kids there by singing worship songs, doing a Bible story, and making a picture frame out of paper plates. It's incredible to see the poverty there, but also still realize that God is still at work among the poor and marginalized in this society. These kids are being given the opportunity to hear the Gospel and be loved on which does not happen at their homes. It was a very emotionally draining as well as physically draining day, but God moved and we are blessed to see how He is working in the lives of students here in Namibia. We love you all and ask that you continue to pray that God opens doors for us to encourage the students here, share the love of Christ, and most of all just be a reflection of the compassion and mercy of our God.
Blessings to you all,
HSM Namibia team
Tuesday, June 19th
So today has been a great day! We started early again to do an assembly at Delta Secondary School. It was a short assembly but it was really fun. We only had 10 minutes, but the head master of the school let us do an extra song so we must have done something right. After the assembly, we got a few minutes to meet some of the students which was really great.
We ate breakfast afterwards at Cafe Schneider which was a big hit with the kids before having to rush off to set up for our next assembly at All Nations. Most of the schools that we are ministering in are schools supported by churches or the government, but this one we went to was one that would be referred to as a church school. It was an amazing group of students ranging from age 5-15. I was so proud of our kids yet again because they did a great job and the children responded so well. This was probably the best group we have performed for thus far. Sarah and Seth gave their testimonies to the group and did very well. Each one of our kids has been able to reach out and encourage students today and that was a great blessing for us.
We went back to Beautiful Gate for day 2 of our 3 day program there. Paul Carr led the Bible story time and did a really great job teaching the little children...he even got asked if he taught children back in the States. They really seemed to enjoy him. Our students are really attaching to some of these little children and it is a beautiful thing to watch as they just go and put these kids on their shoulders or swing them around or just sit and hold them while praying for them. They are truly being the hands and feet of Christ as they minister to these who have gone through so much before reaching the age of 7.
After we finished at Beautiful Gate, we tried to get some time at an internet cafe, but most of the students who tried to email found out how slow African internet can be at those types of places. They got half an hour to try to email without much luck. A few were actually successful at sending an email, but the majority were frustrated to watch nothing happen as they sent their email. So if you were waiting on a personal message from your student, this is why it didn't happen. We may try again at a different place later this week, but don't worry because everyone is doing well.
Tonight we took the team to a restaurant called Joe's that is known here in Windhoek for it's incredible food. They have a platter that they serve called the Bushman Sosati that many of the students ordered which gave them a bunch of different meats to choose from...I will let you hear from them what meats exactly were on there. It was some great fellowship for our team after a very blessed day. Thank you so much for continuing to pray for us. Here are some more items that you can be praying about for us: 1) peaceful sleep-many of us have had a difficult time getting to sleep at night as well as waking up in the middle of the night multiple times, 2) continued health-lots of runny noses and coughs because of the change of weather; and 3) energy for a long day of assemblies tomorrow-we will start at 7:15am and go all the way through to 11am before getting ready for our last time at Beautiful Gate starting at 2pm. Thanks so much for you prayers thus far. We really have been blessed by them and can feel God using you to help keep us alert and unified. We love you all. Until tomorrow...
Blessings,
HSM Namibia Team
Tuesday, June 12
Hey guys,
Just letting you know that we all survived the trip over and are getting ready to have dinner at the Bullingtons. We enjoyed our time in London by watching for celebrities which we saw and met two of them. Terry O'Quinn (John Locke from LOST) and Chad Michael Murray from a lot of CW shows were both in the airport so that was fun for the kids. We are really tired and worn down from the long trip, but we are very excited about what we will get to experience over the next couple of weeks. I'm going to keep this short, but know that we will be updating regularly.
Blessings,
Ronny
Saturday, June 16th
Hello all,
We returned from the game park yesterday afternoon. It was a really great experience for all of us. We were in the gates of the park for about 20 minutes when we came across our first lion! Now being one who has been to this game park and searched for 3 days for lions this is a pretty amazing thing. We enjoyed seeing all kinds of animals in their natural habitat which is truly an incredible thing. Here's a quick list of the things that we saw in our trip there: lions (4), rhinos, elephants, zebra, giraffe, hyenas, springboks, kudus, gemsboks (oryx), wildebeest, ostriches, impalas...needless to say, we saw alot. We had a little bus trouble (go figure that on a youth trip) where our bus broke down in the middle of the park. Something happened to the hydraulics on the bus which affected the brakes, but God is good and after a little prayer and some funny video clips (which we will love showing when we return), we were on our way again.
We returned back to Windhoek yesterday afternoon in time to get a little rest before heading off to YWAP (the weekend Bible study). We got set up and ready to go quickly before the students arrived then our kids got to meet their Namibian counterparts. It was a little awkward at first, but eventually the two groups began to mix and the comfort level increased greatly. During the worship service that night our band did a worship set and they did an incredible job as usual. Then Aeriel Butler got up and gave her testimony. The students in the school hall really absorbed all that she said and I can say that I was a very proud youth pastor. The night ended with more fellowship time with the students. It was a beautiful moment to watch these American students stand and talk and interact with the students at YWAP. Our host families picked us up from there and everyone went home for a nice deserved rest.
Tonight we will get to do it all over again for the young youth. We expect God to do some great things in this trip and so far we have not been disappointed. This weekend is the last chance for these Namibian students to sign up for their youth camp so we can just pray that many will come and hear a fresh word from God. Keep praying for us and we'll talk to you all soon.
Be Blessed,
Ronny
Sunday, June 17th
Hello everyone,
We wanted to give you the update from last night and this morning. We had the younger YWAP Bible Study last night and it was great! Over the weekend we got to meet about 200 students and try to remember their names. Our band did a great job once again...they performed "Party" for the first time and the kids loved it! We are really loving the time here so far.
This morning we worshipped with the church here and it was really great. We led worship for the church and Ronny preached so we had to hear him speak...again. Haha! It was a really great time for our team to worship with the Namibians here. We are preparing to start the assemblies tomorrow so be praying for us as we go to the schools. We are very excited and can't wait to perform the program that God has led us to put together.
Please pray protection for our group as many have had some cold type symptoms due to the change in weather. We are trusting that God is going to use this program to great things. I am attaching a personal note from each student for your reading pleasure to give you an idea of what is happening from their perspective. Thanks for your prayers and we'll email again soon. Love you all and Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there.
HSM Namibia team
Monday, June 18th
Hey guys,
Last night we made a trip up one of the mountains surrounding Windhoek so that we could get a view of the entire city...the ride up itself was worth the trip. We rode on a vehicle (buffel...buffalo in Afrikaans) that could seat 25 and it was open air so we got to see everything. When we got to the top, we had dinner made by some church members that was really good. We ate Gemsbok sirloin and boerwors which is really great meat. We watched the sun go down and prayed over the city. It was a very cold ride down, but again way worth the trip.
We started the morning off by meeting at St Paul's chapel to perform part of our program for the primary (elementary) school students at 6:45am...needless to say it was a very early morning. The assembly went well. The students enjoyed having our group...there was plenty of laughing (in the appropriate places of course) and the kids seemed to really love "Party". Kyle gave his testimony and did a great job of relating his relationship with Christ to these young students. Once we finished we had to pack everything away (sound system stuff) and then head over to another school to perform our entire program for their college (high school).
When we arrived at St George's we had to get everything set up all over again and ready for the students break time. This assembly was really tough because the kids were all over the place getting snacks and talking, but our kids did an incredible job. This was the first time to do the entire program and they pulled it off flawlessly. Maggie and Benjamin gave their testimonies and the students really responded well. After we finished the break time, our students went out into the crowd of St Georges kids and had a great time mixing it up with them. It was a rough assembly because we were outside and it was hard to hear, but we know that God was glorified through all that we did today.
After the two assemblies this morning, we took the kids shopping for a second time (the first was really short and so not everyone got to get what they wanted). We went to the Craft Center in downtown Windhoek and it was a very cool experience for the students. We then headed back to the Bullingtons for lunch which was homemade lasagna...mmm, good!!
After lunch we headed out to Beautiful Gate which is a day care center for AIDS orphans. We had a fun time ministering to the kids there by singing worship songs, doing a Bible story, and making a picture frame out of paper plates. It's incredible to see the poverty there, but also still realize that God is still at work among the poor and marginalized in this society. These kids are being given the opportunity to hear the Gospel and be loved on which does not happen at their homes. It was a very emotionally draining as well as physically draining day, but God moved and we are blessed to see how He is working in the lives of students here in Namibia. We love you all and ask that you continue to pray that God opens doors for us to encourage the students here, share the love of Christ, and most of all just be a reflection of the compassion and mercy of our God.
Blessings to you all,
HSM Namibia team
Tuesday, June 19th
So today has been a great day! We started early again to do an assembly at Delta Secondary School. It was a short assembly but it was really fun. We only had 10 minutes, but the head master of the school let us do an extra song so we must have done something right. After the assembly, we got a few minutes to meet some of the students which was really great.
We ate breakfast afterwards at Cafe Schneider which was a big hit with the kids before having to rush off to set up for our next assembly at All Nations. Most of the schools that we are ministering in are schools supported by churches or the government, but this one we went to was one that would be referred to as a church school. It was an amazing group of students ranging from age 5-15. I was so proud of our kids yet again because they did a great job and the children responded so well. This was probably the best group we have performed for thus far. Sarah and Seth gave their testimonies to the group and did very well. Each one of our kids has been able to reach out and encourage students today and that was a great blessing for us.
We went back to Beautiful Gate for day 2 of our 3 day program there. Paul Carr led the Bible story time and did a really great job teaching the little children...he even got asked if he taught children back in the States. They really seemed to enjoy him. Our students are really attaching to some of these little children and it is a beautiful thing to watch as they just go and put these kids on their shoulders or swing them around or just sit and hold them while praying for them. They are truly being the hands and feet of Christ as they minister to these who have gone through so much before reaching the age of 7.
After we finished at Beautiful Gate, we tried to get some time at an internet cafe, but most of the students who tried to email found out how slow African internet can be at those types of places. They got half an hour to try to email without much luck. A few were actually successful at sending an email, but the majority were frustrated to watch nothing happen as they sent their email. So if you were waiting on a personal message from your student, this is why it didn't happen. We may try again at a different place later this week, but don't worry because everyone is doing well.
Tonight we took the team to a restaurant called Joe's that is known here in Windhoek for it's incredible food. They have a platter that they serve called the Bushman Sosati that many of the students ordered which gave them a bunch of different meats to choose from...I will let you hear from them what meats exactly were on there. It was some great fellowship for our team after a very blessed day. Thank you so much for continuing to pray for us. Here are some more items that you can be praying about for us: 1) peaceful sleep-many of us have had a difficult time getting to sleep at night as well as waking up in the middle of the night multiple times, 2) continued health-lots of runny noses and coughs because of the change of weather; and 3) energy for a long day of assemblies tomorrow-we will start at 7:15am and go all the way through to 11am before getting ready for our last time at Beautiful Gate starting at 2pm. Thanks so much for you prayers thus far. We really have been blessed by them and can feel God using you to help keep us alert and unified. We love you all. Until tomorrow...
Blessings,
HSM Namibia Team
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Wednesday Night, June 20th
After Intersection tomorrow night (June 20th), we will be eating at Fazoli's! The one by Home Depot, not by Baylor campus. Come enjoy some bread sticks and baked zitti with us! Have your parents pick you up at Fazoli's! Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Post Intersection Eats (P.I.E.)
We will be going to Rosa's Cafe after Intersection for dinner. Hope you can make it!!
HSM
HSM
Monday, June 04, 2007
Back in use
Hey guys,
We've been really bad at updating the blog, but we are back at it for the summer so be watching for new updates. Just a reminder to all of you that we are starting at 6pm on Wednesday nights now and will do that all the way through the summer. Also we are starting d-group tonight at the Abens' house...if you need directions email us at highlandstudents@gmail.com. This is our ministry email. It's new so add it to your list. See you guys tonight.
Ronny
We've been really bad at updating the blog, but we are back at it for the summer so be watching for new updates. Just a reminder to all of you that we are starting at 6pm on Wednesday nights now and will do that all the way through the summer. Also we are starting d-group tonight at the Abens' house...if you need directions email us at highlandstudents@gmail.com. This is our ministry email. It's new so add it to your list. See you guys tonight.
Ronny
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Wednesday Night Band
Angie Pace is going to be leading worship for us this week (Feb 14th) so make sure to be in the youth room at 4:30pm for practice. Just in case there is any confusion the band is Kinsey on drums, Seth on bass, Allie on violin, and Brooks on electric. See you guys tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Super Bowl Party
Are you a football fan? Do you need one last football party to help you make it until this fall? If so, this message is for you! HSM will be having a Super Bowl Party in the youth room this coming Sunday. We are going to provide the drinks, but you will need to bring the snacks…if you would like to bring something for the group that would be great too!! We will kick off our festivities around 4:30pm so come ready to support your team! Who do you think will win the big game? Peyton Manning's Colts? Or will Urlacher and the Bears become the Champs? Post your answers here and see you soon!
Youth Band Meeting Tonight!
Attention all Youth Band members! You will be meeting tonight after Intersection to discuss the future of these bands. The meeting will be brief! If you can't be at the meeting, call Ronny for the details.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Intersection Cancelled Tonight
Hey guys,We are cancelling Intersection tonight due to the icy weather. This one is not a false alarm like this weekend...everything at church is being shut down as well because no one wants to risk driving on the icy roads. So you guys enjoy a day off and we'll see you Sunday.
Ronny
Thursday, January 11, 2007
drama for dnow
Those interested in the drama stuff for the weekend meet me at the church at 6:45 on friday. we will have a brief go over. thanks
Brooks
Brooks
Monday, January 08, 2007
D-Now is Here!
Our anual D Now is happening this weekend! Students in HSM will be staying in homes according to their grades from January 12-14. Brett and Emily Mills will be leading us in worship again this year and J. R. Baker will be the guest speaker.
You can still sigh up for D Now until Thursday the 11th. Cost is $40 per student or $75 for a family of 2 students.
Forms can be located and downloaded from the HSM website: http://youth.highlandbc.org/MainIndex.php?height=768&width=1024
This weekend is going to be a blast! Call the Youth Office if you have any questions!
Until then...
You can still sigh up for D Now until Thursday the 11th. Cost is $40 per student or $75 for a family of 2 students.
Forms can be located and downloaded from the HSM website: http://youth.highlandbc.org/MainIndex.php?height=768&width=1024
This weekend is going to be a blast! Call the Youth Office if you have any questions!
Until then...
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