A Mission

I should be packing

2007-07-21T05:41:00.001-07:00

I am moving to Germany. To a new base. And it should be fun. I am just dreading packing my apartment. This year has been quite an experience in Belgium, and right when I am beginning to feel settled, I am moving and I get to start all over.

I'm sorry I didn't post for so long, but I forgot my password. And I had trouble getting it because the website was only showing up in Dutch. Now that I have kinda gotten used to French, it is off to learn some German.

Anywoo, I am keeping this post short. I am coming to the states in like 6 weeks, and that is the one thing that I am super super excited about.

Love ya!

A year of travels

2007-02-23T06:36:00.000-08:00

So far in 2007 I have traveled like crazy. The 2nd week of January was spent in the Black Forest of Germany attending my first seminary class. It was a class called Basic Theology and I had a great time with a wonderful group of friends and some amazing professors.

I came back to Belgium for about 6 days, just enough time to throw an after-finals party for the students. Unfortunately it got cut short due to some hurricane force winds that blew through Europe ripping off roofs along the way. You know, in Houston when there is a hurricane that is all you hear about for weeks prior. Over here, I haven't seen local news EVER so it just kinda hit and we dealt with it. It was quite an experience. Just really windy!!

I then loaded up for Garmish, Germany for our winter staff conference at Edelweiss. It was beautiful and after a winter of no snow, it dropped 10 inches the day before we got there and snowed the whole time. It was gorgeous. My whole goal for that trip was to spend some time catching up on some much needed rest, and I got what I wanted although not how I expected. I came down with some sort of stomach bug (along with half the resort) that took me out of the activities for a few days!!

I did feel better by the time it was my dear friend Londi's 30th birthday. She, Beth, and I got in the car and drove about an hour south into Austria for a day in Innsbruck. It was great! Kinda funny how most big cities over here start to really look alike after awhile though!

Then it was back to Belgium to kick off the second semester of Club. I got a new guy to join onto staff with me, even if it is only for 3 months. His name is Rich and he has been quite a help. Having an extra set of hands around here has been a blessing.

So we were in town for almost 3 whole weeks before we took off on our Middle School Service Project to Lwowek Slaski, Poland. It was a long bus ride, about 16 hours each way, but it was a wonderful trip for everyone involved. We all had a blast.

We just got back 2 days ago, and I have 2 whole weeks before I am off to Germany again. They keep me running around here that is for sure. I have been on a lot of trains lately because my car is broken down in the parking lot on base! But other than that, 2007 has been full of fun new adventures.

Seasons Change

2006-10-30T08:43:00.000-08:00

I read my post about Parc Paradisio just now. And it is funny, but I went there last weekend, and it was the ugliest place ever. You see, they close down the first weekend in November and don't open again until April. So I had to go one more time. And I walked in and it was horrible. Everything was dead. The beautiful gardens that greet you as you walk in the gate were all shriveled up and the whole atmosphere of the place was changed. I now know why they close.

But I began thinking of my spiritual journey, and about how sometimes I just feel all dried up. Sometimes we feel far from God and just like we are spinning our wheels. I think that God uses that time to do some serious work on us.

But roots grow deep. And when the next season comes we are more beautiful than before. Just like in April when the flowers are back in bloom and Parc Paradisio has turned into paradise again.

Just a thought!

Paradise

2006-10-05T09:44:00.000-07:00

I took a much needed JAM (Jesus and Me) day today. I will admit it was forced, because it is hard to break from the schedule, but I knew I needed some time to refill. It was amazing.

I went to Parc Paradisio, which I have talked about before. Seriously, I wish you could see it. It is 10 minutes from here, but like a whole new world. Belgium is great. But it's not really "pretty" like the cute little streets in Germany. It is kinda dark. Dark brick, ya know? Like when you see movies about the depression and you see the deserted towns, and it is always kinda "dull", well that is like Belgium. I love it though. It is home.

But when you get to Parc Paradisio, it is PHENOMENAL (Dad's favorite word). You don't know it from the parking lot, all you can see is a big old wall. But when you walk through the gate, past the petting zoo, through the gift shop, these doors slide open and, seriously, it is magnificent. Indescribable. Really like Paradise. And huge.

I sat there today in awe of God. And everytime the wind blew through me it was like He was wrapping His arms around me and reminding me that He loves me unconditionally. It was amazing.

If you haven't taken time, really "forced" time, to spend alone with God in awhile, do it! Get back to that intimate place with the One who created you for fellowship with him. He will meet you there.

Love ya!!

Lunch with Allen

2006-10-04T07:12:00.000-07:00

**Allen is not his real name.

Today I had lunch with one of my great kids. He invited me to lunch, which is random because I always beg him to have lunch with me, and he usually forgets. But today he was right on time, and had even scheduled his phone alarm to remind him. I could tell there was something going on and he just wanted to talk.

Allen is a great kid. He is the type of kid that is always making the rounds, talking to everybody, especially the "bad" kids. I worry about him because I feel like he is always walking that line between doing right, and falling back into what is wrong. But he has the potential to win so many kids to Jesus. And we talked about that today. We talked a lot about his identity in God, and not having to worry about other people's thoughts about us when we are confidant of God's view of us. It was really cool.

We also made a pact to be in the word everyday for at least 15 minutes, and that we would hold each other accountable to that. We talked about how just praying everyday was not enough to help you to continue growing. It was a GREAT time.

I would love for you to pray about what Allen is worried about. He told me today of a huge drug problem going on here at SHAPE. Kids involved in some pretty hard core drugs, and selling drugs as well. I just left a meeting with 2 drug counselors here who know more about what is going on, and it seems that the higher-ups are turning a blind eye to the problem. I would ask that you just pray for the kids here who are struggling with addiction, and also for the kids who are struggling not to be brought down in the chaos.

And pray for Allen. You don't have to know his name to pray that he be able to figure out his identity and continue growing in his walk. And I pray that I have many more opportunities like today open up for me and my new students.

Love ya!!

Homecoming Week

2006-10-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

I think spirit week turns kids into vampires or something like the full moon. They were completely insane! INSANE! But it was fun though. Tuesday was Wacky Tacky day so everyone came to club looking ridiculous. It was the hardest Club to run so far because they were too crazy to even play games. Wednesday was Superhero day so we talked about people's misconceptions of who God is, and He is not a superhero who swoops down and saves the day before you get yourself into trouble. It was good.

My friend Rebekah, also from Houston is the 9th grade sponsor. She got sick on Thursday so I volunteered to step in and fill the role for the day. She and the 9th graders were in charge of turning their hallway into the 1960s. It was fun. I got to meet a ton of the teachers, and just hang out with the students all day. A very successful day.

Then Friday started with a pep rally. Followed by FOUR powder puff games, FOUR soccer games, and lots of time to hang out with kids, and lots of parents. It was fun. There is a group of moms here that are competely and totally off their rockers. They are too much fun to hang out with. Completely the ladies I can't sit next to in church because they would get me in trouble. They roped me into helping with the Booster Club Barbeque, and I got put in charge of money. It was so crazy and busy, but I got to see every kid that came through.

Saturday was the big game. We lost 34-9. But it is huge just to hang out in the beautiful Belgian weather we had. There was also a volleyball tournament and a cross country meet.

Needless to say, by Sunday I was exhausted. But after chapel, I took some high school girls out to lunch and just acted silly.

The weekend is over. It was too much fun. Today was back to the office since I hadn't seen it in awhile. And tomorrow is Club day, so we start back again.

Thanks for checking with the updates. I love you all.

God Bless you and your family this week!

CLUB

2006-09-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

I had a high school movie night last night because the kids didn't have school today. It was fun. Over 40 kids showed up which was amazing and blew me away. I do need adult leaders to help though so that would be a great prayer request. I will have another one on Friday for the middle schoolers.

Everything has been going going going around here. Today I took my driver's licsence test, so now for the first time I am not driving illegally. That's fun. Thought I would post some pics from our "banana split kick off club" but the px forgot to give me the cd I ordered when I picked up the pictures. So instead, I have some from our second club. Enjoy. And let me know how everything is going for everyone.

::pics aren't working right now, so I will try again later.

Update!

2006-09-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

I lovingly refer to this as the "Bridge of Death"

Sorry sorry sorry. Too much to say. I am now going to try to update a little bit everyday just so I don't get behind and forget to tell you guys all the awesome stuff going on around here.

Yesterday was the high school Jamboree, a football scrimmage with a few teams all playing each other randomly. I woke up, went to by a gas rations card (no fun), picked up some lunch and was on my way. I had promised a few kids that I would be there for the first game to watch them play, and cheer, and Brussels is only 45 minutes away so it was going to be great.

I never made it to the game. But I did drive around Brussels for HOURS!! Completely lost. And there was a festival downtown which looked fun but caused tons of traffic. I was in some kind of underground tunnel for a really long time. I had a blast, just driving around aimlessly with no idea where I was. When I finally got back on track and "close" to where I was supposed to be, the games were long over, so I headed back to Mons.

Did I ever tell you that in order to get to Mons you have to follow the PARIS signs? THAT is weird. Anyway I went to chapel today and then went to Parc Paradisio, a zoo-like place that would be OUTLAWED in America. There are lots of birds, a 30-foot high playground, the "bridge-of-death" rope bridge across the park, and an island where monkeys just run around free. It is the craziest place ever. I got a season pass from my boss for my birthday and made my new friend Rebekah come with me. She is a teacher here at SHAPE and is from HOUSTON! How cool is that.

Anyway, things are good. That is my update for the weekend. Check back soon. The blogging has begun. Here are some pictures:

This is the view from the place where I am living. I LIVE IN A PASTURE! Who knew?

A view of the Grand Place in downtown Mons.

Crazy monkeys running wild. Kinda reminds me of Outbreak and the Belgians don't care about the DO NOT FEED signs either!

Far Too Long

2006-08-23T04:35:00.000-07:00

I know I know. You have all been anxiously awaiting a post from Belgium.

Well, here it is. Finally.

I am here. I made it. I have already had my first retreat with kids. I am still looking for a place to live. Everything is greater than I ever expected it to be. I am overwhelmed by the people that got me here. I feel like I really can't write much until I feel a little bit more grounded, but I wanted you all to know that things are good. And going going going. I will ensure you that once I have a computer up and running, and a home, that I will be much better at keeping the updates coming.

I love you all.

And I have pictures too. I will figure out how to put them on asap.

Overwhelmed

2006-06-16T14:57:00.000-07:00

For the first time in a long time I feel as if I have too much news for this update. It is a nice change from feeling as if I have nothing to say, but I am afraid I will miss so much. But I will hit the high points.

Ever since I started fundraising the one thing I wanted to do was speak to my church. SLFUMC is responsible for so many wonderful things in my life and I truly believe that they are a huge reason why I even got to MCYM. I wanted everyone there to know about this journey and to feel some ownership in it. I wanted them to share in my passion. But for a long time I felt like it was never gonna happen. And then on Pentecost Sunday it did happen, and it was greater than I could have ever imagined.

God has to remind me a lot that His timing is greater than mine. And you would think that after Him teaching me that lesson over and over that sooner or later I would catch on. But I haven't yet, and I can almost promise that "His timing" will be a recurring theme on here. Anyway all that being said, speaking at Pentecost was perfectly timed and once again, I learned the same lesson.

It was amazing. MCYM had sent me a great informational DVD that I loved so much I burned 200 copies of it. I made 200 brochures to give out, and I tried to prepare for the big talk. I never imagined that the 3 and a half minutes I was given to speak could be such a blessing to this mission. What I am trying to say is that I think we may have done it. My church family jumped behind this mission with more enthusiasm than I could have ever fathomed. And without speaking too soon, it looks as though I am at a point where I can buy my plane ticket.

I talked to Germany this week and was told the ball would begin rolling. I need to be there by July 31st-August 1st. I am getting a packet of stuff, including a driving manual to get my Europe drivers license. And it looks as if next week I will be purchasing a plane ticket.

I am overwhelmed in a good way. It is funny, but I guess I never got to think about actually going because I couldn't see past the fundraising. I am still in a little bit of shock. But I want to thank everyone who has gotten involved. I feel as if I can take no credit for this so I give all of that to God and to you, my wonderful supporters. I am so beyond blessed.

Next week I will let you know about the ticket. That is what seems to make it all real.

And camp just started for all our kids in Europe so keep them in your prayers so that they can see God moving, the way He's been moving around here.

Prayer Requests

2006-05-11T11:49:00.000-07:00

I don't have too much to say in the form of an update, but there are several things going on that could use your prayer.

My dear friend Barbra has a virus on her heart. She doesn't know much so she has been going through all kinds of tests trying to get more information. It is a scary time, but I pray that she is well soon, that she get some answers soon, and that she is surrounded by God's love in this time.
My friend and former co-worker Kerry Ray and his wife have been at a church in Tennessee for about 2 years. Things at their church are going crazy and I just pray that they weather the storm and end up wherever God wants them.
My sister is moving into a new apartment and is a little less than thrilled to be living alone again.
Mom has two more weeks as a teacher and is stressed out about ending the year and leaving her kiddos. I pray that she have a peace about her decision and that her stressed is relieved.
Dad finally went to the doctor and his foot is finally on the way to being healed. Praise God!!
My jobs all end May 25th so I hope to be packing up and heading to Europe before my savings run dry. Either that or I pray that a new short time job appears to hold me over.
Continue to pray for our military and their kids. Summer is coming and it is hot in the Middle East, and easy for those teens to get into trouble.

Love you guys. Thanks for your support.

Way Past Due.

2006-05-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

I just know that Adam is going to kill me for taking so long to update. And I have promised that as soon as things get rolling I will update once a week. I will pick a day and update once a week. But right now I feel like there isn't too much to report.

I am still fundraising. And I need to be fully funded by June 15th. That is the goal, and it seems fairly attainable. If I get $200 of monthly donations per week then I should be funded by the date. And I HAVE to be fully funded by that date. I can't keep pushing it back any longer. I know where I am called, and I know what I am supposed to do, so I need to make it happen. And I am trying my best.

So update? I have been working at the church, working in the schools, and spending time with my students and my family. I am currently trying to find a Christian therapist to meet with about some pre-deployment things and hitting a bunch of brick walls. It has been frustrating to say the least but I will continue to look until I find someone who can do it.

The new website is up and running: www.katybrock.com It is amazing and Adam did such a great job. Eventually my new picture will be on there and there are still a few things to work on, but I am so proud of his work and thankful to have someone around to do that for me. It was a special gift.

Other than that, I would just ask you all to pray for a few things:

Pray for all of the students dealing with their parents deployments right now. Military kids serve this country just as much as their parents do, and we need to lift them up as often as we can.
Pray for my friend Marlo and her kids in Heidelberg. Their group is growing and Marlo is trying to begin a new program so just pray for her success and that her group would continue to be blessed.
My best buddy Lauren had a beautiful baby boy so I pray many blessings of health and happiness on them.
And please continue to pray about fundraising. Prayer will get me to Europe. Pray that people will arise that want to support this mission financially. If you know anyone please feel free to let me know. (and remember...All donations are tax deductible!!!)

As I said, I promise to get better at these updates. I love you all and pray many blessings upon you this week.

E-NOW '06

2006-03-01T09:25:00.000-08:00

I promise that I have a ton of things going on right now that I am anxious to write about. But now is not the time.

I promise to update by the end of the week.

November Newsletter

2006-01-30T12:49:00.000-08:00

This is WAY late. But here ya go.

Dear Friends

I have been struggling to write this newsletter for weeks. With so much going on, and a few hurricanes, I didn’t know what to say. I do remember that in my last newsletter I told you that God had me here for a reason, and I believe that to be true. I wanted to share with you a letter from one of my dearest friends, Cheryl Haley, who is also the mother of 3 of my former students.

Katy,
I have thought a lot about why the Lord has kept you here after calling you into His service overseas, but putting that into words has not been easy. With much thought and prayer the Lord gave me the words to express to you why I think you are here.
When I heard you weren't leaving as planned I almost had to wonder if this was just a huge undertaking that you and those who love you were not prepared for. Little did we know that He had a BIGGER plan. On the evening of August 23, 2005 this plan began to unfold. It became apparent to me that we did not need to question why you were still "stuck in Texas."
As you know this is the day our Heavenly Father called my 13 year old daughter, Micah, His angel, home to live in His Kingdom. I will always remember this day, not only for the devastating loss to my family but for the awesome outpouring of care, concern and help. All of which began with ONE phone call.
That one phone call was made in the midst of my nightmare becoming a reality. That one phone call was from me, a scared, hurt, lost mother to YOU, Katy Brock, the Lord's Angel here on earth.
With your help, arrangements began to be made. You had people at the house before I even arrived. You stayed with me as I faced the biggest challenge of all... telling my other children that their sister was no longer with us on earth. You stood by me, offering a shoulder to cry on and comforting words, not only for me but also for my children.
The days to follow were mostly a blur but you were always only a phone call away. You continued to check on me regularly and helped me by spending time with Darian who still has a hard time dealing with his loss.
Katy, words cannot express what you have done and continue to do for me and my family. I am happy that the Lord is using you to spread his love to other children in the world but I'm so GLAD that He kept you here to see me through the hardest days of my life. I honestly don't think I could've managed without you! THANK YOU KATY BROCK! I thank the Lord everyday for you, my angel on earth!
I love you!!!
Cheryl <><

What I remember about that awful time was this.

A father and mother making a phone call to their son Anthony, 16, to tell him about the loss of his sister. When they were too distraught to talk to him, the phone was passed to me.

A late-night dinner with Darian, 13, where we could laugh about his sister, celebrate a not too fun birthday, and cry for his life being forever changed.

Holding KC, 7, and Adara, 3, as we cried, tried to catch frogs, and talked about heaven.

Nobody said this job was easy. But my time spent over the past few years with the Haley family are only a few of the treasured memories that come with working with youth. This is what I am called to do.

Everyday across the world military students are learning that their mom or dad will not return home. I am called to do ministry with military students in Europe with MCYM and YFC. I am called to share in their lives, through the good times and the bad. I know I am on God’s timeline, but I need your help to get to Germany. I need ongoing pledges, and only through God’s faithfulness, and your support will I be able to do the job I was called to do.

Thank you for all you do. And please join me in praying not only for the Haley family, but also for my students, both from the past, and those in my future in Europe.

God bless,

Finding a Purpose

2005-08-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

As I said in my last letter, I totally believe in God's timing. And I completely believe that there is a reason why I wasn't in Germany in August. Now I know why.

Micah Haley. What a beautiful child. You hardly ever find a child that is as polite, and kind-hearted, and easy to please as Micah. This last week is one reason I am not in Germany, of this I am sure. Micah passed away on Tuesday. I have spent the week with the Haley family, comforting and being comforted, and could not have been anywhere else.

Although it is hard to understand the passing of someone so young and so beautiful, I am comforted to know that she has a room waiting for her in Heaven, and she is living in paradise today.

Lord please continue to comfort the Haley family. Thank you for the time we all shared with Micah. Lord bless and keep her until we meet again. Amen.

August Newsletter

2005-08-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it’s already August? Hopefully your summer was filled with great adventures and fun. I have been all over the U.S. this summer and learned a number of lessons along the way.

June started with a trip to Indiana to meet with other Youth for Christ (YFC) staff for 9 days of training. The courses were long and intense, but the time spent with other YFC world missionaries was priceless. From Uganda to Bolivia, I now have a group of friends ministering around the world. I also met some current and future Club Beyond staff who will be in Europe with me. It was in Indiana that I learned my first lesson:
Lesson #1: You can’t have vision without focus. I know my vision is to minister to military students with Club Beyond, and now it is time to work on my focus…getting to Europe fully funded.

June ended with my home church choosing me to be their official Vacation Bible School missionary. I was able to spend the week hanging out with kids, doing mission projects, playing games, and talking to them about Club Beyond. In turn, they did chores around their homes to raise offering for Club Beyond.
Lesson #2: God provides. This was Tuesday’s lesson for the kids, but God used this week to show me what this truly meant. He used kids from age 2 to 10 to provide for this mission the entire week. What a blessing!

The rest of the summer was spent saying goodbye to friends across the country. With a wedding in the hill country, a trip to Graceland, and far too many hours in my truck, I got to spend quality time with loved ones before going overseas. I wish I could tell you this was the last letter you would get while I was still stateside, but together with YFC, I have decided to push back my departure date until October. This will allow me more time to raise the necessary funds for this mission. I still need ongoing support (monthly, quarterly, or annual gifts), and this is what I will be focusing on in the coming months.
Lesson #3: God’s timing is perfect. I know not leaving this month has allowed me extra time to share this journey with lots of people and when I get to Europe I will be right on schedule.

Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for my mission with Youth for Christ and Club Beyond Europe. If there is anyway I can pray for you, please let me know.

God Bless

2nd Letter

2005-05-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

So I just finished my second newsletter and I am about to send it off to have it mailed out to everybody. I figured I would stick with tradition and post a copy on here for ya.

So here is my very first newsletter! This is my new primary form of communication with you guys that will continue throughout my time with Club Beyond. It is a way for me to kind of keep you updated on what has been going on. I am so glad that summer is here! But this year there will be no “lazy summer days” as I prepare to join Youth for Christ to serve middle school and high school military dependants overseas.

My own little encouragements

Since I started this process in March, I have been amazed by all of the little things God has done to encourage me along the way.

* A start-up check from a wonderful woman who just happened to overhear me talking about my mission.
* The Vacation Bible School program that brought me into my church home picking me up as this summer’s mission focus.
* A chance to work Evangelism NOW ‘05 for my former students—just when I needed a job!
* A phone call from the Slovakia Mission Project to encourage me—just as I began to feel the first hint of frustration.

Europe in August

I remember when August seemed so far away, and now it is right around the corner. Preparations are well underway and I am getting more and more excited. I got my passport, and apparently have too much hair for my picture—go figure! Fundraising is going well, although I am still far from my goal of $2,800 a month. I want to thank everyone who has jumped on board. God has been ever faithful and I believe that He will continue to send more partners into this mission.

How can you help?

Please continue to pray about what your involvement could be in this ministry. Here is what I still need and ways in which you can be a part:

* Support through monthly pledges between $20-$200
* Donation of a lap-top computer
* Donation of frequent flyer miles
* Support through corporate donations
* Support through a small-group, club, or other organization
* Support through one-time donations between $50-$500

I have already talked to many of you about joining my team. If each family contributed only $20 month, my financial needs would be covered. I definitely need your help to reach out to these military students that I already feel so passionate about. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

God Bless

Love to know what you think. Let me know!

Talkin' to Marlo

2005-04-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

So I just got off the phone with Marlo, who is going to work at MCYM in Germany. We met at candidate school and had a great time and have been playing phone tag for months. She just got back from Slovakia and the yearly mission project that the Club Beyond kids do. I know that I needed to talk to her today.

I needed a fire lit under me. I am such a stress-free person that I haven't been putting much pressure on myself to do what needs to be done. Talking to Marlo was the kick I needed. She was telling me about the kids and how amazing it was to be over there and to meet everyone and how she knows it is going to be so great when I get over there. She said "Take the best kid you have ever had and multiply them times 10. The kids are so amazing. It may be because they are so needy, but they are just hungry. They hang on to your every word and are so passionate about their walks."

Then I remembered how badly I wanted this and how much I feel called to do this. In order to do this, I have to ask for money. It is a part of the job. It is what will make me available to this ministry. And I feel like I am back on track. God must have known I needed that today. I am so excited for tomorrow.

Group Talks

2005-04-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

So I started speaking with all the adult Sunday School classes today. It was fun. My voice shakes a lot which I think is funny. It's not really because I am nervous, but I think more because I have so much to say and not a lot of time to say it so I don't want to miss something so I get ahead of myself and so on. Needless to say, I forgot stuff. But that's ok.

I just hope it was successful. I mean, group meetings aren't as successful as one on one, but it is really the only way for me to get alot of people to hear about this mission. It makes me nervous though because I kinda feel like any money I raise is going to come from this church. I just have little access to ANYTHING but this church. It has been everything over the past few years, my place to worship, fellowship, work. It kinda rules out having any people in my life who are not really connected to this church. And that is why these meetings mean so much to me.

Anyway, now I am at the YCLC waiting for the students to get here because tonight I get to lead the high school kids not only in my "mission" talk, but also a short "sermon". I am excited about it. It's the first time they have really seen me in a preaching way and I am all ready to talk about Gideon. Gideon kinda drives me crazy, which is why I am talking aobut him. He reminds me of myself. When he heard God calling he argued, and disbelieved, and questioned and needed proof, and it sounds so silly to do, but I find myself doing it all the time. Anyway, I hope the kids get it.

Fundraising

2005-03-30T13:40:00.000-08:00

So I knew that fundraising was going to be the hardest thing about this job. And also the thing that tested my faith the most. I have to believe 100% that if God wants me to do this job, He will open any doors that need to be opened to get me to Europe in August.

But the thing is, I am lazy. I will admit it. I am not a self-starter. I feel like I am so completely behind when it comes to fundraising. And I got some great advice from one of my pastors. He told me, "When it comes to asking for money for God, you can't hesitate. Don't even blink." Easier said than done. But he makes since.

I am not asking people for money for me. I am asking people for money for a ministry that I believe in whole-heartedly. Completely. And I am asking people to believe in it with me and make it possible for God's work to be done through me. But I will admit that it is still hard for me to pick up the phone and ask someone if I can come talk to them about my fundraising. Its hard. I like writing letters better. But letters don't work as good as face-to-face appeals. So here I sit. Knowing I have to trust God, and falling short on my faith. I hate that. It's a battle I will have to fight everyday of this journey.

I know God is in control. The little things that happen are amazing. The people who just hand me checks. I had a former student give me a check on Saturday. 18 years old and writes me a check from her account because her parents plan to give too. I am amazed.

My First Letter

2005-03-02T16:03:00.000-08:00

** *I promise to tell you how I got to this point soon***

Friends and Family

I am writing you to let you know the wonderful and exciting things that are going on in my life. It won’t surprise you when I say that I have always loved working with students. God has blessed me with a gift and a passion, and I have continually been given the opportunity to use this passion.

But many of you may not know about my other passion, the one I always set aside because I didn’t know what to do with it. It may have started with my grandfathers, or when someone close to me joined the Marine Corps, but my secret passion is for our military. It has always been something that burned within me, but it was a passion I never thought would fit into my life.

Here is where it gets interesting. I knew God was big, but I guess I didn’t realize that he could have plans that would be so perfect for me. I can remember hearing my parents tell me a million times growing up that when I knew what I was passionate about, I would know what I should be doing with my life. So I have a passion to work with students, and to support our military forces, what do I do with that God? And he answered me.

THE ANSWER
Youth For Christ is an organization that reaches out to military teenagers by providing missionaries for a program called, “Club Beyond.” At Club Beyond we develop meaningful relationships with military dependent teens through group meetings, Bible studies, mission trips, and camps. I have just returned from a week in Colorado where I got so excited about how this program and organization works. It was during this week that I realized that this was God’s next step for me. This is where He took my passions and rolled them perfectly together so I knew what to do with them. This is it.

I want to thank you for your part in getting me to this place in my life. Whether you have been a part of my life through church, or are a family friend, I would not be here today were it not for the support and lessons I have learned from you. I am confident that God and my faith are a part of this journey and I hope you will be as well.

I will be contacting you within the next few weeks to arrange an appointment whenever I can to share my vision, answer questions, and invite you to partner with me as I pursue this calling.
God Bless

Let the adventure begin

2005-02-02T12:35:00.000-08:00

So God has got me on a crazy path and I am so excited.

I am going to be a missionary.

Wow, that sounds so weird, but so right at the same time. It is crazy. In my life there have been two things that I have been passionate about, working with kids, and supporting our military. I always knew how to do the first, but as a civilian I was limited to what I could do for our military. I knew I wasn't going to join the military. And then God put into my path a ministry that allows people to set up a youth program on military bases around the world. Which could possibly be the coolest thing ever and the most perfect fit for me I have ever come across. I am excited. I am scared. I am impatient. But I am trusting in God and his plan for my life.

So this is the beginning. Here we go, let the awesome adventure begin.