Sorry guys, this is just for the girls! We will be meeting at 6pm near the Gazebo this Wednesday night. Bring some pictures of yourself as a baby or little kid. It will be a blast seeing how cute and precious you all were! We will be meeting early every Wednesday night this summer. We have some really fun things planned! Hope to see you all there!
Tonight is the last Wednesday night for Sharefest. Please come out to Flinn Middle School and serve with all of the youth staff. If you are not signed up that is okay, just register online at the Sharefest website or just show up tonight from the 6 to 9 shift and register then. It would be great if we could all drop in Culver's on State street after we are done.
Here is a map to Culver's from Flinn Middle School...
It is 3:50pm and I just received a text from Brandon saying that they are driving by the mall. Once the team is back, they still need to unpack and get everything put away. This usually takes at least an hour, maybe longer. Praise God for a great week! I'm looking forward to hearing what God did in and through our students this week!
I just received a text from Brandon and they arrived safely at the hotel. I'm sure the team is enjoying the comforts of air conditioning and hotel beds right about now!
It is about 7:45 our time and the students are wrapping up their devotions. We have a full day of ministry ahead of us: Wake Devotions Breakfast Work Projects (packing and loading is part of this) Showers Lunch Leave for VBS (Not coming back until next year) VBS 2 Teams Meet at Walmart (Cody shopped yesterday, Bulan today) Drive to our Hotel and finish the trip tomorrow.
This will be my last communication with you until I hit Rockford. However I will call Keri and she may post things as our time closes. Also, please do not send any more emails, I am printing off all that are there and packing the printer. See you in about 36 hours.
Sharefest I was at Flinn Middle School yesterday. It was great seeing a lot of familiar faces. There were a few Jr High students there with their families and a group of Sr High students and staff as well. I was assigned to paint door frames. I had a great time painting and chatting with Cherice Jensen. We'll be back at Flinn next Wednesday from 6-9pm.
Kentucky Just a text from Brandon today. He said it is still hot. Today he baptized 5 of our students. This is always a memorable and special time for the kids.
Prayer Requests: Pray that the team will be able to keep up their energy and enthusiasm for these last few days. Pray for the team as they pack up tomorrow morning. Pray for the last day of VBS tomorrow--the topic is evangelism. Pray for safe travel.
Great day of ministry and a great night of worship! Our team prayed with 29 students...yes, 29 students made a commitment (first time and rededications) to Christ on our Wednesday VBS. This trip is always great but I never really remember how great until I see our students in action and hearing their stories of how God is actually using them.
Part of what makes this trip so great is seeing people that we have made connections with over the years. Some are silly, some are sweet, and other are just just plain crazy...you decide which people fit the description.
Wednesday is a big day for all of our Jr High students!
Kentucky-Wednesday is D-Day! Our students will be sharing the gospel with the VBS kids. Please pray for the team, that they will be clear in communicating with the students in their small groups. Also, be in prayer for the students teaching the large group lesson on Jesus, Commander-in-Chief.
Rockford-No Heartbeat this week. Students and staff will be taking part in Sharefest at Flinn Middle School from 6-9pm. You must be with an adult and have a signed waiver to participate. Looking forward to seeing you there!
It is Tuesday morning and we are burning through every work project that we are given. The students are working hard and they are working well together, we are so pleased with how the trip is going and I know God is pleased with what is happening in and through this team.
There were between 30 and 40 at our Cody VBS and around 15 at the Bulan church. It is so good to see familiar faces and it is great seeing kids coming to VBS for the first time. Keep sending emails and remember to put the student's name in the subject.
I received a text from Brandon today. He said that the students are going through the book of James for devotions. They did chapter 2 today. I'll keep you posted if I hear anything new!
Happy Fathers Day! There are a few dads on the Kentucky trip this year: Darryl, Al, Chris, Bob and Brandon. Speaking of Brandon, I talked to him this afternoon. He was hitting the streets with the kids passing out flyers for VBS. We weren't able to talk long, but he said the morning had gone well and it was really hot!
VBS starts tomorrow! The theme for the week is "Basic Training." The week starts off focusing on our training manual-the Bible. The team has worked really hard to prepare for this week. I'm looking forward to hearing what God will do in them and through them!
Prayer Requests: Pray that the students will show lots of energy and enthusiasm as they meet the kids tomorrow. Pray for the staff and students who will be teaching the main lessons thoughout the week. Pray for the hearts of the kids who will attend VBS.
I just "saw" and talked to Brandon online. We communicated using skype. I don't really understand it all, but it is a free service and we can talk and see each other over the internet using a webcam.
The team arrived in Kentucky around 7pm our time (Kentucky is one hour ahead of us). Brandon said that it is very hot and sweaty. He said they had a great trip and the kids have been great. I believe his exact words were "useful" and "helpful." Sounds like a great start to the week! The crew will be up at 6:45am and will be attending the churches where they will do VBS this week.
Prayer Request: Good weather for the students Sunday afternoon as they go door to door inviting kids to VBS!
Hello Family and Friends of Kentucky Students and Staff!
This is Keri and I, like you, am left behind! I will do my best to give you updates throughout the week. A few things to get us started . . .
Feel free to send email to the kids or staff at heartbeat@firstfreerockford.org. When sending email, please put "Kentucky-Student Name" in the subject line. You will not be able to receive responses from team members, but they love to hear from their family and friends here in Rockford.
Lets be in prayer for the team as they travel. Pray for the drivers: Brandon, Kim, Darryl, Al, Chris, Bob. Pray for the vans. Pray for the kids.
The bad news . . . no Hearbeat the next 2 Wednesdays.
The good news . . . you have an opportunity to serve at Sharefest during those times!
Heartbeat staff and students are invited to serve at Flinn Middle School on Wednesday, June 18th and 25th from 6-9pm. We'd love to see you and your families there!
Check with Erik, Garrett, Erin or Brandon for more details!
