Become VAPOR

We're Ready to Go!!!!

Go with the flow. Become vapor.

The dripping of raindrops on the sanctuary roof are a lullaby as the thunder rolls and the lightning dances across the skies of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma tonight. The ground is saturated, but so is this holy place. We have danced, we have shouted, we have praised, and we have worshiped the Lord God, Almighty. Praise be to God.

The youth group from FUMC Joshua is safe and sound at Asbury UMC. It has rained most of the day but we have had power all day and have served the church in a very profound way: by cleaning the facilities from top to bottom and everywhere in between. Our youth group has been divided among eight work teams and each team was assigned a different area. While some scrubbed toilets, others polished the pews. While others scrubbed kitchen appliances, other team members washed and waxed floors. It was an amazing sight to behold. An act of service, no matter the location, is a blessing.

I have to admit this to you: I was not the happy-go-lucky person I should have been this morning when they announced work teams would stay at the Living Center and clean. This is not what I expected a mission trip to be. I wanted to swing a hammer or use a saw (well, not really, but...) and build something for someone else. When God says to become vapor and "go with the flow," He means that His will is the master plan and we are an instrument to His work.

After dinner and games, Genesis Youth Group met in the center of the gym floor and shared stories and laughter about God's grace; and, we reminded each other that God uses us in His way according to His plan. This youth group is part of something amazing this week. We each are a part of a team that will rebuild porches, replace doors and household fixtures, install new flooring, and repair broken fences. This service is very important not only to the clients that live in these homes, but they are important to us as well. We have met our clients, they have names and faces full of delight that is so genuine it warms our hearts just talking about it.

Please continue to pray for us and our mission teams. The weather is not cooperating but we have our trust and faith in the one who created this world. We are all here for a reason and we are serving God's kingdom by serving and loving His children in Oklahoma City.

Blessings,
Nicole

P.S. Our kitchen crew is absolutely amazing....I am so incredibly blessed to have friends in HIGH places that will take really good care of me, and all 80 other mission workers this week. A big shout out to all of them: Jennifer, Laurie and Bob are rockin' the stoves and keeping us fed.

We're (almost) packed and ready to go

Genesis Youth Group: GIDDY UP!

The cargo trailer, so graciously loaned from P.D., is packed with construction equipment and tool kits for our mission trip to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Personal luggage and bedding will be added before we depart on our service adventure. (P.S. the youth director is still doing laundry and has not begun the tideous task of packing her bag.)

We leave tomorrow afternoon after church and it will take us about four hours to reach our destination. Our home-away-from-home for the week will be the "Living Center" at Asbury United Methodist Church. We will take showers on-campus of Oklahoma City University.

According to the worksite coordinators, they anticipate most of our work to be tornado/storm clean-up and minor construction projects, such as: building wheelchair ramps, installing new doors and windows, replacing toilets, and interior/exterior painting.

Internet access will be limited, but we will try to keep everyone updated as much as possible. Genesis Youth Group asks for your thoughts and prayers during this mission trip, and also ask that you pray for the families we will be assisting. May the peace and grace of God be with all of you.

Blessings,
The Youth Director

Fifth "Sundae" Social and Mission Trip Training

WOW - Genesis Youth Group has been busy, very busy, the past couple of weeks preparing for mission trips to Oklahoma City in June and Edna, TX in July. As a refresher for construction techniques and review of safety procedures, the youth group and adult volunteers built a doghouse on Saturday, May 22. A big THANKS to Jim Ustanik for his willingness to help our team on this project; what a blessing he is!

The doghouse we built will be donated to the silent auction at Lord's Acre in September.

Jim, Braden, and David

Carren, Jeff, & Broc

Mary, Carren, & Jim

Jeff, Carren, Mary, Broc, Braden & Matthew

Nicole's in the doghouse - literally!

To commemorate Memorial Day, the youth group hosted a Fifth "Sundae" Social this evening, Sunday, May 30. Who doesn't love an ice cream sundae with all the popular toppings, including whipped cream and cherries?!

Big crowd at Sundae Social!!!

The youngest person to enjoy an ice cream sundae!

Joanna & Emily

Genesis Youth Group

What's your WORTH?

Tonight we talked about self-worth and the importance of rejoicing in the special, unique, and blessed individual that God created you to be. We learned that there was nothing Jesus could do or become to please the people in His society. Despite what anyone said about Him, Jesus understood His true identity. This dignity came from what He was worth to God, not what He was worth in society.

At some point in life, we all find out that we are not rich enough or smart enough or poised enough or short-or-tall-or-thin-or-fat-or-dark-or-light enough to measure up to everyone's standards....Beyond what anyone else can ever think or say about us, we have an awesome identity with the King of the Universe!

I read this at tonight's youth meeting but I want you to read it again and really study the words and ponder their meaning: If you had been the only human being alive, God would still have sacrificed Jesus just so that you could be given the opportunity to choose to have relationship with Him...Your true identity comes from what you are worth to God, not what you are worth to society. In God's eyes you have incredible dignity and value - and no one else's opinion matters at all!

1. What does this mean to you? What are you worth to God?
2. How does your self-worth change knowing that God would have still sacrificed Jesus even if you were the only human alive?
3. How should being a child of God affect the way we live our lives? Why should it affect our lifestyle?

Post your comments here!!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today is a special day when we recognize and salute the wonderful women in our life, whether they are a Mom or not. Personally, for me, I have many great women in my life with mother'ly qualities that I adore and am so appreciative of. Join me as we wish all of these special women a very Happy Mother's Day.

Reminder: There will be NO UMYF MEETING TONIGHT, Sunday, May 9, 2010. Enjoy the day with your families; I'll see you on Wednesday.

Blessings,
Nicole

40 DAYS OF PRAYER...........Day 10

We are at Day 10 of 40 in our prayer journey with youth groups across the Central Texas Conference. Please join me in today's prayer:

Awesome God, I pray for the empowerment of youth. I pray that youth have the courage to stand up for what they believe in this materialistic society. We are taught to blend in, but Lord all that you offer is not to be kept in. My prayer is that the youth of the United Methodist Church will find the strength to speak out and stand out, among a corrupted society, as a light of hope and transformation. In your son’s precious and Holy name, Amen.

Please read these words carefully; we've discussed various topics the past couple of weeks and this prayer fits very nicely. I pray we all have the strength to continue this spiritual journey as we all prepare for mission trip and the daily pressure to be God-like in a God-forsaken world. I am so proud of Genesis Youth Group and the willingness to step outside our comfort zones and to welcome visitors into the church family. You make this so easy for your Youth Director, I'm so blessed by you!!!
 
Blessings,
Nicole

Crazy Dinner and Silent Auction a HUGE success!!!!!!!!!! Way to go Genesis Youth Group - PRAISE BE TO GOD

The final numbers are not calculated yet, but Genesis Youth Group: you did a FANTASTIC job on Sunday at Crazy Dinner and Silent Auction....you raised more than $2,000 for mission trip this summer!!!!!!

Also, don't forget about STOCK SHARES that are for sale, cost is $25 per share. Encourage people - friends, parents, extended family, etc. - to purchase multiple shares and make sure you explain that this money supports the entire youth group, not just individual members. This money also supports the mission and ministry of Genesis Youth Group. A 'shareholder's' luncheon will be held later this summer, after mission trips, to formerly express our appreciation and gratitude for their investment in Genesis Youth.

Enjoy these photos from Crazy Dinner:

Austin @ Crazy Dinner

Braden and Matthew @ Crazy Dinner

Bob Russo @ Crazy Dinner

Broc @ Crazy Dinner

Carren @ Crazy Dinner

The Craddock Family @ Crazy Dinner

A wonderful group of youth and parent volunteers helping with Crazy Dinner.

Crazy Dinner and Silent Auction

Hazel Jenkins @ Crazy Dinner

Joshua @ Crazy Dinner

Kaitlyn @ Crazy Dinner

Elaine and Don Spears @ Crazy Dinner

Summer and Collin pouring drinks @ Crazy Dinner

Table of Great Ones @ Crazy Dinner

Rev. Lara Whitley @ Crazy Dinner