Sports– A Universal Language

Below you will find our May 2015 newsletter. In our last newsletter, we announced that we are transferring to another ministry of Cru. If you missed that announcement, you can see that letter online at: http://bit.ly/AIARebholz

We want to give you a glimpse of what Athletes in Action does, so we will attempt to use the next few newsletters to highlight specific facets of the ministry.

Volume 9 Issue 4
Sports– A Universal Language

“Sports ministry provides the greatest opportunity in our time for global evangelism and creating sustainable discipleship movements through national staff and volunteers who can use the platform of sport to connect with the lost and reach their communities and their nations for Christ.” [Quoted from: Athletes in Action Annual Report 2014 pg 6]

With staff and a ministry presence in 40+ countries and volunteers working in another 20+ countries, AIA is taking great strides in global evangelism. AIA uses a model of ministry that includes: reaching top sports influencers, empowering churches to reach their communities, utilizing media, and leveraging global sporting events.

An example of this ministry is the country of Brazil. It hosted the 2014 World Cup and will host the Olympics in 2016. Local churches rose up to provide ministry in eight of the twelve cities where World Cup events were hosted. City coordinators trained 2,639 volunteers from 351 churches. They had 66 AIA church fan zones in the eight cities. The fan zones provided outreach parties that capitalized on the excitement of the soccer games.

The media component was also a key part of the strategy in Brazil. The Prize film, which features world class soccer players from around the globe sharing their faith in Jesus, was shown as well as handed out in the fan zones in partnership with the Brazilian Bible Society. Elsewhere, the film was also broadcast on national television in numerous countries (including several in Northern Africa and the Middle East).

Watch: The Prize - Under Pressure:

[See more about The Prize - Under Pressure at the website: http://www.theprize.com/]

Even though the World Cup is over, the network of churches and volunteers have what is needed to build on the momentum and prepare for the Olympics next year. The goal is to see these churches and volunteers expand ministry movements in 27 cities by the time the Olympics come to town.

Athletes in Action desires to see that what has occurred in Brazil becomes a model for sports ministry around the world. Our hope is to have more than 100,000 volunteers servings with AIA in the 250 largest cities of the world.

Prayers & Praise:

• Praise: Our Indy home sold in just 7 days.
• Pray: For all the details of the pending sale of our home in Indy. Closing June 23rd.
• Pray: Details for the move to Xenia, OH. Closing on home June 24
• Pray: That our transition will go smoothly

A Story of Faith - Traevon Jackson

ESPN just did a great story on a Wisconsin Badger player's faith...

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/2015/story/_/id/12600400/wisconsin-badgers-guard-traevon-jackson-leans-faith

Our own God story in the making

Volume 9 Issue 3

Our own God story in the making

 Spring has sprung: flowers in bloom, kids playing outdoors and so forth.   As with our lives a new season has begun, a new chapter in ministry for us!  In our last newsletter, we hinted at a coming change.  We want to share with you the BIG NEWS that has been developing for us in ministry.  We will be moving (in the coming months) to serve with another ministry of Cru- Athletes in Action!

First, the back-story: Over the last two years or so, we have had occasions to for us to be involved in a scope that is much larger than our roles with Keynote.  About a year ago, we began to put feelers out looking for a change in our part within the ministry of Cru.  Thus allowing for this larger scope to be part of our normal jobs (rather than added on).  Months rolled by with very little being a good fit or peaking our interests and gifting.  But we still felt like God was leading to something more.  It’s a God story, really!  In November, Mike had interactions with the Human Resources Director of AIA (whom Mike knew all the way back from 1998 when they joined Cru staff together). In talking with this ministry’s leader about HR related matters, Mike discovered a potential role that sounded like a good fit.  The more we investigated the possibility of these ministry roles with AIA, the more we got excited.  The experiences and trainings that both of us have had, were exactly what AIA was looking for and in need of!

We have been offered and accepted roles with the Leadership Development and Human Resources department.  Mike will become the associate national director of the department.  Leslie will continue to serve as an application evaluator and a new staff support coach.

As the Lord would have it, since we LOVE what we do, these new roles are almost exactly the same we had at Keynote.  Our scope will now have influence in training and equipping 460+ AIA staff worldwide as well as sending out new laborers in the gospel work!

We will need to move from our home in Indianapolis, to the AIA headquarters located in Xenia, Ohio (near Dayton).  Our goal is to start the new school year there September 1st.  We are excited to be part of what God is doing through the ministries of Athletes in Action.

For those that give financially to our ministry, this does not change anything in how you give.  AIA is part of Cru.

Should you be interested in more details we would love the opportunity to talk further with you.  Please comment on our blog (all comments are moderated, and will not appear directly) and leave your contact info.

Prayers:

• The Joy of the Lord (Neh. 8:10) would be our strength in these months of transition.
• The Lord would provide opportunities for us to talk with new partners who would be interested in the ministry of AIA.
• The Lord to go before us and prepare a house/home for us in Ohio.

TIMELINE

April-June: Prep house for the market and sell our home. Pack.

July: Cru biennial staff conference in Colorado

August:  In faith sell our home, move to Xenia and find new house.

September 1: start new roles at AIA.

Training up

Volume 9 Issue 2

Training up

She was trying to protect the information in the ministry office as armed guards ransacked it.  “They beat her to the point she almost died. We had to flee the country.”  I (Mike) sat in shock as I heard this husband share his story of why as a national from this former Russian State; he and his wife were coming to the United States to work at the Cru headquarters following a season of serving in a Middle Eastern country.

We had the opportunity to help train this couple in how to raise support in the United States.  Obviously having served in a country where they couldn't publicly disclose what they were doing, their style of raising support was VERY different.

 

The above photo is the workshop/class we (Mike and Leslie) had the opportunity to help teach and train these new laborers for the Gospel to go forth.  Leslie and I have counted it a privilege to be part of equipping such a diverse group of Cru staff members when we have served at New Staff Training (as we did last month).  In fact, we have enjoyed these opportunities so much, we have been taking intentional steps to increase the scope of our ministry beyond Keynote (but you will have to wait till next newsletter to hear about that). 

Praise & Prayer:

• Strength and His peace during a season of  transition.  (more     details to come next month)
• Together we are coaching two families. Pray for them to meet their April deadline so that they can partake of the international training for their fall assignment overseas.
• Praise: For the opportunity to train 60+ laborers at Cru’s New Staff Training in early Feb. and we all got to go as a family.

Erica's Story

Volume 9 Issue 1
Erica's Story

In our work in Human Resources, we often get just one opportunity to speak with a person and help them in the process of deciding if full-time ministry is for them.  Then there are other opportunities where we get to have multiple chances – like Erica…

Erica had just completed her freshman year at Michigan State University when we first met her on the 2009 Keynote Summer Project.  At Cru’s Christmas Conference in 2011 we talked with her about internship options (Keynote, overseas, back at Michigan State…) upon her graduation.  A few months later Erica applied to do an internship with Keynote.  Leslie had the privilege to pour into Erica as she evaluated her internship application.  In 2013-2014 (the year following her time at Keynote) Erica spent a year with Cru overseas.  In the fall Leslie met up with Erica at a follow up conference for new staff with Cru. Erica has recently reported to her full-time assignment in Boston.  We asked her to share a bit of her journey with you.

When you met with Mike and Leslie, what solidified your decision to intern with Keynote?

From what I remember of our conversation, I appreciated being able to ask you both many questions and felt cared for in an unbiased way. I'm sure you guys wanted me to intern with Keynote, but it was very important to me to feel cared for in whatever decision I would come to make and I felt that way with you guys. That care actually helped me make the decision to intern with Keynote.

As you look back on the past years, is there anything that the Lord used to confirm you calling to Staff?

In the midst of MPD [Ministry Partner Development], I've been reminded of the need for people to know Christ for the future (eternity) and immensely here on earth. I've been refreshed hearing countless stories of students who've made decision to follow Christ and hearing how Jesus has brought them fulfillment and purpose. I've been reminded of my deep desire for getting the gospel out to students who might not have anyone in their life who follows Christ. I've had times where I've rejoiced at knowing my life matters because I have Christ in my life no matter what the circumstances and this fervent desire to make this possible for other students has further confirmed my calling on staff. And in general, I really enjoy Cru. :)

See the FULL interview at: http://bit.ly/erica_interview

Prayer Requests

• Wisdom and unity as we gear up to work on support full time in the near future.
• As we travel next month to training new staff.  Strength for the long work days.
• Prayer for Chelsey (whom Leslie is coaching) as she is walking through a challenging season in her life.  (grace, wisdom, forgiveness)

An Interview with Erica...

In our January 2015 newsletter, we shared a couple items from an interview with Erica.  Here is the full interview:

What part did your Keynote summer project experience play in growing your faith?

God used my time on summer project with Keynote in 2009 in incredible ways to grow me. I look back on that time remembering a few significant things. One was about God's forgiveness of me and with that my ability through him to forgive my sister when she hurts me. Another thing I learned was spending time alone with God each day. I watched another student all summer read her Bible in the mornings and that's when I first started that spiritual discipline in my life. This was also a time learning how I could use relevant things like music to share Christ with others.

When you met with Mike and Leslie, what solidified your decision to intern with Keynote?

From what I remember of our conversation, I appreciated being able to ask you both many questions and felt cared for in an unbiased way. I'm sure you guys wanted me to intern with Keynote, but it was very important to me to feel cared for in whatever decision I would come to make and I felt that way with you guys. That care actually helped me make the decision to intern with Keynote.What role has Cru, its trainings, experiences played in your Spiritual Growth/ walk with the Lord?SO MUCH. I would say the past 6 years of my life have been extremely life-changing as God has used 2 Summer projects, 5 Christmas Conferences, discipleship, and 2 years of interning to equip me. I feel like I've learned so much about who Jesus is and the life God has given me through him, in the midst of my trials and errors, in the past 6 years. I've seen people who don't give up on me and the reflection that is of how the Lord will not give up on me. Learning to walk by the Holy Spirit was something He taught me and is continuing to teach me all the time. 

Tell me a bit about your year overseas?  What did you do while there?

While overseas in the Middle East I was a part of a team doing campus ministry in a large city. We went to 5 different university campuses and would have conversations about life, God, and the gospel. God gave us many opportunities to share Christ and we had spiritual discussion groups and English clubs each week. My favorite part was getting to think through and create a few digital strategies that helped us get in touch with students who may have never had another opportunity to share the gospel. For example, we had the Falling Plates video translated and advertised on Facebook. In the first two weeks, there were over 17,000 views by college students in our country. Crazy!! 

As you look back on the past years, is there anything that the Lord used to confirm you calling to Staff?

In the midst of MPD [Ministry Partner Development], I've been reminded of the need for people to know Christ for the future (eternity) and immensely here on earth. I've been refreshed hearing countless stories of students who've made decision to follow Christ and hearing how Jesus has brought them fulfillment and purpose. I've been reminded of my deep desire for getting the gospel out to students who might not have anyone in their life who follows Christ. I've had times where I've rejoiced at knowing my life matters because I have Christ in my life no matter what the circumstances and this fervent desire to make this possible for other students has further confirmed my calling on staff. And in general, I really enjoy Cru. :)

Jesus has changed Erica’s life!  Through these different ministry opportunities (Summer Project, Internship, and joining staff with Cru) she is helping others see the life-changing message of the Gospel in their lives as well. What a journey it has been to walk alongside the next generation as they are called reach people for Christ.  Erica is just one of the many people we’ve had the opportunity to pour into, to equip, and to train so that the Gospel goes forth. Thank you for the opportunity to not only help change lives but see young men and women use their talents, vocation and to help build the Lord’s Kingdom.   

Christmas Greeting 2014

Here is our Photo Prayer Card. If you would like to print a physical copy, it can be printed as a normal 4x6 photo. Right click this image and "save image as" in order to get the high resolution version.

Advent means “coming”.  Some people during the month of December use an Advent calendar starting the 4^th Sunday before Christmas to mark the Christmas season.  This Advent season’s purpose it to be a mindful time anticipating and preparing one’s heart for the “the coming” and the powerful meaning of Christmas -- a baby born of the lowliest places; who would take on the ultimate work of salvation for man on the Cross.  In the Bible’s book of John we find we find John (the author) writing his testimony and proclaiming the life of Jesus.  “The Word [Jesus] became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (1:14)

Let us reminisce from the beginning of time, Genesis the events to better understand the coming of Christ, Jesus.

Day 1:  Creation	(Genesis 1:1)	Hymn: How Great Thou Art
Day 2: The First Sin (forbidden fruit)	(Isaiah 53:6)	Jesus Loves Me
Day 3: The Ark and Rainbow	(Romans 6:23)	Standing on the Promises
Day 4: Abraham and Sarah	(Genesis12:3b)	I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
Day 5: Isaac and the Sacrificial Lamb	(John 1:29b)	Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
Day 6: Jacob’s ladder	(Genesis 28:15a)	Have Thine Own Way, Lord
Day 7: Joseph’s Colorful coat	(Romans 8:28a)	It is Well With My Soul
Day 8: Moses & The Ten Commandments	(Psalm 119:11)	Trust and Obey
Day 9: Promised Land	(Psalm 103:2)	God Is So Good
Day 10: Ruth and Boaz	(Ruth 1:16b)	Praise Him in the Morning
Day 11: King David	(Psalm 23:1)	I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go
Day 12: The Law	(Psalm 119:105)	The B-I-B-L-E
Day 13: Jesse Tree	(John 1:14a)	O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Day 14: Lion & Lamb	(Isaiah 11:10a)	O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
Day 15: Prince of Peace	(John 14:27)	I’ve Got Peace Like a River
Day 16: Shepherd	(John 10:27)	Alleluia
Day 17: Suffering	(John 10:15)	The Old Rugged Cross
Day 18: New Covenant	(Jeremiah 31:33a)	Into My Heart
Day 19: Bethlehem	(Philippians 4:13)	O Come, All Ye Faithful
Day 20: The Exile	(Jeremiah 1:8)	He Leadeth me
Day 21: Return to (the land) Jerusalem	(Revelation 22:20)	Lift up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates
Day 22: Star	(Matthew 2:10)	The Star Carol
Day 23: A Candle Light	(John 8:12)	Silent Night
Day 24: An Angel	(Luke 2:14)	It Came upon a Midnight Clear
Day 25: Jesus Christ	(John 3:16)	Joy to the World

Advent days, scriptures, and Hymns from:

The Advent Jesse Tree by Dean Meador Lambert (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1988)

Raising Up Laborers

Volume 8 - Issue 6
Raising Up Laborers

At the end of September I (Leslie) had the opportunity to be a Ministry Partner Development Trainer Coach at Cru’s new staff follow-up conference in MI (see photo on rt.). Those 3 days/ 72 hours were packed as I met one on one with new staff and led a small group of single women (see photo at bottom).

Sitting at the back of the room with other trainers during one session, I marveled at watching these 60+ new staff being raised up to go out into the world to spread the Gospel message of Jesus Christ through their prospective ministries within Cru. The thought came to my mind “I love my job!” Little did I know what else the Lord had in store for me. Due to circumstances and having met with Chelsey at the follow up conference I have started coaching her regularly. (See photo below.) Chelsey has interned for 2 years with GAiN and now has joined staff with Cru. GAiN is a ministry of Cru that focuses on humanitarian needs. Upon reporting to her assignment, Chelsey’s role will be to assist with GAiN’s Food Program and devote time to equipping partners around the world to use food and agriculture to meet the needs of people around them and help to accelerate their ministry, all the while sharing the Gospel message.

Weekly coaching calls can vary from call to call but usually consist of 1hr or more talking on the phone regularly. Things I may cover during our calls: prayer, speaking Truth and Scripture, giving assignments, refining presentation skills and discussing their progress and challenges. The end goal is that they report fully funded to their assignment as quickly as possible. What a privilege and high calling to coach new staff as they trust God for His provision through His People to accomplish His mission.

{The group of women Leslie led in a small group during the conference. Chelsey, the new staff gal Leslie has started coaching is third in from the rt.}



Praise & Prayer:

• Wisdom and discernment as we increase the scope of our ministry with Cru.
• Opportunities to share with others our calling in ministry.
• The Lord’s strength and steadfastness as we navigate a demanding season.
• Praise for quality family time.

This week I received word that Renae, one of the gals I worked with at the conference can NOW report to her assignment with Inner City in Minneapolis ministering to the poor. She completed raising 100% of her support.

Sending out Lights into the World (Part 2)

Volume 8 - Issue 5

Sending out Lights into the World (Part 2)
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

Summer for majority of Cru staff means “Summer Project”. For the last 20 years Keynote Summer Projects have equipped students to effectively communicate the gospel, taught them to use creative platforms to start spiritual conversations and challenged them to grow in relationship with the Lord. The same will be true this summer. However, these students won't be in a band and they won't tour around the country or overseas. In June six eager and talented college students arrived in Indiana for the 2014 Keynote Summer Project.

These students with a variety of skills and abilities (music, dance, film, spoken word and more) worked together to create resource tools - from scratch - to help start spiritual conversations about Jesus. Over the duration of the summer project /weeks there were brainstorming sessions, Bible study, individual discipleship, communication training, fellowship, outreach opportunities and lots of time to work together on their projects. As the project drew to a close the students unveiled their 5 creative projects.

• A Music video-"Take these open hands. I know that I can reach another with what I have. Make purpose live through me."
• a survival handbook for college freshmen called Ramen with a Side of College
• a video with live-action drawing to accompany a spoken word poem
• a poster series with web-based interaction called Faded Words
• a social media campaign that can be used by Cru movements across the country!

These colleges students return to their respective campuses with additional evangelistic tools and ministry experiences. The heartbeat of summer project is to create “life change” not only in the summer project student’s lives but to overflow on their campuses.-impacting the next generation. More students reached with the Gospel– movements everywhere.

Together we (Mike and Leslie) have been coaching 3 couples in their initial support raising process as new CRU staff. In August and October these 3 family units (6 adults adult and 5 children) will be going overseas (due to security measures we cannot name where) to their assignment as they have completed their support. What amazes us is their heart for a people group that live in spiritual darkness! Moving 1,000s of miles away from “home and comfort” to be a light- A City on a hill! What a privilege as their support coaches to equip and inspire these laborers to be Christ centered, fully funded and financially faithful.

• Prayer and Praise for team going overseas to their assignment: travel, details, getting settled in a new place...

Praises & Prayer Requests for Mike and Leslie:

• Pray for wisdom as Keynote makes organizational changes. 
• Prayer for travel safety as Leslie works at a training in MI the end of Sept. She would rely on the Holy Spirit in discerning what areas to coach/train new Cru staff.
• We began support coaching 2 new Cru staff families that will be going overseas. Pray that we would speak truth and love as they navigate this new season of their lives (raising their initial support while still working and having family time). 
• Praise Benjamin LOVES preschool! We marvel at the growth and development we’ve seen in our son over the last yr. (speech/vocab., potty training, social…). Praise the Lord!

Sending out Lights into the World - Part 1

Volume 8 Issue 4
Sending out Lights into the World (Part 1)

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ’I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ John 8:12

In April Leslie traveled to the News Staff follow-up conference in Georgia. 60 new staff were in present. The four intense days provided opportunities to meet one on one with them to encourage them in their progress of raising support and to tweak ministry presentations. It so incredible to see God at work and preparing these new “lights” going stateside and around the world to tell of Jesus unfailing love. (See photo on rt.)

 Last fall, Leslie began to disciple a gal (from Butler University) named Samantha. (Sam, see photo on lft.) Somewhat new in her personal relationship with Jesus, Sam is hungry, teachable and passionate for the things of God. Sam grew up in a family that regularly attended Catholic Mass. Through our weekly times meeting together; God has increased her faith, peeling back the layers of her true identity in Christ and “choosing to live as though the Bible is true regardless of circumstances, emotions and cultural trends.” (Destined-Discipleship Material). Sam has been and continues leading her sorority (Alpha Phi) Bible Study. Loving a roommate who doesn’t know Jesus (yet). This month, Sam embarks on her career as a Physician Assistant in a secular-demanding environment. Sam is a blooming light! What a privilege and sweet time pointing her to Jesus and the Gospel!

Praise & Prayer:

• Prayer for strength and refreshment for Leslie and Mike as the past months have been demanding.
• Prayer for Sam as she adjusts to her new career and continues to share Jesus with those she crosses paths with.
• Praise for the provision of an individual marriage retreat that we just returned from. It was a time of renewal, connection as a couple and a mini-getaway from day to day routine.

Benjamin celebrated his 3rd birthday this summer. My he’s growing so fast– our little boy!

86 New Missionaries

…He [Jesus] said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:37-38) Having recently returned from Cru’s winter New Staff Training this verse causes me to marvel at what we experienced there. How exciting to see God raise up 86 new missionaries and to have the privilege and to train them in Ministry Partnership Development (MPD) skills and best practices so you can fully engage in the reaching the lost. We (Mike and Leslie) assisted in the workshops (see our workshop photo top rt.). We listened to and gave feedback on presentations so that the new staff could be more effective in their ministry presentations (left).

It was encouraging to hear their personal stories how God called them to serve full-time in the mission field. Here are a few examples of what God has done to raise up laborers!

One young (early 20’s) single new staff gal applied to Cru staff a few years ago. But, her level of debt disqualified her from being accepted. So as a flight attendant she took on a second job cleaning houses to pay off EVERY penny of her debt and reapplied this past year and was accepted.

A couple - Michael/Jennifer -in our workshop were students involved in Cru during college at Wisconsin. As recent college grads and newly married they pursued applying for staff with Cru. The Lord closed the door. This past year the husband wanted going back to grad school but found out his scholarship/grant funding was pulled. God reopend the door for them to join staff. They have a heart for reaching college students at their alma mater especially as it has unique demographics.

A young couple –Jeff and Lauren- have stepped out in faith to spend a year in Costa Rica And taking their family (2 yr.old and new baby) as God has called them.

To sum it up our role as Ministry Partnership Development (MPD) coaches is to equip and inspire leaders to be Christ-Centered, fully-funded and financially faithful. As God raises up new full-time missionaries we have the privilege and opportunity in PREPARING to help lead others to Christ to worship the Lord in Heaven. Can you imagine what God IS, CAN, WILL do in and through these 86 new laborers in the Harvest Field both in the US and overseas? God has convicted me as well as increased my Kingdom sized thinking to see the Kingdom results through training these new staff. Let us PRAISE THE LORD for how many people will be challenged, invited and prompted to accept Jesus as their Lord through these new missionaries!

A Band in India...

Volume 9 Issue 1

 WHAT:  Stone  (a rock band from Keynote)
WHERE:  India
WHEN:  Sept.– Oct. 2013
WHY: The goal for this trip was to showcase what Keynote does and to help model for their ministry in the future.  A total of 12 shows and 6 training workshops. Gospel presented to approximately 7500 people.

Before one of the bands first shows,  Shawna (member of the band) was talking with a group of college girls and one of them asked her "Why do you believe in God?"  Hello...open door!! :)  She was able to delve into the gospel with about 4 or 5 of these women.  They had some great questions.
 

 Teresa (lead singer in Stone) had opportunities to speak with many women in the audiences.  One show she was chatting with a group of Muslim women.  They were polite, but said that they believed in their God and we believe in ours.  No real hope for change.  Teresa shared with them that one of the reasons she loved Jesus was for the way He treated women.  He respected them.  She then encouraged them to read about Jesus.  We are praying that those seeds that were planted take root and they discover the love of Jesus.

After a concert at Unity Christian College in Cochin, Chris (another band member) got into a conversation with four female students. After telling him how much they liked the music, one of them named Sharon asked why he believes in Jesus Christ.  Chris got to share his story with these four young women and have a good conversation about their beliefs. Pray that God stirs the lives of these women.

 Late one night as Shawna was resting from a long and hot day of ministry in Trivandrum, she logged into her Facebook account and found this message from Jacob:
"I'm so glad to have met you.  You guys came to my college yesterday for the outreach concert.  It was awesome, yet I felt so depressed by Teresa's words...I've been trying to contact you because I'm a hell deserving sinner who wants to be saved.  That's why.  I hope you could help me..."

This is just one of so many students who desperately need hope.  Stone had the opportunity to begin the training process for a music group to be formed in India.

 

Rebholz Christmas Greeting

25 things related to the Nativity

Angels

Baby born in Bethlehem

Candle, Camel

Donkey

Eternity begins with Jesus

Frankincense, Gold & Myrrh (3 gifts given)

Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus

Heavenly Hosts

Inn –no room

Joseph father of Jesus, Joy to the World

Kings, Knee bow to Jesus

Light of the World (Jesus)

Magi- 3 kings who brought gifts to Jesus, Manger

Nativity scene

Obedience of Mary and Joseph

Purple is the color of royalty and represents Christ as King.

Quirinius-governor of Syria-census took place

Rejoice Immanuel means God is with us

Star of Bethlehem, Shepherds, Savior is born

Tree to the Cross, Town of David

Unto us a child is born, Unto us a Son is given

Virgin Mary-mother of Jesus

Worship, Wreath for Advent

Yuletide

Z (OMEGA)

In the annual Christmas season with all the hustle and rush it’s easy to miss the wondrous and powerful reality - Savoring the real joys of Christmas!  The following are excerpts from God’s Little Christmas Book:

Our first Christmas gift is the God of gifts, Jesus Himself, the Son of God.  Without Christ there is no Christmas, for a Christmas without Christ is meaningless.  But the tiny Babe in the crib has conquered all hearts.  His birthday has become a day of joy for the whole world.  It is not difficult to see, therefore, why events which fell on this birthday or happenings related to the sacred festival are of intense interest to every love of the Christ Child. 

One of the most potent, though silent testimonials of Christ, is the fact that all chronology is dated “before’ or “after” Christ.  B.C. and A.D. meet and part at His crib.

A personal Jesus accepted means salvation; a personal Jesus obeyed is sanctification; a personal Jesus followed is a life of brotherly kindness and true philanthropy; a personal Jesus reigning in the heart is the fullness of peace and joy and power.  The bells of Bethlehem ring one note; the Christmas carols are all calling aloud the same note:  “Back to Christ!” “Back to Christ!”  --T. L. Cuyler

Set a chair somewhere, today, for your Master.  Determine to have a Christmas all the year round, by giving your Lord and Savior the best seat at the table in your heart.  – T. L. Cuyler

Sending Overseas

Volume 8 - Issue 5
Sending Overseas

It’s 9pm Sunday night having just hung up the phone from our reoccurring coaching call with Cru new staff.  The wife had shared how something I (Leslie) said in a prior call had stuck with them.  She and her husband have continued to mull over my statement about how preparing to get to the field in raising their financial support, “It’s a journey of faith”.   I marvel at how words the Lord had me say have encouraged them.  For a moment I was reminded at how the Lord has brought Mike and I to where we are presently serving Him.  Our own support raising journey — including the ups and downs — give us a platform and wisdom in coaching. Together we get to serve (as one of our many hats) as Ministry Partner Development (MPD) coaches.  As you may recall in our last newsletter we shared about attending a training while both being away from our son.  While there, we were challenged to take on coaching three New Staff couples.  The God part of this is that we already knew these three couples as Keynote (our ministry) had conducted their staff interviews and all of us are members of the same local church.  In fact we have served alongside two of the couples at church. 

These three couples will be going overseas together as a team.  They have an incredible heart for the people in a certain middle-eastern country.  Currently they are raising their initial support so they can report to this undisclosed country in the very near future.  As we have taken on coaching them it’s incredible how the Lord has opened my thoughts to lost people groups.  I can’t imagine the impact these families will have and the opportunities to introduce foreigners to Jesus!  Mike and I have the privilege of playing a small part in sending them and seeing Matthew 9:36-38 come true before our eyes.  Then He [Jesus] said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. ³⁸ Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.  How exciting one our ministry roles is to raise up, equip and send labors out into the harvest both stateside and more recently to the nations! 

Praise & Prayer:

• For wisdom and the right words—coaching, equipping and training staff through our ministry.
• The coming months as our HR team evaluates our current training curriculum.  Pray that we’d meet the deadlines and God would reveal what is crucial and relevant.

God is using Keynote to make a difference in the world.  Stay tuned for our next newsletter to hear about the recent team we sent to India.  The band Stone is taking Jesus to the people in India! 

Travel Abounds

Volume 8 Issue 4
Travel Abounds

As the fall begins, the travel schedule picks up for us.  Both of us have traveled to Orlando the 2^nd week of September.  We attended the Ministry Partner Development School of Coaching.  While Mike attended something like this almost 8 years ago as he began coaching new staff as they raise their support, many changes have been made in the schooling.  Leslie went as a new coach.  This signifies added responsibilities for Leslie, but still provides flexibility in her ministry hours.  The job entails helping new staff as they raise their initial support, keeping them accountable, trying to encourage them, and helping them to keep a right perspective that God is in control.  Mike’s parents took care of Benjamin while we were both on the road for this training. 

In October, Mike will again hit the road, but this time for Valley Forge, PA.  This will be for an Intern Coordinator’s Conference.  While Mike was able to hand off the intern coordinator role last year to a woman in our ministry, she will be in India with a band from Keynote who will be performing on college campuses throughout the country.  So, as her supervisor, Mike is filling in at the conference for her.

The fall also usually brings recruiting trips.  These have not been determined yet, but it is likely that Mike will make a trip or two to try to recruit college students to join Keynote.

Summer recap

 Below: Benjamin on his dad’s shoulders enjoying the worship music during an evening session. 

 

Right: Outside the main auditorium staff gather and connect with others.

  

Left: Cru’s new logo as displayed on the stage of the US Staff Conference.
 

Above: While Mike was in college-years ago, Claudia’s husband, Dick–now with the Lord –challenged Mike to embrace reading the Bible in the context of everyday life and it changed Mike’s life. 

Below: A fun family moment amidst the busy staff conference.

Praise & Prayer:

Praise for a GREAT summer! (travels, visit family, staff conference, ministry/serve opportunities)

Amidst life’s demands, deadlines, activities and serving, our relationship with the Lord would be #1.  His Word would permeate our every thought and action.