Ready, Set, Spike

Volume 10, Issue 3
Ready, Set, Spike

Amber and Leif stepped out in faith as they moved to a town of 25,000 people in Ohio this past December. They are a young married couple in their 20’s born in the south and raised Texans. This past summer they went through Cru’s new staff training to join with Athletes in Action.

Amber is 6 ft tall and the build of a volleyball setter. Having played her sport in college, she understands the challenges first hand athletes face. Immediately, upon moving to Xenia, OH she found an adult volleyball “club” league and joined. Having now been playing in weekend tournaments with other women in their 20-40s she’s developed new friendships.

Once such friendship is with a gal, Emma (name has been changed). Amber met Emma as she was a sub that weekend for another girl on her Club volleyball team. From the start they hit it off not to mention a love for the game of volleyball. On several occasions Amber and Emma have met together over meals.

During a recent weekly development time with Amber, she and Leslie were discussing evangelism. This struck a chord with Amber as we dialogued about being intentional in learning people’s story, since Emma’s been weighing on Amber’s heart. Emma attended a Christian university and even grew up in a Christian home. However, over the years her heart has hardened to the “church” (the formal gathering of believers) and perhaps other Christians. She attributes this to “legalistic people” and bad experiences. At this time in her life she’s not “walking with Jesus.” Emma knows truth in her mind but it’s thousands of miles from her heart -- her emotions and will to surrender to the Lord.

“We must learn to find the backdoor to people’s hearts because the front door is heavily guarded.” Says Author Ravi Zacharias about today’s evangelism. To Amber the back door to Emma is through her beloved sport, volleyball. Their friendship began through the platform of sport. Since their initial meetings just 3 months ago Amber has been able to ask Emma open-ended questions that tap into her life, the deep stuff, hurt, struggles, and marriage. Their conversations aren’t a monolog rather a dialogue that illustrates care, heart, friendship and bows the knee saying “I’m listening, tell me your story, I’m may not have all the answers but…”

I love seeing how the Lord is leading our new staff step to out in faith and engage in spiritual conversations. It is a privilege to mobilize and help train our new staff so that they are better equipped to start such transforming conversations.

Mike coached them as they raised their initial support in Texas. Leslie is presently coaching Amber through new staff development training. (all 1st year staff going through this training cycle.)

Prayer Requests:

• Pray for Emma; that her heart would be softened.  Through the friendship with Amber and ongoing heart conversations that she would experience a freshness to God’s love.
• Pray the Lord would strengthen and provide good sleep as this month is crazy busy. (Mission’s conference, both Mike and Leslie work back to back conferences, foster son’s case plan meeting, Leslie’s b-day, Leslie’s in an out of town wedding, perseverance with Benjamin’s treatment plan for a medical issue, ministry projects deadlines.)
• Praise:  Life is FULL and we are blessed!

Super Bowl

Volume 10, Issue 1
On the Saturday morning prior to the Super Bowl #50, Athletes in Action hosted the Super Bowl Breakfast.  There the presentation of the Bart Starr award was awarded to this year’s recipient, Carolina Panthers' linebacker Thomas Davis.  The Bart Starr Award is given annually to a player in the NFL who exemplifies outstanding character and leadership at home, on the field and in the community.

Among the 10 nominees, Davis was voted in as the award's 29th recipient by his peers, including NFL opponents and teammates.

Davis played in the Super Bowl with a broken arm (and was credited with seven tackles) that was sustained in the NFC championship game two weeks prior. He has overcome three knee surgeries on the same knee in his 10-year NFL career.

Surely this man of character can and will overcome a Super Bowl loss because Christ is his leader.

Davis recalled during his acceptance speech a time about four or 5 years ago, sitting in Jerry Richardson’s office (the owner of the Panthers), after a third ACL tear to the right knee.  Mr. Richardson had to make a decision about whether to allow him to continue on in his NFL career. Davis believes there is a good reason that he has been given the opportunity to continue to play. He stated “When I think of the last four years since that meeting, how good the Lord has been to me.  It makes me emotional.”

He went on to state “As an NFL player, we have a platform.  It is important to be a good example for our children.  I set an example for my boys of how to be a man. We have been blessed to take the stage before millions.  it is important for us to use that the right way.”

Some of the previous Bart Star Award winners have been: Peyton Manning - Denver Broncos, Aaron Rodgers - Green Bay Packers, Jason Witten - Dallas Cowboys, London Fletcher - Washington Redskins, Drew Brees - New Orleans Saints, Kurt Warner - Arizona Cardinals, Warrick Dunn -Tampa Bay Buccaneers, LaDainian Tomlinson - San Diego Chargers, John Lynch - Denver Broncos, Curtis Martin -New York Jets, Troy Vincent - Buffalo Bills, Derrick Brooks -Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Trent Dilfer -Seattle Seahawks, Darren Woodson -Dallas Cowboys, Bruce Matthews - Tennessee Titans, Aeneas Williams -Arizona Cardinals, Irving Fryar - Philadelphia Eagles, Brent Jones - San Francisco 49ers, Darrell Green -Washington Redskins, Jackie Slater - St. Louis Rams, Cris Carter - Minnesota Vikings, Warren Moon - Houston/Seattle, Gill Byrd - San Diego Chargers, Reggie White - Green Bay Packers, Mike Singletary - Chicago Bears, Anthony Munoz - Cincinnati Bengal's, Steve Largent -Seattle Seahawks

Thank you for your faithful prayers and your partnership making it possible to spread the Gospel of Jesus through the unspoken language of Sport.

Sport continues to be one of the unspoken languages in the world today through which the gospel can speak the clearest and loudest.

-AIA president Mark Householder

Prayer requests & Praises

• Praise several of the new staff Mike has been coaching on their initial support development have reported to their assignments with AIA. 
• Prayer for wisdom for Leslie as she begins to coach Amber through the new staff first year curriculum a newly reported staff member to the AIA “teams” 
• Prayer for Mike as his plate is FULL of ministry responsibilities (coaching new staff, leading team meetings, meeting with staff one on one, preparing for upcoming conferences and events…). Discernment in how to utilize his time/schedule well. The ability to protect his “time with the Lord” and family commitments. 
• Prayer for patience and perseverance as we begin an invasive/intense treatment plan for our son’s gastrointestinal issues.

Personal Note Mid January we received a call for our first foster placement. What a transition it has been. One of great JOY and sleeplessness/ depravation. We are unable to share a picture of baby “m” with you. We do not know how long exactly he will be with us or if we will become his forever home. We are over the moon blessed with this addition to our family. If you would like to know our journey to this we’d be happy to share it with you.

Year End Greeting...

Waiting.  Approaching this month known to most of the world as Christmas, there is great expectancy (gifts, family gatherings, festivities, lights and glitz).  For months, even days we anticipate this favored traditional holiday – Christmas. 

I’ve been pondering the word “Advent” lately.  Advent is a Latin word that means “coming”.  Reminiscing on the first coming of Christ as a baby, while also preparing for the Christ’s second coming when He is “making all things new” (Revelation 21:5).  This holiday season we fight materialism and busyness amidst the stress, yet long to have a peaceful, quiet heart.  Advent is an opportunity to day by day prepare our heart and lives for the coming Savior.  Here are a few thoughts to ponder on the powerful meaning of Christmas and “waiting”.

The plan of salvation did not start with the birth of a tiny baby in the lowliest of places.  The preincarnate Christ was present before the beginning.  The history of the Old Testament sets the stage for this babe born at Christmas who would perform the work of salvation for us on the Cross. -Dean Lambert. Preface of The Advent Jesse Tree: Devotions for children and adults to prepare for the coming of the Christ Child at Christmas.

The Advent Season is a Season of Waiting, but our whole life is an Advent season, that is, a season of waiting for the last Advent, for the time when there will be a new heaven and a new earth…Whoever does not know the austere blessedness of waiting -that is, of hopefully doing without-will never experience the full blessing of fulfillment…For the greatest, most profound , tenderest things in the world, we must wait. -Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  God is in the Manger:  Reflections of Advent and Christmas.

 Below is a copy of our ministry prayer card.  Free to download and print a copy to hang on your fridge, or please contact us if you would like a print mailed to you.  You can click this link to download a high resolution copy of the image.

Transition & Transformation

Volume 9 Issue 6

Transition & Transformation

Truth be told, transitions are hard!  New ministry assignment, moving to a new state and a new town is no easy task, but with the Lord, He’s given us the strength and grace to forge ahead.  A lot has transpired in the last two months for our family.

Two weeks after moving to Xenia we got on a plane for our biennial Cru staff conference in Colorado.  We jumped into working the conference; it was a privilege to serve our staff.   

The 4,000+ person conference was epic in that we focused in on togetherness -- what it means to reach the world in light of our ethnic and cultural differences.

At the end of August we were a part of the 21 person Athletes in Action (AIA) Leadership Development and Human Resource (LDHR) team retreat.  (Photo to rt. Is team praying.)  This enabled us to partake in the strategic planning of LDHR -advancing the mission of AIA by creating strategies and infrastructures to engage the millions of followers of Jesus on mission.  Our key strategic objectives: sending, oneness, equipping leaders for multiplication, and staff wellbeing.  Our mission at AIA is to build healthy leaders and sending laborers who build spiritual movements through the platform of sports.

Among other happenings we celebrated Benjamin’s 4^th birthday, our 9^th wedding anniversary, and the start of a new preschool year and of course settling into our new home!  Huge praise as we found a new church home near Xenia.

We firmly believe this new ministry assignment with AIA as well as the move to Xenia was God ordained.  It doesn’t equate to being easy though. (Leslie likens it to the title of Shelia Walsh’s book: Life is Hard but God is Faithful.) In all of this transition there have been tears, grieving, new experiences and adventures as well as excitement.  (Who knew driving in town without using a GPS for the first time could feel like a great feat.)   This monumental move for our family is a step forward with courage into the land and life God has prepared for us.

Sifting through our experiences, emotions, and truth from the Word, we believe in faith, we are being transformed.  It is not fun and we don’t see the full picture but there is a process that Jesus does speak to in His Word and it’s about HIS Glory not our comfort.   Romans 12:2  says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  2 Corinthians 3:18  “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

If you are willing to share, we’d love to hear how the Lord is transforming you!

College Athlete Influences her Team

Volume 9 Issue 5
College Athlete Influences her Team

In our April 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
In this newsletter, we continue to give you a glimpse of what Athletes in Action does by highlighting specific facets of the ministry.

Athletes in Action’s largest segment of ministry is focused on the college campus.  We have over 200 campuses with dedicated ministry to athletes across the United States.  Eric Knodel serves as AIA staff on the campus of Ball State University in Muncie, IN.  A few months ago he shared the following story about his ministry on campus.

Jessica is a senior on the softball team. She has been on our AIA student leadership team for the last three school years, but she decided to remove herself from the leadership team last spring semester. She told us that she wanted to focus on studies while she was “in season” and traveling with softball. We were excited this fall when she came back on our team. Jessica approached me saying that she wanted to speak at our weekly meeting a few weeks later. She wanted to talk about some things that had been happening in her life. It turned out that during her message she talked about some serious events in her life that caused her to fall in depression and some bad choices that she made over Christmas break last year. This was the true reason that she had stopped being on AIA Leadership. But the Lord showed Himself to her over the semester and she came back to Him and started to walk with Him even stronger. By God’s grace she came back on our leadership team this fall and started to again reach out to her teammates, many of whom were at our weekly meeting when she spoke! A couple of weeks ago, she texted this message to our Leadership team: God has been working BIG this week! I was able to hold a bible study with my assistant coaches, had 3 girls come to me asking about Christ and wanting to sit down and talk to me about the gospel (even at the library!). I am about to head over to the Christian bible store to help pick out a bible for one girl, and another asked to go to church with me next Sunday!! AND two (one that I spoke with this week) are watching Gods Not Dead with me this weekend..... GOD IS MOVING!!!!!!

Prayer Requests:

• Pray for all the details of our move.  Closing in Indy on June 23rd and in Xenia on June 24.
• Pray: That our transition will go smoothly
• Pray that we would acclimate to Xenia quickly and find a church to be involved with.

If you would like our new address, please leave a comment here (our comments are moderated so it will not appear) and I will reply back with our Xenia address.

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!