Band of Survivors Team Update 28
I can’t believe this is our last day of Band of Survivors 2007! We began the morning with our second and final teen session, once again tackling the Sermon on the Mount. Today our pilgrimage was to the lake and we were led by our minstrels one last time. We marched, read, discussed and experienced this great teaching. The teens did a good job of participating and following along. I’m really glad that we took this approach this year. Results like this will help inform how we go about teaching these youth in the future.
We participated in the final United Meeting where Steve Sjogren took the stage and finished off the weekend. He had a really fascinating and prolific mind. A true asset to the Kingdom. Just think, hundreds if not thousands of people have become friends of God because of his obedience to Christ’s ministry of love. That is awesome!
After lunch we had the hard task of saying goodbye to everyone. We packed up and the Survivors went back home with their Corps vans. I believe in faith that these teens will “rise up and take their place with self-less faith” and will be a part of this “near revival”. But good-byes are only temporary, most of us will be at CBLI in a few days and the rest will be around all year at different events and ministries. And this journey does not end; it is part of a larger work of Grace, coming to a Corps and Community near you…
Eric Himes
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Evanston, Blue Island / Whirlyball, CFOT / Pilgrimage Slideshows
Evanston
Blue Island Holiness Meeting and Whirlyball
CFOT and Pilgrimage
To view the entire collection of 2007 Band of Survivors Photos, click here.
Evanston
Blue Island Holiness Meeting and Whirlyball
CFOT and Pilgrimage
To view the entire collection of 2007 Band of Survivors Photos, click here.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 27
We had our first Teen Session today, bright and early at 9:15am. In years past we’ve tried to follow a Youth Councils approach—by going all out and decorating our room, getting a praise band together, doing lots of high tech, flashy, youth ministry things—with really poor results. This year we took a totally different approach to how we teach at Pilgrimage this year. We wanted to keep it simple and interactive so we decided to take off the idea of what a “pilgrimage” really is (a spiritual journey).
The concept was to get our teens out of the box by getting out of the building. We also felt compelled to have Jesus teach us from the “Sermon on the Mount”. So we broke Jesus’ mighty teaching into two sections and taught our two sessions from that text. In medieval times, when pilgrims would travel they would often have minstrels (or traveling musicians) go with them and play music while they walked. This would brighten their spirits as they traveled. So we did the same by having Justin, Dietrich and Stephen play drums as we went on our Pilgrimage.
Because Jesus taught on a mountain we decided to march to the cross on the hill by the Lodge. It was a great time of teaching and the kids really responded. We had a few of our BOSers read the Message version of this account while kids followed along and read congregational texts throughout the teaching. After we went through the first portion we led the teens through each moral teaching and had them discuss what it meant in small groups. The kids really dug into this experience, it was a huge blessing.
After that the entire camp was challenged to go out and do Acts of Random Kindness around Camp Lake Wisconsin. Each Corps was given a community to impact through kindness. Band of Survivors were given Paddock Lake to target with love. We broke into cell groups and had each group come up with how they would share God’s love in a practical way. Some were going to hand out popsicles, others bottles of water, others face painting and balloon animals and some wanted to return shopping carts. Unfortunately, Paddock Lake was a bit of a ghost town so we went to Kenosha to adjust our strategy. We dropped two groups at Menards and the other three went to find a park and make some friends.
After the Menards group was kicked out (but in a nice way) we met up with the park group. It was a bit discouraging at the time but God had a better idea for us that afternoon. We met up with a large group of Hispanic soccer players and they asked us if we wanted to play them in soccer, as they were preparing for a tournament and needed an opponent. So there we played, in our light blue BOS shirts. It was a really great time and gave us a long time to get to know them and run around like crazy. And even though we didn’t have cleats and shin guards like these guys, we weren’t half bad and even ended the game in a 5-5 tie. I think once I scored the last goal to tie it, they realized that they were too tired to play us (read: I stink at soccer). When the game ended, we had cell groups at the park. The weather was perfect and the setting was awesome.
The Cadets Farewell was a nice meeting and we are excited for Mike and Kristina Sjogren who will represent our Division well. Steve Sjogren spoke again and went a little too long so we were forced to cancel our second teen afterglow which would have been a camp fire. After that we had what amounts to our “closing ceremony” which we called a Night Watch. It was a great way to end our project. We had Taco Bell, worship, prayer, our final cell group and buried our time capsule. We ended sometime around 2:30am. This group of Survivors was really special. I will miss them!
Eric Himes
We had our first Teen Session today, bright and early at 9:15am. In years past we’ve tried to follow a Youth Councils approach—by going all out and decorating our room, getting a praise band together, doing lots of high tech, flashy, youth ministry things—with really poor results. This year we took a totally different approach to how we teach at Pilgrimage this year. We wanted to keep it simple and interactive so we decided to take off the idea of what a “pilgrimage” really is (a spiritual journey).
The concept was to get our teens out of the box by getting out of the building. We also felt compelled to have Jesus teach us from the “Sermon on the Mount”. So we broke Jesus’ mighty teaching into two sections and taught our two sessions from that text. In medieval times, when pilgrims would travel they would often have minstrels (or traveling musicians) go with them and play music while they walked. This would brighten their spirits as they traveled. So we did the same by having Justin, Dietrich and Stephen play drums as we went on our Pilgrimage.
Because Jesus taught on a mountain we decided to march to the cross on the hill by the Lodge. It was a great time of teaching and the kids really responded. We had a few of our BOSers read the Message version of this account while kids followed along and read congregational texts throughout the teaching. After we went through the first portion we led the teens through each moral teaching and had them discuss what it meant in small groups. The kids really dug into this experience, it was a huge blessing.
After that the entire camp was challenged to go out and do Acts of Random Kindness around Camp Lake Wisconsin. Each Corps was given a community to impact through kindness. Band of Survivors were given Paddock Lake to target with love. We broke into cell groups and had each group come up with how they would share God’s love in a practical way. Some were going to hand out popsicles, others bottles of water, others face painting and balloon animals and some wanted to return shopping carts. Unfortunately, Paddock Lake was a bit of a ghost town so we went to Kenosha to adjust our strategy. We dropped two groups at Menards and the other three went to find a park and make some friends.
After the Menards group was kicked out (but in a nice way) we met up with the park group. It was a bit discouraging at the time but God had a better idea for us that afternoon. We met up with a large group of Hispanic soccer players and they asked us if we wanted to play them in soccer, as they were preparing for a tournament and needed an opponent. So there we played, in our light blue BOS shirts. It was a really great time and gave us a long time to get to know them and run around like crazy. And even though we didn’t have cleats and shin guards like these guys, we weren’t half bad and even ended the game in a 5-5 tie. I think once I scored the last goal to tie it, they realized that they were too tired to play us (read: I stink at soccer). When the game ended, we had cell groups at the park. The weather was perfect and the setting was awesome.
The Cadets Farewell was a nice meeting and we are excited for Mike and Kristina Sjogren who will represent our Division well. Steve Sjogren spoke again and went a little too long so we were forced to cancel our second teen afterglow which would have been a camp fire. After that we had what amounts to our “closing ceremony” which we called a Night Watch. It was a great way to end our project. We had Taco Bell, worship, prayer, our final cell group and buried our time capsule. We ended sometime around 2:30am. This group of Survivors was really special. I will miss them!
Eric Himes
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 26
Today was a big day for Band of Survivors. We woke up early to pack our belongings and thoroughly clean the CFOT as we are departing today for Pilgrimage at Camp Wonderland. The Survivors did an excellent job in accomplishing this mighty feat and really gave a great effort in cleaning this place that has become our home. The CFOT was the perfect location for us to have this program and their hospitality and care are unmatched.
After final packing and inspection by Captain Michelle Oliver (who is awesome and took great care of us during the entire month) we departed for Camp. When we arrived we had dinner in the Dining Hall and then we got ready for our Teen Sessions. Steve Sjogren, a great man of God and pioneer of the Servant Evangelism concept was the special guest for the weekend and spoke about many things during the United Meeting. He sure is an interesting man, with many great and funny stories and touching examples about what it means to demonstrate Christ’s love in a practical way.
Because the meeting went so long, we had to cancel our Teen Afterglow, which was going to be a night swim. But the pizza in the Dining Hall made up for that slight disappointment. FYI, Camp is making a different kind of pizza, it’s delicious.
Eric Himes
Today was a big day for Band of Survivors. We woke up early to pack our belongings and thoroughly clean the CFOT as we are departing today for Pilgrimage at Camp Wonderland. The Survivors did an excellent job in accomplishing this mighty feat and really gave a great effort in cleaning this place that has become our home. The CFOT was the perfect location for us to have this program and their hospitality and care are unmatched.
After final packing and inspection by Captain Michelle Oliver (who is awesome and took great care of us during the entire month) we departed for Camp. When we arrived we had dinner in the Dining Hall and then we got ready for our Teen Sessions. Steve Sjogren, a great man of God and pioneer of the Servant Evangelism concept was the special guest for the weekend and spoke about many things during the United Meeting. He sure is an interesting man, with many great and funny stories and touching examples about what it means to demonstrate Christ’s love in a practical way.
Because the meeting went so long, we had to cancel our Teen Afterglow, which was going to be a night swim. But the pizza in the Dining Hall made up for that slight disappointment. FYI, Camp is making a different kind of pizza, it’s delicious.
Eric Himes
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 25
Today we had a great start for our day. We had an awesome time during our morning worship session of Pray the Bible. It was one of the best ones that we’ve had, the Spirit of the Lord was there in full force. After that we had lunch and then Erik Hanson from the THQ Multimedia Department came by to shoot a video that they hope to debut next year at Youth Congress about Band of Survivors.
Then we had Cell Groups and read and talked about Acts 25. After Cell Groups we went to a classroom and talked about what we were going to do after BOS in our community and in our Corps. We filled out what is called a “Corps Ministry Plan” that hopes to focus us on our mission and hold us accountable to all that God is teaching us.
At 6:30 we had some delicious Chinese Food and then we looked at all the pictures that were taken during Band of Survivors. You can view them all by clicking here. It was kind of long but there were many laughs. Then to finish our last night at the CFOT we had two games of Capture the Flag. I was really awesome and tomorrow we are going to Camp Wonderland for Pilgrimage.
Stephen Rivero
Today we had a great start for our day. We had an awesome time during our morning worship session of Pray the Bible. It was one of the best ones that we’ve had, the Spirit of the Lord was there in full force. After that we had lunch and then Erik Hanson from the THQ Multimedia Department came by to shoot a video that they hope to debut next year at Youth Congress about Band of Survivors.
Then we had Cell Groups and read and talked about Acts 25. After Cell Groups we went to a classroom and talked about what we were going to do after BOS in our community and in our Corps. We filled out what is called a “Corps Ministry Plan” that hopes to focus us on our mission and hold us accountable to all that God is teaching us.
At 6:30 we had some delicious Chinese Food and then we looked at all the pictures that were taken during Band of Survivors. You can view them all by clicking here. It was kind of long but there were many laughs. Then to finish our last night at the CFOT we had two games of Capture the Flag. I was really awesome and tomorrow we are going to Camp Wonderland for Pilgrimage.
Stephen Rivero
Friday, July 20, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 24
We had a great morning today; we got to sleep in and woke up to my brother, David, cooking up some scrumptious chocolate chip pancakes!! After we stuffed ourselves with some food we all got our bags packed up and cleaned house! With windows open and Windex in hand, we scrubbed, vacuumed, and mopped up our CFOT home for the remainder of the morning.
After lunch we had our final Salvationism class covering the final chapters (9-10) of The General Next To God. We covered the years of the Salvation Army’s work in China and on Devil’s Island in French Guinea and also how the Army continued after the promotion to glory of William Booth. We’ve had a great time reading and talking through this book. I think everyone can say they’ve learned a lot of the SA history and have been inspired to live a more radical life in Christ through the part of the Church that is The Salvation Army.
The final highlights of the day were in the evening. Personally, I’d been waiting for this outing since last July, but all 23-25ish of us trooped over to the Thai Restaurant “COZYS” for dinner! We had a great time sitting in tight community with each other and enjoying the various dishes (plenty of sharing!!). Once we got back to CFOT we had a massive ‘free-for-all’ Dodgeball night followed by a group viewing of the video of BOS outreaches so far this summer. We had a really fun and joyful day of working together and enjoying each other’s company.
Kirsten Witthoff
We had a great morning today; we got to sleep in and woke up to my brother, David, cooking up some scrumptious chocolate chip pancakes!! After we stuffed ourselves with some food we all got our bags packed up and cleaned house! With windows open and Windex in hand, we scrubbed, vacuumed, and mopped up our CFOT home for the remainder of the morning.
After lunch we had our final Salvationism class covering the final chapters (9-10) of The General Next To God. We covered the years of the Salvation Army’s work in China and on Devil’s Island in French Guinea and also how the Army continued after the promotion to glory of William Booth. We’ve had a great time reading and talking through this book. I think everyone can say they’ve learned a lot of the SA history and have been inspired to live a more radical life in Christ through the part of the Church that is The Salvation Army.
The final highlights of the day were in the evening. Personally, I’d been waiting for this outing since last July, but all 23-25ish of us trooped over to the Thai Restaurant “COZYS” for dinner! We had a great time sitting in tight community with each other and enjoying the various dishes (plenty of sharing!!). Once we got back to CFOT we had a massive ‘free-for-all’ Dodgeball night followed by a group viewing of the video of BOS outreaches so far this summer. We had a really fun and joyful day of working together and enjoying each other’s company.
Kirsten Witthoff
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 23
Rise and shine sleepy heads! That’s how I felt today. When I got up I was really tired, but it was nothing I couldn’t handle. We got up and did some morning worship. It really prepared us for the rest of the day. Today we took part in spreading awareness about Human Trafficking in the LaVillita (Little Village) area of Chicago.
Pilar Dunning taught us about the huge problem that is Human Trafficking and opened our eyes to what the Army is doing today to combat this injustice. Whether it was through forced labor or prostitution we helped raise awareness of this “modern day slavery” by going into many businesses and asking them if we could display Salvation Army posters to combat this issue by providing a 24 hour support hotline. Sex trafficking is when a person is forced to have sex, or can be found through fraud or coercion (threats, failure to accomplish tasks bring harsh punishments, etc.). Labor trafficking is the same type of thing except it doesn’t deal with sex. All of these things go under the category of Human Trafficking.
It was a very successful outreach and the vast majority of businesses in LaVillita welcomed us into their doors and partnered with us to raise awareness.
Gerald Clemons
Rise and shine sleepy heads! That’s how I felt today. When I got up I was really tired, but it was nothing I couldn’t handle. We got up and did some morning worship. It really prepared us for the rest of the day. Today we took part in spreading awareness about Human Trafficking in the LaVillita (Little Village) area of Chicago.
Pilar Dunning taught us about the huge problem that is Human Trafficking and opened our eyes to what the Army is doing today to combat this injustice. Whether it was through forced labor or prostitution we helped raise awareness of this “modern day slavery” by going into many businesses and asking them if we could display Salvation Army posters to combat this issue by providing a 24 hour support hotline. Sex trafficking is when a person is forced to have sex, or can be found through fraud or coercion (threats, failure to accomplish tasks bring harsh punishments, etc.). Labor trafficking is the same type of thing except it doesn’t deal with sex. All of these things go under the category of Human Trafficking.
It was a very successful outreach and the vast majority of businesses in LaVillita welcomed us into their doors and partnered with us to raise awareness.
Gerald Clemons
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 22
Today was a really good day. We got to sleep in and had a wonderful pancake breakfast. In the morning we had a pray the Bible and worship session where we woke up and prayed, worshipped, and read the Bible together. I love these times of corporate worship because we can really feel and sense the Holy Spirit moving and working in our midst and have a good time singing and praying together. We prayed psalms of thanksgiving and worship and thanked God for what he had been doing in and through us.
After that, we went out and played Whirly Ball. Whirly Ball is a game where everyone is in a bumper car and has a racket in their hand. The point is to pick up the ball in your racket and throw it into a net that is on a backboard, like a basketball hoop. It was a lot of fun because we got to play and joke around with each other, cheer each other on, eat, and hit each other with bumper cars.
In the evening we had a Salvationism class where we learned all about the Army’s social outreach work in the 1890’s and what the Army did in the Tokyo red light district in Japan. We were all encouraged to hear that the Salvationists marched out into the red light district and fought for the rights of the oppressed, even though it meant they were going to face bodily harm.
God has been so good to us, he has been teaching us a lot, and we have been noticing and learning that we can do nothing on our own power, but we need his strength, compassion and love.
Justin Rose
Today was a really good day. We got to sleep in and had a wonderful pancake breakfast. In the morning we had a pray the Bible and worship session where we woke up and prayed, worshipped, and read the Bible together. I love these times of corporate worship because we can really feel and sense the Holy Spirit moving and working in our midst and have a good time singing and praying together. We prayed psalms of thanksgiving and worship and thanked God for what he had been doing in and through us.
After that, we went out and played Whirly Ball. Whirly Ball is a game where everyone is in a bumper car and has a racket in their hand. The point is to pick up the ball in your racket and throw it into a net that is on a backboard, like a basketball hoop. It was a lot of fun because we got to play and joke around with each other, cheer each other on, eat, and hit each other with bumper cars.
In the evening we had a Salvationism class where we learned all about the Army’s social outreach work in the 1890’s and what the Army did in the Tokyo red light district in Japan. We were all encouraged to hear that the Salvationists marched out into the red light district and fought for the rights of the oppressed, even though it meant they were going to face bodily harm.
God has been so good to us, he has been teaching us a lot, and we have been noticing and learning that we can do nothing on our own power, but we need his strength, compassion and love.
Justin Rose
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 21
Hey everyone!
Band of Survivors going by SOOPER (yes, I spelled it right) fast, and we all are having great times in God’s love and protection.
What do you guys usually do on Sunday? Let me guess. Waking up early in the morning and going to the corps? Well, that’s what we do here at Band of Survivors, too. We went to Mt. Greenwood Corps located in a Southside of Chicago today and participated in the Holiness Meeting there.
Sounds way too plain? Well, we Survivors never do things that are ordinary, plain, or boring. Our girls came up with an idea having a service completly backwards, and that’s what we actually did today at Mt. Greenwood Corps! We opened up the service with the worship dance, to the song “Shackles” by MaryMary, and ended with the entire congregation singing and worshipping God in joy! I actually think it is better for us to break or think out of the box sometimes and worship God differently or extraordinarily. Why don’t you think of some special ways to worship God today? I am sure God will appreciate your creativity.
Today’s sermon was about “why we sing” spoken by Eric Himes. So why do we sing? We all are God’s creation, so our voice itself is God’s creation as well. We can do lots of things with our voice. We can spread Gospels and good news of Jesus, and I think these are one of the biggest gifts that God has given us. So why don’t we sing THANKS to God?
Also, one of Survivors, Melanie Rozwalka, was enrolled and became a soldier today. I hope and pray that you can warmly welcome her not just as a member of the Salvation Army, but a true and dedicated member of God’s Kingdom.
Like I have mentioned above, Band of Survivors is going by fast, and we have done our best to declare this world that Jesus is alive in our hearts. Please keep praying for Survivors to carry out God’s will!
In Christ, Catherine Park
Hey everyone!
Band of Survivors going by SOOPER (yes, I spelled it right) fast, and we all are having great times in God’s love and protection.
What do you guys usually do on Sunday? Let me guess. Waking up early in the morning and going to the corps? Well, that’s what we do here at Band of Survivors, too. We went to Mt. Greenwood Corps located in a Southside of Chicago today and participated in the Holiness Meeting there.
Sounds way too plain? Well, we Survivors never do things that are ordinary, plain, or boring. Our girls came up with an idea having a service completly backwards, and that’s what we actually did today at Mt. Greenwood Corps! We opened up the service with the worship dance, to the song “Shackles” by MaryMary, and ended with the entire congregation singing and worshipping God in joy! I actually think it is better for us to break or think out of the box sometimes and worship God differently or extraordinarily. Why don’t you think of some special ways to worship God today? I am sure God will appreciate your creativity.
Today’s sermon was about “why we sing” spoken by Eric Himes. So why do we sing? We all are God’s creation, so our voice itself is God’s creation as well. We can do lots of things with our voice. We can spread Gospels and good news of Jesus, and I think these are one of the biggest gifts that God has given us. So why don’t we sing THANKS to God?
Also, one of Survivors, Melanie Rozwalka, was enrolled and became a soldier today. I hope and pray that you can warmly welcome her not just as a member of the Salvation Army, but a true and dedicated member of God’s Kingdom.
Like I have mentioned above, Band of Survivors is going by fast, and we have done our best to declare this world that Jesus is alive in our hearts. Please keep praying for Survivors to carry out God’s will!
In Christ, Catherine Park
Monday, July 16, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 20
Hey there guys! Jeremy K here to give you the D L on the Saturday picnic. We got there and set every thing up including grills, a giant blowup bouncing castle, coolers of drinks, stations for balloon animals and face painting and whatnot; popcorn and snow cone machines, games, and a volley ball net.
Lots of people showed up to join in the fun. Eric Himes lead worship about half way through, followed by a message from Justin Rose. Also some water balloons were brought and plenty of people had fun with those. Some people left pretty soaked.
At 5:30 BOS left for a Christian community in Evanston called Reba Place. After a short Q&A with some of the members they gave us a tour which was pretty crazy. It amazed me how much good they are doing and how they have worked out so many kinks in order to make Christian community work over the years. It is a truly beautiful thing.
That about sums it up. Talk to most of you guys at camp. Love ya’ Mom, Dad.
God’s Love, Jeremy Kistler
Hey there guys! Jeremy K here to give you the D L on the Saturday picnic. We got there and set every thing up including grills, a giant blowup bouncing castle, coolers of drinks, stations for balloon animals and face painting and whatnot; popcorn and snow cone machines, games, and a volley ball net.
Lots of people showed up to join in the fun. Eric Himes lead worship about half way through, followed by a message from Justin Rose. Also some water balloons were brought and plenty of people had fun with those. Some people left pretty soaked.
At 5:30 BOS left for a Christian community in Evanston called Reba Place. After a short Q&A with some of the members they gave us a tour which was pretty crazy. It amazed me how much good they are doing and how they have worked out so many kinks in order to make Christian community work over the years. It is a truly beautiful thing.
That about sums it up. Talk to most of you guys at camp. Love ya’ Mom, Dad.
God’s Love, Jeremy Kistler
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 19
Hey there guys! This is Manny. B, well today Friday the 13th we started of our day with some great blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes, they were so delicious. Than we had cell groups, that went pretty good. After cell groups a group of teens decided to go out and outreach to the community, taking along with them pocket bibles and waters to give out. I was not part of that group I had to stay back and rehearse a dance. I had the desire to go along, but too bad I couldn’t.
Right after the teens came back we were in a rush to head out to Evanston Corps, because the worship band had to practice. Once the Prayer & Praise night started I felt the strong presence of the Holy Spirit. It was such an awesome feeling, I never felt that way ever in my life. During the service Pilar Dunning spoke about Sex Trafficking, and how would we be able to contribute or be more helpful to the program. That was a pretty good Justice Minute, it really opened my heart and I had the desire to be part or to be helpful to that program.
Then Kirsten Witthoff gave the message, talking about “How we need to help out and outreach to the needy and the people who are found to be lost in God’s word”. And one way to be helpful to those people is to seek for righteousness. She also said that it would be the best to outreach with love and with a group of Christians so we would be able to lift each other up and motivate each other so that it can be done the right way.
After Kirsten’s message we had a time of fellowship with the teens that attended the Prayer & Praise night, it went really well. I had such a good day filled with love and grace! Make sure to attend the next Prayer & Praise night September 21st at the Tri-City Corps. I hope to see you guys there!
You’re Friend, Manny Barba
Hey there guys! This is Manny. B, well today Friday the 13th we started of our day with some great blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes, they were so delicious. Than we had cell groups, that went pretty good. After cell groups a group of teens decided to go out and outreach to the community, taking along with them pocket bibles and waters to give out. I was not part of that group I had to stay back and rehearse a dance. I had the desire to go along, but too bad I couldn’t.
Right after the teens came back we were in a rush to head out to Evanston Corps, because the worship band had to practice. Once the Prayer & Praise night started I felt the strong presence of the Holy Spirit. It was such an awesome feeling, I never felt that way ever in my life. During the service Pilar Dunning spoke about Sex Trafficking, and how would we be able to contribute or be more helpful to the program. That was a pretty good Justice Minute, it really opened my heart and I had the desire to be part or to be helpful to that program.
Then Kirsten Witthoff gave the message, talking about “How we need to help out and outreach to the needy and the people who are found to be lost in God’s word”. And one way to be helpful to those people is to seek for righteousness. She also said that it would be the best to outreach with love and with a group of Christians so we would be able to lift each other up and motivate each other so that it can be done the right way.
After Kirsten’s message we had a time of fellowship with the teens that attended the Prayer & Praise night, it went really well. I had such a good day filled with love and grace! Make sure to attend the next Prayer & Praise night September 21st at the Tri-City Corps. I hope to see you guys there!
You’re Friend, Manny Barba
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 18
On our final day and routine at the Evanston Corps VBS was switched up a bit. A group called “Soul Creations” came during the morning and taught the day camp kids some dance routines, and how to play the djembe. Not only were the kids into this, but the staff seemed thrilled to learn a few things as well.
After Soul Creations left we all ate lunch then headed up to the chapel were my cell group preformed a short drama based on the story of the unforgiving debtor (Matt. 18:21-35). After the drama we filled our time with singing songs and playing “Heads Up 7up” with the kids. At the end of the day a few of us stayed back to work on getting some computers up and running while everyone else headed to the park to play games.
It seemed like just as our time at Evanston ended our relationships with the staff and the kids were being to solidify. We could hope that some of the kids and staff would attend to Prayer & Praise Night on Friday and the BBQ on Saturday to continue building those relationships.
Chris Dunning
On our final day and routine at the Evanston Corps VBS was switched up a bit. A group called “Soul Creations” came during the morning and taught the day camp kids some dance routines, and how to play the djembe. Not only were the kids into this, but the staff seemed thrilled to learn a few things as well.
After Soul Creations left we all ate lunch then headed up to the chapel were my cell group preformed a short drama based on the story of the unforgiving debtor (Matt. 18:21-35). After the drama we filled our time with singing songs and playing “Heads Up 7up” with the kids. At the end of the day a few of us stayed back to work on getting some computers up and running while everyone else headed to the park to play games.
It seemed like just as our time at Evanston ended our relationships with the staff and the kids were being to solidify. We could hope that some of the kids and staff would attend to Prayer & Praise Night on Friday and the BBQ on Saturday to continue building those relationships.
Chris Dunning
Friday, July 13, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 17
Today, we went to the Evanston Corps, to help out with there Vacation Bible School program (VBS). We started out with worship songs, and then did a sweet little skit about Joseph. After that we helped the kids make origami prayer boxes. Then we all headed outside for some basketball and did some chalk stuff. I admit, all of the Band of Survivors were a bit tired, but there were a lot of super energetic kids.
After lunch we split into groups, some went around Evanston to hand out fliers for Friday’s Prayer & Praise Night (you should come) and Saturday’s picnic. And the rest went to bring the kids to the YMCA so they could swim. After we finished up we headed back to CFOT. We ended the day with our chores and the girls had a Spirit-filled cell group on the shore of Lake Michigan. That’s it, I’m out!
Melanie Rozwalka
Today, we went to the Evanston Corps, to help out with there Vacation Bible School program (VBS). We started out with worship songs, and then did a sweet little skit about Joseph. After that we helped the kids make origami prayer boxes. Then we all headed outside for some basketball and did some chalk stuff. I admit, all of the Band of Survivors were a bit tired, but there were a lot of super energetic kids.
After lunch we split into groups, some went around Evanston to hand out fliers for Friday’s Prayer & Praise Night (you should come) and Saturday’s picnic. And the rest went to bring the kids to the YMCA so they could swim. After we finished up we headed back to CFOT. We ended the day with our chores and the girls had a Spirit-filled cell group on the shore of Lake Michigan. That’s it, I’m out!
Melanie Rozwalka
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 16
Dear Internet,
Today was an okay day. We woke up really early to get to Evanston Corps and helped out the VBS there. My cell group was in charge of the VBS but I had a really bad migraine so I laid down for most of it. But from what I heard from everyone else, we did well. It was a really good experience to learn how to be flexible and adapt to new environments.
Even though I just listened most of the time—because I was in so much pain—I learned a lot about how much of a challenge it is to run a VBS. It made me feel gracious of my past VBS camps I’ve attended when I was a little person. I’m really glad that everything went smoothly because I could really tell that we were going off the top of our smart heads. Because we worked together collectively we accomplished a lot of things in VBS that we know we couldn’t have done by ourselves.
At the end of the day, we took the kids to the park and played with them for about 30 minutes before we left back for the CFOT. At CFOT we had a nice long talk with the leaders before playing basketball. We had the sickest team. All we needed was Michael Jordan and we would have been the perfect team but we were still pretty good. We also had a really good dinner, rice and sweet and sour chicken (thanks Cathleen!). So all in all it was a good day except for my big headache.
John Kim
Dear Internet,
Today was an okay day. We woke up really early to get to Evanston Corps and helped out the VBS there. My cell group was in charge of the VBS but I had a really bad migraine so I laid down for most of it. But from what I heard from everyone else, we did well. It was a really good experience to learn how to be flexible and adapt to new environments.
Even though I just listened most of the time—because I was in so much pain—I learned a lot about how much of a challenge it is to run a VBS. It made me feel gracious of my past VBS camps I’ve attended when I was a little person. I’m really glad that everything went smoothly because I could really tell that we were going off the top of our smart heads. Because we worked together collectively we accomplished a lot of things in VBS that we know we couldn’t have done by ourselves.
At the end of the day, we took the kids to the park and played with them for about 30 minutes before we left back for the CFOT. At CFOT we had a nice long talk with the leaders before playing basketball. We had the sickest team. All we needed was Michael Jordan and we would have been the perfect team but we were still pretty good. We also had a really good dinner, rice and sweet and sour chicken (thanks Cathleen!). So all in all it was a good day except for my big headache.
John Kim
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 15
Monday’s are our day of rest so today we got to sleep in, relax and read during the morning and afternoon. We had a great time to worship during our morning worship time with the team. Later on we had a Salvationism class (led by, J Rose) where we read “The General Next to God”. We talked about how The Salvation Army helped shut down Brothels and raise the age of consent in England and how Joe the Turk (an insane Salvationist who went to jail 57 times and became the mayor of a town). It was an interesting time and I talking about the boldness that Joe the Turk had helped give us ideas what we can do to attract the crowds and share the gospel today. Though we can’t use tactics like throwing our violin cases on the ground and screaming “It’s going to blow!” and start dancing a jig today (we would probably get arrested) we can do other creative things to share the gospel in our communities. We could think of other things from the Army’s history and just change it up a bit to make them affective today. We also talked about our plans for VBS the next day and we went to bed at 10:29:32 and that’s it. The END
Matt Harvey
Monday’s are our day of rest so today we got to sleep in, relax and read during the morning and afternoon. We had a great time to worship during our morning worship time with the team. Later on we had a Salvationism class (led by, J Rose) where we read “The General Next to God”. We talked about how The Salvation Army helped shut down Brothels and raise the age of consent in England and how Joe the Turk (an insane Salvationist who went to jail 57 times and became the mayor of a town). It was an interesting time and I talking about the boldness that Joe the Turk had helped give us ideas what we can do to attract the crowds and share the gospel today. Though we can’t use tactics like throwing our violin cases on the ground and screaming “It’s going to blow!” and start dancing a jig today (we would probably get arrested) we can do other creative things to share the gospel in our communities. We could think of other things from the Army’s history and just change it up a bit to make them affective today. We also talked about our plans for VBS the next day and we went to bed at 10:29:32 and that’s it. The END
Matt Harvey
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 14
On June 8th The Band of Survivors attended the Midwest Corps holiness meeting. First things first, the Corps which does not normally have youth attend their Sunday School had over 12 youth come. Many of these youth came because of the VBS/Carnival that we helped out with during the week. It was a great blessing to see these kids again.
Major Emmanuel Michaud presented the message based on Colossians 3:1-14. Major focused on the first 3 verses. He shared to the congregation that if you truly are with Christ and belong to Christ you must seek the things above (spiritual things). And after you have sought these things you must set your mind on those things above. NOT on earthly things, because as a believer you have given up your earthly; interests, comforts, luxuries of the world to be hidden with Christ in God.
After the service, the Midwest Corps hosted a potluck for everyone in their gym, which was very delicious (variety=good), not only was the food amazing, but we were able to have excellent conversations with some brothers and sisters of the Corps and few newcomers. We left the Corps around 4pm, with our uniforms still on (which was a humbling experience, as Salvationists wearing our uniform is who we are) and arrived at C.F.O.T. We rested for a few minutes, and around dinnertime we ate pizza. Finally, after dinner we had the night off; some rested, while others talked and read books to fill their mind with Godly things.
1Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. -Colossians 3:1-3 (NASB)
Dan Paredes
On June 8th The Band of Survivors attended the Midwest Corps holiness meeting. First things first, the Corps which does not normally have youth attend their Sunday School had over 12 youth come. Many of these youth came because of the VBS/Carnival that we helped out with during the week. It was a great blessing to see these kids again.
Major Emmanuel Michaud presented the message based on Colossians 3:1-14. Major focused on the first 3 verses. He shared to the congregation that if you truly are with Christ and belong to Christ you must seek the things above (spiritual things). And after you have sought these things you must set your mind on those things above. NOT on earthly things, because as a believer you have given up your earthly; interests, comforts, luxuries of the world to be hidden with Christ in God.
After the service, the Midwest Corps hosted a potluck for everyone in their gym, which was very delicious (variety=good), not only was the food amazing, but we were able to have excellent conversations with some brothers and sisters of the Corps and few newcomers. We left the Corps around 4pm, with our uniforms still on (which was a humbling experience, as Salvationists wearing our uniform is who we are) and arrived at C.F.O.T. We rested for a few minutes, and around dinnertime we ate pizza. Finally, after dinner we had the night off; some rested, while others talked and read books to fill their mind with Godly things.
1Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. -Colossians 3:1-3 (NASB)
Dan Paredes
Monday, July 09, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 13
Today we helped the Midwest Corps have a huge Barbeque Outreach and Carnival complete with balloon animals, face painting, inflatables, food and fellowship. Dietrich, John, Gustavo and I were asked to Barbeque for the visitors and it was fun. It’s a great feeling to know that the food people were eating was prepared with love.
God put us to a test when we were at Midwest. This was our last VBS program at the Corps and God helped us give it our all. Out of the three days of hanging around with children, I have to say that all our work was worth it. It was great, kids were actually having fun without having to fight, curse, misbehave or anything else that was natural to them. God was really in the presence of this program and I know this because during the closing part of the VBS Major Colleen Michaud asked the kids and adults if they truly wanted God to come into their lives. Then after that, over 60 people stood up and gave their lives to God.
Besides the spiritual part of the day, the kids were having their face painted and they jumped around in the inflatable stations. It was a lot of fun. Then later we played a game of Dodgeball and that was a good time though it was a little crazy. It was a great day and we were glad to be a part of what the Lord is doing at the Midwest Corps.
Lemard Fields
Today we helped the Midwest Corps have a huge Barbeque Outreach and Carnival complete with balloon animals, face painting, inflatables, food and fellowship. Dietrich, John, Gustavo and I were asked to Barbeque for the visitors and it was fun. It’s a great feeling to know that the food people were eating was prepared with love.
God put us to a test when we were at Midwest. This was our last VBS program at the Corps and God helped us give it our all. Out of the three days of hanging around with children, I have to say that all our work was worth it. It was great, kids were actually having fun without having to fight, curse, misbehave or anything else that was natural to them. God was really in the presence of this program and I know this because during the closing part of the VBS Major Colleen Michaud asked the kids and adults if they truly wanted God to come into their lives. Then after that, over 60 people stood up and gave their lives to God.
Besides the spiritual part of the day, the kids were having their face painted and they jumped around in the inflatable stations. It was a lot of fun. Then later we played a game of Dodgeball and that was a good time though it was a little crazy. It was a great day and we were glad to be a part of what the Lord is doing at the Midwest Corps.
Lemard Fields
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 12
We had lots of preparation for VBS this week so everyone was really busy trying to get everything for that day we had to teach or do the craft or whatever we had to do. So after Thursday night everyone was really tired from our VBS that day. Today Chris’s cell group did VBS and we had about 40 kids come. We sang a couple songs, made paper bag puppets, played a couple games, and sang our last song. All the kids participated and they all had a lot of fun with it. They were learning some new stuff and so did we. After VBS was over (we were all really tired) we had dinner and then the fire band practiced for the praise and prayer night.
I was so happy because my mom and sister were coming that night. I was having so much fun practicing because it’s fun just to hang out together and have fellowship with each other but also because even if you mess up in practice God hears that you’re praising him and he is happy. Amen. So we practiced for an hour and then before we started our program we had a word of prayer for the band, for the day, and for our leader Eric Himes, who was preaching that night. So our night started with God already knowing things were going to be for him. We were in the presence of the Holy Spirit that night and nothing we did was for any of us, it was all for God.
We all had to stay strong especially when it was testimony time. I shared parts of what we have been doing with B.O.S and all I could think of was what am going to say that will be a revolution to people. Well it didn’t take me very long to then think well what’s the key point that God wants me to point out to people, how does he want me to relate? And then I thought of a conversation with my friend Alisha asking her, “have you ever felt like anything you do no matter how hard or how well you do it, it turns to be bad or pointless”? Then I remembered a bible verse we learned in 1 Corinthians 15:58 that says: “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” So now when I go to a church or do something I remember that verse and know that whatever I do is never useless in the eyes of God.
Ashley Lewis
We had lots of preparation for VBS this week so everyone was really busy trying to get everything for that day we had to teach or do the craft or whatever we had to do. So after Thursday night everyone was really tired from our VBS that day. Today Chris’s cell group did VBS and we had about 40 kids come. We sang a couple songs, made paper bag puppets, played a couple games, and sang our last song. All the kids participated and they all had a lot of fun with it. They were learning some new stuff and so did we. After VBS was over (we were all really tired) we had dinner and then the fire band practiced for the praise and prayer night.
I was so happy because my mom and sister were coming that night. I was having so much fun practicing because it’s fun just to hang out together and have fellowship with each other but also because even if you mess up in practice God hears that you’re praising him and he is happy. Amen. So we practiced for an hour and then before we started our program we had a word of prayer for the band, for the day, and for our leader Eric Himes, who was preaching that night. So our night started with God already knowing things were going to be for him. We were in the presence of the Holy Spirit that night and nothing we did was for any of us, it was all for God.
We all had to stay strong especially when it was testimony time. I shared parts of what we have been doing with B.O.S and all I could think of was what am going to say that will be a revolution to people. Well it didn’t take me very long to then think well what’s the key point that God wants me to point out to people, how does he want me to relate? And then I thought of a conversation with my friend Alisha asking her, “have you ever felt like anything you do no matter how hard or how well you do it, it turns to be bad or pointless”? Then I remembered a bible verse we learned in 1 Corinthians 15:58 that says: “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” So now when I go to a church or do something I remember that verse and know that whatever I do is never useless in the eyes of God.
Ashley Lewis
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 11
Well deserved rest consumed a majority of our morning. Our first activity was cell groups at 10:30, in which we studied Acts 11. And since the interns finished making coffee, Justin was able to join my group. I hope some of you have been reading the devotionals; there is much to be learned from them.
After lunch we headed for our first day at the Midwest Corps. The girl’s cell group did a great job planning the VBS (Vacation Bible School). The children made paper prayer boxes for crafts and performed a play that told the story of Joseph. VBS then ended with a couple of games. We were not sure of what the outcome of children was going to be. Major told that even if only one shows up, then that one will be over consumed with our love. To our amazement, over 20 showed up! What a blessing from God!
After the VBS, the Majors made us a feast with meatballs, chicken, macaroni, and MOUNTAIN DEEEWWWWWW! The majors shared various stories and encounters over their years of Officership. Once at CFOT, much planning was done for the days to come. Our busy day ended with a party for Dietrich’s Birthday. We all sang Happy Birthday as loud as we could. And with a room filled with more than 23 people, you can imagine how loud it got.
I believe that is about it. Keep us in your prayers.
Blessings,
Alex Escobar
Well deserved rest consumed a majority of our morning. Our first activity was cell groups at 10:30, in which we studied Acts 11. And since the interns finished making coffee, Justin was able to join my group. I hope some of you have been reading the devotionals; there is much to be learned from them.
After lunch we headed for our first day at the Midwest Corps. The girl’s cell group did a great job planning the VBS (Vacation Bible School). The children made paper prayer boxes for crafts and performed a play that told the story of Joseph. VBS then ended with a couple of games. We were not sure of what the outcome of children was going to be. Major told that even if only one shows up, then that one will be over consumed with our love. To our amazement, over 20 showed up! What a blessing from God!
After the VBS, the Majors made us a feast with meatballs, chicken, macaroni, and MOUNTAIN DEEEWWWWWW! The majors shared various stories and encounters over their years of Officership. Once at CFOT, much planning was done for the days to come. Our busy day ended with a party for Dietrich’s Birthday. We all sang Happy Birthday as loud as we could. And with a room filled with more than 23 people, you can imagine how loud it got.
I believe that is about it. Keep us in your prayers.
Blessings,
Alex Escobar
Friday, July 06, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 10
Today it was an awesome day. To start off we marched in the Blue Island 4th of July Parade. It was cool (although it was hot) and a good experience. Next, Josh and Jen Polanco invited us to a barbecue at their house. The food was great! After the barbecue some of us went to play soccer and David Witthoff got cut above his eyebrows when a soccer ball collided with his glasses. (That had to hurt!) But, he is good. Later that day we went to watch the fireworks from the future location of the Blue Island Corps. Before the fireworks started we had a good time playing a lot of games and laughed a lot. The Grand Finale of the fireworks was sweet! After the fireworks we left for home (CFOT) and crashed after a really wonderful and long day.
Gustavo Salinas
Today it was an awesome day. To start off we marched in the Blue Island 4th of July Parade. It was cool (although it was hot) and a good experience. Next, Josh and Jen Polanco invited us to a barbecue at their house. The food was great! After the barbecue some of us went to play soccer and David Witthoff got cut above his eyebrows when a soccer ball collided with his glasses. (That had to hurt!) But, he is good. Later that day we went to watch the fireworks from the future location of the Blue Island Corps. Before the fireworks started we had a good time playing a lot of games and laughed a lot. The Grand Finale of the fireworks was sweet! After the fireworks we left for home (CFOT) and crashed after a really wonderful and long day.
Gustavo Salinas
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 9
Today we ate delicious breakfast. It is always a nice thing to eat breakfast. I think we had pop tarts.
Then Kirsten W, Cathleen and I went to the store to buy food for everyone. Everyone else went to Salvationism 2 with David W. When I came back later, during the class, it was really interesting. We are reading The General Next to God, a historical account by Richard Collier, and discussing that during our Salvationism classes. The chapters we went over were about things like the Skeleton Army, and Frederick Tucker-Booth, also known as Fakir Sing (AKA the “Lion of God”).
The Skeleton Army did not like the Salvation Army. They sprang up in opposition to the Salvation Army, and would throw things like dead cats and mud and rotten food and bricks at the Salvationists as they marched through town on the way to a meeting. “Through it all Booth stood bolt upright in his carriage, mud and dead cats hurtling past him, his face a graven mask as he barked crisp orders.” (106)
Tucker was a civil-servant in India when he heard God’s call to the Salvation Army, and he went to England for a while. Then he returned to India with a group of Salvationists. When they arrived on September 19 1882, the “Police-superintendent Harry Brewin loomed in view. “When,” he asked Tucker point-blank, “will the other members of the party land?” Puzzled, Tucker replied, “We are the whole of the Army.” For a moment Brewin was speechless. Martial advance billing had claimed the Salvation Army would “storm” India- but how could three men and a girl provoke bloody riots? “We were expecting you to arrive a thousand strong,” he explained sheepishly.” (92)
This was a time of intense ‘incarnational ministry.’ Tucker demanded that when a Salvationist came to India he or she leave England for good. There was no chance to return when things were too difficult. They also left their English dress behind, adopting instead an Indian style of clothing, with army colours. This was culturally necessary, because as one Indian put it, “We will accept Christ when He takes off His hat, trousers and boots.” (95)
Some notable quotes from General Next To God:
“The best men in my Army are the women” –General William Booth
“If the Devil doesn’t attack us, we ought to attack him.” –Ada Smith
Then in the afternoon we went to the Blue Island corps to practice marching for the Fourth of July parade. We first practiced in the gym of the building, but needed to march farther to get the full effect. So we went to a park down the street, and marched around and around it. This caused a bit of a stir at the nearby swimming pool. As we marched past, children crowded to the fence to watch with great expectation.
I had a prayer shift that afternoon. It was one of the best ones. God was speaking to me about my heart’s condition.
“When we ask Jesus into our hearts, we are asking for love to come into our hearts: we are asking for the embodiment of Love. We want to be such an embodiment. Help me to truly worship you in spirit and truth. I pray you would give me ears to listen to _____ and hear what they truly need.
God, I’ve told people this is what you wanted for my summer, and I am beginning to see more and more why. This is hard Lord, such a time of trial and testing. And maybe all of life will be like this. But it will lead to being gold. The story of Paul’s eyes [Acts 9:18] and the scales falling away, the story of Eustace’s dragon scales coming off [the Voyage of the Dawn Treader, by C.S. Lewis]: This is me father, my heart is coated in these scales. I know you care and love these kids, but my heart is scaled over. Break the crust off my heart. Give me renewed love. I knew I needed to grow in prayer and discipleship (how to) and boldness in sharing Christ, but you don’t look at those things, do you? You see my heart. Those are the exercises that work the kinks out, that get the scales off. Those are the cleansing blood to wash my sin away.” Amen.
Kirsten Aho
Today we ate delicious breakfast. It is always a nice thing to eat breakfast. I think we had pop tarts.
Then Kirsten W, Cathleen and I went to the store to buy food for everyone. Everyone else went to Salvationism 2 with David W. When I came back later, during the class, it was really interesting. We are reading The General Next to God, a historical account by Richard Collier, and discussing that during our Salvationism classes. The chapters we went over were about things like the Skeleton Army, and Frederick Tucker-Booth, also known as Fakir Sing (AKA the “Lion of God”).
The Skeleton Army did not like the Salvation Army. They sprang up in opposition to the Salvation Army, and would throw things like dead cats and mud and rotten food and bricks at the Salvationists as they marched through town on the way to a meeting. “Through it all Booth stood bolt upright in his carriage, mud and dead cats hurtling past him, his face a graven mask as he barked crisp orders.” (106)
Tucker was a civil-servant in India when he heard God’s call to the Salvation Army, and he went to England for a while. Then he returned to India with a group of Salvationists. When they arrived on September 19 1882, the “Police-superintendent Harry Brewin loomed in view. “When,” he asked Tucker point-blank, “will the other members of the party land?” Puzzled, Tucker replied, “We are the whole of the Army.” For a moment Brewin was speechless. Martial advance billing had claimed the Salvation Army would “storm” India- but how could three men and a girl provoke bloody riots? “We were expecting you to arrive a thousand strong,” he explained sheepishly.” (92)
This was a time of intense ‘incarnational ministry.’ Tucker demanded that when a Salvationist came to India he or she leave England for good. There was no chance to return when things were too difficult. They also left their English dress behind, adopting instead an Indian style of clothing, with army colours. This was culturally necessary, because as one Indian put it, “We will accept Christ when He takes off His hat, trousers and boots.” (95)
Some notable quotes from General Next To God:
“The best men in my Army are the women” –General William Booth
“If the Devil doesn’t attack us, we ought to attack him.” –Ada Smith
Then in the afternoon we went to the Blue Island corps to practice marching for the Fourth of July parade. We first practiced in the gym of the building, but needed to march farther to get the full effect. So we went to a park down the street, and marched around and around it. This caused a bit of a stir at the nearby swimming pool. As we marched past, children crowded to the fence to watch with great expectation.
I had a prayer shift that afternoon. It was one of the best ones. God was speaking to me about my heart’s condition.
“When we ask Jesus into our hearts, we are asking for love to come into our hearts: we are asking for the embodiment of Love. We want to be such an embodiment. Help me to truly worship you in spirit and truth. I pray you would give me ears to listen to _____ and hear what they truly need.
God, I’ve told people this is what you wanted for my summer, and I am beginning to see more and more why. This is hard Lord, such a time of trial and testing. And maybe all of life will be like this. But it will lead to being gold. The story of Paul’s eyes [Acts 9:18] and the scales falling away, the story of Eustace’s dragon scales coming off [the Voyage of the Dawn Treader, by C.S. Lewis]: This is me father, my heart is coated in these scales. I know you care and love these kids, but my heart is scaled over. Break the crust off my heart. Give me renewed love. I knew I needed to grow in prayer and discipleship (how to) and boldness in sharing Christ, but you don’t look at those things, do you? You see my heart. Those are the exercises that work the kinks out, that get the scales off. Those are the cleansing blood to wash my sin away.” Amen.
Kirsten Aho
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 8
Waking up after the first night at the CFOT (College For Officer’s Training) was pretty amazing. It was perfect morning of rest. We all took the time to finish up our laundry and just hang out. I took the time to call family and friends who might be far off doing their own thing. Even though I live here at the college I rarely make trips up to my house. After sitting around all morning, we went on to have morning worship along with a pray the bible session. It was an incredible time of pure worship with E. Himes on the guitar and God there to receive our hearts. Then in Pray the Bible we focused on the blessing of God’s redemptive grace that is there for each and every one of us (with Ephesians 1:3-13 and Psalm 51 as our guide).
Once that had ended, we had a break for lunch and then we came back together for what is known as Salvation Circle. For those who don’t know what the Salvation Circle is I’ll explain the concept. As a group you come together and one after the other explain how you found Salvation or better how Salvation found you. While giving your testimony you also speak out what you face today because the sins that we currently have in our lives can and will keep us from salvation if we don’t continue to give them up to God’s plan and purpose for our lives (see the 9th doctrine of the Salvation Army).
It was a freeing experience to say the very least and there are no amount that can be said to truly explain the fact that we are redeemed from our sins. We took the time after each time of sharing to pray for each other because, as we’ve learned through hiding scripture in our hearts (and our BOS Tephillim scripture pouches): “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16. This process took quite a few hours with our twenty-three person Band of Survivors but, it was more than worth it.
That evening I had a prayer shift during the barbecue given to us by the Aho family. I came in at the end and they were laughing it up while playing four square. In that time of prayer I really spoke with God about making a commitment to His ways. I realized that in washing me clean He separates the sins of my past from my present identity. This fact gave great joy with sudden peace but I prayed that it would not burn out. I prayed for fully compassionate, aggressive, love-filled, faithful obedience. In other words I prayed for THE FIRE.
We finished a night with a training college classic Capture the Flag. Our team of CFOTers won the first game and the second game went so long that we just gave up strategy and let them have the win. All in all it was a good day.
Dietrich Hunter
Waking up after the first night at the CFOT (College For Officer’s Training) was pretty amazing. It was perfect morning of rest. We all took the time to finish up our laundry and just hang out. I took the time to call family and friends who might be far off doing their own thing. Even though I live here at the college I rarely make trips up to my house. After sitting around all morning, we went on to have morning worship along with a pray the bible session. It was an incredible time of pure worship with E. Himes on the guitar and God there to receive our hearts. Then in Pray the Bible we focused on the blessing of God’s redemptive grace that is there for each and every one of us (with Ephesians 1:3-13 and Psalm 51 as our guide).
Once that had ended, we had a break for lunch and then we came back together for what is known as Salvation Circle. For those who don’t know what the Salvation Circle is I’ll explain the concept. As a group you come together and one after the other explain how you found Salvation or better how Salvation found you. While giving your testimony you also speak out what you face today because the sins that we currently have in our lives can and will keep us from salvation if we don’t continue to give them up to God’s plan and purpose for our lives (see the 9th doctrine of the Salvation Army).
It was a freeing experience to say the very least and there are no amount that can be said to truly explain the fact that we are redeemed from our sins. We took the time after each time of sharing to pray for each other because, as we’ve learned through hiding scripture in our hearts (and our BOS Tephillim scripture pouches): “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16. This process took quite a few hours with our twenty-three person Band of Survivors but, it was more than worth it.
That evening I had a prayer shift during the barbecue given to us by the Aho family. I came in at the end and they were laughing it up while playing four square. In that time of prayer I really spoke with God about making a commitment to His ways. I realized that in washing me clean He separates the sins of my past from my present identity. This fact gave great joy with sudden peace but I prayed that it would not burn out. I prayed for fully compassionate, aggressive, love-filled, faithful obedience. In other words I prayed for THE FIRE.
We finished a night with a training college classic Capture the Flag. Our team of CFOTers won the first game and the second game went so long that we just gave up strategy and let them have the win. All in all it was a good day.
Dietrich Hunter
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 7
Today was a lot of firsts, it was are first Sunday and are first day at CFOT. Dave W preached on the passage in Romans about being more than conquers. Afterwards the Officers of the corps—Captain Jeff Carr—took us to eat at this great gyro place. When we had finished eating we departed for CFOT. When we got there we unpacked quickly and found out who are roommates would be for the week. We went over the rules and took a tour of the campus. After everyone was all settled in, we went to play, what else but Dodgeball. Over all it was a great day.
Noe Rivera
Today was a lot of firsts, it was are first Sunday and are first day at CFOT. Dave W preached on the passage in Romans about being more than conquers. Afterwards the Officers of the corps—Captain Jeff Carr—took us to eat at this great gyro place. When we had finished eating we departed for CFOT. When we got there we unpacked quickly and found out who are roommates would be for the week. We went over the rules and took a tour of the campus. After everyone was all settled in, we went to play, what else but Dodgeball. Over all it was a great day.
Noe Rivera
Monday, July 02, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 6
Good day all! Today we spent the day at Waukegan Citadel. We put on a car wash for the corps, and we assisted in their rummage sale (I got Unger’s Bible Dictionary for $1!). The people of the corps were very appreciative of our help. The money we raised from the carwash (somewhere over $200) is being used to send delegates to the National Seminar on Evangelism. Partnering with them in this was a good experience. I’ve heard a lot about that conference and it was good that we could help send them there.
The worship band practiced today for Sunday as well. The band is trying to get used to playing together, but it can be hard at first. Still, we’re all good players and we’re ready for Sunday. We’re playing the song Christ is All. I really like that song. It’s a great song, a strong song, and it’s written by an army guy. I like the words.
When we got back to camp we packed a bit so we could leave quickly in the morning. After packing we went down to the pool for a night swim. We played water polo again which was fun. My team lost 11-10. But we had come back from 8-4, so that made me feel better. So that was our day.
David Witthoff
Good day all! Today we spent the day at Waukegan Citadel. We put on a car wash for the corps, and we assisted in their rummage sale (I got Unger’s Bible Dictionary for $1!). The people of the corps were very appreciative of our help. The money we raised from the carwash (somewhere over $200) is being used to send delegates to the National Seminar on Evangelism. Partnering with them in this was a good experience. I’ve heard a lot about that conference and it was good that we could help send them there.
The worship band practiced today for Sunday as well. The band is trying to get used to playing together, but it can be hard at first. Still, we’re all good players and we’re ready for Sunday. We’re playing the song Christ is All. I really like that song. It’s a great song, a strong song, and it’s written by an army guy. I like the words.
When we got back to camp we packed a bit so we could leave quickly in the morning. After packing we went down to the pool for a night swim. We played water polo again which was fun. My team lost 11-10. But we had come back from 8-4, so that made me feel better. So that was our day.
David Witthoff
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 5
Today was marvelous. We began with breakfast and cell groups, studying Acts chapter five. A great lesson on being truthful, and preaching our faith despite the cost. Before lunch we had Salvationism Class, where we discussed chapters one and two of The General Next to God (bio on SA founder William Booth) and learned of Booth’s passion and fervor for the poor and marginalized. Booth did something seemingly simple: he looked around his city and asked, “What do the people here need?” They needed help–physically, emotionally and spiritually. His next step was to dedicate his life to do just that–help, serve, and love. Good thing he did.
Off to the Waukegan Corps–in the afternoon we did several projects including: organizing files and closets, preparing for an upcoming carnival, cleaning, and putting together War Cry’s and flyers to hand out to the surrounding community. After a delicious pizza dinner, we gathered and made final preparations for the evening meeting…and around 7:00p.m. people began arriving for the first Prayer and Praise Night of the summer. The meeting was great–lots of testimonies, worship, and a powerful message delivered by Justin Rose about not settling for anything less than God’s perfect plan (Genesis 11), with a challenge to go where you need to go and do what you need to do in order to be the best you can be for the Lord. We fellowshipped afterwards and departed for camp. Prayer shifts continued throughout the day and we are learning so much already… God is here and we are joyful!
Cathleen Himes
Today was marvelous. We began with breakfast and cell groups, studying Acts chapter five. A great lesson on being truthful, and preaching our faith despite the cost. Before lunch we had Salvationism Class, where we discussed chapters one and two of The General Next to God (bio on SA founder William Booth) and learned of Booth’s passion and fervor for the poor and marginalized. Booth did something seemingly simple: he looked around his city and asked, “What do the people here need?” They needed help–physically, emotionally and spiritually. His next step was to dedicate his life to do just that–help, serve, and love. Good thing he did.
Off to the Waukegan Corps–in the afternoon we did several projects including: organizing files and closets, preparing for an upcoming carnival, cleaning, and putting together War Cry’s and flyers to hand out to the surrounding community. After a delicious pizza dinner, we gathered and made final preparations for the evening meeting…and around 7:00p.m. people began arriving for the first Prayer and Praise Night of the summer. The meeting was great–lots of testimonies, worship, and a powerful message delivered by Justin Rose about not settling for anything less than God’s perfect plan (Genesis 11), with a challenge to go where you need to go and do what you need to do in order to be the best you can be for the Lord. We fellowshipped afterwards and departed for camp. Prayer shifts continued throughout the day and we are learning so much already… God is here and we are joyful!
Cathleen Himes
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 4
Thursday June 28th, a pretty sweet day to remember for all time. Basically we started our 24 hour prayer shifts, Gustavo Salinas went first at 12:00 AM. Each member prays for an hour a day and doesn’t stop until he or she is relieved by the next person to pray. Of course one member is stuck praying for two hours a day since we only have twenty three members. Even though and hour alone talking to God might seem a bit much, none of the kids have complained about it. In fact many have stayed when relieved to pray for even longer. Once you are intimate with God and hour just doesn’t seem long enough.
We went to The Waukegan Corps to do an open air in the park. Our goal was to find kids and parents and tell them about Christ’s love. Most of the kids and adults spoke Spanish and our Spanish speaking members were really awesome in how they could translate and speak to so many people. Many kids came to play with us and receive balloon animals and face paint. Once we had their attention and the parents were assured that we weren’t a threat, we began to talk about Christ’s love for all we used the methods and techniques Barb taught us, and the kids were interested. Hopefully they left knowing that Christ is real and his love is contagious. The kids liked us a lot and afterwards we played for almost an hour. Perhaps open airs aren’t dead.
We returned to the corps and had McDonalds… woot. (dry woot)
Dave Shay
Thursday June 28th, a pretty sweet day to remember for all time. Basically we started our 24 hour prayer shifts, Gustavo Salinas went first at 12:00 AM. Each member prays for an hour a day and doesn’t stop until he or she is relieved by the next person to pray. Of course one member is stuck praying for two hours a day since we only have twenty three members. Even though and hour alone talking to God might seem a bit much, none of the kids have complained about it. In fact many have stayed when relieved to pray for even longer. Once you are intimate with God and hour just doesn’t seem long enough.
We went to The Waukegan Corps to do an open air in the park. Our goal was to find kids and parents and tell them about Christ’s love. Most of the kids and adults spoke Spanish and our Spanish speaking members were really awesome in how they could translate and speak to so many people. Many kids came to play with us and receive balloon animals and face paint. Once we had their attention and the parents were assured that we weren’t a threat, we began to talk about Christ’s love for all we used the methods and techniques Barb taught us, and the kids were interested. Hopefully they left knowing that Christ is real and his love is contagious. The kids liked us a lot and afterwards we played for almost an hour. Perhaps open airs aren’t dead.
We returned to the corps and had McDonalds… woot. (dry woot)
Dave Shay
Friday, June 29, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 3
Hi from Camp Wonderland! We’ve had a long but productive day up here and have spent most of the day learning how to be an evangelist! David Witthoff taught us in the morning session; he started us off with basic definitions about worldviews and religions, and gave us examples on how to share the Gospel with people who have a different worldview/religion. It was an intense session, but we have taken good notes and are better prepared to reach out to others.
After an awesome lunch (loaded baked potatoes!), Barb Higgins came to lead a session on Child Evangelism. It was a fun and informative time as we learned about the gospel ribbons (gold, dark, red, clean, and green colored) and were each assigned parts for a ‘practice’ open air meeting for children. Once Barb had lead us thru the ways to lead a child to Christ, we held an ‘open air’ meeting inside of Beech lounge and had a lot of laughs while refining our evangelism skills.
After a rest period and dinner, we held our cell groups. We focused on Acts 3 and how Peter and John healed the cripple at the temple gates, and how this act gave glory to God and testified to the Lord’s mighty power. We also discussed how this still applies today – we can, and should, be bold in our faith and testify to the power of God in our lives!
During the evening we had a marathon planning session of the coming week’s activities ranging from VBS, to car washes, to holiness meetings, to Prayer & Praise Nights. Our cell groups looked over the events and decided what groups would be planning different events, starting with the Open Air/Carnival at Waukegan Corps Thursday (the girls’ cell group got it). We had a great time planning and learning during the day and we went to sleep excited for our first day of 24/7 prayer shifts and of using the skills we had learned.
It’s been really fun to hang out at camp with each other and learn together. We have really grown close in just the few days we’ve all been together. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts, we feel them very much! Continue to keep us in prayer as we work at Waukegan corps this weekend and as we make the move from Camp to CFOT Sunday. We are healthy and happy, and learning more and more the love of our great Lord!
Kirsten Witthoff
Band of Survivors
Hi from Camp Wonderland! We’ve had a long but productive day up here and have spent most of the day learning how to be an evangelist! David Witthoff taught us in the morning session; he started us off with basic definitions about worldviews and religions, and gave us examples on how to share the Gospel with people who have a different worldview/religion. It was an intense session, but we have taken good notes and are better prepared to reach out to others.
After an awesome lunch (loaded baked potatoes!), Barb Higgins came to lead a session on Child Evangelism. It was a fun and informative time as we learned about the gospel ribbons (gold, dark, red, clean, and green colored) and were each assigned parts for a ‘practice’ open air meeting for children. Once Barb had lead us thru the ways to lead a child to Christ, we held an ‘open air’ meeting inside of Beech lounge and had a lot of laughs while refining our evangelism skills.
After a rest period and dinner, we held our cell groups. We focused on Acts 3 and how Peter and John healed the cripple at the temple gates, and how this act gave glory to God and testified to the Lord’s mighty power. We also discussed how this still applies today – we can, and should, be bold in our faith and testify to the power of God in our lives!
During the evening we had a marathon planning session of the coming week’s activities ranging from VBS, to car washes, to holiness meetings, to Prayer & Praise Nights. Our cell groups looked over the events and decided what groups would be planning different events, starting with the Open Air/Carnival at Waukegan Corps Thursday (the girls’ cell group got it). We had a great time planning and learning during the day and we went to sleep excited for our first day of 24/7 prayer shifts and of using the skills we had learned.
It’s been really fun to hang out at camp with each other and learn together. We have really grown close in just the few days we’ve all been together. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts, we feel them very much! Continue to keep us in prayer as we work at Waukegan corps this weekend and as we make the move from Camp to CFOT Sunday. We are healthy and happy, and learning more and more the love of our great Lord!
Kirsten Witthoff
Band of Survivors
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 2
Hello all, today was a really great day. We spent the day getting to know each other better and growing as a team. In the morning we had a teaching session on spiritual gifts. We learned that we are all the Body of Christ and that we belong to one another. We learned about all of the different gifts that the Holy Spirit gives us and why we have been diversely gifted. We then took a Spiritual Gift Inventory and it was great to see that God has given so many of us with different gifts and that his Spirit is working in and through us.
In the afternoon, we went on the high ropes course out at camp. When we showed up we split into three groups and went up on the course. From the ground it didn’t look that high, but when we were actually up there it looked really high (over 40 feet, I believe). Many of us were scared, even though some wouldn’t admit it. But I am glad to say that all 23 of us successfully did the course and we all had to work together in the process. We were forced to hold hands all the way across and had to use each other so not to fall. It was really hard, but it made us come and work together a lot, as we are going to do all summer.
We then studied Acts 2 and were excited to see that the things the Holy Spirit did at Pentecost are still happening through the Spirit’s power today. We then ate a delicious snack of juice and choco tacos and had a night swim. Some of us played volleyball and others played water polo. It was a really great time to spend together and continue to get to know each other. I really love everyone in this group and I love getting to know them better. We are really starting to get to know each other and are having a really great time with each other.
Cordially,
Justin Rose
Hello all, today was a really great day. We spent the day getting to know each other better and growing as a team. In the morning we had a teaching session on spiritual gifts. We learned that we are all the Body of Christ and that we belong to one another. We learned about all of the different gifts that the Holy Spirit gives us and why we have been diversely gifted. We then took a Spiritual Gift Inventory and it was great to see that God has given so many of us with different gifts and that his Spirit is working in and through us.
In the afternoon, we went on the high ropes course out at camp. When we showed up we split into three groups and went up on the course. From the ground it didn’t look that high, but when we were actually up there it looked really high (over 40 feet, I believe). Many of us were scared, even though some wouldn’t admit it. But I am glad to say that all 23 of us successfully did the course and we all had to work together in the process. We were forced to hold hands all the way across and had to use each other so not to fall. It was really hard, but it made us come and work together a lot, as we are going to do all summer.
We then studied Acts 2 and were excited to see that the things the Holy Spirit did at Pentecost are still happening through the Spirit’s power today. We then ate a delicious snack of juice and choco tacos and had a night swim. Some of us played volleyball and others played water polo. It was a really great time to spend together and continue to get to know each other. I really love everyone in this group and I love getting to know them better. We are really starting to get to know each other and are having a really great time with each other.
Cordially,
Justin Rose
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Band of Survivors Team Update 1
Hello friends and family! Band of Survivors is off and running smoothly. Everyone arrived at DHQ on Monday morning, packed the vans (an incredible Tetris-like accomplishment) and then we got on the road and traveled to Camp Wonderland in lovely Camp Lake, Wisconsin. When we arrived we had a nice picnic lunch and enjoyed the beautiful weather. After lunch we unpacked the vans and dropped off everyone at their cabins for the week; the guys at the always rustic Martin and the girls at Sandpiper.
In the afternoon we had a time where we went over rules and expectations for Band of Survivors. Everyone shared why they are a part of the project and we really heard some great testimonies as to what God wants to do in their lives over the next 28 days. It was a great time of sharing. We had dinner at Camp after that and then had our first Cell Group time. We are studying the book of Acts during the summer (it works out perfectly: 28 days; 28 chapters) and are going through a study called RevoDevos. If you want to follow along with our RevoDevos online, please do so! You can check them out on MetroYouthNetwork.Com.
After that we had a campfire and ate Smores and had a time of worship and prayer around the fire. There’s nothing like the combination of campfire+smores+worship+prayer. It is highly recommended. It was a long day so after all that we went to our cabins to hang out and get ready for bed. Everyone is getting to know each other and we can already tell this is going to be a great summer.
I hope you all are well. Thank you for your prayers and interest. We hope to see you soon. We will also be posting pictures of our first couple days sometime soon. Keep checking back for updates!
Grace,
Eric Himes
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Band of Survivors Orientation Photodoc and Report
Well, Band of Survivors is almost underway. We had a Leaders Meeting last Thursday night and then had Band of Survivors Orientation on Friday. It’s going to be a great summer. We’re really excited to serve and live in community again. We have an excellent leadership staff and a great group of youth who are going to participate in this project.
Here’s some pics of our Orientation:
(Photos courtesy of C. Himes)
Well, Band of Survivors is almost underway. We had a Leaders Meeting last Thursday night and then had Band of Survivors Orientation on Friday. It’s going to be a great summer. We’re really excited to serve and live in community again. We have an excellent leadership staff and a great group of youth who are going to participate in this project.
Here’s some pics of our Orientation:
(Photos courtesy of C. Himes)
Friday, May 25, 2007
Band of Survivors 2007 Team Announcement
It brings me great joy to announce the members of Band of Survivors 2007!
Students
Emmanuel Barba
Gerald Clemons
Lamard Fields
Matt Harvey
Dietrich Hunter
John Kim
Jeremy Kistler
Ashley Lewis
Daniel Paredes
Catherine Park
Noe Rivera
Stephen Rivero
Melanie Rozwalka
Gustavo Salinas
Leadership
Kirsten Aho
Chris Dunning
Alex Escobar
Dave Shay
Kirsten Witthoff
Interns
David Witthoff
Justin Rose
Directors
Cathleen Himes
Eric Himes
Please keep us all in your prayers.
It brings me great joy to announce the members of Band of Survivors 2007!
Students
Emmanuel Barba
Gerald Clemons
Lamard Fields
Matt Harvey
Dietrich Hunter
John Kim
Jeremy Kistler
Ashley Lewis
Daniel Paredes
Catherine Park
Noe Rivera
Stephen Rivero
Melanie Rozwalka
Gustavo Salinas
Leadership
Kirsten Aho
Chris Dunning
Alex Escobar
Dave Shay
Kirsten Witthoff
Interns
David Witthoff
Justin Rose
Directors
Cathleen Himes
Eric Himes
Please keep us all in your prayers.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
2007 Band of Survivors Leaders
The Metro DHQ Youth Department is pleased to announce the following leaders for Band of Survivors 2007.
Kirsten Aho
Chris Dunning
Alex Escobar
Cathleen Himes
Eric Himes
Justin Rose
Dave Shay
David Witthoff
Kirsten Witthoff
This is a great group of leaders and they will be sure to give the Lord their best. We are very fortunate to have them.
We are now in the process of reviewing Band of Survivors applications and will hopefully have the results and a team announcement by this Friday, May 25th. Stay tuned…
The Metro DHQ Youth Department is pleased to announce the following leaders for Band of Survivors 2007.
Kirsten Aho
Chris Dunning
Alex Escobar
Cathleen Himes
Eric Himes
Justin Rose
Dave Shay
David Witthoff
Kirsten Witthoff
This is a great group of leaders and they will be sure to give the Lord their best. We are very fortunate to have them.
We are now in the process of reviewing Band of Survivors applications and will hopefully have the results and a team announcement by this Friday, May 25th. Stay tuned…
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Band Of Survivors Applications Due In Only FIFTEEN DAYS!!!!
Band Of Survivors Applications are due on Friday, May 11th. THAT’S IN ONLY FIFTEEN DAYS!
I can think of at least 36 reasons why you should apply. If you apply and are accepted to Band of Survivors 2007 you may see/experience the following things:
1. Cloud Walking
2. Balloon Holding
3. Friendship Making
4. Together Living
5. Praying
6. Fire Beholding (Holy Spirit and Actual)
7. Teamworking
8. Evangelizing
9. Inflatable Pet Making
10. Face Painting
11. Song Singing
12. Little Kids Befriending
13. Around Clowning
14. Miss Waukegan Meeting
15. Guitar Marching
16. Timbrel Modeling
17. William Booth Impersonating
18. Through The Land, Sweeping
19. In The Light Of God, Marching
20. Fireworks Watching
21. Meal Preparing
22. Beef Stirring
23. Gardening
24. Songbook Searching
25. Screaming
26. Jr. Soldier Knowing
27. Super Power Embracing
28. Street Preaching
29. Prayer Walking
30. Flag Waiving
31. Finger Pointing (The Good Kind)
32. People Meeting
33. Pancake Enjoying
34. Cell Group Bonding
35. Worshipping
36. Life Changing!
Please click here for Band of Survivors application and information.
You can also contact me by phone: (773) 205-3689 or by email: Eric_Himes@usc.salvationarmy.org if you have any questions.
Band Of Survivors Applications are due on Friday, May 11th. THAT’S IN ONLY FIFTEEN DAYS!
I can think of at least 36 reasons why you should apply. If you apply and are accepted to Band of Survivors 2007 you may see/experience the following things:
1. Cloud Walking
2. Balloon Holding
3. Friendship Making
4. Together Living
5. Praying
6. Fire Beholding (Holy Spirit and Actual)
7. Teamworking
8. Evangelizing
9. Inflatable Pet Making
10. Face Painting
11. Song Singing
12. Little Kids Befriending
13. Around Clowning
14. Miss Waukegan Meeting
15. Guitar Marching
16. Timbrel Modeling
17. William Booth Impersonating
18. Through The Land, Sweeping
19. In The Light Of God, Marching
20. Fireworks Watching
21. Meal Preparing
22. Beef Stirring
23. Gardening
24. Songbook Searching
25. Screaming
26. Jr. Soldier Knowing
27. Super Power Embracing
28. Street Preaching
29. Prayer Walking
30. Flag Waiving
31. Finger Pointing (The Good Kind)
32. People Meeting
33. Pancake Enjoying
34. Cell Group Bonding
35. Worshipping
36. Life Changing!
Please click here for Band of Survivors application and information.
You can also contact me by phone: (773) 205-3689 or by email: Eric_Himes@usc.salvationarmy.org if you have any questions.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)