Haiti Team Update - Day 8

Just a quick note to say we're all home safe and sound, and praising God for an amazing week in Haiti.  We can't wait to tell you all about it!

Haiti Team Update - Day 7

Today our team enjoyed part of the day at a beach resort. The ocean was beautiful, the swimming refreshing,  and the rest well earned. We look forward to our return late tomorrow night. 

Haiti Team Update - Day 6

Today was our last day of VBS, which was exciting and sad all at the same time.  The most exciting part was during the opening program and Bible story.  The leader presented the gospel, which had been building all week.  He gave the kids a chance to respond, and 117 kids came forward, indicating that they had received Jesus Christ as their person savior.  Praise God.

As we wrapped up our final VBS session, it hit many of us hard that this would likely be the last time we would ever see these kids again here on Earth.  I'm grateful that because of Christ, and the work this week, we will see many of them again for eternity.  Goodbyes were hard.  There were many tears by both Haitians and Americans.  They have left a lasting mark on our lives too.

During our afternoon ministry, we returned to Cabaret for some village ministry.  We went to a church playground and began playing soccer (football), American football, and basketball.  There was an instant swarm of kids. It's fun to love on these kids, many of whom don't have much to look forward to each day.  While we were there, we met a school teacher who was working on registering kids for school.  While education is important to the future of Haiti, only 2% actually graduate from high school.  While schooling is expected, it isn't provided by the government.  Mission of Hope runs a fantastic school, and is working hard to expand their Christian based schools in the 7 villages they are currently working with.

Our village ministry provides so many opportunities for each of us to connect with Haitians on an individual basis.  I can't possibly summarize them all hear.  All I can do is encourage you to talk with the team members when they return to hear the amazing encounters they had each afternoon.

Haiti Team Update - Day 5

Like each day this week, we started out ministry off with VBS in the morning.  It's fun to recognize names and faces as we get to know the kids, in spite of the language barrier.  As we connect with the kids, we have begun to think of some of them as "our own". As the kids pile off the bus, I find myself looking for "my kids".  I wish we could bring them home with us.  Each day they enjoy singing, crazy contests and games, and work on a memory verse.  While all of this is happening, we become human jungle gyms.  They love climbing, cuddling, and holding hands.  They're also fascinated with our hair.  They love braiding the girls and some of the guys hair.  They find male arm and facial hair interesting, as most Haitians don't have much.

We had a neat honor in the afternoon.  On Monday, we were at Bercy for our afternoon work project. (See Day 3)  Our team did such a great job working on the pastoral and teacher institute and conference center that the foreman asked for us to be reassigned to come back for an extra day.  So we got our sweat on, moving concrete block, backfilling parts of the foundation, trying rebar for the foundation, and a variety of other tasks. While we in no way completed the job, we were able to get large part of the project jump started.  Jake, the foreman, said we saved his crew weeks of work.  We're excited for how God is going to use that facility to further His Kingdom.

Thanks for your prayers and support!

Haiti Team Update - Day 4

Today we began wtih VBS, this time right here at the Mission of Hope main campus.  There were tons of kids.  Each campus runs the same 6 stations, some of which were described in yesterday's post.  Another station is lunch - every kids gets a meal.  For many, this is the only meal they will get all day.

In the afternoon, our team went to the city of Cabaret.  Mission of Hope is working to build a relationship with this city. So we spent the afternoon meeting, talking, and praying with residents.  We have some amazing stories and experiences from this time.  Be sure to ask a team member about it when we return.

We closed our day out with a powerful time of worship with the Church of Hope, here on campus.  It was over 2 hours of passionate and engaging worship.  Amazing.

We're grateful for your prayers and support!

Haiti Team Update - Day 3

Today has been an amazing and exhausting day.  We started early with breakfast, and quickly departed for the village of Bercy, where Mission of Hope has another campus.  We spent the entire work day there, and it was fantastic.

Our day began with VBS.  It's a lot like what you'd expect, because kids are kids.  We traveled from station to station working with the kids.  There were a couple of unexpected stations.  There was a hygiene station, where the kids were taught to wash their hands and brush their teeth.  There was also an agricultural station, where they learned some of the basics of planting basic bushes and fruit trees.  It was fun to work with the kids, even though we couldn't speak the language.

In the afternoon we stayed at Bercy, but began to do some manual labor.  We helped in the building of a pastor and teacher institute.  This will have a huge impact in the country for years to come.  They hope to have it completed by January, which is when they have their first conference scheduled.  A pastor can attend as long as he brings 5 farmers and 1 teacher to be trained.  Many of our team tied rebar for hours for the foundation.  Others backfilled gravel and dirt.  We also dug trenches for future footers.  Words cannot describe the intensity of the sun, or the gallons we both drank and sweated today.

We're back on campus, enjoying cold showers, and waiting for dinner.  We will sleep well tonight.

Haiti Team Update - Day 2

Today has been amazing and eye opening.  We started our day with a tour of Mission of Hope.  This took nearly an hour and a half, because of the large scope of their ministry.  The campus is 72 acres and it seems that they are using every inch of it for ministry.  We learned about their orphanage, housing 63 kids on campus, their medical clinic, their dental clinic, their food distribution center (69,000 meals a day), the prosthetics and the 3-cords ministry (a place for amputees to work).

Our tour ended outside of the church, just in time for service.  We joined nearly 1500 Haitians for a powerful worship service.  It was over 2 hours long, but never felt long, even when most of it was in Creole. Singing familiar worship songs in English while our Haitian brothers and sisters sang in Creole was moving.  Then the pastor preached, with energy and passion, about the importance of the biblical family, and the responsibility of the various family members.

The last part of our day was a tour of their village ministry in Bercy, followed by lunch a local Haitian restaurant.

Tomorrow we begin our morning VBS ministry and afternoon village and construction ministry.  Please continue to pray for us.  Not only that we would be heathy and safe, but that we would have an impact for His Kingdom, and that we would learn to see people they way Christ does.

Haiti Team Update - Day 1

We're here! After a long day of travel, we have arrived at Mission of Hope, in Titanyen, Haiti. (Click here to see it on the map.)



Before signing off, we would like to remind you of a few things:

• Prayer Meeting: There will be a prayer gathering for the team on Sunday, July 28^th, from 6-8 pm at the home of Ed and Lorraine Predota. You can contact the church office or the Predota’s directly for more info and directions.
• Return Info: The team plans to return to PHBC late on Saturday, August 3 (or possible after midnight). We are departing Port-au-Prince, Haiti at 2:31 pm on Delta Airlines flight #684. We have a brief layover in Atlanta, GA, and will arrive on Delta Airlines flight #1096, scheduled to arrive at 10:53 pm.  It will take some time for us to disembark and get through baggage claim. We will return to the Youth Center by church vehicles.  If you’re picking up a team member, they will call to let you know that we've arrived, and when to expect them back at the church, probably somewhere around or after midnight.  Please be flexible.
• Communication and Updates: No news is good news. If we have internet access, we will share periodic updates on this blog. 
• Tropical Storm Dorian: The PHBC Haiti Mission Team leaders and Mission of Hope are committed to the safety of all participants.  Currently, it looks like Tropical Storm Dorian may weaken to a "tropical depression" by the time it passes above Haiti.  Wind and rain are predicted along the northern coast (not our region.) We will take all prudent safety precautions.  

We are grateful for your prayers and support!
2013 Haiti Mission Team

Christmas Celebrations

Our Youth Ministry, like so many years in the past, took an opportunity to share the joy of Christ through song at a local retirement home.  We had a blast sharing and singing Christmas Carols.  We also passed along some of the Christmas cheer with gift donation - giving presents to boys and girls who otherwise might not have anything this season.

The rest of the evening was spent laughing and playing as we enjoyed our annual Christmas Party, including an ugly sweater contest.  What fun.

Word of Life Superbowl Outreach

In November our Youth Ministry had a fantastic evening of fun and outreach at the Word of Life Superbowl.    Our teens invited their friend to join us for an all night of extreme excitement.  We enjoyed a Monsters Hockey Game, followed by an amazing youth rally on the ice with games, raffles, contests, and give-aways.  The Gospel was presented in a powerful way, and many responded to the invitation to make Christ their Lord and Savior.  This was followed by a pizza party and hours of bowling, inflatables, sports, and games.

Christian College Tour

Choosing the right college is a difficult decision for many of our teens.  There are many good options.  However, private Christian Universities don't often have the same exposure with our students.  As our teens move away from home and venture out into life on they own, it's important that they pursue God as they pursue their education and vocation.  That's why each year we take our upperclassmen on a Christian College Tour.  This give them the chance to checkout schools that will work hard to balance academics and spiritual formation.

This year we visited Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Cedarville University, Taylor University, Indiana Wesleyan University, Moody Bible Institute, and Wheaton College.

Cans for Good

On Sunday, November 4^th, PHBC's Youth Ministry turned trick-or-treat into an opportunity to bless those less fortunate.  Teens went out to their neighborhoods collecting non-perishable food items.  The food items were counted, sorted and then donated to the PHBC Food Pantry and  local food pantries.  This annual food drive has provided for many local families in need.  We were able to collect over 1200 non-perishable food items!

Youth Mission Trip 2012 Video

Youth Mission Trip 2012 Days 3-4

The week is flying by! We are making significant progress at each of our work sites.  We’re also building relationships with and loving on the kids at the day camps for the disabled.  It has been exciting to see how God is working both in and through us. 

Yesterday after another hard day’s work, the group had the night off, so we went to a nearby state park. We spent some time down by the beach swimming and recreating, grilled up some perfect burgers, and ended the night with meaningful sharing and an outdoor worship session.

Our youth has connected well with the other church groups sharing LifeStream with us for the week. And our Worship Team has been phenomenal at leading both the morning and evening programs.

One of our youth crews is spending the week at an animal shelter. The woman who runs the shelter is Beth. The crew members who have spent the week with her will have plenty of stories to share about this incredible person. They spend their days doing anything that needs to be done, especially the dirty work of cleaning up after all those adorable animals.

The teens have had a chance to see the James passage in action. “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (v.17) Jesus is the life – the guarantee of what is to come and the sustainer of the faith we live by now.

Pray for our team: that they would have energy to finish strong and that they would look for God to work. 

Youth Mission Trip 2012 Day 2

We are finally here! After months of planning and praying our group made it safely on Sunday afternoon to the beautiful area of Botavia, a small city outside of Cincinnati. LifeStream Christian Church is our base of operations. The amenities are simple, a stretch from what most of us are used to back home. But spirits are high and the group has exhibited a mature attitude of willingness every step of the way.

The mission team of 34 was divided among a number of smaller crews, which were then assigned to roughly half-a-dozen local ministries. Two of the largest assignments were Stepping Stones and Matthew 25 ministries. Stepping Stones is a day camp for disabled children. Each worker was assigned to an individual camper to spend the day with. Their activities included water games, board games, dance parties, boating, fishing, and valuable one-on-one conversations.

Another handful of crews spent the day at Matthew 25 ministries. Matthew 25 takes in donations of everything from clothes to household supplies and sends them to groups in need all over the world. Our teams spent the day stuffing pillows and mixing paint. These options allowed our team members to connect with other students from around the country as well as a chance to get messy.  

Before the trip every member of the team was asked to memorize James 2:14-19. This short passage discusses the relationship between faith and works. It begins as such, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?” Every member on this team at one point in their lives has made a claim to faith in Christ. Week of Hope asks the same question as James, what good is a motionless faith? Pray this week that as our teens move their bodies, God will move their hearts.

Youth Mission Trip 2012 Day 1

We arrived safely in Cincinnati. More to follow as internet connection allows. (No easy access.)

Parent Page 2012-03-26

Hello Parents,

They say time flies when you’re having fun, and it’s true.  I’m having so much fun with your teens – watching them grow and mature. I have great respect for you as you take on the hard work and responsibility of “bringing them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4) Our Youth Ministry strives to help you with this. To that end, here are some details on upcoming programs and events that I believe will help them continue to find and follow Jesus Christ.

Wednesday April 4 & 11 – No Youth Group or Family Night (Easter Break)

Monday, April 9 & Wednesday, April 11, 10am–2pm – Spring Service Projects

· Come ready to serve! We will be serving both the local community and our church ministries.

· Bring work gloves and a bagged lunch.

Saturday, May 26 – 7^th Grade Welcome Party

· Upcoming 7^th graders and their parents are invited to join us for games, a cookout, and an introduction and overview of our Youth Ministry. (Time and place TBA in a future mailing.)

· This will be an opportunity to meet our Youth Pastor, Youth Leaders, some of our current students, and to ask questions.

Graduation Sundays

· We will honor our Seniors during the 11 am service on Sunday, June 10^th.

Seniors are to submit the following by email to DanAdams@phbaptist.org by Sunday, May 6^th:

Personal Information Update: (As you want it to appear in these programs)

Full name

School you’re graduating from

Post-graduation plans (as best you know – i.e. work, college/university, anticipated major, etc.)

Pictures:

Several (5-7) clear pictures of yourself (digital files are strongly preferred, but prints are acceptable, and will be returned)

Senior pictures and headshots are great

· A special Sunday School Celebration will be held during the 9:30 youth service on Sunday, June 17^th.

Monday, June 18 – Thursday, June 21 – FOCUS Sports Camp

· Parents and teens can serve in a variety of positions, including coaches, assistant coaches, and blue shirt workers

· For more information go to www.focussportscamp.com or contact Pastor Jeff to sign up to help at Jeff@phbaptist.org

Saturday, June 23 – Saturday, June 30 – Word of Life Island Summer Camp

· There’s still time to get deposits in before the Early-Bird deadline of 3/29.

· Word of life Island is located in Schroon Lake, NY, in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, approximately 10 hours away.

· This camp offers some of the best available activities, camper care and supervision, and spiritual growth opportunities.

· This will be a week of excitement, fun, team competitions, sports tournaments, hilarious and impacting skits, swimming, tubing, engaging Bible study, and much more.

· Camp costs $329, including a $75 deposit due by 3/29 ($359 after 3/29)

Fundraising will help defray costs – including our annual Spaghetti Dinner on 4/29

Scholarships may be available (contact Pastor Dan Adams for more info)

Waiver and Camp Health Forms can be downloaded from www.oneeightyone.org

Final payment and forms must be turned in by 6/3

· More information can be found at www.oneeightyone.org and www.wolisland.org

Sunday, July 16 – Friday, July 20 – Vacation Bible School

· VBS is a week of fun, not just for the kids, but for the workers as well

· Nearly everyone can find a place to serve – contact Pam Scott for more info at pamscorner@phbaptist.org

Sunday, July 22 – Friday, July 27 – Week of Hope Mission Trip

· Applications are still being accepted, but are due ASAP!

· If you’re interested in chaperoning, please contact me ASAP.

· Bakers for the Dessert Auction & Workers for the Dinner are needed – contact PD to volunteer.

· Cost for the trip is projected at $300, including a $25 deposit due with application.

Important Dates:

4/22      Training #1

4/28      Spaghetti Dinner Setup 9 am – 12 pm

4/29      Spaghetti Dinner & Dessert Auction

5/27      Training #2

6/10      Training #3 (date change)

7/15      Training #4

7/22      Leave from PHBC for Cincinnati, mid-morning

7/27      Return to PHBC – approximately 11 pm

· More information can be found at www.oneeightyone.org and www.groupweekofhope.com

I realize that this letter is full of information and details – but I want to make sure you and your teens have every chance to take full advantage of these opportunities.  More information will be coming your way through the Pulse and email as each event approaches. As always, updated information is posted at www.oneeightyone.org. Please let me know if we can help with any of these events, or assist you and your teen in growing closer to Christ.

I’m praying for you and your family!

Dan Adams

Pastor of Student Ministries

One Eighty One Student Ministries

Parma Heights Baptist Church

DanAdams@phbaptist.org

(440) 886-6100 Ext. 108

Student Ministries 2012

NYC Mission Trip 2011

Day 4 July 26, 2011

Today was an extremely long day.  We were told last night that today would the most demanding day physically, and that we should not expect the same positive reception, or results as yesterday.  We started off the day by canvassing Woodside, the neighborhood in Queens where we are staying.  It was not a crowded area, but the sun was out, and we had the opportunity to have deeper conversations with the fewer people we came across.  After lunch, Sam took us to Union Square in Manhattan where we were surrounded by more locals than tourists.  The atmosphere was fast paced and crowded, and rejection and insults more frequent.  The group as a whole was more intimidated than yesterday.  One of our teens, Breahna Phillips said, “It was way more intimidating, but that was good, because we had to push ourselves to rely on God.”  Although it was long and mentally exhausting, the team remained faithful and hopeful that the Lord would work through us, despite the intimidation and awkwardness. 

After our time at Union Square, we walked 40 minutes south to the projects in the Lower East Side of Manhattan.  There, we organized children’s meetings right in the center of the Avenue D projects.  We invited the local children and their parents that were gathered in the area to come to our free program.  The programs were complete with songs, a rope trick, an interactive word puzzle, and a story.  We were amazed at the turnout, and even more amazed at how excited the kids were, how much they participated, and how well they behaved!  In all we reached over 30 kids and many of their parents who came to watch, or were sitting close by.  When we finished around 7:00 p.m., our feet were hurting, we were tired, thirsty, and hungry, but we all had smiles on our faces.  It was so much fun to be with the kids.  It made the 40 minute walk back to Union Square for dinner not so bad.

When we made it back to the church at 9:45, we had a quick meeting with Sam to talk about the results for the day.  We were not expecting to have as high of numbers as yesterday, but once again God showed his power.  Sam added all the numbers, and in total, we gave the complete plan of Salvation 133 times, and 11 decisions were made for Christ!  We ended the night thanking God, and praying for our prayer focus, natural disasters.  Lights out was 11:15, and I have never seen so many teens go to bed as fast as they did tonight!

Please continue to pray for the safety of the team as we travel to Brooklyn today.  Each day has been more physically and mentally challenging than the day before, and we appreciate all the prayers from back home!

NYC Mission Trip 2011

Day 1.  Saturday, July 23, 2011

Praise God!  After 12 hours, and one broken down vehicle, all 29 members of the mission team made it to Woodside Community Baptist Church, in Queens, New York.  The trip was not without its side tracks, as God showed us right away that our plan is not always His plan.  About half way through our drive to NYC, one of the vans decided it was time to shut down.  After a brief 20 minute rest, it started up again and we were back on the road.  We made it all the way to New Jersey, less than a quarter of a mile from the George Washington Bridge that leads into New York City, when the van once again, decided to shut down.  This time it was in the middle of a traffic jam.  Thankfully, the guys were able to push the van to the side of the road, while the girls made their way to the church in the other vehicles.  An hour and a half later, the van was given a jump by port authority, and is currently at a local garage waiting to be fixed.  The teens showed great maturity through being flexible and doing everything without griping or complaining.  God showed His provision by keeping everyone safe through potentially harmful circumstances.

When the girls arrived to the church, we were reintroduced to Sam Frey, our guide for the week, and his three summer interns, Amanda, Makayla, and Micah.  We unpacked the trailer and waited for the guys to arrive by enjoying some New York style pizza for dinner (messy!).  When the whole group was finally back together again, we had a brief together time where we discussed the house rules for the week, and found out that there are two, yes, two showers for a group of over 30 to share!  To end the night we had mail delivery, which is cards and letters that family and friends back home have written to the team.  The mail will continue daily throughout the week, and is a source of encouragement to everyone.  We finally had much anticipated lights out at about 12:30! 

Please pray that the van situation will be easily fixed, and not an issue that will hinder our ministry here this week.  Please continue praying for the team, that we will be stretched this week as we allow God to use us for His Glory.  Pray also for the physical needs of the team, as it is expected to be a hot week, and we will be spending 8-10 hours a day on the streets of NYC.   Finally, pray that God will open up divine appointments this week for us to share the Good News of the Gospel.