Youth ministry in my neighborhood.

Yesterday I got to lead youth group over at the church.  A 15 minute lesson usually takes 30-45 minutes.  These kids attention span is about 30 seconds.  Some less.  We talked about John 15:12-17, where Jesus gives the command to love one another.  Good discussion.  Maybe it will sink in.

Today was bike club.  At first, Daniel and Mario were there.  We raked the front of the church and filled the dumpster half full of these pine cone things.  then when Adrian got there, we rode our bikes up to City Park.  A beautiful park up on the hill with a great view (if you don't mind looking down on I-70 and the train yards.  This park is busy when the weather gets nice.  Unfortunately, a lot of youth get in trouble here on the weekends.  Then we went to the tienda for Takis and Jarritos.  Then we rode back to the church for our weekly soccer game.  Afterwards, Dana and I helped Mario with his homework.  It is awesome just to talk about life with these boys.  Besides, what 51 year old wouldn't just jump at the chance to pop wheelies with a bunch of 14 year olds!

I have to opportunity to go to the Philippines this next month with Pastor Michael.  We will spend 2 weeks with the missionaries our church supports, Rey and Lina Descalzo.  They pastor a small church there and do all sorts of out outreaches.

We will be gone the last 2 weeks in March.  I'd love to get my house ready for drywall by then.  So the blitz is on.  I have some more wiring to do.  All of the outlets and switches boxes are in and 800 feet of wire has been pulled.  I'm meeting with a plumber this morning to figure out the kitchen.

Here is a little bit about the ministry in the Phillipines: DC Missions - Philippines

I am really excited to get to go on this trip to be able to share God's love and join in with what God is doing  in the Philippines and also to spend some time with Michael.

I'll just be 2 more weeks behind schedule on things here!

Ouch -> Opportunity

So yesterday after a great weekend, I was working on installing some recessed can light in our kitchen.  I hit my thumb with my hammer. I haven't done this in a while and forgot how much it hurts.  Noted, don't do that again. Maybe using nail guns is safer.  Anyway.  I quit working a little earlier and decided to ride my bike around the block to somehow relieve some of the pain.  Biking always helps.  I stopped up the street to say hi to Kenny and met a family from Bosnia that is living in the same house.  They have 2 kids, one is autistic, and can't find work.  Then I rode home and had to jump my bike off of the curb; just had to because it was there.  A neighborhood kid saw me and said something.  I stopped to say hi and met Eric.  He likes bikes too.

This all reminded me that to be a part of a neighborhood, the best way is to be out in the neighborhood.  This brief series of events was encouraging.  We will have many opportunities to share God's love.

Youth Group tonight, Bike Club tomorrow.   Now back to wiring my house so I can get out in the neighborhood more.

Ben Cohen fixes the budget.

Our February Newsletter

Here is the link to our February Newsletter.  We want to thank you all for your love, prayer, and support of our family and ministry!

February Newsletter

Snow Day

Youth group was cancelled last night and I cancelled bike club for today. That doesn't mean that kids still won't show up at my house this afternoon.

No snow day here. I'm getting a lot done on the house with no distractions, no where to go. I have most of the framing done. I'll need to get more lumber once the roads are clear. Next we take on the electrical.


This quote came up on my Quote of the Day;

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.


Mark Twain (1835-1910)