August 2012 Newsletter

From the ground running in Georgia:

We have seen a large increase to the number of new middle and high school students who have checked out events either put on by Club or events partnered with other Chapels on the installation. God is blessing the work here. One student named Jaime (hi-meh) whom I met at the gym a couple weeks ago.   While I was playing basketball with him on a team, he shared how he plays baseball and loves boxing.  He asked what I did for a living and I shared the background of what I do and he was amazed.  He even went on saying: "I've never met a youth pastor guy who comes and plays ball like you do."  He even went further sharing a very impactful quote – “I haven’t been in church in over 3 years.”  Wow…..this IS why I do what I do with students like him. To reach those who would never embark the steps of a chapel or church. To show him Christ, even on a basketball court.

Jaime and his buddies at the bowling alley together.

Most recently, we attended a chapel fellowship bowling event and I invited Jaime to come along.  Not only did he come, but he also invited 3 of his high school buddies to come and hang out.  Praise God!  This is just one small snapshot of how God has made things grow in just a short time of obedient daily walks through the muck and mire of doing the ministry.  I feel this story about Jaime will be not the only one to share by year's-end, but many more to come.  Truly I feel blessed every day I wake up doing this ministry we get to call our calling and occupation.

When I arrived on the ground at Fort Stewart/HAAF, I wasn't sure what to fully expect in the ministry here for Club Beyond.  I was integrated very well with the outgoing Community Director and introduced to the right people to get myself more acquainted with ministry here.  Now with my feet fully on the ground for just over one month, I feel God is preparing to move huge mountains in our area of ministry. There has been an 'old way' mentality with some people here which has been a bit of a challenge but also an opportunity in the same breath.  We have gone through an overhaul of a culture and climate change of what Club Beyond really is here on Fort Stewart/HAAF.  Utilizing relationship building and the continual use of Facebook to inform people on the installation has been pivotal.  The connection with PWOC has grown on Fort Stewart which has blessed us ten-fold already.  Adults have shown an interest to grow the ministry are have joined us in praying over the ministry.  Many have stepped forward to pray about joining our leadership team and work alongside these teens.  As word gets out throughout the installation that Club Beyond is here to stay and partner with the Chapels here and support our soldiers' families, I truly believe God is going to do something epic at Fort Stewart/HAAF.

A group of teens together playing a game at Fort Stewart.

Continue to pray over both installations as many people desire to grow spiritually.  Your prayers are being heard as I saw the largest community of youths together at Club Beyond since being on the ground. God is great and word continues to spread. Pray for adults to partner with us in ministry.  It will be imperative for great leaders to join the mission and vision of what God is doing here.

I am continually honored and humbled to serve the youth of those families serving our country.  God honors that daily for me.