May 2015 Newsletter

During the last Club of the semester, our students had the opportunity to share about the impact of Club this past year.  Here is what they had to say:

                “The definition of Club: an organization dedicated to a particular interest or activity. Beyond: at or to the further side of. Together, Club Beyond is an organization that is dedicated to God and we go way further than before. In 7^th grade, I came to Club on and off and I didn’t get the full meaning of Club Beyond. But now, in 8^th grade, I get it. Club is for us. They have become my second family.” (Isabella C. – Stewart MS teen)

Micah and I as we embrace
before the end of his last Club.

AJ and I during the last Club.

Riley (right) and Shelby hugging as they
consoleone another during their share time.

                “At first I felt it would be the same as any other youth group with cliques, popular kids, and so forth, but here everyone is the same. They love you regardless and accept you for who you are no matter what. No matter your faith we all come together regardless of your denomination. Originally I thought I would not fit in and get odd looks or treated differently because I was Catholic but quite the opposite occurred. We all work toward growing in our faith backgrounds right where you are. Plus, I don’t know how he does it, but every week this year, I felt like Mr. Phil’s talks were directly for me. It was like he could read my mind and talk into what I was going through.” (Riley O. – Stewart HS teen)

A big crew of students expected to move this
coming summer from our high school Club.

                “I am more inclined to read and dig into God’s Word regularly because of this year’s talks and Bible studies each week.” (Nico G. – Hunter MS teen)

                “Until Club, I had been bullied for a long time based on how I looked and tried to fit in and even my family didn’t really understand me. Club gets me and accepts me for who I am and I love it here.” (Kenzie W. – Hunter MS teen)

Melissa G. (standing) as she shares the impact of the talks
specifically upon Romans 5:8. 

                “Because of my time here and with Club, I have become the young woman God has inspired me to be. My experience with the passing of my grandpa and then attending summer camp the first time brought me to the place to forgive myself and removing regret of not spending enough time with my grandpa before his passing. Club this past year has shown me a new way of God’s love and how can we not be moved by a God that loves us SO much that he sent us His Son?” (Melissa G. – Stewart HS teen)

Who doesn't love ice cream for the last Club!?

A large group of Stewart middle school teens who will depart
from our midst this summer. 

                “A year ago, I was drinking heavily and in the past year, I have stopped from that way of life because of Club.” (Christian H. – Hunter HS teen)

The Hunter Club crew watching
the end of yearslide show.

                “When I first started coming, I didn’t really want to be here. I remember first meeting Mr. Phil when I came for the first time. I ended up missing a lot of weeks but still Mr. Phil was there and he remembered my name from the time I first came. He still treated me as I am loved and that I belong here. Who does that kind of thing!?” (Hasaan W. – Stewart MS teen)

The panel of Hunter teens sharing the impact of Club over
this past school year. 

                 “Club Beyond has helped me in a lot of ways. It has helped me better with understanding the Bible and the basic stories. Club has taught me how to display virtues in real life scenarios. Another way Club Beyond has helped me is with deployment. Right now my dad is stationed in Romania and Club has helped me stay calm and not worry so much about the days when he is gone. Lastly Club has helped me meet new people around may age that understand what I am going through!” (Ella W. – Hunter MS teen)

                “At Club, Mr. Phil and the other leaders care about your interests and you personally, instead of forcing you to be interested in what they are interested in. This place leads us to do what we are passionate about – that’s home. The leaders love to see God’s talents of who you are supposed to be.” (Matt M. – Stewart HS teen)

Us with Shelby on
her final Club.

                “Until coming to Club, I always thought I was doing worship wrong. I felt like I couldn’t ever get it right. Now I know I am worshipping God in the way He desires from me. I used to doubt myself and who I was until I came to Club and now I am not afraid to be who I am.” (Shelby H. – Stewart HS teen)

To say that we were speechless would be a desperate understatement. Our teens have been impacted and feel as if they’re part of a family. It’s God’s family to them. It’s home. Just as many teens have shared with leaders and others: 

             “Somehow Mr. Phil just knows when life is crumbling and he can look past it all and show you that you matter to someone and God.”

The HS Club group praying over our departing youth.

Our teens matter. Although this part of the year is a sad one with farewells and memories of the school year together, they gathered in a place and shared how their lives have changed.  Each one of you who are ministry partners through your prayers and your finances are a part of this change. We thank you. We are humbled to hear what God has done in and through this past year. Continue to pray for us in the next season of summer and for the next harvest of teens to call this place – home.

The HS crew enjoying ice cream
together on the final night. 

The Hunter group watches as the panel
of students share with them.