Impact Intern Spotlight: Samuel Kinnin

Samuel Kinnin is a 20 year old, sophomore at the University of Mary Hardin-
Baylor. He is a first year intern with Impact. Samuel is a coffee enthusiast,
loves to travel, and has a passion for missions.

 

Piece by Piece

 

 

Everyone has a story to tell. It is what makes us unique. This summer, I’ve had the opportunity to listen and share these stories and it has been the greatest pleasure. With every moment, every person, every story each crafted by God a piece of my own came into place. Piece by piece my story has come together.

 

The smile of a child who has just accepted Christ, a woman moved to tears through the laying on of hands, a suicidal teen realizing he has a friend in Jesus. This is why we do what we do. The Impact team is much more than just a camp speaker. Each of us have to make the choice to surrender before the Lord and present ourselves as living vessels. Surrendering is not something that comes naturally. Before this internship, I thought I had surrendered everything in my life to God, but I quickly realized that was not the case. I had surrendered a majority of my life, but God wanted total surrender. There are countless scriptures on dying to yourself, but one of my favorite is Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I that lives but Christ that lives within me.” In order to totally surrender, I had to push myself outside of my comfort zone every day, truly die to myself daily and have the mindset of Christ, I had to have God as my first thought of the day. This internship taught me what dying to myself looked like and I will always be grateful for this lesson.

 

It is crazy to think that this internship has just come to an end… In the beginning, I questioned why I was there, but now I couldn’t imagine my life without this experience. God has done so much throughout this month and a half or should I say year. One adventure always leads to another… I had prepared for a missions internship in Central America and the day had finally come. I hopped off the plane to find the missionaries and saw someone I hadn’t seen in years, NYD Randy Lawrence. I was thrilled to see him in a place I least expected. As we began to talk about Impact, the thought of coming on this internship for public relations popped into my head. I began the process of praying over this for the next four months and felt immense peace about this opportunity. Although I was excited for the internship, I almost had to quit because the funds were not coming in. I couldn’t see the funds coming in, but Fiona and Randy agreed with me in prayer and I went into the internship by faith believing they would come in. Thanks to the help of my local pastor and several others, I was able to finish out the internship funded. If you are thinking about this internship I encourage you to never give up on God and to walk by faith. He will meet your every need.

 

I cannot express enough gratitude for the memories and experiences I had on this internship. I became more confident in both public relations and ministry. The Impact team works with you to make sure you have the best experience possible. From praying over others, to leading games and activities, to being a social media manager, to being a camp counselor, I was always given new ways to serve and grow outside of my comfort zone. It has been an incredible summer and I cannot wait to see what God does through this internship in the lives of others for years to come.



Impact Intern Spotlight: Keaton Row

Keaton is a 17 year old from Indiana. He is a
first year intern with Impact Ministries.
Keaton's nickname is "Gingersnap", he loves
jazz music, and loves playing with babies.

 

From David to Enoch

 

David. He was a king of Israel, a warrior, a musician, and a man after God's own heart. At a young age, I was prayed over to have the spirit of David. A man who pursues God and is a leader.

I always struggled with this call. I would hang out with my friends often feeling like the "dad" of the friend group. I started to put fitting in as my main priority over God and walking in the Spirit. Camp was always my lifesaver. I would go to camp and get close with God. It was my yearly transformation but my camp experience didn't satisfy my spiritual walk for the entire year. Therefore, I quickly realized the importance of walking with the Spirit daily.

Church camp has made a huge impact on my life and the moment I had the opportunity to serve at my kids camp I took it. The Impact Team came to my church camp and at first I was skeptical. However, I quickly became close friends with the interns and admired their servant heartedness. After camp, I knew I wanted to do the internship myself. What made it even better was that my close friends from Indiana wanted to join as well.

I have to admit I was far out of my comfort zone this summer. We had to learn dances for kids and let's just say I can't dance like David did... I had to be a kids counselor which tested my patience, and I even had to dress up like Superman. It was hard to step away from my comfort zone in those aspects, but I did it and it was the best feeling ever.

During teen camp, I was able to play bass guitar on the worship team. It is an indescribable feeling to lead in worship. You are able to witness youth's lives being changed by the power of God. This summer, I believe confirmed a call I have to ministry, specifically Youth ministry. I would love to be a District Youth Director one day and continue to be a leader for the glory of God.

I have gone outside of my comfort zone in ways and grown as a leader throughout the course of this internship. Being called to be a leader like David is an honor: he was a king, warrior, a legend… But I have also come to realize the importance of being in the background of ministry. The story of Enoch has really touched me this summer. The Bible doesn’t talk about Enoch a lot except that he walked with God. I am thankful for these two biblical examples of Godly men and I hope to follow in their footsteps in ministry.

Impact Intern Spotlight: Jesika Ward

Jesika is a 19 year old, sophomore at Messenger College.
She loves to sing, meet new people, and loves dogs with a
passion. 

The Journey of Obedience

You often hear about people's lives getting flipped upside down, but in my story my life was flipped upside right.

Last summer, I served as an intern at River Pointe Camp in Missouri. I loved getting to know the youth who attended camp and the guest speakers for each camp. However, one speaker stuck out above the rest... the Impact team. I would watch them teach lessons and invest in the kids. I was amazed to say the least. People my age from all over the country were sacrificing an entire summer to serve and advance the kingdom of God. I got to know many of the interns and had the idea to become an Impact Intern the next year.

Little did I know my life would be changed in a kid's service... I was at the altar to pray over the kids but something odd occurred... The kids would pass me left and right, I thought I was doing something wrong... Then a woman came up to me and said it was my night to get poured into. I had a plan for my life. I was blessed with two years of free community college in Missouri, a nice job, and the comforts of home, but the Lord wanted something else for my life. That night, God spoke through this woman and said I would be going to Messenger College in the fall. I was stunned! As I continued to pray, I just knew Messenger College was where the Lord wanted me to be.

Messenger College was the best and hardest decision I ever made. I knew the Lord wanted me there, but I struggled financially and logistically as I only had a few weeks before I started. My obedience paid off as the Lord constantly blessed me throughout the year.

When it came time to sign up for the internship, I already knew I wanted to be a part of something so amazing, and the Lord blessed me even further. The Impact interns travel around the country for children's camps, but we also get the opportunity to serve at a few teen camps as well. This year, I had the incredible opportunity to be on the praise and worship team for teen camp, while also serving on the kid's team. It was amazing to see how both of my passions were combined through this internship.

This internship has been more than I could have imagined. I have learned so much about leadership and teamwork. Throughout this internship, it is easy to get caught up in the ministry aspect and forget to give God the full glory. It is important for us to take a moment, pause, and remember why we are here. We are here to serve. We do not do this for the glory of who we are or the title. We do it to save those who might never know who God is otherwise.

As we end the internship, I am thankful for the lessons the Lord has taught me and the leadership skills I have gained through this experience. I hope my life will always reflect the Lord's will. It is important to obey the calling of God no matter what and I hope my story reflects just that.

Impact Intern Spotlight: Emily Coleman



Emily Coleman is a 17 year old from Fort Worth, Texas.
She enjoys photography, ice cream, and spending time with
friends. Emily loves her parents and family dearly.

 

Hills and Valleys

 

This is my second year participating in this internship, and if I'm being completely honest, I couldn't give you a specific reason on why I returned. While I had so much fun on the internship last year, it was also full of difficulties. It was the longest I had ever been away from home, there were a lot of new struggles that I encountered, and spiritually I was running dry because of how much I was constantly pouring into others. Although I struggled with those things, doing this internship got me completely out of my previous comfort zone, and I deeply appreciate that.

 

This year on the internship surely hasn't been what I expected, but I have learned a lot. I have learned that you are there to serve no matter what and I have learned to solely rely on the strength of God each and every day. There will be expectations put on you, but the faster you come to realize that your ultimate purpose on this earth, no matter what job or career you have, is to glorify God and serve His people. You might have to be up at midnight cleaning bathrooms while everyone else is sleeping, you will encounter people you don't agree with, and you will have times where you don't know if you can keep going, physically, mentally, and spiritually. But it is in those times that I have come to the throne and relied on God's strength to get me through every day. At the end of the day you have to remember why you do what you do (1 Corinthians 10:31). No matter who fails you  or who lets you down, God is steadfast in his love and grace, and he will never fail you. You have to remember the whole picture— that this is a team and you are here to lead people to Christ in whatever capacity that is. If that means smelling like canteen for a week straight, then so be it. Service is about filling needs, not doing what you like.

My experience has for sure has its ups and downs. I have learned the differences between myself and others, and I've seen firsthand that not everyone will get along, and that's okay! I have fallen in love with the ministry aspect of this internship— seeing the smiles on the kids' faces after you pray with them, leading them in crazy dances, and ultimately being their role model. Thinking about the amount of children that I have helped bring to Christ this summer amazes me and is incredibly humbling.

 

Had Christ not radically changed me the past few years I would be so comfortable, but I would not be in His will for my life. When I moved to Texas I could not imagine what was in store for me. The past two and a half years have brought two trips to Brazil, a trip to Guatemala, and two summers spent serving children and leaders. God has put me in a position to be able to experience so much more than some people get to experience in their whole life— and I'm only seventeen! If I hadn't moved to Texas I would be so comfortable in what I knew that I would be missing out on what God has for my life, and it's extremely humbling that He trusts me enough to serve His people.

Impact Intern Spotlight: Seth Westmoreland

Seth is a 16 year old pastor's kid from Indiana and a first year
intern with Impact Ministries. Seth is addicted to McDonalds,
loves baseball, and has discovered how wonderful pedicures are.

God Answers

 



There is one question I have pondered my entire life... One question that society puts so much pressure on… A question everyone must answer for themselves with the help of God...

What is my calling in life?

Calling. It is crazy to think how much power this one word has. As a 16 year old in today's society, you have a lot of pressure put on you to decide what college you want to attend, what job you should have, and ultimately what your calling is. Friends my age would have their entire lives figured out and I was just there... waiting for God to answer my prayer.

Little did I know the answer to this question would be revealed when I least expected it.

I first encountered the Impact team when they came to my church camp in Indiana. I will admit I was skeptical of them at first. A group of 10 strangers entering your camp is hard to say the least. However, as I got to know all the interns, I developed many new friendships and memories. After camp, I was sold! I knew I wanted to become an Impact Intern.

I loved what this internship stood for and the people in it. An added bonus was that I was able to spend an entire summer with my close friends (the Rows) and my brother, Eli. Going into this internship, I expected a summer of ministering to kids and developing friendships, but I got so much more...

In the beginning of this internship, Jesika felt the Lord leading her to tell me that I would discover my calling this summer. I was shocked and anxiously waited for the Lord to speak. I thought God would answer this question through one life changing encounter, but it was different. As we ministered to kids and teens from camp to camp, I slowly began to feel a calling to ministry. I had a strong feeling about ministry, but I still wasn't sure. At the end of a random service, Fiona (our leader) prayed over me and began to affirm the call I felt to ministry but specifically to become a pastor. It was amazing! She had no idea the Lord was leading me in this direction. She simply obeyed God and he ministered to me.

This summer has been incredible to say the least. Aside from finding my calling, I have made friends at every camp we have visited. I have loved getting to know new people and discovering more about God. Overall, I'm thankful for this experience and the opportunity to lead as a 16 year old.

Impact Intern Spotlight: Emily Archer

Emily is a 16 year old from Missouri. Emily 

is a first year intern with Impact. She

loves to model, sing, shop, and

loves Smoothie King. 

Never Too Young

The impact internship has been something I've seen people around me do, and it peaked my interest from the moment I heard about it. My brother did the internship when he was sixteen, and I very distinctly remember being so jealous that I couldn't join them on their adventures. It felt like an eternity before I would get to experience that for myself!

I wanted to do the internship because I saw the transformation in my brother's life, spiritually and mentally. I knew that I needed to sign up for it as soon as possible! As I patiently waited for four— yes, FOUR!— years, I watched my friends around me grow and develop into who Christ called them to be. Yet, I felt stagnant in my purpose, as if God couldn't use me because of how young I am. 

I love what 1 Timothy 4:11-12 says, "Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity." I had heard this verse before at church camp, but being on the internship and with the team has taught me the truth in those verses. I truly realized this summer that it doesn't matter what you do, who you are, or how old you are. If you are living in the word, love, faith, integrity, and good demeanor, God will bring His favor on your life, and He will use you for amazing things. 

Everyone on this team has learned what it's like to serve behind the scenes, and I couldn't be more proud to be part of a team that serves others wholeheartedly. For anyone who is considering joining the team, this is my personal disclaimer. The entire seven weeks or so that you're gone will not be all rainbows and sunshine. There will be times, for some people more than others, where you need to take a minute to yourself and gain strength from God, but at the end of the day it is worth it. Your memories, what you learn, and the people you meet will be worth more than your frustrations or hardships. You're spending your summer showing others the love of Christ, and that is more important than any self-centered problem you might face. 

I have grown up with family in ministry, but this summer has shown me the true ups and downs of it. I am still not exactly sure what God has in store for my life, and I have learned to know that that is perfectly okay, normal even! I know without a doubt that with continuous faith, persistence, and unconditional love for Christ, everything will work itself out for my benefit. 

“Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.” Romans 8:26-28 MSG

Impact Intern Spotlight: Lance Fussell

Fuss is a second year intern with Impact Ministries. He is a worship major at
Messenger College. Fuss loves to play the drums, drink Dr. Pepper, and
serve others.

 

Stretched

 

“Serving is the most important thing in ministry, whether it is the bottom or the top, cleaning toilets or pastoring a church.”

This motto is something my dad taught me and what I now live by. Growing up, I was always involved in the Georgia District. I loved to serve at church camp and different youth events. As a minister’s son I had many roles, but media and worship were always my passion.

Summerfest was always one of my favorite Impact events. It was incredible to watch talented students from all over the country glorify God. I first saw the Impact interns through Summerfest. Every year I would watch the interns serve in many different ways. I admired their servant leadership and the program intrigued me. Little did I know I would serve as an Impact intern not once but twice.

In 2015, I began my journey as an Impact intern. I had just graduated high school and was enrolled at Messenger College. It was hard to give up my last summer at home, but I knew the Lord would grow me throughout that summer. In the beginning, I was very shy, but God began to bring me out of my comfort zone and meet many new friends I still have today. The two biggest things God taught me was how to be uncomfortable and how to be patient. I served as a dancer for kid’s worship which was completely out of my comfort zone. I also served with nine individuals for an entire summer. Patience was definitely key as we all had different personalities, pet peeves, and roles.  As I look back, I think of that summer as a time of great growth in my life both personally and spiritually.  

This year, I was so excited to be able to serve Impact once again. I wanted to travel to more places and connect with more people. The Lord has definitely stretched me once again. This year, I am more outgoing and social with others. I have also been able to serve in a media and worship capacity. As a worship major, I have loved getting to gain more experience as a drummer and worship team member. This summer, God has taught me to not be afraid and to continue to push myself further outside of my comfort zone.

Overall, this internship has made a huge impact on my life and I will forever be grateful for this experience.

Impact Intern Spotlight: Hayden Row

Hayden is a 15 year old from Indiana. She is energetic and loves
to goof around with others. Hayden is terrified of frogs, loves chicken
 nuggets, and enjoys meeting new people.

 

A New Experience

 

I had one week with a team of people who I knew would change my life greatly. The Impact team has come to 8mile camp a total of two times, but this past year I was able to connect and understand how this internship changes so many parts of your person.

I anticipated this internship this entire last year. I couldn’t wait to travel and serve children all over the country. I really wanted to experience ministry in new environments and I think I have accomplished this goal fully. The internship has been amazing! We spent many hours in the van, but it was a great time to bond with people from all over the country. The Grand Canyon would have to be one of my favorite stops on our trip. It was so peaceful and calming. You would truly stand in awe at the glory of God. Overall, I have been amazed at the things I have seen on this internship and the places we have traveled. The world is definitely bigger than Indiana and I feel privileged to see a part of it.

Throughout this internship, God has taught me a lot. I now recognize my flaws and have found successful ways to get better. I have also learned how to deal with conflict. We are 14 people who live together for 50 days… Let’s just say, we have our ups and downs. Throughout the summer, I have learned how to confront people if a disagreement starts and catch a conflict before it gets out of hand.

The people on this internship have impacted my life greatly in many ways. It is incredible to think that 14 strangers from all over the country can pour into teens and kids and show them the love of Christ as a united front.

My favorite part of this internship has been the altar time. The little kids will timidly come up to you and ask for prayer. When they ask for prayer they ask for the big and the small. Child-like faith is definitely a real thing and I wish more people had it. I have loved serving little kids. I have realized my passion for kids. While I am still not sure what my calling is, I believe kids will be involved. Whether I am a teacher or minister, children will always be a sweet spot in my life.

Impact Intern Spotlight: Tyler Price

Tyler is a third year intern with Impact Ministries. He is a senior at Messenger
College with a major in worship ministry. Tyler loves to play guitar and collecting
guitar pedals. His favorite activity is to impersonate the Grinch.

 

Career Intern

When it comes to this internship, you could say I’ve been around the block a time or two. I have been interning with Impact Student Ministries for three years now. I have people who automatically assume that I will be at their camp the following year, because of how many times I’ve done this internship and the passion that I have for it. This internship has become a part of who I am. It has shaped me and grown me in ways that I never thought I’d experience. Throughout the course of my “career” as an intern, I have witnessed and seen things that, I can’t even begin to put into words. Hearts have been mended, bodies have been healed, minds have been restored, all from God working through my fellow interns and myself. Now, please don’t take this as me saying that it was all us and we have that power, that’s not it at all. The fact is, is that before we leave every summer, we take time that is devoted to growing in Christ, together. We are always a very close and tight knit team. We take the time to devote ourselves to Christ and to put ourselves into a monster and an atmosphere of constant living and worshiping Christ. Because of this, God has used us, as a team, to further grow and develop his kingdom. 

Now, before I did this internship 3 years ago, I had never done anything like it. I had no idea what to expect. I knew that there was a worship team and they needed a guitar player. But, I had no idea that I was going to have to dance and do kids ministry. A small tidbit about myself, I can keep time musically with the best of them, but you ask me to move my feet and shake my hips, all that rhythm goes right out the door. I couldn’t dance to save my life. I still can’t! But, I can’t tell you the intimacy I felt with God when I did those dances. Were they tiring, yes. Were they hard, yes. But, it helped me to realized that there’s not just one way we can worship God. As a guitar player, worship is something I am very passionate about. It’s my calling in ministry and it’s how I express my love for Christ. 

This year I actually have the opportunity to sing and lead worship at the camps. This is the day I’ve been waiting for since God called me into the ministry in 2012. Leading worship is my passion and it’s everything that I’ve ever wanted to do. And it was made possible, because of this internship. God has opened up so many doors and opportunities in my life. I’ve had the chance to see, hear and do things that I would have never been able to do, had I just stayed in the sweet state of Texas. (How bout them Boys?!) but seriously, God has called each and everyone of us to a higher calling, to go out to ALL the nations. Not just the four walls of our local church, or even the city limits. Gods words needs to be shared with everyone, everyday, everywhere. This internship has allowed me to fulfill my calling that God has placed on my life, which is to show his love, grace and mercy. God has already done so much over the past three years, I can’t wait to see what he has in store next!

Impact Intern Spotlight: Michaela Dove

Michaela is a sophomore at Emmanuel College and originally from Virginia.
She loves playing the bass guitar and running the sound booth.
She is very persistent! One year at camp, she tore her ACL and went weeks
without telling anyone...  

 

Patiently Waiting

 

“But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Proverbs 16:32

I prayed and waited on the Lord. Five years ago, I started my journey of prayer over this internship but it was never the right time… until this summer. I worked with Fiona at various camps when she served as the DYD of Mid-Atlantic Coast District. I was sad to see her leave her position to serve Impact Ministries and Messenger College, but I knew the Lord’s calling was strong. I have been blessed to serve with her once again this summer.

My love for children stemmed from my mother. She worked as a daycare teacher and I always admired her heart. Even from a young age, I could feel the Lord growing my heart for ministry and I quickly began to get involved in everything in church from worship ministry to youth ministry to children’s ministry. As I continued to volunteer in ministry, I began to sense a deeper calling than I ever imagined. This calling led me to study at Emmanuel College in Georgia. The decision to move away from Virginia was hard, but I knew it was exactly what the Lord wanted. I fought all summer after my senior year to find other options but in the end, Emmanuel College was the place I needed to be. Since being there, I have been stretched much more than I could imagine and have had an overwhelming peace that I know this is where the Lord wants to be right now.

Growing up, going to camp was my favorite part of the summer. When I was given the opportunity to serve with the Impact team this summer, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my time than by going from camp to camp bringing the same experience I have had the privilege to experience for so many years to kids who may have never even heard the Gospel before.

Overall, I have been more influenced by being a part of this team than I could ever imagine. Although I expected to be pushed in ministry in new ways, there have been many experiences that have stretched my character in ways I didn’t know I could be stretched! Most of all, I appreciate the people who have surrounded me and supported me throughout this journey. I have enjoyed every second of this trip and love every new friend I have made along the way. By far, the time I waited to be a part of this team was well worth it.



Impact Intern Spotlight: Olivia Carter

Olivia Carter is a recent graduate of Messenger College, an
employee for Impact Ministries, and an incoming grad student.
Olivia has loved her experience at Messenger and cannot wait
to serve as an RD this fall. Olivia loves to dab, was a star in a
rap video, and is a fantastic singer.

 

Impacted to Impact

 

 

I am what you call an intern veteran. I’ve been on this internship three years in a row, and now I am a part of the Impact Student Ministries Staff! For the past three years, I’ve been able to see first-hand, the amazing work that God does in the lives of the Impact interns through this program as well as the work which takes place in students across the nation through the interns as well. The experiences I’ve been able to store up throughout these internships have changed my life. 

I wasn’t really expecting to be a part of the Impact internship the first time around. Randy had asked me to help with worship as the team traveled to various camps across the country. It’s not that I didn’t want to go, it just wasn’t a part of my original plan for the summer. However, I’ve come to find that God tends to meet us often in the unexpected. Looking back on that summer, I can say it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. By no means was it particularly easy or comfortable, but challenging. I had minimal worship leading experience at this point, but what better way to break someone in than to have them lead a team of strangers while being responsible for some of the most important worship experiences of kids and teens lives across the country? Well, at the time, I could think of a lot of better ways, but looking back I wouldn’t change it! The discomfort of it all produced growth; growth that I don’t think could have happened any other way. I now look at the things that used to make me feel like I could throw up in the offering plate as simple tasks. We can’t expect to grow if we aren’t willing to be uncomfortable. Growth lives in discomfort. 

The second year was another growing experience. This year I was being placed as a leading member of the team. Well, I was still an intern…but a bit more of a leader-y intern, ok? Just let me have this. Anyway, the team this year mainly consisted of people I had already known from school. My biggest take away from this summer was a huge lesson in leadership. It’s really easy to be biased, and extremely difficult to lead your friends. This particular internship not only gave me first-hand ministry experience, but equipped me with leadership skills that would carry with me throughout my next year at Messenger College. 

Then there is this summer. I’m a part of the Impact internship not as an intern (for real this time), but as a staff member. I was hired on this past May as “Executive Administrative Assistant” for Impact Student Ministries, and I absolutely love it. Not to be overly sappy, but sometimes I just cry because I am so thankful for the opportunity to do what I get to do. I don’t take it for granted, and count this blessing every single day. I am thankful for the countless amount of times I’ve been poured into by this ministry growing up, and thankful now to be the one pouring. From summer camps to Summerfest to Fall retreats and youth rallies, Impact Student Ministries played a major role in my spiritual development. I can’t say I’d be qualified to work for Impact if God hadn’t already worked in me through Impact. We don’t just call ourselves this, we actually do this, and I stand today as a product of what those before me have already done! 

Impact Intern Spotlight: Timothy Ford

Timmy is a 17 year old, high school senior from Oregon. This is Timmy's second year serving with Impact Student Ministries. Timmy loves Dutch Bros Coffee, texting, dancing, and making new friends.

 

 U-Turn

 

“I want to go, but I can’t go alone…” Those were the words spoken by my 14 year old friend who wanted to go on the Impact Internship. Her parents would not allow her to go to the internship alone and spur of the moment I said “yes”. Little did I know this yes would be one of my best decisions.

 

One week before I said yes, I had given a speech at school about my life. I wanted to be an accountant and attend Notre Dame. You see, my parents are in ministry meaning I was constantly in the spotlight. I never imagined going into ministry. I just wanted to sit in the third row of church, make a good living, and enjoy my life as I wanted it. However, God had other plans… 

 

As I began my journey as an intern, I was brought out of my comfort zone and stretched in many ways. Fiona Parker (our leader) is an incredible woman of God and one of the best children’s speakers I have ever heard. Throughout the summer, she rubbed off on me. I became more confident in my speaking abilities and I was able to meet many new people.

 

One of my favorite quotes is “a leader should be comfortable to be uncomfortable.” I was definitely uncomfortable during this internship, but the Lord worked wonders. The Lord convicted me and completely crushed the plan I had for my life and replaced it with His plan for my life. I now feel called to ministry whether it is in the forefront or background. I believe in whatever I do I need to glorify God and not hold back.

 

I chose to come back for a second year because this internship was a turning point in my life and I looked forward to it all year. I have had a great time so far ministering to kids and I cannot wait for the rest of the summer.

 

#micdrop

 

10 Creative Ways to Honor Your Pastor

#1 Pastor VS Food

Pastors love to eat.  Take one entire week and bless your Pastor and his family with dinner every night!

#2 Extreme Home Makeover
Some Pastors are skilled tradesman, others are not!  Plan to help your Pastor with that project he has been putting off, with that deck he has always dreamed of building, or that landscaping that has desperately been needed.

#3 Prosper My Ride

Everyone loves a clean, detailed vehicle!  Take Pastors ride to the next level and top off the gas tank while you're at it!

#4 Extreme OFFICE Makeover
Plan an extreme makeover of yours Pastors office! What is that new piece of furniture that your Pastor would absolutely love? How about some fresh paint? A new coffee maker?



#5 Get Out of Church Free
Give Pastor an extra weekend off!  Encourage him to go visit friends, family or just flat get out of town!

#6 Honey I Blessed the KIDS
Want a great way to make your Pastor feel incredible?  Bless his/her kids!  Go over the top to do something special for their children.  Take them out.  Purchase them a gift.  Slide them some extra cash, etc. etc.

#7 Mail Blitz

Absolutely FLOOD your Pastors mailbox with cards and letters of appreciation for a solid week!

#8 Send Your Pastor PACKING
on VACATION of course!! What is that unique trip your Pastor would absolutely love? Is it a fishing trip? Golf excursion?  Quiet bed & breakfast?  Find out what it is and send them a packing!





#9 Money Tree
Money doesn't grow on trees. BUT why not let that happen during the month of OCTOBER!  Bless your Pastor with a tree full of money!

#10 31 Days of Madness Gladness
A day in the life of a Pastor can be interesting to say the least. Make the entire month an unforgettable one for your Pastor by scheduling one thing a day to bless your Pastor!

So Long My Friend...

Have you ever had those moments in life that leave you absolutely speechless at the beauty and wonder of our maker? These experiences or encounters in life are ones that you can’t explain, decipher, or comprehend. They leave you in awe, standing in amazement at the genius of God. They give us a brief glimpse of what the Lord meant when he said to Isaiah, “my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Sometimes these encounters come in the form of a person.

Matthew was that person for me and for countless others.

Mathew Thielman was born on July 31, 1972, in Bloomer, Wisconsin. Matthew was born with with down syndrome, and my Grandparents took him into their home at the age of 5, where he spent the rest of his life until he passed away on Friday night August 21, 2015.

To measure the impact of Matthews life would be virtually impossible.

I learned of Matthew’s passing at 4:50 AM on Saturday morning as I was catching an early morning flight back home to DFW. The entire flight I couldn’t help but think of Matthews life & the great impact it had on me. In his famous sermon on the mount, Jesus exhorted believers to, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Allow me for a moment to glorify God as I honor the life that Matthew lived.

1. Matthew loved GOD FIRST.

When Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment, he responded, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind’’ (Matthew 22:37). In essence your love for God must come before anything else in your life.

Matthew was the epitome of this verse.

You could not spend 5-minutes in the room with Matthew without knowing that he had a deep love for God. God was first in his life. I remember as a young child at my Grandparents house when he would get so upset at bedtime, because he so desperately wanted to stay up late with the grandkids…and all for a very specific reason. He would stand at the bottom of the steps with his oxygen tank in one hand, CD-Player loaded with worship songs in the other and contest with “Mom” as to why he needed to stay up & worship and read scriptures with his nieces & nephews.

Some of my fondest memories of Matthew include sitting around my Grandmothers massive dining room table as a young child and listening to him read the scriptures out loud to me.

He loved the Word of God.

Matthews life, reminds us all of the simplicity of the Gospel. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, fearing that their minds were being corrupted from the “simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3). The Gospel is simple, life is simple. Jesus is the answer. When He’s first everything is right, not perfect but right…when He’s not first, we are broken.

Matthew understood this and God was first in his life. He got it right.

2. Matthew was UNASHAMED.

Matthew was a preacher.

He, like the Apostle Paul was unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was always looking for an opportunity or a person to share the good news of the Gospel with.

I remember countless times listening to his impromptu sermons. At various family events, we would all be gathered around outside and he would absolutely insist that we needed to have a “service”. We needed to have a time of worship and then he would preach the sermon. He was relentless about this.

On one such occasion, a few of us agreed to his request and went inside the house to have a “service”.  We gathered around Grandmothers piano & worshiped and then turned it over to Matthew to preach. At the time I was in my late teenage years & felt the call of God to preach myself, and as I sat there listening to him, I began to weep. I wept because Matthews love for God was so pure. It was authentic and real.

The last time I heard Matthew preach was at Special Touch Camp (his favorite place on planet earth). Matthew was given an opportunity to speak in a morning chapel (you would have thought someone had offered him the world!). At that time in his life, due to his health he was very difficult to understand when he spoke. However, when he began to preach it was amazing to see & hear God’s anointing come on his life & speech. As he quoted his favorite verse, John 3:16, his speech was crystal clear. There was not a dry eye in the room that day.

It was a moment that I will never forget as long as I live.

Matthew was unashamed.

3. Matthew defied the ODDS.

Not only did Matthew live longer than anyone ever expected, he defied every odd that society placed on him.

Let’s be honest, with his “disability”, society placed absolutely no expectation on Matthew. ZERO. ZILCH. NADDA. However, only in eternity will we be able to truly measure the impact that his life had on this world. He defied the low expectations that society (and even the Church) placed on him.

Even though Matthew physically passed from this earth on Friday, his legacy and impact will live on for years and years to come. And much like his life on earth lasted much longer than anyone imagined, his impact will do the same.

Matt, thanks for the memories. You will be loved & missed. Save a place for us my dear friend…and get ready for one great “service” that will be way beyond everything we could ever imagine!

Outside the Box OUTREACH!!

I must admit, I got a little emotional at the faith night at Power Balance Pavilion (formerly Arco Arena). I stood there in a crowd of, I don't know how many, (maybe 6000-7000) and I watched Lincoln Brewster lead all of us in worship as if we were in a church building. In my view were the 3 chairs right next to the court where Mike (from the Kings), myself and Pastor Chuck Ferguson had sat. We had sat there as I shared a dream of having this very moment... 2 YEARS AGO!!! It was just like this: bands before the game, Lincoln Brewster after the game... and here we were... and look what God did! It might take a few minutes for me to share this amazing story!!!!



Two years ago it was just an idea, and we thought it could happen but it was cancelled... blaming the NBA. Last year, we tried again and had the date set... but again it was cancelled. Real quick, it was then we talked to the Sacramento Rivercats (AAA for Oakland A's) about having a faith night, which went great in 2010. Now, the Sacramento Mountain Lions (UFL Football want us to host and plan their 2011 faith night - with almost 20,000 fans at every game).

From the success of our 2010 Raley field event, we were asked by the Kings about possibility of trying it again. I met with VP of Kings, then I met with the NBA and we got the go ahead. Amazingly, the Kings canceled the night 6 weeks ago, because they would only allow Lincoln Brewster to play acoustic, with just a small setting, because of the logistics of setting up sound, stage, etc. I emailed the NBA immediately, offered our sound, stage, etc... told them we could be set up in ½ hour, but don't give up on this idea. Lincoln Brewster had already committed to this evening. Next thing you know, we were back on... and 3 weeks before the faith night, Lincoln Brewster offered his sound equipment.

Results?

Biggest special event "by far" of the year... and can't remember a bigger one in recent years. It all happened on Friday March 18th at the Power Balance Pavilion (formerly Arco Arena) They expected only 3-4 sections to be used for the post game concert with Lincoln Brewster, but instead 14 SECTIONS WERE PACKED FULL OF PEOPLE!!! We had our equipment set up and we had 5 bands playing before game. We had amazing worship led by Giovanna Cox before the game and at halftime too!!! So many King's Fans came drifting up and many joined in for worship! Amazing, amazing, amazing, plus souls were saved!!!!!

Yeah, as I stood there among the thousands, looking at the 3 chairs that we sat in with this little idea that we presented to the Sacramento Kings...I was also thinking about how 6 weeks ago, all of this was cancelled. I just stood there in a sea of people amazed at what God had done. I thought about the idea, the work, the struggle to see it happen, and... yeah, seeing what God did with a little idea, I got a little emotional!

THANK YOU JESUS!!!!

Don Cox (NCA DYD)

Impact Montana

A cultural experience is waiting for you without even leaving the country. Most of us have had to take a history course that taught us about Native Americans or have seen an old western with a poor depiction of what took place in the establishment of our country; but no matter which side you fall on in relationship to this subject we cannot deny the needs of a nation of people.



This is our inaugural trip to two communities on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in southeastern Montana. We will be ministering to the kids and teens of Lame Deer and Busby through VBS-style outreach and sports. What a great adventure it will be to have the opportunity to reach past cultural barriers and generational wounds to reconcile and minister the love of Jesus to a hurting reservation.

Join us as we GO to the Northern Cheyenne!

July 23rd – July31 2011

Impact Wisconsin

One reason that I recommend ANYONE for going on a Mission trip is one simple word: PERSPECTIVE. This PERSPECTIVE rocked my world the first time I served at a Special Needs camp as a young teenager. My life has never been the same. Year after year I found myself returning, again and again and again, to serve people that I had intended to “help” but in all reality THEY had “helped me”.

PERSPECTIVE. When does it happen? Maybe when you take someone swimming who has NEVER entered the water because of their disability. Perhaps it occurs when you take a physically disabled person rafting, rock climbing, or horseback riding, something they NEVER deemed possible. Possibly it happens as you help someone accomplish a simple task like tying a shoe that you typically take for granted every day. Or just maybe it happens when you experience (believe me it IS an experience) a service filled with special needs people worshipping with all their heart & soul. The bottom line is that after a week of serving a group of people who are often looked over by our society, your life is changed. PERSPECTIVE.

There are now 50 million Americans with disabilities, and many of those are NOT a part of any church. We have an unreached people group in our own back yard, and one thing you will learn from this trip is that while there ARE many disabled people, there are NO disabled SOULS.

Come experience an amazing week with us, serving a people group that is ready for an IMPACT!

Impact Wisconsin June 26th -July 2nd

Impact Haiti

Haiti was not even on our mission's radar until January 12, 2010. The disaster that took place in this small country affected the world and also our PCG fellowship. We have a campus in Port Au Prince. When we found out that we had 1500 people living in tents on that property we sprung into action. What our team saw upon arrival was beyond explanation. Hundreds of thousands of people living in tents with many family members buried in concrete graves. We knew our task was to be the LIGHT in the darkness and share HOPE. Over two trips last year we ministered to kids, teens, and whole families living in small tents. Every day we would wake to the chatter of kids wanting to play; so we played. I was moved by an article preparing for our trips in 2010. It stated that the kids were doing what they do best, and that was play. We took basketballs and soccer balls to provide an outlet for kids and adults. God works very simply and all He needs is our availability and effort. We cleaned debris, put tin roofs on schools, cleaned blocks for building and painted. One afternoon we set up a medical clinic to treat simple wounds, cuts and bruises. Hundreds of people lined up to have someone care for their needs. Many of their needs were beyond our expertise, but what we could give was our heart of love and take the time to pray with each one. Acts 3:6 says "Then Peter said "Silver and gold I don't have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

The Stories of need are seemingly endless and far too many have not experienced firsthand what is taking place in the poorest regions around the world, making it easy to become numb. Haiti, Africa, Central America, Asia, and the Middle East are places we hear about on the news frequently. We have become so saturated by the media that we have begun to think we can't really make a difference. One of the most amazing stories that came out of our team's first trip to Haiti is of the government liaison that told them what a huge impact is made when everyone "just does their part." I have seen firsthand the reality of what a small group of passionate hearts can do, and am here to tell that it only takes one person to change someones story. Haiti is full of people that need a smile of hope and a hand of kindness.

Who is waiting for you?

Join us on a trip to Haiti August 21st-28th or Oct 16th-23rd!

Impact Honduras

Imagine, if you will, traveling up the side of a Central America mountain in a Toyota 4runner. The only road is actually an old river bed, but that doesn’t matter because you are on the adventure of a lifetime. Upon arrival in this remote village, it doesn’t take much to realize that traffic is rare. The people run to see what the commotion is about and stand wide-eyed as the “gringos” unload. We had come to visit the site where a new church will be built, and we see the people clearing the land by hand with machetes. The pastor is an 18 year old young man who is receiving his degree at the PCG Bible Institute a couple of hours away. He is full of zeal for the Lord and passionate about leading his people to Jesus!

Now, journey with me to another village not too far away from there; where we have come to share our stories and testify to the amazing healing power of our Savior. As the service starts, the room fills with women who have suffered unimaginable acts in a culture that has stood silent on such matters. While our stories of hope begin to unfold, the Holy Spirit unravels the years of pain that has been inflicted. From young to old we are privileged to see the divine rewriting of their stories. To see firsthand the reality of Beauty for Ashes is something that has an eternal impact.

A couple of hours from these villages is a community tucked away on the side of a mountain where God is moving. The Pentecostal Church of God Bible Institute is located on a little piece of heaven. To see the stories that are being written and changed in this place that will literally reach across a nation stirs an undeniable fire. You don’t have to walk far from the campus to hear the ringing laughter of children. Our school is full of young leaders being given a unique opportunity to get a Christian-based education in an impoverished country. As in any culture, their vigor for life is contagious and a good reminder of why we were created.

Even as I sit remembering these stories and the forever IMPACT that was made in my life through them, there is a verse in Proverbs that comes to mind. King Solomon wrote in Prov. 11:25 “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” The inspiring fire that’s caught, the hope that’s brought, and the difference that’s being made all combine into an awesome opportunity to refresh and be refreshed. These stories have just skimmed the surface of what one can experience on a Mission Adventure to Honduras.

Are you ready to GO?

GO with Impact to Honduras July 31- August 8th

Visit www.impactym.com to download your application TODAY!

The Untold Story

It’s here! 2011 has come flying in and with it the opportunity to forever change your life and impact the world! We are going to take some time over the next few weeks to tell the stories of lives covered with the fingerprints of God and the ones He sent to touch them, but every life is a story. You have a story; your grandma has a story; the Bible is full of stories of men and women of God who stepped out in faith and forever changed history! One of the saddest things, though, is a story unlived.

In Eph 2:10, it tells us “For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” We were created as a masterpiece with a story to live! We never know what kind of an impact He wants to be made in someone else’s story by us stepping up to live ours. Has your story been impacted by someone taking the risk to reach out and touch you? What are the untold stories that lie ahead for you and others?

You are invited to join us in changing the stories in the lives of people around the WORLD! Whether you go on one of our adventures in the States or travel with us to a foreign country, I guarantee you will have the opportunity to look back at the end of the year and know that you touched someone’s life. The joy on the faces of children in the Appalachians who receive Christmas, the tears of a woman who has just experienced the healing hand of God in Ethiopia, and the salvation of a young man who found hope in Haiti are just a few of the examples of how God changes the world through people “doing their part.” Please pray about taking the time to GO with us in 2011 to make an IMPACT!

For a complete list of 2011 trips OR to download your Impact Missions Adventures TRIP APPLICATION go to www.impactym.com today!