Monday, July 02, 2007

Encouragement by Comments

I was incredibly encouraged this morning as I hopped on the blog as I read two comments from Terry and Cindi (check them out here)

This gave me an idea. On Tuesday Night, I would LOVE to shower our team with words of prayer and encouragement from YOU, parents, prayer warriors, and possibly even complete strangers.
I would love for as many of you as possible to leave a short comment with one of the following...
  1. How you are specifically praying.
  2. A word of encouragement.
  3. A word of exhortation or challenge.
  4. A passage of Scripture.
All you have to do is click here to leave the comment. You don't have to have a blog to leave a comment. Be sure to leave your name, and keep the comment brief and directed toward the team!

Thanks for praying for the team. YOU are as much a part of this experience as THEY are!!!

60 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praying God will stretch your world-view and allow His spirit to show you just how indescribably big He really is! I am so proud of you guys for stepping out of the box to serve a God who transcends human culture and understanding!

May He use each one of you in mighty ways! I know He already is as you place your trust in Who He is.

I pray the words that John wrote so long ago would be fresh in your heart and life:

"He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less"

The Message version reminded me of you all as well...
29-30"That's why my cup is running over. This is the assigned moment for him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines.

as Francis of Asissi once said:
"Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary."

Jeremiah
He>i< John 3:30

Anonymous said...

I am so excited for all of you and what God has in store for you. I know there will be challenges to face so I'm sharing my favorite verse. Phil. 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" Our Father can do it all. His love is eternal and unending. Keep up the Good Work,
Love & Prayers,
Diane Roe

Anonymous said...

I was so excited to see the updates today. thanks Derry. It is awesome to see the pictures of the kids "in action." We have been praying daily that God will use each of you in a mighty way to further His kingdom. I know that many may be really stepping outside their comfort zone but it will make each of you grow in so many ways.
Pastor Dave spoke Sunday about the promises of God and Pastor Justin spoke of Facing the Giants and how God is always there. Both of them referred to
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified : do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

I think this is a very fitting verse for each of the NYGO team.
I cannot wait to hear all about this trip when Kaleigh comes back. I told her dad that this is just one of the many times we will say goodbye to her, as she goes off to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Love to all of you. Praying daily for safety, good health, the words that you may use to reach out to those around you and for your own spritual walk with God.
Amy Woodcox

Rob said...

I'm praying specifically for Brant Nine. I can't say why exactly, but God's had him on my heart very specifically since Saturday. I don't know exactly what his needs or prayer requests are, but I'm praying for him, and I just wanted to let him (and you) know. God bless you all and may He show Himself to each one of you in an amazing way this week.

Rob Henschen

Kathy said...

I am praying that GOD will become more real to each of you. That He will
help you to better see how He made us all unique individuals. May you look at others the way God looks at you: without prejudice, as worthwhile and valuable and with compassion.
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, oh man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you? But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Kathy Brown

Anonymous said...

Hello Team,

I'm praying that God will give you a whole bunch of divine appointments and stretch you beyond your own abilities. Remember faith is living on the edge where God either does it or you look like a fool!

I'm spend some extra praying for you on Tuesday.

Keep the fire red hot!

Pastor Dave

Anonymous said...

It is so exciting to see you ministering via the pictures that are on the site. Pictures do speak volumes-- and in these pictures the love of Christ is revealed through you.
My prayer is that the courage you have ministering to the unsaved in NY, continues to pour out of you as you encounter peers at hogh school who are needing to hear about Jesus.
We love you
Melanie "MOM" Williams

Chad A. Loucks said...

I find your love, passion, and devotion to the Kingdom to be completely encouraging. I’m praying that your love for GOD, His people, and His creation may deepen and grow to a level of clarity and authenticity that is abounding. May truth be spoken, may truth be heard, and may the truth and love of Jesus emanate out of the very essence of who you are.

Grace and Peace,
Chad A. Loucks

p.s. Poke the baby for me :-)

Anonymous said...

NYGO Team:

God has brought you to today for a very specific reason. Seek HIS will and HIS Holy Spirit will walk before you with Truth, Grace and Peace!!!

"Whatever you do, work at it with you ALL your heart, as working for the Lord and not for men.... It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23&24

In His Love,
Rob & Vicki Cripe

Anonymous said...

Dear Team, So relieved you found Reid (Thanks for the very momentary panic attack - lol)... My prayers are focused, thanks to your blogs. I believe the Holy Spirit is doing His work through you all. May lives on the team and in NYC be forever changed by the power of our Lord. Lord, increase their faith. Love to all, Leslie Yoder

Julie Wiegand said...

Hey Everybody!
I am so encouraged to hear the reports. Remember it is not you, but Christ IN you! Continue to lean on Him for your strength each day for when you are weak, He is strong. "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired and weary, and His understanding no one can fathom, He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, the will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:28-31. I will be praying for you all daily. What an oppotunity to share Christ with others!! Love to you all!

Julie Wiegand

Jason Thompson said...

Hey Team,

I'm praying for you every day. I'm praying that your view of God would be expanded way beyond anything you have previously known. Also, I'm pray according to Ephesians 3:16-19, "that from the Lord's glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you as a NYGO Team have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep God's love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God."

-Jason

Anonymous said...

Amy (Yoder), it was good to see you in some pictures! We are excit
ed for you and the group and know God is and will be doing great things!
Remember thi verse: I Peter 2:9, "But we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a Holy nation, a peculiar people, that you show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light."
Keep your light going--we are praying. Have fun!

Mom and Dad

Dan Weiss said...

Derry and Janelle: You guys are doing a great job! I am blown away by the things you do to serve God and the students at NMC. 50 people from rural Indiana on a NYC subway? That takes some guts. Keep leaning on your Heavenly Father and doing what He says! Love you guys!
- Dan Weiss

Janelle-
I am so thankful to see these pictures and read what is going on. You are on my mind and heart constantly. I really wish I could give you a great big hug right now - I feel like you need it, so, it will be waiting for you when you get back. Know that I am praying for you and thinking of you - I love you - keep doing awesome things for these kids and for Jesus!
Katie Weiss

Anonymous said...

Hi Team!
Please know how much you are all bathed in prayer by those who love and support you. Have strength and courage in Christ as you represent HIM in your dealings with others. You may never know this side of heaven the impact of your lives and words to those you have contact with. Listen to the promptings from the Lord and HE will guide you.
Blessings to you all!
Nora P

Anonymous said...

Karissa,
Keeping you in our prayers. Hope your having a great time and were proud of what your doing for Christ. Keep up the good work! He loves you very much and so do we!!

Taya and Tracy:)

Sue said...

Hi
Just wanted to let you know you are in our prayers. Carter I am so proud of you and the way you talked to that man about God. Don't be discouraged you planted a seed and God's word DOES NOT RETURN VOID!! Greater is he that is you then he that is in the world. Keep sharing Jesus:)
Nickolas we miss you! Bruce doesn't have anyone to pick on!! We are looking forward to having you stay with us again and YES there will be more cookies and we will try and spoil you:) You are in are prayers. Love, Sue

Kristy Mikel said...

Hey NYGO Team! God has laid on my heart three very specific passages that I've been praying over you. I trust that He will use them to encourage & challenge you.

"The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." (Is 40:28-29)

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Is 41:10)

"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." (Is 42:6-7)

May you know God's strength & be encouraged by His incredible love for you! Don't let fear keep you from stepping out. Get uncomfortable for God & then watch what He will do through you!

Love you & praying for you all!
-Kristy Mikel

Anonymous said...

I'm praying for those divine appointments in which God will use you to bring change to someone's life forever. Even if YOU don't see it happen immediately, God's Holy Spirit will work in someone you speak with. I'm praying that this experience will be just another stepping stone God is using to show Heidi His plan for her future. God bless all of you!

Anonymous said...

Hey everyone!

Every day the thought of your team has crossed my mind and a prayer has been said on your behalf. I'm praying for protection and for receptive hearts on behalf of the people you encounter but also just that you would come to know the neverending love and devotion that God provides, no matter what the situation. Keep pressing on! You are making a difference and changing lives!

Love,
Jodi

Anonymous said...

Taylor's Grandma said,
Praying for an increased awareness of God's sustaining presence in your life, how much he loves you and others, seeing people through Jesus' eyes of compassion and allowing Him to work through you to sincerely care
for other people and be willing to "step out on the edge" in His Name.
Micah 6:8

Anonymous said...

The pictures are awesome! You can see God's love shining through each of you. You are planting seeds of faith in many lives. God's richest blessings to everyone on the team!
"May our Lord Jesus Christ our Father encourage you and strenghten you in every good thing you do and say."
2 Thessalonians 2:16
Love, Sonda

Rachael Thompson said...

Hey NYGO team! I have enjoyed reading the updates and seeing the pictures of all of you in action. Keep strong and courageous. You all have been obedient by taking this step of faith just by saying that you wanted to be apart of this team. God is with you wherever you go. He is your ultimate strentgh when your own physical strength has been depleated. Keep your eyes fixed on him. Give each other a great big hug! You are all awesome and are doing amazing things for His kingdom. Can't wait to hear all about it when you get home!

~Rachael Thompson

Anonymous said...

Just want to tell everyone to hang in and I believe you will be truely blessed by your experience. The Lord is with you and will give you the stength you need to get through the tough times. RELY ON HIM

Dawn Christner
We love you Lyss

Anonymous said...

"I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Be reminded today that your power is His power. Your words are His Word. You aren't speaking about myths or theory, instead you are sharing flesh and bone, reality, a man who is God, you are sharing hope. Don't let yourselves get confused, but, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Be strengthened and encouraged with the knowledge that you aren't in control and that's why victory is already secure.


"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."


Love and God bless,
David

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let Alyssa know I am still thinking of her and praying all goes well and that New York be changed by their presence. Love grandma

Jon said...

Keep up the good work! I am so excited and proud to hear of how you are answering the call, stretching your limits, and being obediant to what God has called you to do. Thank You for getting off the sidelines and getting in the game. I am praying that God will set each of you up with a divine appointment today, that God would do something so awesome that people will talk about it years from now!
With Christ as my coach,
Jon Andrews

Donna Angle said...

I am sending words of encouragement (Romans 15:4-5) and praying that you each would be blessed as you are moved out of your comfort zone and into His care. May you have a spirit of boldness and may your hearts be broken for the lost. May you minister with the eyes of Jesus and the heart of a Christlike Champion!

Chris Knight said...

NYGO'ers:

I am praying that God will give you the strength and endurance that you need to press through some of the low points of your trip. I know that when I am absolutely weak and want to take a break, that is when God is strong and never fails to bring divine appointments. Keep on pressing on...the finish line is in sight!

Pastor Chris Knight

Anonymous said...

I am praying that God will continue to work through you guys!! That he will continue to change your lives and the lives of everyone around you. Continue to be strong, there is no limit to your power with God.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I DELIGHT IN WEAKNESSES, IN INSULTS, IN HARDSHIPS, IN PERSECUTIONS, IN DIFFICULTIES. FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG.

Anonymous said...

I am praying that God will continue to work through you guys!! That he will continue to change your lives and the lives of everyone around you. Continue to be strong, there is no limit to your power with God.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I DELIGHT IN WEAKNESSES, IN INSULTS, IN HARDSHIPS, IN PERSECUTIONS, IN DIFFICULTIES. FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG.

Love & Prayers
Ben Schrock

Unknown said...

NYGO team,
Remember that when we are at our weakest, God is strong! It is at these low points in our lives that He chooses to be glorified! Something big is about to happen!

Shelley Flickinger

Aaron Zehr said...

Praise God for your service to him this week! The kingdom will be forever changed because of your obedience. Remember this week is not about your story as an individual. It is about the larger, eternal story of God.

Acts. 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

This is my prayer for you this week.

-Aaron & Megan Zehr

Anonymous said...

This was today's Pulse morning nugget- I thought it was awesome.
God is more disposed to move on an admitted emptiness than a presumed fullness. - by author Tommy Tenney
\
From Phillipians 4:1 and me:
My dear friends, I love you so much! I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride.Don't waver. Stay on track,steady with God.

Anonymous said...

Hi everyone! It's so exciting to read about your trip. I'm so proud of each of you for stepping outside of your box for the cause of Christ. It is my prayer that you will see God at work in ways you never imagined...you may be the only "Jesus with skin" that people meet and it is my prayer that you will rely on God for the strength you need as the week goes on. He is an amazing God and when you rest in Him, He will abide in you! You are inspiration to me for your willingness to help grow God's Kingdom. Love and prayers.....Jaynee

Anonymous said...

Okay Derry... you caught me.... I have looked at the blogspot 275 times...LOL... and only left one comment.
No, really i just wanted to say that I am so proud of each of the kids on this trip. I do not think I said that in my last post. I can't imagine how you feel right now, but know that each of you is so important to the growth of the youth group at NMC. You are all leaders among your peers for stepping outside the box.
I know many of you personally and others I do not, but I am praying for each of you daily. I pray for you leaders as well, as you have a very important part in this whole journey.
Remember you can do anything with God strenghtening you.
Be encouraged and know that the seeds you plant are there to grow, even if you are not in New York to see them fluorish.
Love and big hugs to you, each and every one of you.
I miss you lots and lots Kaleigh!!!!
Amy W.

Anonymous said...

Way to "Pay it Forward" NYGO team

Don't be discouraged and remember Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you.

Tonda

Anonymous said...

I am praying for the team everyday, the pics of you in the parks and on the streets are absolutley AMAZING!! I see Gods love shining in all your faces. What a difference you are making in peoples lives. God has chosen each and every one of you for this purpose.I pray that you continue to be strong in His love.

:) LOVE YOU and MISS YOU BRITT:)

Becky Moorefield

Anonymous said...

It is so great to see you all at work--thanks for doing this Derry! I have been praying for all of you daily, and for Kylie Yoder specifically.

Kylie--not only are you spreading the Good News in New York, but I've used this as an opportunity to teach Gavin (my 8 month old, for those who don't know) how to pray. We fold our hands and close our eyes and pray for you outloud each morning before we get out of bed!

To all of you--have faith and be strong! I pray for you all many times throughout the day. I pray that God will wrap you in His arms. Remember the story of the footprints by the ocean...when the man said during his darkest times, he only saw one set of footprints and he thought God had left him, God said, "No, it was during that time that I carried you." I know that if you completely give yourselves over to Him, he will carry you through. I am so proud of all of you for listening to God's call to do this work even if it is out of your comfort zone. I look up to you all!

Love and Prayers--
Ashli (& Gavin) Engle

Anonymous said...

Dearest Saints in New York, Saints?? That's right... Most of the time when we don't think we have what it takes when it comes to sharing our faith or even striking up a conversation about God... Much less bring up the even more pressing subject of Jesus Christ... After all, God is pretty cool to talk about and most people can identify with God, or a God, or even the Gods... But truthfully it is Jesus who we should be talking about... :-)Right? I mean God saves doesn't He? That is correct... But, He does it through the Son, Jesus Christ... "No one comes to the Father, except through the Son"... God does indeed make it very clear that even the old Serpent Satan believes in God and so do the demons, and they shudder... Okay now Julie tells me it can't be long!! Way to go.. Should I erase? I miss my girls...
You Saints are doing everyday this week what is my passion and burden and I am a little, well a lot, jealous of your opportunity... Please come back with amazing stories of how you spoke truth in love and how you even got into an arguement with an Atheist, but all the while tears in your eyes because of your love for the lost. those tears are seen by God... No words you speak about God or Jesus will go unheard... They will still be speaking as you leave... How is this you ask?? Ever heard of the Holy Spirit?? Ahhhh, yes... That is how... Plant the seeds kids, God is big enough to sew them for you... You are the planter, so plant many many seeds... Pray this boldly every morning. "God, give me just one divine appointment today, and if you find just one, maybe give me two, and if you can locate 100 more in New York, then just go ahead and send them all and then give me the words that you want these people to hear, and I ask this all to bless your heart today in the Name of Jesus Christ" Amen, and Amen as Pastor Dave says. :-) Be encouraged!! You are doing the scariest thing in the world, and soon to come home to the safest place in the world... Live it up, then you can come home and be bored again... Love you all, George Wiegand IV ;-)

Anonymous said...

Hi, Amy Yoder.
Been praying for you everyday and we know you are serving our Lord in witnessing to the people there.You will probably will never know just how many you have helped (planting a seed) until we get to heaven. Do be careful and get some rest. We will be anxious to hear all about your trip.
Love you,
Grandma and Grandpa Selwa

Anonymous said...

Oh Hi :-) By the way if you happen to see either one of my beautiful daughters, please tell them that I Love them dearly and my heart aches as it is about half empty without them here. Every day after work we just can't figure out what to do as you girls are so much a part of us. Much Love, and a Big HuG from George, with a little back crack to the both of you!! :)

Anonymous said...

Hello NYGO Team,
Just wanted to let you know that I have your prayer card on our kitchen table so that we are reminded of the specific ways to pray for you all. It has been great to see all the pictures (GREAT JOB Jannell!!) and read what has taken place so far. We serve a GREAT and MIGHTY God!!

To the kids that our feeling a little discouraged in being rejected, you can be sure that God tells us that His Word will not return void!! You are the sowers planting the seeds of God's love to those that our lost. Be BOLD and Be Strong for the Lord our God is with you!!

One more thing Derry, you can tell Megan that we all say "Hi" and that we miss her (she must have forgot our phone# ha, ha)

God Bless,
Don and Cathy Miller, Katelynn, Adam and Emily

Anonymous said...

Allyson & Kristen...make this a time of your lives that you will never forget and that you got to spend it together! I am so thankful that you both got to experience this trip. I am missing you terribly but how happy and proud I am of you both! Let God move in you and let His Spirit lead you as you share with those of NYC. Love you both so very much!!
Mom

Anonymous said...

I pray for Kaleigh and all her friends spreading God's words! Each and everyone of you can be admired! Keep your spirits up! I am so proud of you! God bless and keep all of you safe and happy! Sharon C.

Anonymous said...

hi..im encourageing you!

Anonymous said...

We are praying for you every day and night. I see kids who are stepping out of there comfort zone for Christ. AWESOME!!!
I see Jesus Christ with skin on.
The only thing I see that troubles me somewhat is the Ney York Yankees hat on Derry.
I think a Boston Red Sox hat would start more conversations than the Yankees.
Anywho...
May God give strength to those who are way out of their confort zone.

In him,
Larry White & Family

Anonymous said...

Hey Heidi Jo - You Go Girl! We are so proud of you and the whole NYGO team. You have stepped out in faith and your lives will never be the same. You have passed the half-way point and you need to find an extra measure of strength to get you through. We hope these verses will help.

Dueteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave you or forsake you."

Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Hang in there gang. Enjoy yourselves. Love God and each other. You may not see a harvest in NY, but you are planting seeds and some of those will take root and grow. We continue to pray for you all and look forward to hearing all of the amazing testimonies you will have to share when you get back.

As someone we love likes to say, "Have an awesome day with Jesus!"

Heidi's mom and dad

Anonymous said...

I'm praying for my BEST friend Kaleigh Woodcox! I hope she grows in gods word more and more while she is there! And i also hope that she reaches out to as many people as she possibly can! You don't know how proud i am of you kaleigh! Love you!

>But I am also praying for everyone there on the trip! Do not take any of it for granted! Cherish every moment! Share gods love!

GODBLESS!

Kayla Patterson

Anonymous said...

Hey Kaleigh, and the rest of you on the front line. Love to see all the pictures in the park and other places. You all look like your having a great time, and loving what your doing. So does God. Keep it up I am praying for you always.
Love, Kaleigh's Dad
P.S. It wouldnt kill you to call me ya know.

Anonymous said...

Hey Team! It sounds as if God is at work... it just may be in a different way than expected. After reading the updates, I was reminded of a passage that I was continually led to throughout the IMPACT trip. I thought that it may encourage you to run after everything that God has planned for you the rest of the week. God Bless!
P.S.- Janelle,
Kristy and I are running around the office like chickens with their heads chopped off... you hold us together! I love you and miss you... Can't wait to swap stories when you return!


2 Corinthians 6:3-10
"We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."

Christy Brink

Anonymous said...

You are all witnessing back here in Indiana whether you know it or not. Those of us back here have been spredding the news of your great adventure for God. What an opportunity YOU have given US. Praise Jesus for your courage and committments. I'll pray for devine power and strenght for you all to be a light that New York will never forget.

I Know God has GREAT AND WONDERFUL things in store for you. Closeness with Him, Closeness to each other and that's a power the devil Cannot touch. AMEN !! Trust that you are in our thoughts many many many times throughout each and every day. WE LOVE YOU and have every confidence YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Love you bunches Kala,

Mom & Dad Roe

Anonymous said...

We love you and are praying for all of you. May He give you physical, mental, emotional and spiritual strength. Draw strength from His word... "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart". Hebrews 12:2 and 3.

Anonymous said...

May each of you feel God's loving arms wrapped around you holding you close to him and keeping you safe from all harm. What a big step you guys took in your lives, not knowing what to expect, to spread the name of Jesus to those who may not even know the name "Jesus". I pray that this has been a rewarding experience for all of you and you will continue to grow stronger in your Christian walk. God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

Thanks for making a difference in somebody's life.

Jan Schrock

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Hey NYGO team... I am praying for your spiritual as well as emotional strength for the remainder of your trip. Though it is easy to become discouraged when something doesn't quite go as expected, always remember it is part of God's plan. I will continue to pray for you and your safety and that God will continue to move through you the rest of the week.

Small group girls(Jess, Kaleigh, Kayla, and Lauren)... i cannot wait to hear from you when you get back. we are totally going to have a huge party and share our stories from NYGO and IMPACT. i love you all!!!

Alyssa

stone15 said...

I know it must be tough out there in the big city, but it looks like(from the pictures) you guys are doing a great job. Keep up the good work! Hope you enjoy the fireworks tonight! We miss you and can't wait to hear the stories when you come back! My mom says "Hi" and that she is praying for you.

love,
Jake Stone NLF youthman

tanklehane said...

Dear NYGO team,

Rose and I wanted to let you know that we've been praying for you and the journey you've all been on over the last few days. It's times like these where God desires to grow, mature and stretch you in areas that you may not have even know you could be or at times even want to be stretched and grown in.

I know you may be physically tired and spiritually and emotionally drained but your ministry to those in New York is of amazing importance. You have decided to be the ONE. The ONE person that God is choosing to use to speak to that person you felt him leading you to. You may not know what impact you'll have on them until you meet them one day in heaven but don't let the enemy put feelings of insecurity, doubt or fear in your heart or mind. God has given you all that you need, the training, your leaders and most of all your heart to see others meet and encounter Christ the way you know Him and you personally have.

Our prayer for you is that you will realize the amazing potential that you have not just to those in New York but to those upon your return that need to hear about the love of Christ that you know so real in your own life and the power and grace that He offers. We're praying for strength and endurance for you all, freedom from fear and insecurity and that God will continue to be able to speak to you clearly and that you'll hear him as you talk with those in New York. This trip for many of you has been about getting out of your comfort zone and dying to yourself so that you may decrease and He may increase all the more. We're so excited and proud of you all for the steps you have taken to be available.

We're praying and thinking of you.

In His abundant love,

Pastor Chris (and Rose)

Anonymous said...

Hey NYGOTeam,
Happy Independence Day!! I'm sure that you are understanding in a whole new light what it means to be truly "free in Christ".

Again, it is so encouraging to see you putting your faith into action on the streets of NYC.

We are continuing our intersession for you all. We pray that your last couple of days will be even more amazing as you are pushed to the limit physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Megan-- so glad that you didn't forget our phone # after all (even though you should have called the cell phone since I have been carrying it everywhere I go so I wouldn't miss a call from you) ha, ha!!We will save your message until you get home! Pam will be happy to see that you made it on American Idol!!!

Can't wait to see you!! We love you and are proud of you for seeking God in this way!

Praying for you all,
Don and Cathy, Katelynn, Adam and Emily

Anonymous said...

Hey Nick
Every time I feel the cross in my pocket i think of you! I'm praying for you and that God will be so real to you. I hope you are having a awesome time. Thanks for praying for me!
Love yah
Katherine