What If? - #5 Youth Group

WHAT IF you were a part of a youth group that was seeing God move in mighty ways?

This What If was the most enjoyable for me to prepare for camp. Janelle actually came up with the idea. Through Facebook, I contacted several former students and asked them three questions.

1. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS YOU SAW GOD'S MIGHTY MOVE WHILE YOU WERE A PART OF NMC STUDENT MINISTRIES?
2. WHAT ASPECTS/ PROGRAMS WERE SIGNIFICANT IN YOUR SPIRITUAL FORMATION AT NMC?
3. IN WHAT WAY WOULD YOU CHALLENGE CURRENT NMC STUDENTS TO SEE "A YOUTH GROUP THAT SAW GOD MOVING IN MIGHTY WAYS"?

I received responses from 21 students from the classes of 2001-2009. It was a gold mine of information, insight, and challenges. I actually plan to be posting those responses over the next couple months in a different series.

In contemplating and seeing the responses of this big WHAT IF?, I was struck with a major reality. The times I have experienced the mighty move of God in our Student Ministries has been when students are putting the other 4 What If?s into action. When students are...

• living out their faith in their schools (What If? #1)
• reaching out to their friends and family (What If? #2)
• finding their stage and sharing the message of Christ (What if #3)
• taking part in something bigger than themselves and for the Kingdom (What If? #4)

they are ushering in a mighty move. I'm excited how it's looking for this school year already!

Frah Frah, Bubby, Rah Rah, Ninnie, and Katylynn are ready to eat breakfast while watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

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What If? #4 - K.I.N.

WHAT IF NMC Student Ministries took an entire year to seriously address the issues of KIDS IN NEED?

For the past 3 years, NMC Student Ministries have partnered with ministries in Africa to see a move of God.
In 2007, Maasai Night raised $15,000 for the Maasai Project.
In 2008, Kenya Night raised over $25,000 for the the AGC Baby Center and the Maasai Project.
In 2009, Rwanda Night raised $20,000 for the Rwanda Exodus Conference.

Each of these efforts featured months of preperation and a week of events organized and led by students. Each of this efforts can really be traced back to one of the original WHAT IF?s we formally presented to our students. "WHAT IF NMC Student Ministries came behind an effort to share God's love with a tribe halfway around the world?"

The product of these three nights are tens of thousands coming to know Christ, as many as 100 churches planted, abandoned babies being rescued and brought to health, and movements that will continue for years to come.

As the Student Ministries Staff spent time thinking and dreaming and decided to take a different approach and present our students with a new WHAT IF? (that being the one at the top of this post). As a part of stirring the dreaming, students were simply presented with some of the statistics surrounding situations Children are facing in the world today...

If you are reading this on facebook, you cannot view the slideshow that is inserted here... go to http://derryprenkert.com to view it.

We're still in the dreaming process, and some things are starting to take form. I believe this may be a year where we see the move of God ushered in a new way because students took their time, talents, & treasures and leveraged them to address an issue that clearly moves the heart of their Savior.

What if? #3 - Talents and Abilities

WHAT IF you were to see and use your talents and abilities as an opportunity to advance God’s Kingdom?

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

I often have students & leaders approach me with a request that is awkward to talk through. "I want to speak on a Wednesday Night."

I understand where the thought is coming from. 200+ students sitting together, staring at the stage. That person taking the stage and sharing with the students what a relationship with Christ looks like. How else could that happen?

We live in a church culture that has over-glorified the pulpit, or maybe I should just call it what it is... the stage. The true sign of "arrival" in being a minister is to stand on a stage before a crowd (the larger the crowd the more you've "arrived") and present the message.

That thought process saddens me. It's filled with enough holes to form a golf course. First off, here's where it falls apart:

• Rarely will students come up to me (one who is on the stage often) and tell me how they remember a message I shared on a Wednesday Night or Sunday morning.
• Actually, many graduates will specifically share, "I don't remember a single specific message you shared" or "you spoke to me tons of times, and I only remember one message."
• If preaching from a stage is the most important form of sharing about God, the Old Testament is void, and the majority of Jesus ministry on earth was pointless.
  
• Anyone who stops and thinks about the major spiritual influences on their life, they rarely came from a stage. They most often happened across a table, in a house, on a car ride, etc.
• We are one body, with many parts. Some of us are equipped and able to operate a sound board. Some of us are not. If those who aren't step to that sound board and operate it, the results can be disastrous. Some of us are able to counsel people in great need. It just comes naturally to us. Others of us are not. Some us us are able to stand and speak in a way that people follow and are challenged into action. Some of us are not. All are important. None more important than the other.
  

I believe in the stage though; but I define it much broader than the church pulpit. I believe that everyone has been given a stage (many times multiple stages) where they have an opportunity to share a message. It comes through us identify the talents and abilities God has blessed us with, and putting them into practice for his sake. I have seen incredible results when this has been done.

• Adam and Kory both realized that their athletic ability may be something more than an opportunity to showcase themselves. Adam started a chapel with his football team and saw some guys lives truly transformed as they sought to learn what it means to glorify God. Kory, the star Quarterback and Point Guard had multiple news stories (in print and on televsion) run on him that were totally centered around his faith and how he lived it out on the field, in school, and in the church. Kory saw multiple teammates come to know Christ through taking advantage of the "stage" he was given.
• Brandie and Jessica realized that their musical ability was an opportunity to advance his Kingdom. When Brandie was given an opportunity to choose her song for school events, she would choose a song that presented the message of Christ in some format. Both gals got involved in our Praise Band at church. Now, Brandie and Jessica lead our Junior and Senior High Praise Bands on Wednesday Night.
• Grant and Kristen are both incredible artists. On a whim, one night we gave Grant the opportunity to paint to the side while our Worship Band played. What unfolded was an absolutely amazing gift in Grant where he could lead people in worship through painting. Kristen drew two pictures for our Silent Auction for Kenya Night. Combined the two pictures raise $1500 for the Maasai Project and Kenya Night.
• Preston and Austin are techie geeks who love messing around with their computers and video. Preston would help run our Media on Wednesday Nights. Austin ran the entire tech team his Senior Year. Both Preston and Austin are now vital in putting together the video and audio of our weekend services which then go around the world.
• Haley was a cheerleader. She saw a huge need for a move of God among her squad. She pulled together two other gals who were Christians and they began to pray for their team. They saw the most unlikely girl on the entire squad get radically saved.
• Kristy loves to serve behind the scenes. Whenever there was an opportunity to help with setup, tear down, decoration, or even stuffing bulletins... Kristy would love to do it. Now Kristy runs about everything that is behind the scenes in Senior High. Registrations, stage decor, mailings, communication to teams; Kristy makes it happen.

Some of these people have stepped on the stage of our. Some avoid the stage at all costs. All of these individuals caught on to something huge... the talent that they'd been given has been used to advance the Kingdom of God. And much like the parable of the Talents that we read, I believe these individuals have and will experience the words of their master...

'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

Matthew 25:23

What if students at NMC were to truly take the talents and abilities they have, and seize the opportunity to advance God's Kingdom instead of their own?

What If? - #2 Friends and Family

WHAT IF you were to be the man/woman God has called you to be to you friends & family?

I love this picture and what it represents.

From left to right: Me, Jeff, Chad, Brad, and Dru

4 Generations.

Jeff began his relationship with Christ at age 16. He was a part of a smaller youth group nearby, and often found himself frustrated with the spiritual temperature there. He would come over to NMC occasionally for some encouragement from Terry Bley. Upon graduation from high school, Jeff started volunteering as a Junior High Small Group Leader at NMC. Jeff began bringing Chad with him on Sunday Nights.

Chad was a Junior High student in the youth group Jeff had attended. Jeff wanted to make sure Chad had a place where he was being encouraged to grow as well. As a Freshman, Chad's Sunday night attendance turned into Wednesday attendance, and a spark was lit inside Chad. He had some friends at his school that he wanted to see come alive for Christ. Brad was one of those friends.

Brad began coming along with Chad on Wednesdays Nights. There was a particular Wednesday night in late May where we held a mock funeral service. Students were asked to consider that it was their funeral, and the call was to die to self, and live for Christ. Something connected deeply with Brad on that Wednesday Night. Brad went on to graduate from Bethel College with a degree in Youth Ministry. He is currently the lead pastor at New Life Fellowship in Lagrange, IN. Brad brought a group of High School students to Summer Camp with us last year. Dru is one of those students.

Dru comes from a home that doesn't attend church. The whole thing of Christianity was a new idea to her... something she was interested in but still had plenty of questions. During camp last year, she approached Brad on the last night and wanted to talk about what it meant to truly seek after God with all her heart. Brad had the opportunity to pray with Dru to receive Jesus Christ in her life as her savior.

This year at camp, I had Jeff, Chad, Brad, and Dru stand in front of the group as an example of 4 generations of Christians. Jeff took a simple step of inviting Chad to come to church with him. Just take a moment to consider the ripples of that simple step of obedience, and then consider again this WHAT IF?

WHAT IF you were to be the man/woman God has called you to be to you friends & family?

WHAT IF? - #1. Schools

WHAT IF you were to truly live out your faith as you walk through the doors of your school?

We have seen God do transformational works at schools as students took a stand by getting on their knees for their schools. There are schools with strong representation at NMC mainly because a student or two decided to begin living out their faith. Bremen, Concord, Wawasee, Fairfield, Goshen... there have been seasons in all of these schools where we have seen multiple students come into a relationship with Christ.

As we gave students the opportunity to dream with this question at camp, we posted pictures of the many High Schools represented at NMC. There was an aream around the picture where students could write down prayers for that school. Many of those prayers were powerful and filled with vision and desperation...

"Wake us up, God."
"Raise up leaders for you in this school, God."
"If I stand alone, let me still stand, God."

In our Monday night session of camp, Kyle Lantz shared the story of what we saw take place at Wawasee High School starting in 2002 when 3 students (Kyle, Jon, and Kelsey... they were really the only three from that school) began meeting weekly together to pray for God to move at their school. They began to see unlikely individuals begin to show interest in what it means to have a relationship with Jesus. In the years that followed, there are numerous stories of students praying with students to receive Christ (in a gym class, after a Wednesday in the Fieldhouse, on a car ride home from NMC). By 2006, there were as many as 70 students who would show up weekly at NMC. I don't use the revival word lightly, but what I saw unfold over those years at Wawasee was definitely that. Families came to life spiritually. Out of that group of students, there are already missionaries, pastors wives, doctors, educators... all radically serving Christ around the world.

It unfolded in an amazing way, but I saw it all start with three kids who decided to pray for a move of God at their school.

WHAT IF?
What if these schools saw a move of God.
I truly believe the most significant mission field in America today is the High School (public, private or Christian... it really doesn't matter.)

5 months and 20 feet apart

I just got back from the grave side memorial service for Aleigha Grace Thompson. Jason, Racheal, Haley, family and friends gathered together to remember a life that was only lived in Rachael's womb. As heart-wrenching and confounding as a loss like this is, I've been amazed at the perspective of Jason and Rachael. They are hurting, yet they are trusting.

It's a little too familiar. It's a different situation, and a different family member, but 5 months ago I remember all too well the shock mixed with reality that comes with tragedy.

5 months apart... The guy that I've shared so many ministry and life memories with are now sharing in the grief of burying a family member.

Today, I'm reminded of a few things:

1. Sometimes, life just stinks and doesn't make sense.
2. Trust is often a word until you face crisis. Then it becomes an opportunity for action.
3. Platitudes just won't cut it. Promises (God's) and people are the best medicine.
   
4. There will be a day with no more pain or suffering.

The burial site for Aleigha Grace Thompson is 20 feet from the burial site for Kelvin I Prenkert.

5 months and 20 feet apart.
Not easy.
Not what we wanted.
Not the end.

Off the Grid

Out at the lake for the rest of the weekend. No blogging.

Rwanda recap video

Caleb posted this on his blog back while I was in crazy camp mode, and I totally missed it. Just watched it now. Our Rwanda Night happened just one week after I buried my father. It came together a little rougher than Maasai and Kenya Night. Not as much money was raised. Yet, it was also the most student owned, and most sacrificial giving by students of all the nights. In the end, watching this reminded me, "It's all worth it."

What If? - A New Series

As Mentioned, we presented our students with 5 What If? questions. These 5 questions are clearly going to be the driving factor to our upcoming year in Student Ministries. In a little series starting next week, I'm going to outline these 5 "What If?"s and how we've presented them. For now, here are the 5 questions:

1. WHAT IF you were to truly live out your faith as you walk through the doors of your school?
2. WHAT IF you were to be the man/woman God has called you to be to you friends & family?
3. WHAT IF you were to see and use your talents and abilities to advance God’s Kingdom?
4. WHAT IF NMC Student Ministries took an entire year to seriously address the issues of KIDS IN NEED?
5. WHAT IF you were a part of a youth group that was seeing God move in mighty ways?

SEMP; 5 years later

For years, what is now called our "GO Trips" was an event called SEMP (Students Equipped to Minister to Peers). The event was an evangelism training experience that would prepare and enable students to better share their relationship with Christ to their friends and families back home.

A significant "take home" moment from SEMP (and one we still do with our GO trips) is when we have students write a letter to 2-4 of their spiritually lost or struggling friends back home. Students are coached not to make this a "repent or burn in hell" letter, but instead one where they seek to open up a window to return home and continue a conversation. Students are encouraged to be very honest in their intent if they feel their friend or family member is ready to hear from them.So, all that explanation to share this message I received from a student who went to SEMP in 2004. I have changed the names...

...I wrote my letter to two of my friends, Jessie and Erin. When I came home after sending the letters I kept in touch with Jessie but didn't hear much from her about the letter, at least not productive things and Erin and I kinda drifted. We stayed friendly and nothing was really ever said about the letter I sent her. After freshmen year we all groew and choose different ways to spend our time and who we choose to hang out with. Jessie was wrapped up in a boyfriend and Erin went down the path of partying, drugs, sex, etc. I still hung out with them very randomly if we happened to get closer or see more of each if we were in the same class together for a semester or two, but then it quickly faded because it was more of a surface relationship. ANYWAYS- haven't really talked to Erin since I've graduated, but stayed connected with Jessie. Yesterday I got this message from Erin (the reason for this whole message) here it is:

Anne,
How are you love? I was thinking of you the other day and thinkin of the letter you wrote me years ago about how you want me to be closer to God and how you would always be there for me. I remember wanting to throw the letter away and forget it, but i kept it by my bed. you'll never know how much that impacted me, and how much you've impacted me! I love you so much you have always been there for me. I don't know where you are right now but I would love it if you and I could get together and just catch up. I would love to tell you about the awesome thigs God's done for me and I would love to hear what you've been up to and how he's been blessing your life! I love you so much dear! You're so gorgeous inside and out....

Erin

There it is :) I smiled when I read the part about wanting to throw the letter away, but keeping it by her bed. How awesome is God to keep that letter she thought she hated, so close to her while she slept at night after all these year. Praise God! Thanks for listening to this and letting me share some of the joy in my heart :)

Prayer for a friend and colleague

My friend and ministry colleague Jason Thompson and his wife, Rachael, received devastating news yesterday. As he wrote over on his blog...

Late yesterday afternoon Rachael and I went to the doctor after Rachael had some mild concerns that she wasn't sure she had felt the baby move recently. While going into appointment we weren't real concerned (we were going more out of precaution), our worst fears would soon be realized. After an ultrasound was performed, we were told that for unknown reasons our baby daughter (Aleigha Grace) had died in the womb. Obviously, we were & are devastated. Unfortunately, the hardest part is yet to come. Rachael will have to still go through labor. Tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. she is scheduled to be induced. Obviously, we would greatly value your prayers for today, tomorrow and the days to come. The promise the Lord has given me to hold onto during this difficult time for us is that "we do not mourn like those who have no hope." Praise the Lord!

As you read this, join me in praying for the Thompson family.

Sunset July 20

Buzz Cocanower tot the Rescue!

This is Geoff Cocanower. He's going to have a huge impact for the sake of the Kingdom. We are blessed enough to have him investing in our Senior High right now. At Summer Camp, several students mentioned that Geoff looks a little like Buzz Lightyear. What do you think?

Our view this week

It's the week for our annual trip to Dewart Lake. This year I'll be working through Wednesday and driving back and forth, then we're powering down for the weekend and just hanging together. This little getaway has served as the "breathe point for us as we wind down from the crazy summer schedule (trip season) and get ready to wind up for the Fall. It's also been a major watershed point for us with life.

2 years ago we sat on the same balcony deck I took this picture from and made the decision that we were going to make a phone call that would change our life forever. That phone call was to a lady by the name of Candy. She had a seventeen year old daughter who was pregnant.

Last year was a lot about me getting ready for the toughest year (school year) of my life. I didn't know it at the time, but my reading, TAWG, and journaling all centered around what I was going to do with my faith in times where it wasn't going so smoothly. I had just gone through a year where I'd seen some great blessings. I had the most amazing daughter. My wife and I were closer than ever. I'd just seen an awesome Senior Class graduate out. Things were smooth and amazing.

In the year that followed... The parenting pace picked up. Janelle and I had to lean into our pasts as well as our current relationship & walk through some tough stuff. That awesome Senior Class had some major crash and burns as they headed off to college. The current Senior High momentum and pulse was harsh. I felt like I was constantly in "catch-up" mode. Then February hit. My dad died, and everything came to a screeching halt. In the end, I came to realize and see my Savior in new ways, learned fresh what the real meaning behind the song "Blessed be Your Name" is, and I can honestly say I love Jesus more today than I did last year.

What does this school year have in store? I don't know. I'm excited to see what God wants to prep me for through this week, though.

I just got done eating some spaghetti. Correction, I almost ate some spaghetti. Now it's bath time.

Parents can fuel or put out the fire like no one else

Just listened to a voice mail of a dad who gets it. It was a thanks to all those leaders involved at Summer Camp who pushed his daughter to go all out for Christ. He was overjoyed with the zeal and passion he saw in his daughter. The thank you meant a lot, but what really got me excited hearing from a dad had just thrown gasoline on the fire that was started in his daughter.

Many times (more than I want to count) a student will come home to share with a parent what has happened, and immediately be met by "the voice of reason." Although I believe there are good intentions in this, I cringe when I hear students are initially met with statements like,
"You're on a spiritual high."
"Let's not get too carried away."
"I better see some changes in you at home."
"Let's take it slow and see what happens."

These statements an be potentially dangerous... especially when they are the first words out. Those can all be correct and valuable phrases to be shared. A parent will have to play the voice of reason in his/her kids' lives, but they also have the opportunity to fuel a faith in children that can produce a ridiculous dreamer and radical follower of Jesus Christ.

I would hope the first phrases from parents who see kids return from camp with a fire in them be,
"Awesome."
"Go for it!"
"I love what I'm hearing."
"How can we best help and encourage you as you put this into action?"
"I/We believe in you and your potential."
"Anything I can do to see you grasp all God has for you, I'm in!"
Or maybe it's no words, just a huge smile, a laugh, and a gigantic hug!


Parents, there are far too many fires that have to be put out when raising teens. Don't let the fire of God that get's built up from a perspective gaining experience like camp be one of them. Fan that fire into a flame that will equal out to spiritual growth at home!

Taken last night during completely student led worship. It was a great moment as students owned the night and sought to dive in now that they're home.

Home and Ready

I have spent much of this afternoon preparing and getting folow-up stuff in place from camp.
The Facebook Group.
The TAWG Journal.
The Thank Yous.
The Pictures.

In the process, there's been text messages, facebook updates, and bog posts that are encouraging me to believe there are greater things yet to come, and greater things yet to be done in this youth ministry.

Look for us in the parking lot just before 600.

just crossed border into indiana. ! bathroom stop to make. ETA 545-615. A more specific time after we get past bathroom stop.

We're truckin' (or busin', I guess) through. All signs point toward an early return. We'll keep you posted.

Tuesday Morning Camp Thoughts

This is officially the 11th year we've had a Senior High Group come to Beulah Beach Camp. First it was just called a "Senior High Getaway", then in 2003 we lengthened it and officially called it "Summer Camp".

So, I've seen many students meet with God in incredible ways at this place. I've been especially reminded of it this year as there are multiple former students who are here this year as leaders. Many conversations with those former students/ current leaders have centered on those milestones markers and stakes driven in the ground at camp.

Although God has never disappointed at any of these times here, there are a few camps that jump out from the rest. Out of 11 camps here, I can think of 3 of them where I walked away thinking that we were on the verge of something huge. The first was in 2004 when a somewhat weak Senior Class had something lit inside them. That "light bulb moment" sparked a fire at NorthWood High School of the likes we're still seeing the effects. The second was in 2005 when God showed up in such a unique and powerful way it catapulted us into the most evangelistic year I've seen at NMC Student Ministries.

The third is this year. Something significant happened over this camp, and it really culminated last night. If I were to sum up this camp, I would use two statements...

1. Brace Yourself to be Loved by God. I believe MANY students have experienced and grasped God's love for them in a deeper, more real and meaningful way. Through this, I've observed brokenness, restoration, reconciliation between siblings, freedom, and repentance.
2. Brace Yourself to be Used by God. Yesterday afternoon, every student went through a one-hour experience where they asked 5 What Ifs (outlined below) that every student had spent an hour processing through. Last night, we were challenged to seek out how God wants to use us in those 5 What Ifs. As students stood, one by one, and shared in a sentence form how they specifically believe God wants to use them, I realized what we are potentially looking at. A certain "R" word came to mind that could have it's effects on schools, families, sports teams, our church, and maybe even the world.

Now this is only what I sense. I do not know. We will not know the effects of this camp for years. One thing we've been drilling in the students is that what they are experiencing here is not Growth. This is only perspective. Real growth cannot take place until they come down from the mountain, walk through the valley, and put it in to practice. That is my prayer for the months to come. Brace Yourself, we may be on the verge of a fresh move of God!

Camp: Tuesday at a Glance

We close down our time at Camp, and head home to see what God really wants to do.

8:00 - Breakfast (Diner)
(Cottages cleaned up/ all luggage loaded)
9:15- Meet @ The TENT/ TAWG
10:00 - Final Celebration (The Tent) BRACE YOURSELF TO GROW HOME
12:30 p.m. - Depart (Lunch on way)
6:30 - Arrive Home

playing mafia around the kiddie pool.

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This place special. It's increble to think how many students have connected with God in significant ways in this tent over the past week.

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This is my wife. She's absolutely awesome. This morning she'll be sharing with the girls what a woman of nobility looks like.

If you have a daughter at this camp, you are very blessed to have Janelle here.

After we do TAWG we have the students come back together and share some of the insights from what we learned from our TAWG. All the people standing are going to be sharing. A favorite part of camp.

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A major part of camp is creating space for students to spend time alone with God. Parents, what are you doing at home to accomplish this?

Camp: Monday at a Glance

Today is huge. We will be asking some Big "What If?"s as we Brace Ourselves to Head Home. Pray for the Spirit's move.

8:00 - Breakfast (Diner)
8:45 - Meet @ The Tent/TAWG
9:45 - Celebration Time (the Tent)- BRACE YOURSELF LIKE A MAN/WOMAN II
12:00 p.m. - Lunch
1:00 - Afternoon Activities
1:00-5:00 - “Take Home Stations”
Cornhole, Swimming, Sports Fields
5:30 - Slip and Slide
7:00 - Supper (the Diner)
8:00 - Celebration Time - BRACE YOURSELF TO BE USED BY GOD
10:30 - Camp Fire
11:30 - Final Cottage Groups (In rooms for night)
12:00 a.m. - Lights Out

Slideshow: Sunday Morning Session

Slideshow: Sunday Morning TAWG

Slideshow: Saturday Evening Session

Slideshow: Saturday Morning TAWG Experience

This experience involved students rotating every 15 minutes to 10 different TAWG (Time Alone With God) Stops where they would participate in different experiences that focus in on God's love for us. About halfway in, an enormous storm went through. It definitely was a distraction, but the students continued on as they spent nearly 3 hours alone with God!

Slideshow: Friday Night Water Balloon Launch

Slideshow: Opening Session

Slideshow: Trip to Camp

That's one impressive stack of trays.

Cedar Point, here we come!

Good morning Cody?

Camp: Sunday at a Glance

Today may look like a day full of fun, but this day has potential for some great ministry... conversations in the lines, connecting with the grades, moments to build group unity.

Pray throughout the day.

7:30 a.m. - Breakfast (Diner)
8:15 - Meet @ The Tent/TAWG
9:00 - Celebration Time (the Tent)
BRACE YOURSELF LIKE A MAN/WOMAN I
11:15 - Lunch (Diner)
12:00 p.m. - Depart for Cedar Point
12:30 - Arrive at Cedar Point
4:30 - Rides by grade/ NLF
(Supper on your own)
7:30 - Meet at Gemini for “Big Freeze” & Group Rides
10:00 - Return to Camp
11:00 - Quick Group Time (The tent)
11:15 - Leader Meeting
11:30 - Cottage Groups (in rooms for night)
12:00 a.m. - Lights Out

What's the Big Freeze?

You may catch that we'll be doing the "Big Freeze" at Cedar Point this evening. This Youtube video was our inspiration last year. We hope to catch some good video of the nearly 170 of us that will be doing this in the midway by the Gemini Roller Coaster!

In the middle of worship Dave Cummings invited the students to turn around and takein the sunset as we sang "How Great is Our God". instead of simply turning around students began to move out of the tent on their own and finished our worship set out over the lake.

An unbelievably powerful moment.

austin is running the tech for us and getting some great video footage. It's guys like him that are helping make this a great camp.

Responding to a 2.5 Hour TAWG experience all focused on receng God's love.

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Camp: Saturday at a Glance

Here's a look at what's happening today.
As you check this out, pray for us in whatever we're doing right now!

8:00 a.m. - Breakfast (Diner)
8:45 - All students Meet @ the Tent
9:15 - TAWG EXPERIENCE
BRACE YOURSELF TO LOVED BY GOD
12:00 p.m.- Lunch (Diner)
1:00 - Afternoon Activities
1:00 - 5:00 Tubing and Jet Skis, Sports Field and pool open
1:00 - Paintball Group 1
3:00 - Paintball Group 2
5:00 - Paintball Group 3
6:30 - Supper (Diner)
7:15 - Leader Meeting
7:45 - Celebration Time (tent) BRACE YOURSELF FOR THE FULL GOSPEL
10:45 - Cottage Groups (In rooms for night)
11:30 - Lights Out

Twitter Updates to your phone

Want to get my twitter updates from camp to your cell phone?

Just text "follow derryprenkert" to 40404, and you'll start getting them.

*To stop receiving the updates after camp, text "off derryprenkert" to 40404.

Friday Review

Day one is in the books. The lights are out in my cottage and the boys are drifting to sleep. It has been an exceptional start! great connecting on the way here.

Lot's of laughs as well.

I've never opened camp with a more intense talk than this one. I really sensed leading into this that God had been prepping many students and we could just dive in. He did not disappoint. The maun focus was a challenge to move from moving from just hearing of God to truly seeing him. Students were asked, DO YOU WANT IT? and then asked HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT?

They were invited to go out and stand at the edge of the lake and simply scream at the top of their lungs, I WANT IT! if they were really ready to SEE God. The chorus of screams over the lake had to be music to God's ears. It was a powerful and holy moment.

Off to bed for me. pray that what's started will continue to build.

Follow the Camp Leaders on Twitter

Check out the following for some Twittering from some of our leaders.

Janelle Prenkert (my lovely, amazing and awesome youth worker wife... who will be speaking to the gals on Sunday and Monday Morning)
Geoff Cocanower (Senior High intern/pastor extraordinaire... playing various key roles up front and behind the scenes)
Kristy Mikel (Senior High Administrative Guru... we're dead in the water without her!)
Jeff Simpson (A Youth Pastors dream come true. The Volunteer everyone hopes for)
Derry Prenkert (that's me)

For those who are in the dark, what is Twitter? It is microblogging, updates (tweets) of 140 characters or less posted to your twitter page for people see what you're doing.

Session 1

And we're rolling in worship!

That's Jeff Simpson out on the boat. students are attempting to hit him with a water balloon from a launcher. first to hit wins a sham wow!

Bus Fun

On the bus play i've never.

Camp: Friday at a Glance

Here's a bit of a glimpse at the day ahead...

9:00 a.m. - Arrive at NMC /Orientation
10:00: - Depart (Lunch along way)
4:30 p.m. - Arrive at Camp
6:00 - Supper (Diner)
7:15 - Leader Meeting
7:45 - Celebration Time (the tent)
BRACE YOURSELF TO MOVED BY GOD
10:45 - Cottage Groups (In rooms for night)
11:30 - Lights Out

Pray For Camp

Little prayer. Little Power.
Much prayer. Much Power.

Specifics to Be Praying For:

• Brokenness
• The move from “Religion” to “Relationship
• Fresh Burdens and Passions to reach the lost
• Spiritual Transformation
• Openness to the Supernatural move of God
• New “Christ-Focused” friendship
• Health and Safety
• Time at Cedar Point, that it be more than just Roller Coasters
• Honesty and transparency… Pray against pride
• Boldness… Pray against fear
• Obedience… Pray against apathy
• Pray against the enemy’s distractions (sound issues, rebellion, family strife leading into camp, etc.)
• David and the Connection band as they lead us in Worship
• Derry, Terry, and Janelle as they do the speaking
• Cottage Group Leaders as they help students make it personal and bring it home
  
• Pray for yourself and what God wants to do in you
• Cathy Miller and the Cooks
• For some, camp is the only Spiritual moment of the year… pray that what happens will transition into everyday life
• Pray
• Pray
• Pray
• Pray, please!
  

Friday is Go Time

I love watching it all come together.

The end of the School Year.
The Beginning of the Summer.
PhillyGO.
IMPACT.
Junior High Camp.

There have been elements (some small, some huge) that have clearly been pushing us toward Summer Camp. Summer Camp has, in a sense, become the place where the NMC Senior High Gather to receive their marching orders for the school year. As a staff, we spend much time in prayer and preparation for this time. Our desire is to be diligent in our preparation, but ultimately surrender to the move of the Holy Spirit.

Something up. I have a sneaking suspicion it may be something fresh, huge and radical. What is it? I have thoughts, but I don't totally know. This I do know, if it's going to be anything worthwhile, it's gotta be from HIM.

WHAT IF?

The start of something HUGE.

What A View?!?!

Ah beulah beach camp. spent the day at jr hi camp. 115 adrenaline filled 7th & 8th graders and leaders. Oh the potential!

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And They're Off!

The Junior High loaded up the buses and headed to Ohio for Camp earlier this morning. You can keep updated on what's been happening over at Chris Lehane's blog.

They would benefit greatly from people praying for a great time of get away, connecting with God, connecting with each other, and having a ton of fun! Would you join me?

Heading Home

I'm heading home from a great extended weekend in Ludington. I played with nanny and my cousins, swam in the lake, played in the sand, ate ice cream, hit a piniata, watched a parade, and saw fireworks -aka BOOM BALLS-.

Only one response is in order, and you're looking at it.

I love Ninnie,
Katylynn Ivy Prenkert

Honoring Dad #2

Robby forgot his shirt so he is reading a book in honor of dad.

Honoring Dad #1

Waiting for the parade to start. wearing our WIN ONE FOR THE KIPPER wakarusa softball shirts in honor of dad.

In the bedroom where Katylynn is sleeping. the whole room decor is clown motif. Terrifying!

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Rwanda Exodus Reports

Caleb Bislow has three posts over on his blog concerning his recent trip to Rwanda for the Rwanda Exodus conference.

I love the heart of Caleb in these statements. I also am blown away by the initial effects of this endevor!

I have hesitated to mention the "numbers" of this trip but my wife reminded me that each number is a person, a soul, a life, and that is worth mentioning. However a trademark of Unusual Soldiers is not to be a "BIG FISH" story teller, aka an exaggerator. So I have tamed down some of the statistics to maintain integrity and project numbers that Dustin and I felt were reasonable and true.

NUMBERS
26 teams met in Kigali for training
26 teams were sent out
100 Proclaimers for our mission were donated by Campus Crusade (a $10,000 value)
1 apostolic church planter was in each group
26 groups were divided into 9 zones of Rwanda
26+ Jesus films were promoted and watched in remote and forgotten areas of Rwanda
1,000 to 5,000 people showed up at each remote site
apx. 60,000 people watched the films 'The Passion of Christ' or the 'Jesus film.'
apx. 30,000 people committed their lives to Christ at the cinemas
1 church was started the day following each cinema (25 churches in all)
1 church was started spontaneously due to a car breakdown

Caleb's posts on the Exodus:

Exodus Rwanda 2009 (the pictures on this posts are worth thousands of words)
Rwanda's Greatest Hits
Genocide Hell (reader discretion advised)

We Took a Walk

Great times with two of my favorite people.

A Note from Katylynn

Hey everyone,

My daddy wanted to let you know that he's not going to be blogging much over the next 5 days. We're heading up to Ludington, Michigan. My Nanny Jeanette, uncle Robby, aunt Jeanie, uncle Jamie, aunt Deb, cousins Sydney, Calvin, Grant, and Morgan the dog are agoing to be there.

My Grandpa Kip loved spending time with us at his cabin. Saturday is his birthday, so I guess the people in Ludington decided to throw him a party with a parade and fireworks over Lake Michigan. They must miss Him like I do.

I can't wait to get there. It's going to be so much fun. Swimming, hiking, reading, relaxing. Well, see you later. It's time for me to take a nap.

I love Ninnie,
KATYLYNN IVY PRENKERT