Kids In Need: Website and 5K.I.N.

Senior High Intern/Pastor Geoff Cocanower has nailed out a great site that will serve as our online hub for Kids In Need this year. Check out helpingkidsinneed.com. We'll be adding info, video, pics and stories as we go.

About a month ago, Katherine came to me with an dream. She wanted to see if we could do a 5k Run/ 1 mile walk at the church. It could serve as an opportunity for participants to become aware of the issues facing Kids In Need, and it could raise some money (through the entrance fee) for Kids In Need.

The dream will become a reality on November 14. 5K.I.N - A 5k run/ 1 mile walk for Kids In Need is ready to roll. Katherine has built a team of students with some adults that are passionate about running to see this event carried out. Here's a few web links you may want to check out if interested:
Facebook Event Page: Invite your facebook friends who love to run.
5K.I.N. page on the Kids In Need Website: Contains the details on the event.
Register Online: You can go to this site to get registered to run in the race.

One more example of a student matching their platform (running) with their passion (an orphanage in Romania and unborn children) and allowing people (other runners) to be influenced. BOO YA!

Week 3: Wednesday

What's hitting you in your TAWG?

NMC Students Past: An Ongoing Blog Series

Austin Gerber
Class of 2005
Currently Attending Medical school at IUSM/ND
Derry's Thoughts: Austin could serve as a case study for our mission to see students move from Religion to Relationship to Spiritually Reproducing. I shared many experiences with Austin (from Syracuse, to New York City, to the jungles of Peru). I watched him make his walk with God his own, and then I saw Him share that walk with others. there are many seeking to advance God's Kingdom today because Austin impacted them while he was a High School student. Austin met one of my favorite people in the world, Tiffany, at NMC. They served as an awesome example of a Christ-Focused High School dating relationship. They were married in 2008.


WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS YOU SAW GOD'S MIGHTY MOVE WHILE YOU WERE A PART OF NMC STUDENT MINISTRIES?

• Saw several close friends come into relationship with Christ who are still living for Christ today.
• Personally led someone to Christ for the first time and then watched them lead others to Christ over the past 6 years.
• Reignited my own faith and saw changes in my own life and the lives of my family members.

WHAT ASPECTS/ PROGRAMS WERE SIGNIFICANT IN YOUR SPIRITUAL FORMATION AT NMC?

• SMALL GROUPS! one word: irreplaceable.
• Making Wednesday night worship service/youth group a priority was key to growing in my own walk and maintaining accountability
• NYGO, IMPACTS, summer camps were all times of revolutionary movement in my spiritual walk.

IN WHAT WAY WOULD YOU CHALLENGE CURRENT NMC STUDENTS TO SEE "A YOUTH GROUP THAT SAW GOD MOVING IN MIGHTY WAYS"?

• Keep first things first. put rivalries, conflict, and personal gain aside and focus on the big picture at hand. The stakes are incredible and span far beyond our time here on earth. The old "I'm 3rd" rule really does work wonders (Christ first, others second, you last)
• The whole many parts/1 body thing is huge. Everyone needs to find their niche. Figure out what you're good at, and then use it to make an impact for the Kingdom.
• Leave no one out. Everyone counts equally in the body of Christ.
• Have a goal. Make a list of things you would like to accomplish together. Stretch yourself collectively as a youth group. Engage in relationships outside of the body of Christ and pray for those people daily.

5 Cool things Coming to NMC

1. Feed the Children First Serve Saturday (an official K.I.N. event) - All 5th-12th Grade students are heading to box up food and care supplies for Kids In Need this Saturday. We're hoping to see AT LEAST 150 there to take part.
2. Hayride Outreach - It's October 14, 2009. A Night for students to invite their spiritually lost/struggling friends to an event where we will (through drama and testimonies) share what a relationship with Christ is all about.
3. 5K.I.N. A 5K for Kids In Need - Saturday, November 14. This event was birthed through the vision of an NMC student, and is being organized, promoted by NMC students. The goal is to raise awareness on Kids In Need, and raise financial support for RETA and an international orphanage..
4. Silent Auction for the Baby Center - Saturday, November 14-Sunday November 22. Students are donating their valuables to be auctioned off (silent style). All funds raised go to the AGC Baby Center in Kenya, Africa.
   
5. Winter Retreat: December 27-30 at Spring Hill Camp in Evart, MI. It's a key time for students to CONNECT, and it creates an encounter to experience spiritual CHANGE.

Parents and students, hop on the train, cause we are moving.

Shirt Sales

Thanks to those who have gone to http://prenkertphotography.bigcartel.com/ and ordered a t-shirt (or three) and note cards. The sale continues till October 17 and all proceeds go toward our adoption.

Negotiations on the Dowry Have Begun

Yesterday, Trace Bislow (son of Caleb and Jessica Bislow) hung out with Katylynn for the afternoon. I don't know about the Bislows, but about 20 years from now, I'd be cool if arranged marriages were the new American trend.

Trust me, I'm in no hurry, but I'm just sayin'...

NFL Pick 'em: Week 3

So far, I'm sitting at 18-14, impressive enough to be in a three-way tie for second to last in our 2009 NFL Pick 'em challenge. (It also reminds me why I should never gamble). For the last two weeks, I've payed attention to the spread. This week, I'm not even looking at the spread. It's all coming from my gut today.

Week 3 picks

Washington at Detroit - That's right, I said it. The streak is broken this week! (hey, three-way tie for second to last, what do I have to lose?)

Green Bay at St. Louis

San Francisco at Minnesota- I say the 49ers are for real.

Atlanta at New England

Tennessee at NY Jets - Titans. 2 tough losses. They're due for a win.

Kansas City at Philly

NY Giants at Tampa Bay

Cleveland at Baltimore

Jacksonville at Houston - Houston showed me something against Tennessee last week. Jacksonville doesn't look too good.

New Orleans at Buffalo

Chicago at Seattle - I've got Cutler and Forte together on a Fantasy Team, and I need a good week. Cutler throws 3 TDs (2 to Forte) and Forte has 200+ all-purpose yds (4 total TDs). Like that?

Miami at San Diego

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati

Denver at Oakland - Making them, quite possibly, the worst 3-0 team to ever play the game.

Indianapolis at Arizona - Looking forward to watching this game. Should be a fun one.

Carolina at Dallas

The Big Announcement: Want to Get Involved?

Moses answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The LORD did not appear to you'?" Then the LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?" "A staff," he replied.

Exodus 4:11-12

"What is that in your hand?" It's a key question God asks of us. He loves to take the ordinary time, talents, and treasures we have, and do extraordinary things with them. It happens again and again in scripture.

• Moses and his staff.
• David and his sling. (slew giants)
  
• A little boy and his loaves and fish. (fed thousands)
• Peter and a net. (learned a new way to "fish")

As mentioned, all said and done, international adoption is not cheap (application fees, home study, dossier fees, travel costs, attorney fees, blah blah blah blah blah).

We have been looking at how we can use our time and talents in a way to leverage them toward this adoption. Here's is the first way we're doing it. My fantastic wife is great with photography and graphics. She has designed the following for sale:

One Life at a Time Short or Long Sleeve Shirt:
Black shirt (with design centered across the chest).
It's a motto I've seen my wife live by in ministry. It's also the heart of the starfish story. It's a main reason why we are doing this adoption.
Short Sleeve - $15
Long Sleeve - $22

Welcome a Child Short or Long Sleeve Shirt:
Light blue shirt (with design centered on the front of the shirt).
based on Matthew 18:5 where Jesus said, "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me."
Short Sleeve - $15
Long Sleeve - $22




12 Note Cards:
These Note Cards contain images captured by Janelle. 4 different images on the note card (3 of each image). Comes with 12 envelopes. Blank inside.
Two styles to choose from: Flower Montage & Misc Montage
One set of 12 - $8

How it works:

• Go to this site before October 17: prenkertphotography.bigcartel.com and place your order.
  
• You pay through paypal.
  
• Items will be printed and shipped to you after the sale ends October 17.
• All proceeds go into our adoption fund.
  

Katylynn's Feelings on the Big Announcement

Katylynn is now putting sentences together.

"I watching Minnie."
"Daddy's home!"
"Where Mommy Go?"
"I go poopie."
"I wake upping."
They're far from grammatically correct, but it's evidence that she is processing thoughts. It's really getting fun.

She has also learned her "yes" from her "no". The only way she gets confused is when she's not sure what is being asked.

That's why I wasn't sure about her response when we first asked her, "Katylynn, do you want a little brother or sister?"
Her face lit up, and with a big smile, she said "Yes!"

The interesting thing is that we have asked her that question multiple times over the past month. Every time we've asked, her face lights up, and with a big smile, she says, "Yes!"

It's been a very cool response to see because it's so unique to any other. I really think she gets it, and I really believe that God has confirmed this move in her heart as well.

*Disclaimer: I know some reading this might want to walk up and ask Katylynn, "Do you want a little brother or sister?" to see her response. If you could do us a favor and refrain, we'd appreciate it. May sound like a weird request, but there's a long road ahead, and we want to keep her paced on what all is happening.

The Big Announcement

The Boy and the Starfish:

One day an old man was walking along the beach in the early morning and noticed the tide had washed thousands of starfish up on the shore. Up ahead in the distance he spotted a boy who appeared to be gathering up the starfish and one by one tossing them back into the ocean. He approached the boy and asked him why he spent so much energy doing what seemed to be a waste of time. The boy replied, "If these starfish are left out here like this they will bake in the sun, and by this afternoon they will all be dead." The old man gazed out as far as he could see and responded, "But, there must be hundreds of miles of beach and thousands of starfish. You can't possibly rescue all of them. What difference is throwing a few back going to make anyway?" The boy then held up the starfish he had in his hand and replied, "It's sure going to make a lot of difference to this one!"

I'm guessing about every church-goer has heard this story above. It's a classic sermon illustration that can may only be trumped by Footprints in the Sand. But it hits the heart of what this is all about.

The 5 Major Themes of 2009:

#5 Love people. Use things. Never get the two mixed up.

The "things" we've (Janelle and I) been blessed with in our life are there so we can invite people into our life that we love. There are a lot of people in my life that I love dearly. I think there's room for one more.

#4 Gain Awareness. Give Sacrificially. Live Differently.

As NMC Student Ministries takes a year to seriously address Kids In Need, Janelle and I have been asking what this means for us.

• In the April 2007, I gained awareness as I watched a disturbing story on Dateline NBC where children in an African Nation were being kidnapped and forced to become soldiers. These boys were being forcefully addicted to drugs and brainwashed into becoming killers. My heart was ripped apart as I watched, and I remember saying to myself, "I have to do something."
• On a Sunday Morning, May 2007, Bill and Melodie Dearmann were interviewed by Pastor Dave at NMC. They shared about the AIDS crisis in Africa. They specifically talked about the AGC Baby Center in Kenya. As the message ended, and the closing worship began, Janelle grabbed my hand and we walked into the Gym kitchen. She looked me in the eyes and said, "We have to do something."

We have done a lot of somethings pertaining to these two moments where we gained awareness. We have decided to do the biggest something yet, and it will require sacrificial giving, and different living.

#3 The mountain is about perspective. The valley is about growth.
Two of the biggest valley's I've walked though are...

• My Dad's Death. It's still fresh. It's only been 7 1/2 months. Yet, as I've walked through this valley, I've learned so much about life, death, integrity, identity, and purpose. It's been huge. And this valley has only made me more certain that I want my life to count for something more than being a pastor at a big church.
  
• Our inability to be parents through natural childbirth. As we walked through that valley before adopting Katylynn, we learned so much about ourselves, our God, and our calling. Even after adopting Katylynn, there is a valley that remains. We have no definitive reason to explain why Janelle has not become pregnant. We continue to grow. When Katylynn came along though, we had and still experience a mountaintop experience. The perspective we've gained through this experience is unbelievable. We love her. She is our daughter. God's plan for us is a little different than the "normal" plan.

#2 Life is a series of events that prepare us for the next event.

• Janelle and my international travels which have developed in us a heart for the nations have been preparation for this moment.
• That Dateline NBC story was preparation for this moment.
• That Sunday Morning at NMC was preparation for this moment.
• Those multiple moments where we saw God provide financially were preparation for this moment.
• The adoption of Katylynn, and the ease with which that all came together was an incredible moment in and of itself, but it was also preparation for this moment.

#1 A Dad Makes a difference.
When we brought Katylynn home from the hospital, we brought a ton of paperwork with us. In that paperwork, there was a set of questions that Emily (Katylynn's birth mother) had filled out. Under the question, "Why are you placing this child in adoptive care" were 7 words that sank deep, "I want her to have a father."

Today in Africa, there are 15 million + fatherless (and motherless) children. We have decided to do something about this.


So, here's the big announcement:

God willing, there is going to be an addition to our family. After Katylynn woke up from her nap yesterday, Janelle went to the post office and sent out or official application for international adoption.

We are confident God is all over this. As we've shared this possibility with friends and family, there have been 3 common questions:

What country? We can't say with total confidence yet. We do know this, the baby won't have the same skin color as we do.
How long will it take? This is only the beginning of the journey. It could quite possibly be 2 years (12 months at the very least) before Katlylynn has a little brother or sister at home with her.
How much will it cost? A lot. We are overwhelmed by the cost. but we are ready to give sacrificially of our time, talents and treasures to see this happen. We also know this to be true... Where God Calls, God Provides.

All that said, there is not a guarantee this will all work out. The process is classically filled with surprises and delays, and at times finishes with no adoption.

My two specific prayers at this time:

• First, is a prayer of confidence, God, I believe you will lead us to the son/daughter you have for us.
• Second, is a prayer request, God, would you lead us to a child that through joining our family, he/she will be rescued from a life of hell.

To friends and family who read this, would you join us in these two prayers?

5 Major Themes in 2009: Theme #5

Theme #5: Love people. Use things. Never get the two mixed up.

It was during my college years my mom passed this nugget of advice on to me.

This year, I've been very convicted about a mindset that's began to creep in on me. It's a consumerist, therapeutic, it's all about me, do everything I can to make my life easy mentality that I would say is running rampant all around us. I've been very tempted to get the two mixed up.

• In ministry, you would think it would be easy to remember that people are not pawns, but the temptation can rise to think just the opposite.
• There are many students that I see as obstacles to ministry. God, forgive me for not realizing they ARE the ministry.
• I can't count the number of times I've had a thought, "If I just had ______ (insert blank with a "thing") life sure would be ___________ (insert some statement that indicates an easier life)."
• I enjoy disc golf, fantasy football, watching ESPN, the internet, my ipod, and fast food. They are all things. At times I think I run the risk of letting these THINGS take priority over the PEOPLE in my life.
• Last year, we disconnected our internet at home... partly to save some money, but mainly because I had gotten out of whack and was letting the THING take priority over the PEOPLE in my life (mainly my wife and daughter).

One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 'This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Matthew 22:35-40

We live in a society where we need salvation from our stuff. We need to recapture what it means to love people. Jesus said that Loving God and loving people are one in the same. It's all about Him and others.

For me, the big theme here has been taking one step further. I believe the "stuff" in my life is only there so I can better love God and love people. At times, the stuff can be used in a way that sets me up to love people. At times, some of that stuff needs to be sacrificed in order to love people better.

5 Major Themes of 2009: Theme #4

Theme #4: Gain Awareness. Give Sacrificially. Live Differently.

These are the key points to our Kids In Need focus this year.

1. Gain awareness of the needs facing kids worldwide.
2. Give sacrificially of our time, talents and treasures toward those needs.
3. Live differently because of Kids In Need.
   

This focus is messing with me personally in major ways. I can't look at things the same way as I'm learning and seeking to be a catalyst of vision and practicality for our students. The big thing I'm learning that gain, give and live applies to my life beyond simply Kids In Need.

I want to be a part of something significant. Something bigger than me. The minute I entered into a relationship with Christ, I did just that. It was actually on September 20, 1995 I made a public stand saying accepting what Christ had done for me and wanting to live out a relationship with Christ. After 18 years of religion, I made a commitment with God that it would be all or nothing.

What followed and continues to follow has looked like this:

1. Gain awareness of an area of my life that deserves attention or a ministry opportunity God is leading me toward.
2. Give sacrificially of my time talents and/or treasures to address the issue in my life, or toward that opportunity.
3. Live differently because of the awareness gained and the time/talents/treasures given.

This process has been one that is filled with great joys and powerful encounters with God.
The process has been shared by others, shared alongside others, and shared to others.
The process has produced fruit I never could have imagined.
The process has been filled with hiccups, bumbles and fumbles.
The process has seen failures and lack of follow through.

Sometimes give and live take up a different order. I rarely find the process healthy when Give or Live jump in front of Gain.

Austin Hostetter is an NMC grad now attending Ball State University. Last week he attended a lecture from Ishmael Beah, author of A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier (a book now on my "to read" list). Beah is a young man from Sierra Leone who was forced into an army, given drugs to get him addicted, and taught to kill. He was eventually rescued and rehabilitated. On his blog, Austin posted some reflections on the lecture. This little section from the post especially struck me...

Towards the end, a student asked how we could help Sierra Leone.

Beah stated that the only way to help a cause is to learn about it. Through learning about the situation, you will find what you need to do. He went on to tell a story about a school who asked him a similar question, and he gave them the same response. The school then took time to research what had happened in Sierra Leone and realized that many schools were destroyed during the war. So the children raised money to build a new school, and even went down to Sierra Leone to build it. Beah said this experience gave them a connection with the cause they were supporting.

As we worked through the focus of Kids In Need, and came agreed upon gain, give and live, I was struck with how much this is a life theme for me.

Gain awareness... I never want to stop learning.
Give sacrificially... I never want to grow weary of serving.
Live differently... I never want to stop growing.

God has been continually bringing opportunities to gain, give and live. Through that process, I have continually found myself connected to things bigger than myself.

5 Major Themes in 2009: Theme #3

Theme #3: The mountain is about perspective. The valley is about growth.

(This is a story I often use with students at the close of a retreat, camp, or missions trip)

I love the view of mountains. I absolutely love the view FROM the mountains. Interestingly, you'll notice something about mountains. The higher you get, the less green you see. It's mainly rock, dirt and snow. If you look down to the valley, you will likely see tons of vegetation and water. It's a picture of God's amazing creation, but it's also an important picture of how our lives work.

God will give us "mountain top" and "valley" experiences. We often think that because the mountain top experience are emotionally up times, we have experienced growth, and because the valley experiences are emotionally low times, we are experientially.

I am becoming more and more aware that the mountain top experiences are NOT GROWTH. They are moments of perspective. The valleys are not spiritual crash points, but instead the true opportunity for growth.

We made this a focal point of Summer Camp this year. It was illustrated this this beautiful picture I made:

I've seen this take place in my life so many times. It has been especially true through the years for me. Whether it's battling through infertility, depression, ministry hardships or the loss of my dad, I've hated the valleys. At the same time, I would never trade what I've learned about myself and my Savior through those times is invaluable. The 2008-2009 year may have been the toughest year personally and in ministry that I've ever walked through, and I'm grateful for all I've learned through it.

As I've seen this theme this year, there is a major question I'm wrestling through...

If there's growth in the valleys, do we let them come to us, or are there times where we should intentionally run into the valleys?

5 Major Themes in 2009: Theme #2

Theme #2: Life is a series of events that prepare us for the next event.

A quote from me on Sunday, January 25 as I stood in front of the NMC body and shared a message in the "Uncharted Territory" series. The focus of the message was how God desires to prepare us so we can navigate uncharted territory. In the midst of uncharted territory, we must seek His perspective to make it through.

2 weeks later, I was in Elkhart General Hospital saying good bye to my dad (at least for now). God had given me a message to share with others that I was now living in a more significant reality than ever before. The message had played a role in preparing me for uncharted territory. I'm seeing this reality played out again and again.

... 6 years of doubt, question, frustration, and disappointment as we tried to have a baby. Little did I know that God was preparing me for something amazing in a little girl named Katylynn.

... Flying home from India in 2006. I'd spent some time talking to Caleb Bislow about his vision for the Maasai Project. I turned to Janelle and said, "What If we asked the NMC students to come alongside Caleb? That question led to Maasai Night. Maasai Night led to Kenya Night. Kenya Night led to Rwanda Night. Now Rwanda Night is leading to a year dedicated to Kids In Need. Each one very significant in and of themselves, but ultimately preparing us for something more.

... This Summer, our PhillyGO team came home with a phrase... "You Gotta Want It."Our IMPACT team (not knowing about Philly's phrase) came home with a phrase... "How bad do you want it?" Hearing about these two phrases, it became clear that we were being prepared for a challenge at Summer Camp for students to stand up and say "I Want It!" The meaning was that they want to follow Christ above all else. The Wednesday before we kicked off here at NMC, we looked at those phrases, and realized it was time to say, "Let's Do This!" Each phrase was significant and meaningful at the time, but we ultimately preparing us for the next phrase.

One of Janelle's favorite movies is "Meet the Robinsons" (I really enjoy it as well). A key phrase that this young orphan boy grasps onto is "Keep Moving Forward." As he faces trials and triumphs, he learns that he must continue to learn from both and press on.

I believe my life, and your life is filled with events that are both significant in the moment, and significant for what's to come. I'd love to say I nailed it every time in taking advantage of the events in my life in order to be prepared for what's next. I haven't.

I'd love to give you a list of examples for when I've done that. I do know that I took way too long to embrace the journey when it came to our battle with infertility. But, trying to find an example where I missed out on what's next, I can't give one. When I don't allow events to prepare me for the next event, I likely robbed myself the opportunity to take part in that "next event".

Ephesians 5:
¹⁵Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

5 Major Themes in 2009: Theme #1

This is a 5 part series leading into a big announcement on this blog September 23, 2009. I simply want to reflect on 5 significant themes that have been present in my life this year.THEME #1: A Dad Makes a difference.
What kind of difference? That's your call.

In the post "Some Strong Opinions" (written March 24, 2009), I stated "The greatest detriment or assistance to a teenage girls spiritual growth is the relationship with her father."

Rob then commented on that post, "So with you on this one...and not just gals...missing fathers hurts both sons and daughters, and it's happening more and more with each generation. How can we expect those kids to be role models in parenting and relationships if they've never had one?"

Rob is right on. Here's how this theme has been showing up over the past year:

1. Losing my dad. When my dad died in February, it obviously caused me to stop and consider the man I had as a father. In the months following, I can only confirm what one of my more immediate thoughts after his death stated: "Here’s the thing about dad’s impact on me, I’m struggling to find where that impact was to my detriment." Are there regrets? Absolutely. Do I wish some things would have happened differently in our relationship? You bet. But I can say without hesitation much of the positive you see in me is the direct result of the investment of a consistently present, loving, supportive, and full of integrity dad.
2. Sharing with Parents Last Spring. As a part of a Wednesday Night Adult Elective we did last May, I took some time to walk through my observational experience with NMC students. I took several (8-10 of each gender) students I would consider had healthy relationships with their dad. As I did, some characteristics rose to the top.
   
   Guys who had a healthy relationship with dad tended to...
   • follow through on commitments.
   • respect authority figures in their life.
   • Step up and lead when there is a need for a leader (not always vocal leadership, but inside their personality).
   • be passionate about Christ and outwardly express it (if their dads were).
   
   Gals who had a healthy relationship with dad tended to:
   
   • Have a healthier self image.
   • Have an optimistic and positive outlook on life/situations.
   • Date around less.
   • Excel in extra-curriculars.
   • Eat more Meat (ok, not really).
   
   The list is not authoritative or exhaustive, but it is what rose to the top as I took time to reflect.
   
   
3. Students Falling Apart. Substance abuse, depression, sexual activity, making a decision about the future. I can think of discussions with students covering each of the crises mentioned. One of my common questions is, "What's your relationship like with your parents." I can think of conversations with each of those topics where it became clear quickly that the student was dealing with a non-existent or strained father-figure in his/her life.
4. Strong Fathers/ Strong Daughters. A book I read last Spring that challenged me. It's written from the perspective of a doctor who has seen the fallout of the absent father in the home. It was challenging, insightful and filled with some great practical steps I hope to put into practice.
5. In Her Eyes. She's almost 22 months old, and I can see it already. It's just little moments when I look in her eyes, whether their sparkling with joy or with tears, and it's clear to me that all I need to do is...
   
   • Make sure she knows I love her no matter what.
   • Be there when she needs me.
   • Let go when she needs me to.
   • Show her an earthly example of a Heavenly Father.
   • Show her how a real man treats his wife.
   • Listen, then listen some more.
     
   • Beat the crud out of any guy who disrespects her.
   • Serve as an enforcer of rules.
   Not a big deal, right? It was really easy to tell dads and moms how to do their job before I had a kid. There's very little that's changed in what I would say or believe when it comes to parenting. It's a lot easier said than done. I have a new level of reality, responsibility, and absolute desperation for God's protection and provision now that I look into the eyes of my little girl.
   

Dad's, you have power and lots of it. Are you using it, abusing it, or neglecting it?

Coming Wednesday, September 23

A major announcement at www.derryprenkert.com.

Leading into the announcement, a 5 part mini series... 5 major themes of 2009.

NFL Pick 'em: Week 2

Off to a bad start in week 1. I was 9-7, and am 2nd to last in the standings.
Let's see if I can turn it around this week. I'm going against the spread on 3 picks.

Oakland at Kansas city
Houston at Tennessee
New England at NY Jets
Cincinnati at Green Bay
Minnesota at Detroit
New Orleans at Philadelphia
Carolina at Atlanta
St Louis at Washington
Arizona at Jacksonville
Seattle at San Francisco
Tampa Bay at Buffalo
Cleveland at Denver
Baltimore at San Diego
Pittsburgh at Chicago
NY Giants at Dallas
Indianapolis at Miami

Kids In Need - Adam's Perspective

Adam Cramer is an NMC grad who is currently in South Africa working with J-Life. His friend Ted (also an NMC grad) visited him this past month. Adam's recent post on their interactions with the children of Africa was an awesome reminder of why the K.I.N. effort is worth it.

Read Adam's post here: "Let the little children come to me..."

Reading/ Watching/ Listening To

Reading: Just finished Take Your Best Shot: Do Something Bigger than Yourself by Austin Gutwein and Todd Hillard. It's a 15 year old's journey to do something to seriously address kids being orphaned by AIDS (started when 9 years old). A must read for Junior and Senior High Students, and a great read fro adults as well (I was encouraged and challenged).The humor, inspiration, and practicality of the book is too good to pass up.

Watching:
Criminal Minds: I've watched a lot of episodes on A&E recently.
NFL Football: I love Sundays in the Fall.
My Daughter Grow Up: She's putting together sentences. The Disc Go Into the Basket: I've been disc golfing a lot.

Listening to:
Leeland: Love is on the Move.
NeedtoBreathe: The Outsiders.
U2: The full discography.

Snow Patrol

They opened for U2. My friend Corey made this video several years ago, and was my first introduction to them. It's a great video, and a great video.

U2 Songs

10 U2 Songs that the average fan may not know, but needs to know:

1. Out of Control (Boy)... first album. first single released in Dublin.
   
2. Gloria (October)... One of the better worship songs ever written, in my opinion.
3. Running to Stand Still (Joshua Tree)... Bono's version of what someone told him a heroin trip is like.
   
4. Bad (Unforgettable Fire & Wide Awake In America)... Best performed live (Wide Awake version).
5. New Years Day (War)... might know this one, but if you don't, check it out.
6. Van Diemen's Land (Rattle and Hum)... The Edge sings it. Eclectic, but I love it.
   
7. Yahweh (How to Dismantle the Atomic Bomb)... Powerful.
8. Wake Up Dead Man (Pop)... Their worst album. But a momentary glimpse into Bono's soul during a cloudy period.
9. Peace On Earth (All That You Can't Leave Behind)... Such a great album with so many good songs; this one may get overlooked.
10. Trying To Throw Your Arms Around the World (Achtung Baby)... "Every woman needs a man, like a fish needs a bicycle." Greatest (and oddest) lyric ever.

Too many to choose from. I could give you another 10 tomorrow.

NFL Pick 'em

I was 7-7 in my choices going into tonight, ouch.

I predicted the Panthers to go to the Super Bowl, OUCH!.

Reflections on U2

Saturday Night, 6 of us traveled to Soldier Field to see the U2 360 tour. It was my second U2 concert. My first was "PopMart"... which is noted by many to be one of their worst tours. By U2 standards, that still means really good.
Let me be clear, I'm a bit of a U2 freak. In High School, it was an unhealthy obsession. Through college until now, it's found a little balance and it's simply a deep enjoyment in their story, music, and the powerful ambiguity of their lyrics.

My "Moments":

• "The Show". 360 degree stage with all the bells and whistles to enhance an already incredible stage band.
• Stuck in A Moment. Bono (vocals) and Edge (acoustic and vocals) take to the center of the stage and nail out a beautiful version of one of my more favorite U2unes. Although an incredible stage show, in the end, it was a reminder that it's their music I love.
  
• Watching Janelle slowly become mesmerized by the entire show. It was her first arena concert experience. She's never been a big U2 fan. She became one Saturday. In fact, halfway through she Tweeted, "Holy Crap, this concert is awesome!"
• I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. The entire stadium sang, minus Bono, as U2 played. Music is a powerful thing. That song is a powerful picture of spiritual searching. For me, there was a moment of worship in it (and not worship of U2).
• Bad. It was while watching the band perform this in the movie "Rattle and Hum" that I officially became hooked on the band. The building of the melody. The passion behind the lyric. To see it live was a "Moment".
• Walk On. I remember watching a DVD of U2 perform at Slane Castle in Ireland. Their final song was "Walk On". Bono's father had recently died, and this song had become a kind of anthem remembering his dad. It's also an amazing worship song (yes I said worship song) focusing on surrender. I was gripped by the powerful tribute the song had become. It hit home as I think over these past 7 months.
  
• A Simple Thanks. At the close, Bono, who has done about as much for relief in Africa as anyone, said some thanks to those in the Chicago area who have helped with the "ONE" campaign. Through that campaign, 3 million African lives have been saved through getting the ARVs (anti-retroviral drugs) they need. 30 million Africans are receiving education so they can break the cycle of poverty. The first person Bono thanked was Bill Hybels... pastor at Willow Creek Community Church. I loved to hear that be the first name to come of His lips. One from the Church. We need to be leading the charge!

A great night.

NMC Students Past: An Ongoing Blog Series

Denise White
Class of 2001
Currently attending IUSB & working for a Bank

Derry's thoughts: I'll never forget the moment I sat down at my computer and began to type an email (juno account, dial up internet) to Denise. She hadn't been able to come to Wednesday Night or Sundays for nearly a year because of debilitating headaches. She was the first (others would follow) student I was deeply hurting for, to the point I found myself saying, "God, I'll take this pain on for her if that's what needs to happen." The students rallied around Denise, praying for her regularly. I remember Wednesdays where we gathered around one of Denise's friends and lay hands on him/her due to Denise's absence. God did a miracle. IMPACT Peru 2001 was HUGE, as Denise boarded a plane with our other students and served. The story is worth more space than given, and it's a story Denise loves to share. It's one that students (all of us, really) could benefit from hearing.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS YOU SAW GOD'S MIGHTY MOVE WHILE YOU WERE A PART OF NMC STUDENT MINISTRIES

• The Lord became real to me. "Job 42:5-- My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you." (She didn’t know our Camp theme when she wrote that!)
• I was horribly sick and friendless when I started coming to youth group when I could. Even though I couldn't always make it frequently, I made friends with people who loved God and cared about me when I didn't have anyone else. There are no words to describe the peace of not being alone while walking through the valley of the shadow...
• After three years of being stuck in my bed in agony, God healed me!! Woohoo

WHAT ASPECTS/ PROGRAMS WERE SIGNIFICANT IN YOUR SPIRITUAL FORMATION AT NMC?

• Bible based, balanced teaching. There is life in every word.
• Small group with just girls where we could talk privately about what we were really going through. It took time to form those connections, but it was worth the effort.

IN WHAT WAY WOULD YOU CHALLENGE CURRENT NMC STUDENTS TO SEE "A YOUTH GROUP THAT SAW GOD MOVING IN MIGHTY WAYS"?
N

ever settle. Never believe that life just is the way it is and that things won't change. Having tasted and seen the depths of God's overwhelming goodness, I know first hand that Jesus is alive and well, and his words are true. Seek him, and you *will* find him. Ask him for help, and he *will* help you. Pray in accordance with his will and believe, and it *will* be done. Actively wait on the Lord, and he will never let you down. ...Will there be hardships? Yes. Will there be times when it feels like the heavens are closed, and God does not hear our prayers? Yes. Will there be times when we think we heard God say something, but it wasn't him, or we screw up? Yes. Will there be times when we pray and God does not answer how we wanted him to? Yes. ...But, there is no greater joy than when we realize that every hardship pales in comparison to *knowing* Christ and that he will undoubtedly turn our mourning into gladness and work all of our sufferings out for our good in this age and the age to come.

Last 24 hours Review.

Chicago: Great City
Lou Malnatis Pizza: Great
Snow Patrol: Best Opener I've ever seen.
U2: Magnificent. An amazing show.
3:00 a.m.: Not a fun bedtime.
Austin Gutwein: Knocked it out of the park this morning with our 5th-12th Grade.
Week one of OT elective: 11 High School students. Pumped up. Gonna be awesome.

Now, Colts, nap, Leadership Huddle, and Bears/Packers. Let's Do this!

snow patrol rocking the stage. Only know one of their songs but I like their sound.

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6 rows from the top of the stadium facing "the back" of the stage. It's a 360 degree show, so there's really not a back to the stage. Love the view! Excited for the show.

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K.I.N - The Video

This Sunday: Austin Gutwein

This Sunday at NMC, our 5th-12th Grade students are in for a special treat. As a 9 year old, Austin Gutwein watched a video called "Maggie's Story." It was about a 9 year old African Girl orphaned by AIDS. On World AIDS day in 2004, Austin decided to shoot 2,057 free throws in memory of the number of kids who are orphaned every "schol day" (the amount of time a student spends at school) due to AIDS.

What has blossomed from there is Hoops of Hope, the worlds biggest basketball hoop shoot-a-thon. Austin has helped raise more than $1 million for kids in Zambia who have been affected by the AIDS crisis.

Austin, now 15, just realeased a book, Take Your Best Shot, which I'm almost finished with. It is a fantastic read for anyone wanting to honor God by being a part of something bigger than yourself.

Austin will be at NMC in the Fieldhouse Sunday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. All 5th-12th Grade students will be together to hear his story, and be challenged to jump in as we seek to take an entire school year to seriously address Kids In Need.

NFL Pick 'em Week 1; and my Playoff Picks

For the 2nd half of last NFL season, I was involved in a fun little competition with my friends Dan, Dan, and Craig where we made our weekly picks on all the matchups. I lost miserably, but we're doing it again this year.

It all kicks off tonight (something I'm very excited about... I love Sundays in the Fall).



Here are my Week 1 picks.

Tennessee Titans over the Pittsburgh Steelers - Out a limb with my first pick (probably why I lost miserably last year).
Atlanta Falcons over the Miami Dolphins - Ryan is for real, and I have a feeling the Falcons will only be better than last year.
Baltimore Ravens over the Kansas City Chiefs - KC has all the ingredients to stink it up again this year.
Carolina Panthers over Philadelphia Eagles - I could go either way on this one. I'm just going with the Panthers because I really like Deangelo Williams.
Cincinnati Bengals over the Denver Broncos - I really want to see the Broncos do well this year, just to stick it to Jay Cutler. I also would love to see Carson Palmer make a comeback. I think the Palmer comeback is more likely.
Cleveland Browns over the Minnesota Vikings - Again. Upset here. I'm voting with my heart on this one. I don't like what Brett Favre did/ is doing. I'm hoping Brady Quinn gets the starting nod. I'll probably regret this pick.
Houston Texans over New York Jets: The AFC South is going to be strong this year, I think. Rookie QB for the Jets is going to struggle mightily.
Indianapolis Colts over the Jacksonville Jaguars - New coach for my Colts. Marvin Harrison gone. BUT, fully healthy QB heading into the season; great rookie RB to backup Addai. Jacksonville always finds a way to make it a game. The Colts usually find a way to get the win.
New Orleans Saints over the Detroit Lions - If Saints win by less then 10, Detroit should be given the win.
Arizona Cardinals over the San Francisco 49ers - I say Warner throws for 450 yds, and Fitzgerald and Bolden have 150+ receiving yds and 2 TDs each.
NY Giants over the Washington Redskins - Just going with the odds.
Seattle Seahawks over the St Louis Rams - Read comment above.
Chicago Bears over Green Bay Packers - I don't like Jay Cutler's attitude. I don't think Chicago has the receiving corp they need. I like Aaron Rodgers. I think he's going to have a great season. I hate making this pick. I just have a feeling Forte is going to be great this year, and Cutler is going to have a GREAT game this week.
New England Patriots over the Buffalo Bills - The despised Pats are going to step out and make a statement in week 1 with their golden boy back at the helm. On principle, I'd like to go against them, but I think this is going to be a high-scoring ordeal... I'm guessing at least 60 combined points scored.
San Diego Chargers over Oakland High School Raiders - Yup, I said that.
Dallas Cowboys over the Tampa Bay Bucs - I think both these teams are looking at less then stellar seasons.

So there's my picks. As an added bonus, I would like to throw out my playoff predictions:

Division Champs:
NFC North: Green Bay Packers (10-6) GB, Minn, and Chicago are going to beat up on each other, but I believe Rodgers will come out on top in the QB battle. I hope he does.
NFC South: New Orleans Saints (12-4) I love Drew Brees. That's all I have to say.
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) It won't have anything to do with Vick, but I hope things work out for him.
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals (11-5) They'll simply win because the rest of them stink.
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers (11-6) The Steel city knows how to do it.
AFC South: Indianapolis Colts (13-3) I have a good feeling.
AFC East: New England Patriots (13-3) Grrrrrrr.
AFC West: San Diego Chargers (12-4) They're healthy, and it's all there.
NFC Wilcard:
Carolina Panthers (10-6) They are going to just eek this spot out over the Falcons.
New York Giants (10-6) I don't know. I had to pick someone.
AFC Wildcard: Tennessee Titans (12-4) They're gonna be good, just not quite as good as the Colts.
Baltimore Ravens (11-6) Steelers will beat them in tie-breaker for Division Champs.

NFC CHAMPIONS: Carolina Panthers
AFC CHAMPIONS: San Diego Chargers

Super Bowl Champs: San Diego Superchargers.

2 Songs Tearing (read that word both ways) Me Up

As we at Student Ministries are seeking to seriously address Kids In Need, I'm seeking to internalize it all in my life. In my times alone with God, He has been continually bringing songs across my path that stir my heart. These are two of them.

INSTEAD OF A SHOW (by Jon Foreman from Switchfoot; off the Summer Album)


Lyrics to Instead of a Show:
INSTEAD OF A SHOW (Jon Foremn)
I hate all your show and pretense the hypocrisy of your praise
the hypocrisy of your festivals I hate all your show

Away with your noisy worship Away with your noisy hymns
I stop up my ears when your singing ‘em
I hate all your show

Instead let there be a flood of justice
An endless procession of righteous living, living
Instead let there be a flood of justice
Instead of a show

your eyes are closed when you’re praying
you sing right along with the band
you shine up your shoes for services
but there’s blood on your hands

you turned your back on the homeless and the ones that don’t fit in your plans
quit playing religion games there’s blood on your hands

Ah! let’s argue this out if your sins are blood red
let’s argue this out you’ll be white as the clouds
let’s argue this out quit fooling around

give love to the ones who can’t love at all
give hope to the ones who got no hope at all
stand up for the ones who can’t stand up at all
instead of a show I hate all your show


FOLLOW YOU (by Leeland w/ Brandon Heath; off the Love Is on the Move Album)

Lyrics to Follow You:
You live among the least of these the weary and the weak
And it would be a tragedy for me to turn away
All my needs You have supplied when I was dead You gave me life
So how could I not give it away so freely?

And I’ll Follow You into the homes of the broken
Follow You into the world
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God
Follow You into the world

Use my hands use my feet to make Your kingdom come
To the corners of the earth until Your work is done
Faith without works is dead on the cross Your blood was shed
So how could we not give it away so freely?

Follow You into the homes of the broken
Follow You into the world
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God
Follow You into the world
(repeat)

And I give all myself, I give all myself
I give all myself to YOU
(repeat)
Yeaaaaah

Follow You into the homes of the broken
Follow You into the world (Follow YOU)
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God
Follow You into the world
Follow You into the homes of the broken
Follow You into the world
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God

See Gill got his disc stuck in the tree. So Jeff threw his bag at it and his bag got stuck. Cody had to climb the tree to get both. Good times. Good times.

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Baugo done. Wilson, here we go. I'm currently in second over all at+13.

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hole #8 at baugo... aka el diablo.

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Friday 5: Disc Golf Marathon

1 day. 6 Guys. 5 Courses. 96 holes of pure fun.

1. Ox Bow Park in Goshen (24 holes)
2. Ferrettie Baugo Creek County Park in Elkhart
3. George Wilson Park in Mishawaka
4. Rum Village Park in South Bend
5. Madeline Bertrand Park in Niles, MI

I've been carb loading all day.
Trying to give my right arm some rest.
Now I need to get home for some sleep.

Fantasy Football... Team #1

Fantasy Football. Love it.

I'm in a 7 year old league that allows three keepers. When you keep a player, he jumps up 2 rounds from where you drafted him. Unless he's in the top 10, then he jumps up 4 rounds. It's 10 teams. I was very fortunate with my keepers (in bold, round I got them this round in parenthesis). We actually did the draft on August 1 because many of the guys are spread around the world (literally).

How about my team?
Starting lineup for Week 1:

QB - Jay Cutler
QB - Chad Penington (rd 14)
RB - Matt Forte (rd 2)
RB - De'Angelo Williams (rd- 5)
WR - Larry Fitzgerald
WR - Anthony Gonzalez
WR - Eddie Royal
WR/RB - Pierre Thomas
TE - Vinanthe Schiancoe
K - Kris Brown
K - Mason Crosby
DEF - New England
DEF - Dallas

Bench:
Brady Quinn
Derrick Mason
Donnie Avery
Fred Jackson
Darren Sproles
Kenny Brit

Feeling a little vulnerable in the QB position (since we start 2) Otherwise, I'm feeling good.

Yikes, Growing Up!

My daughter looked like this one year ago. Crazy.

Stirring In Me:

The past few weeks has had the following thoughts stirring in me:

1. I'm getting stubborn when it comes to letting God grow me. I don't like that.
   
2. Details and deadlines suck the life out of me. I have to work with them in my life, but I can't allow them to be my life.
3. Vision, Video, one-on-ones, programming, and moments of solitude fuel me.
4. More times than not, my spiritual apathy and struggles are tied to my lack of spending Time Alone With God.
5. There are thousands of kids who will die today from starvation and lack of basic vaccines, and I'm supposed to be all fired up about the American Health Care debate?
6. Love people. Use things. Never get the two mixed up.
7. Amos 5:21-24; Psalm 72:4; Matthew 18:5-9.
8. I'm excited to see my daughter grow up in these times.
9. I'm scared to see my daughter grow up in these times.
10. I'm committed to work to see #8 win out over #9.

Youtubesday: 8-bit Trip

Fantastic. A total trip down memory lane.
This is the type of video that makes me love Youtube.