After the services this morning, Janelle, Skippy (a.k.a. Katylynn), and Dado (a.k.a. me) are heading south for some vacation time. No blogging, tweeting, facebooking, or emailing for a while. Lots of talking, listening, laughing, playing, eating, resting, reading... basically just uninterrupted time focused on the two most amazing women and God I know!
See you in February.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Quick Hits
- 50 people purchased shirts. Thanks!
- $1,138.78. was given by our 5th-12th students for Earthquake relief. Awesome!
- I'm trying to get my message notes turned in and having trouble putting it all together. Not awesome!
- Janelle, Katylynn and I leave for somewhere sunny after church Sunday. Super Awesome!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Sunday...
For much of my Junior High and High School life, I viewed God in a way that was making it impossible for me to embrace the plans he had for me. I'm excited to talk about it on Sunday Morning.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Regular Blog Stops
In a time where some are falling off the blogging wagon, there are those I still make it a point to frequent due to consistent posting and enjoyable content:
- Geoff Cocanower - Our Sr High Intern/Pastor is on a journey that has been fun to be a part of.
- Adam Cramer - Former NMC Student just back from a year in South Africa. Good stuff.
- Kristy Mikel - Administrative Assistant at NMC and all-around amazing person.
- Jon Andrews - Wakarusa Missionary Church Youth Pastor and all around spiritual rabble rouser.
- Calvin Prenkert - Daily insight from my 8 2/3 year old nephew. Seriously, some of the best stuff on the internet right now.
- Rob Henschen - Blogger extraordinaire on a significant health journey right now.
- Austin Hostetter - Graduated in '09 and at Ball State this year on a journey where God is doing some great things in him. I love seeing his worldview shape and mold.
Monday, January 18, 2010
K..I.N. - Response
Jason Thompson, a great friend, fellow pastor, and all-around good guy (who needs to update his blog) came up with a great idea over the weekend. He leads our Upward Basketball and Cheerleading program at NMC. Every Saturday, January-March, the parents, grandparents, and siblings of 450 k-6th graders are present to watch the games. We have concessions available at those games.
So back to Jason's idea. He and the Upward team made the decision to donate all proceeds from concessions last Saturday to Haiti Earthquake Relief through WorldHelp. They ended up giving $754 for aid.
His initiative to step up and do something got us all thinking at NMC Student Ministries, especially thinking of our initiative to seriously address Kids In Need this year. We RARELY take an offering on Wednesday Nights in our Preteen, Junior High, and Senior High program. This Wednesday, we're making an exception.
If you are an NMC Student reading, consider if you would be willing to give from your "plenty" to help those in desperate need.
So back to Jason's idea. He and the Upward team made the decision to donate all proceeds from concessions last Saturday to Haiti Earthquake Relief through WorldHelp. They ended up giving $754 for aid.
His initiative to step up and do something got us all thinking at NMC Student Ministries, especially thinking of our initiative to seriously address Kids In Need this year. We RARELY take an offering on Wednesday Nights in our Preteen, Junior High, and Senior High program. This Wednesday, we're making an exception.
If you are an NMC Student reading, consider if you would be willing to give from your "plenty" to help those in desperate need.Sunday, January 17, 2010
This Week...
This week I saw 24 Junior and High School Students prepare for and share with 450 Upward basketball players, cheerleaders, and their parents about the AIDS crisis in Africa and what Hoops of Hope will be doing to address this.
This week I saw multiple High School students bring friends with them to Wednesday Night Youth.
This week I saw 10 High School students who are heading to Kenya in April take a trip to Keller Park Church in South Bend. I saw them meet some of the kids in that community and served alongside them.
This week I sat in interviews with students who desire to head to Mexico this Summer. I heard them share about what God is doing in their life right now, as well as why they desire to head across the board and serve some Kids who are in Need.
This week I saw my coworkers pull together and do everything we can to give students opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus locally, regionally and globally.
This week was a good week.
I look forward to more like this in the next week!
This week I saw multiple High School students bring friends with them to Wednesday Night Youth.
This week I saw 10 High School students who are heading to Kenya in April take a trip to Keller Park Church in South Bend. I saw them meet some of the kids in that community and served alongside them.
This week I sat in interviews with students who desire to head to Mexico this Summer. I heard them share about what God is doing in their life right now, as well as why they desire to head across the board and serve some Kids who are in Need.
This week I saw my coworkers pull together and do everything we can to give students opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus locally, regionally and globally.
This week was a good week.
I look forward to more like this in the next week!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
T-Shirts till January 20
All proceeds go to help in our International Adoption.
Online Orders:
http://www.prenkertphotography.bigcartel.com/
Or read this previous post for other options to pay.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
K.I.N./ Upward/ Hoops Of Hope
I love it when good things collide. Tonight marks our first public steps toward three great ministries colliding together.
Kids In Need with NMC Student Ministries is in its second half of the year. As we tally up some financial totals this week, we were excited to discover that nearly $29,000 has been given to various ministries both local and global who are seeking to live out the call of Jesus to look after orphans and reach out to "the least of these."
Kids In Need with NMC Student Ministries is in its second half of the year. As we tally up some financial totals this week, we were excited to discover that nearly $29,000 has been given to various ministries both local and global who are seeking to live out the call of Jesus to look after orphans and reach out to "the least of these."
That doesn't include some of the side initiatives kids have given that hasn't filtered through NMC (toys bought for RETA, I know a Small Group that bought some Christmas Gifts for Amgel Tree).
Upward Basketball and Cheerleading is underway with nearly 450 Kindergarten - 6th grade students cheering and playing bball while learning about character, identity and ultimately a relationship with Christ. This program is fantastic. It brings many kids and parents through the doors of our church who would not normally walk through them.
Hoops of Hope is a non-profit organization started in 2004 by then 10-year old Austin Gutwein who wanted to bring awareness and raise funds for the more than 15 million children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. On World AIDS Day 2004, Austin shot over 2000 free throws to represent the more than 2000 kids who were orphaned during his day at school. Since then, Austin has been recruiting others to join him and together they have raised over $1 Million for these children.
So, here's the beautiful collision...
Our 7th-12th Grade students (Kids In Need)are organizing a Hoops of Hope event that will take place Saturday, February 6. All Upward Basktball players and cheerleaders will have the opportunity to participate.Each team and squad will be given a 75-minute time slot to shoot as many free throws or say as many cheers as possible in honor of the thousands of children that are orphaned every day by HIV/AIDS. Participants will be enlisting sponsors for donations to assist in the relief and care efforts for these orphans.
Hoops of Hope is a non-profit organization started in 2004 by then 10-year old Austin Gutwein who wanted to bring awareness and raise funds for the more than 15 million children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. On World AIDS Day 2004, Austin shot over 2000 free throws to represent the more than 2000 kids who were orphaned during his day at school. Since then, Austin has been recruiting others to join him and together they have raised over $1 Million for these children.
So, here's the beautiful collision...
Our 7th-12th Grade students (Kids In Need)are organizing a Hoops of Hope event that will take place Saturday, February 6. All Upward Basktball players and cheerleaders will have the opportunity to participate.Each team and squad will be given a 75-minute time slot to shoot as many free throws or say as many cheers as possible in honor of the thousands of children that are orphaned every day by HIV/AIDS. Participants will be enlisting sponsors for donations to assist in the relief and care efforts for these orphans.
Youtubesday: Josh Wilson
I received an email from a Christian artist booking agency telling the recent story of Josh Wilson at the Newark airport. Here's an excerpt:
It's been a very interesting week for Josh Wilson. What began as a very innocent attempt at breaking tension in a stressful situation has become an internet sensation. I'm attaching a link to the story of Josh serenading the passengers at Newark airport in the wake of the a security scare - http://withoutwax.tv/2010/01/07/its-easier-to-act-than-react/ .
The video has exploded on the internet, and is now also showing up on CNN, on ABC World News, and quite possibly on your local news broadcast. What potentially makes it better is that Josh is largely unaware of all this attention, as he's with his wife in India sharing the gospel and serving the poor. He'll have quite a surprise waiting for him when he gets home next week.
I love it. Josh came in and led worship for our Junior High at the 2008 3DYC. He's an extremely talented musician who deeply loves God. Check out his moment of relieving the tension in this video:
Monday, January 11, 2010
0-4
I went 0-4 on my playoff picks. With that in mind, I'd like to no pick the Ravens to beat the Colts this Saturday.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Friday, January 08, 2010
NFL Pick 'em: Week 1 of the playoffs
NY Jets at Cincinnati - I think Cincy is the Super Bowl Champ Dark Horse. Cincy wins by at least 10.
Philadelphia at Dallas - Dallas has won 2 this year, but has stunk in the playoffs recently. I think they'll stink again. Philly wins by 1 (Romo will mess up an extra point hold).
Baltimore at New England - This is a draw to me. NE banged up. Baltimore D ready to pounce. NE is NE. Patriots by a TD.
Green Bay at Arizona - Green Bay is tehe NFC Super Bowl Champ Dark Horse in my book. I really want to see them face off against Minnesota one more time. Arizona has a running game this year, which I actually think will work against them. Pack by a Field Goal.
Philadelphia at Dallas - Dallas has won 2 this year, but has stunk in the playoffs recently. I think they'll stink again. Philly wins by 1 (Romo will mess up an extra point hold).
Baltimore at New England - This is a draw to me. NE banged up. Baltimore D ready to pounce. NE is NE. Patriots by a TD.
Green Bay at Arizona - Green Bay is tehe NFC Super Bowl Champ Dark Horse in my book. I really want to see them face off against Minnesota one more time. Arizona has a running game this year, which I actually think will work against them. Pack by a Field Goal.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Adoption Update and Round 2 for Funding
We continue to move forward in our international adoption. We're almost done with our Home Study phase and are stepping into our dossier phase. We are in a major faith moment as the country we are believing God has led us to may not be available to us. We will know for sure by May. If it does not work, we have a secondary country prepared. In the end, we are trusting that God will lead and guide as we go.
God continues to provide financially every step of the way. Our biggest costs are yet to come, so we continue to find way to generate some funding. Hence, shirt #2:
Also, compliments of my mother's instruction, Janelle has taken up sewing. She has designed and is creating cloth wallets. They're pretty stinkin' cool:
You can view and purchase our wallets at Jeanette's Fabric Boutique located in Wakarusa, IN.
You can order online at
www.prenkertphotography.bigcartel.com
or print off the order form and hand it to us.
Sale ends January 20!
God continues to provide financially every step of the way. Our biggest costs are yet to come, so we continue to find way to generate some funding. Hence, shirt #2:
Also, compliments of my mother's instruction, Janelle has taken up sewing. She has designed and is creating cloth wallets. They're pretty stinkin' cool:
You can view and purchase our wallets at Jeanette's Fabric Boutique located in Wakarusa, IN. You can order online at
www.prenkertphotography.bigcartel.com
or print off the order form and hand it to us.
Sale ends January 20!
Calvin's Tip of the Day
My 8 2/3 year old nephew Calvin has decided the world could benefit greatly from his insight and wisdom. His new blog, Calvin's Tip of the Day, contains a daily nugget that may deeply enrich your life.
For example, January 1, 2010, Calvin shares:
For example, January 1, 2010, Calvin shares:
Don't make a stupid New Year resolution, like practicing your piano more, because it will ruin your whole year.You would be wise to make http://calvin-tips.blogspot.com/ daily stop in your web searching.
NFL Playoffs: My Predictions and reality
On September 10, I made the following predictions:
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.
Actual results: Vikings take the Division at 12-4. GB does go 11-5 and makes the wildcard.
NFC South: New Orleans Saints (12-4) I love Drew Brees. That's all I have to say.
Actual Results: Right team, but off by one win. The Saints go 13-3.
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) It won't have anything to do with Vick, but I hope things work out for him.
Actual Results: Not sure how I expected the Eagles to play one more game than everyone else, but I was right on the 11 wins. The Cowboys took the division at 11-5 in the end.
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals (11-5) They'll simply win because the rest of them stink.
Actual Results: Right team, but Cards go 10-6.
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers (11-6) The Steel city knows how to do it.
Actual Results: Steelers don't even make the playoffs. Bengals shocked this year and go 10-6.
AFC South: Indianapolis Colts (13-3) I have a good feeling.
Actual Results: The went 14-2, and I'm nervous as the playoffs start.
AFC East: New England Patriots (13-3) Grrrrrrr.
Actual Results: They went 10-6... I still say Grrrr.
AFC West: San Diego Chargers (12-4) They're healthy, and it's all there.
Actual Results: 13-3 for the Chargers.
FINAL RESULTS: Correctly picked 5 of 8 Division winners. 2 wrong choices end up in the wildcard. Not bad.
NFC Wilcard:
Carolina Panthers (10-6) They are going to just eek this spot out over the Falcons.
Actual Results: They stunk this year.
New York Giants (10-6) I don't know. I had to pick someone.
Actual Results: Nope.
AFC Wildcard: Tennessee Titans (12-4) They're gonna be good, just not quite as good as the Colts.
Actual Results: Nope
Baltimore Ravens (11-6) Steelers will beat them in tie-breaker for Division Champs.
Actual Results: Got this one right. They ended at 9-7.
FINAL RESULTS: I didn't pick the Jets, Bengals, Cowboys, and Vikings was wrong about the Panthers, Steelers, Giants and Titans making the playoffs.
NFC CHAMPIONS: Carolina Panthers
AFC CHAMPIONS: San Diego Chargers
As for these predictions, Panthers were a stupid pick. I hope I'm wrong with the Chargers.
Super Bowl Champs: San Diego Superchargers.
Again, I hope I'm wrong.
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.
Actual results: Vikings take the Division at 12-4. GB does go 11-5 and makes the wildcard.
NFC South: New Orleans Saints (12-4) I love Drew Brees. That's all I have to say.
Actual Results: Right team, but off by one win. The Saints go 13-3.
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) It won't have anything to do with Vick, but I hope things work out for him.
Actual Results: Not sure how I expected the Eagles to play one more game than everyone else, but I was right on the 11 wins. The Cowboys took the division at 11-5 in the end.
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals (11-5) They'll simply win because the rest of them stink.
Actual Results: Right team, but Cards go 10-6.
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers (11-6) The Steel city knows how to do it.
Actual Results: Steelers don't even make the playoffs. Bengals shocked this year and go 10-6.
AFC South: Indianapolis Colts (13-3) I have a good feeling.
Actual Results: The went 14-2, and I'm nervous as the playoffs start.
AFC East: New England Patriots (13-3) Grrrrrrr.
Actual Results: They went 10-6... I still say Grrrr.
AFC West: San Diego Chargers (12-4) They're healthy, and it's all there.
Actual Results: 13-3 for the Chargers.
FINAL RESULTS: Correctly picked 5 of 8 Division winners. 2 wrong choices end up in the wildcard. Not bad.
NFC Wilcard:
Carolina Panthers (10-6) They are going to just eek this spot out over the Falcons.
Actual Results: They stunk this year.
New York Giants (10-6) I don't know. I had to pick someone.
Actual Results: Nope.
AFC Wildcard: Tennessee Titans (12-4) They're gonna be good, just not quite as good as the Colts.
Actual Results: Nope
Baltimore Ravens (11-6) Steelers will beat them in tie-breaker for Division Champs.
Actual Results: Got this one right. They ended at 9-7.
FINAL RESULTS: I didn't pick the Jets, Bengals, Cowboys, and Vikings was wrong about the Panthers, Steelers, Giants and Titans making the playoffs.
NFC CHAMPIONS: Carolina Panthers
AFC CHAMPIONS: San Diego Chargers
As for these predictions, Panthers were a stupid pick. I hope I'm wrong with the Chargers.
Super Bowl Champs: San Diego Superchargers.
Again, I hope I'm wrong.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Blog
If you haven't noticed, the posting has been a little slim.
It hasn't been intentional, but I am doing a little evaluating...
It hasn't been intentional, but I am doing a little evaluating...
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