Impact Joplin Day One
The above picture was taken in the Minneapolis airport – other than a little parking troubles everything went fine there! 
We arrived in Joplin tonight @ around 6:00 and drove around to see the devastation. You can check out the video below to hear some of our kids reactions and then check out our facebook page for some of our pics after that.
PICS ON FACEBOOK:
Day One: Success!
Just wanted to let you know that we made it into Minneapolis @ about 3:30 am and got checked into our hotel. We had a great drive and we’re looking forward to the flight tomorrow. Stay tuned….
{ATTENTION}
MISSION JOPLIN ITINERARY CHANGE:
Our family was gracious to schedule the funeral early enough that Jess, Peyton and I would be able to attend the funeral; however we will have to make a change to our itinerary for the Joplin trip. Instead of leaving Bismarck @ 3:00 pm on Thursday, we will be meeting @ Barry & Jess’ house around 9:00 or 10:00 pm and driving overnight to Minneapolis. We’ll be making calls to contact all the kids once we arrive back in Bismarck to let them know the exact meeting time. Leaving at this time will allow us to get in to Minneapolis early enough that Jess and I can get a few hours sleep before catching our flight to Kansas City. Nothing else on our trip has changed except for the meeting/departure time from Bismarck.
Call Barry @ 471-7582 if you have any questions.
Packing Instructions for Joplin
Ok, we’re almost there!
In a week we’re on the road to Joplin!
ARE YOU READY?!!!!!!!!!!
Check out these two brochures straight from the Transportation SecurityAdministration that will help you know how to pack for the trip.
http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/prohibited_items_brochure.pdf
http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/311_brochure.pdf
Keep in mind that you need to follow these guidelines so that you don’t end up having to leave anything behind at the airport (or, you know, being sent to Guantanamo Bay….JUST KIDDING…….I think!)
Follow these instructions and, if you have any doubt about whether something is allowed just leave it behind. There are stores in Joplin that we can go to if we need to and it is definitely not worth the trouble!
Also remember to bring a copy of your insurance card and a photo ID! The TSA also give these instructions for medications:
Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. Officers may need to open these items to conduct additional screening.
You may bring all prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including petroleum jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes.
You are not limited in the amount or volume of these items you may bring in your carry-on baggage. BUT if the medically necessary items exceed 3 ounces or are not contained in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag, you MUST declare to one of our Security Officers at the checkpoint for further inspection.
Non-liquid or gel medications of all kinds such as solid pills, or inhalers are allowed through the security checkpoint once they have been screened. We recommend, but do not require, that your medications be labeled to assist with the screening process.
When thinking about what you should pack, remember that we’ll be able to do laundry at the church we’re staying at. I would suggest that you pack at least 2 pairs of work pants (jeans), 2-3 work t-shirts, a pair of work shoes (tennis shoes or something sturdy) along with 2 pairs of shorts and some more relaxed clothes (shorts, shirts and flip-flops) for our days off. Along with that you’ll want all your basic stuff that you’d pack for a trip. Remember to pack your toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) according to the TSA brochures.
You are free to bring spending money, if you want, but you will have to be responsible for that. Also keep in mind that you cannot buy anything in Joplin or Kansas City that you cannot take on the plane. We will be hitting up the Mall of America for a couple of hours on Saturday before we leave for home, so you might want to bring a little cash for that. ALL OF YOUR MEALS AND THE SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES ARE PAID FOR IN THE MONEY YOU’VE RAISED!
That means that you DO NOT HAVE TO BRING ANY EXTRA MONEY IF YOU DON’T WANT TO.
We’ll meet @ the Gateway church office @ 3:00 pm on Thursday (July 21) and we’ll leave from there. If you have any questions on anything, give Barry a jingle. It’s gonna be an awesome trip!
IMPACT Joplin Information!
Hey everybody! The trip is finally completely planned and put together! We have one fundraiser left - CAR WASH @ THE SOUTH DAN’S ON NEXT SATURDAY, JULY 9 FROM 10:00 AM-2:30 PM – and we are coming down the homestretch before we leave!
You can click here to find a letter that should tell you everything you need to know about the trip. Also, be sure that you fill out these forms and get them back to Barry ASAP (if you haven’t already)! Any questions, just give me a call!
A City in Great Need
At the car wash this weekend, we talked to you about a change in plans for our summer mission trip. We have been preparing for a trip to Chicago but, because of health problems for our contact there, the trip has not come together as expected. At first this was a frustrating development, until we saw another door that God had opened for us to IMPACT a city.
Joplin, Missouri was hit by a massive tornado on Sunday, May 22 that was the deadliest tornado to strike in the U.S. in 60 years. At last count 154 people had been declared dead by this horrible storm – not to mention the thousands that are now homeless. Many have lost everything! Below is a video that shows some of the destruction of the city:
Impact will be working with our church in Joplin, as well as other organizations, to distribute supplies to people who have lost everything. We will also be looking for opportunities to be working out in the community in cleaning up and helping people as they pick up the pieces of their lives. I truly believe there is no greater need in our country today than these communities that have been struck by disaster.
I have to tell you that I have been proud to watch as our students have worked in our own community these past several weeks. I also hope you are praying for Minot right now and realize there is the possibility that we will have opportunity to assist there in the coming months. It is in these times that the church should be Jesus’ “hands and feet” and should be living, breathing examples of his love!
Joplin is an opportunity for this. Minot faces similar circumstances. Bismarck/Mandan is bracing for a long summer. And as we switch our focus from Chicago to Joplin I hope you understand one thing: this trip - this vision – has never been about a city, but it has always been about God and our desire to REFLECT HIM to people in need. So whether you are doing that by coming to Joplin, by sandbagging at your friend’s house, by praying for cities being affected by these circumstances or all of the above, thank you! You are making an IMPACT!
If you are coming on the trip, be sure to join us for a PARENT/STUDENT MEETING THIS SUNDAY NIGHT @ 7:00 PM @ THE IMPACT CENTER! In this meeting we’ll be addressing the changes in plans, health concerns and taking any questions you have.
BIG WEEKEND AHEAD!!!
We’re just over a month away from Impact’s Mission Trip and we’re gearing up with a BIG WEEKEND coming up!
CAR WASH:
THIS Saturday starting @ 10:00 am @ the Dan’t North parking lot! We’ll be sudsing up some cars and raising money for our trip! Bring your own bucket and sponge if you can!
MEETING:
Then on Sunday night @ 7:00 pm @ Barry & Jess’ (1602 N14 St) we’ll meet on some of the details of the trip. PARENTS: please come along, so that you can be in the loop. God is doing awesome things and we are excited to share we’re going to have to REFLECT HIM! This meeting is only for kids and parents going on the mission trip
It’ll also be good to catch up with you guys a bit! It’s been a crazy busy summer - with all the flood work and camp last week – and I can’t wait to hear how you’re summer is going!
Sandbag-a-Thon!
So we didn’t get to do our Rock-a-Thon on Friday night, but we did get to do something much, much better! We got to help someone who was in need – and isn’t that kind of the point of this whole Impact Chicago mission trip, after all?
You guys rocked those sandbags and the Boeckels told me how much your help meant to them! Thank you for your hard work, great attitudes and for taking this opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus!
I know a lot of you have been working long hours at other homes or filling sites around Bismarck/Mandan and I just want you to know that I am so proud of you and what you’ve done for our community!
Here’s a few pics from our “Sandbag-a-Thon”! 
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CHANGE OF PLANS
CHANGE OF PLANS FOR IMPACT’S ROCK-A-THON TOMORROW NIGHT: INSTEAD OF COMING DRESSED IN “OLD PEOPLE” CLOTHES, COME DRESSED FOR WORK. IT WOULD BE SILLY TO FUNDRAISE/PREPARE FOR A MISSION TRIP WHEN OUR CITY HAS BECOME A GIANT MISSION FIELD IN NEED OF GOD’S SERVANTS. WE’LL MEET @ IMPACT @ 5:00, EAT & THEN GO TO WORK. PARENTS ARE VERY WELCOME TO JOIN US AS WELL! CALL PASTOR BARRY @ 471-7582 WITH QUESTIONS.
Oldie But A Goodie!
So we’re going to take a walk on the wild side this Friday night! We’re going to dip our toes into the deep water and take the dive! That’s right, we’re going to be OLD!!!
So, what do old people when they stay up all night long? Well they rock in their rocking chairs, of course! So that’s what we’re doing! I know some of you have already been raising A LOT of money to help pay for your Chicago trip with this! Keep it up and remember that only 10 people @ $1/hour pays for almost half your trip!
So here’s the details – Friday, May 27 @ 5:00 pm – Saturday, May 28 @ 1:00 pm. We’ll feed you some goodies, along with a special surprise meal on Friday night!
Be sure to bring all your sponsorship money and any other money that you have raised for the trip up to this point!
Also bring your own rocking chair, if you can….if you can’t we’ll have several extras, but let us know if you’ll need one of those.
PARENTS: You could help out by bringing some goodies for us to snack on throughout the night! We’re bound to get hungry being up all night – just let Pastor Barry know if you’re planning to bring something!
And I dare…..no wait, I triple-dog-dare you to try and TOP Barry’s old person costume! YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE IT!!!!
You Lost, But You Still Won…
Weird, huh? But that’s what happens when you give in a contest where all the money goes to God’s purposes anyway! So you brought 33 1/2 lbs of offering (which is actually very awesome!) and the AMP’D kids just topped you with 36 1/2 lbs – THAT’S 70 LBS OF OFFERING!!!!
So we broke our backs and carried 70 lbs of coins into the bank and…..well first of all, we got some weird looks…..but then we found out that you guys had brought $189.73! With the fall offering that the AMP’D kids did (over several more weeks) the total we’re going to be able to send to Ethiopia to help our churches there is $469.79!!
Awesome job you guys!!!
So now you understand why you still won, right? Yeah, I thought so!
A couple of other things:
This Sunday night we’re going to learn how to “Live Life Alive!” Seems like a good idea, right? I mean, who wants to walk around as a dead person. Not me. I know that for sure! So be there – 6:30: Fun Time – 7:00: Worship
Also, don’t forget that IMPACT CHICAGO registrations are due NEXT Sunday, May 22! Click here to register!
Because I Feel Sorry For You…
I’M GIVING YOU ONE LAST CHANCE!
Since this Sunday is Mother’s Day (don’t forget!) we WILL NOT HAVE IMPACT – but your ONE LAST CHANCE will be on Saturday night @ Barry & Jess’ house @ 8:00 pm. We’ll be hanging out for awhile, doing a firepit and roasting marshmallows/S’mores. (families can stick around too). If you can’t make it Saturday night, get your change to Barry sometime before then so it can be counted.
I’ve let the AMP’D Kids know that they can still bring change, too, so you’re going to need to step it up BIG TIME!!! So, don’t waste this opportunity – YOU CAN DO THIS, I BELIEVE IN YOU…..well, sort of.
Bring A Small Child’s Weight In Offering THIS SUNDAY!!!
Also remember that even though registrations for IMPACT CHICAGO aren’t due for another couple of weeks, the sooner you register means the sooner that you can start raising your money! So be sure to talk to your parents and the you can register online HERE.
Jess and I have already raised $62.50 apiece. Think you can beat us to $500? I’ll give a $20 gift to the store of your choice to anyone who beats us – you have to RAISE the money, though. No cheating and getting your parents to write a check!
Also, be there Sunday to get your Rock-a-Thon packets! It’s an Impact Lock-In Grandpa & Grandma-Style! Rockin’ the night away!
Passion Week 2011 Sunday
Was it a morning like this? Were the birds chirping and the wind rustling? What a difference a week had made -from the back of a donkey to rising from a grave with security comparable to Fort Knox!
Start here:
Then here:
Passion Week 2011 Saturday
Can you imagine how the disciples must have felt on Saturday? What those who had followed Jesus and seen him do miraculous things must have been going through?
Start here:
Then here:
Passion Week 2011 Thursday
Today is Maunday Thursday, which is when Jesus and the disciples gathered in the upper room for the last supper. There is a really cool video HERE that kind of follows through the events of that night and you can read the account in Luke 22:7-38.
Now start here:
Then here:
Song Lyrics:
When the music fades
And all is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that’s of worth
That will bless your heartI’ll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the ways things appear
You’re looking into my heartI’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about You
All about You, Jesus
I’m sorry Lord for the thing I’ve made it
When it’s all about You
It’s all about You JesusKing of endless worth
No one could express
How much You deserve
Though I’m weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breathI’ll bring You more than just a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You’re looking into my heartI’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about You
All about You, Jesus
I’m sorry Lord for the thing I’ve made it
When it’s all about You
It’s all about You JesusIts all about you
Jesus
Passion Week 2011 Wednesday
Start here:
Then go here:
Now: Enjoy the silence………..
Song Lyrics:
You stood before creation
Eternity within Your hand
You spoke the earth into motion
My soul now to standYou stood before my failure
Carried the Cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon Your shoulders
My soul now to standSo what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to YouSo I’ll walk upon salvation
Your Spirit alive in me
This life to declare Your promise
My soul now to standSo what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to YouSo I’ll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it allSo I’ll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours
Passion Week 2011 – Tuesday
Ok, now that I’m in the office today, we’re going to start looking at this week based on what was happening at this time almost 2,000 years ago as Jesus approached the day he would give everything for us on the cross. Check out this timeline (click on it to make it bigger) that we’ll be using to guide us, and you can look into the verses on there deeper if you’d like:
It’s kind of confusing, but it has all sorts of pretty colors….I mean, if you take it bit by bit and look at the verses that go along with it, it’s pretty cool to understand Jesus’ last week on earth! That would be “extra credit” though!
The song that I’ve chosen for today is maybe one you’ve never heard and it’s a little older, but there are several pieces to it’s message that I want to share today. So give it a chance, even though it might not be your style of music, and listen to the lyrics, reflect on the pictures and maybe stop it at about 5 minutes into the video. Seriously you probably want to stop it there. That is when they start showing weird pictures of eggs and Bambi and all sorts of stuff like that (although there are great verses in there, too!).
Ok, here you go:
Rich Mullins and a ragamuffin band – My Deliverer (Normal quality version) from Zitacity on Vimeo.
Ok, now onto the good part – me talking, of course!
The lyrics to the song:
Joseph took his wife and her child
And they went to Africa
To escape the rage of a deadly King
There along the banks of the Nile
Jesus listened to the song
That the captive children used to sing
They were singin’My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by
My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ byThrough a dry and thirsty land
Water from the Kenyon heights
Pours itself out of lake Sangra’s broken heart
There in the Sahara winds
Jesus heard the whole world cry
For the healin’ that would flow from His own scars
The world was singin’My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by
My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by
He will never break His promise
He has written it upon the skyMy deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by
My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by
My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by
I will never doubt His promise
Though I doubt my heart, I doubt my eyesMy deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by
My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by
My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by
He will never break his promise
Though the stars should break faith with the skyMy deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by
My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by
My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by
My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by
My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by
My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by
My deliverer is comin’, my deliverer is standin’ by
Passion Week 2011 – Monday
Last night we talked about taking a few minutes of each day this week to focus on what Easter is all about. We talked about the “contract” that we have with God that humanity screwed up in Adam, but can no longer destroy in Jesus; but it is because of his love that he still gives us the choice to follow him.
Check out the little clip of me talking (because, let’s be honest – you just can’t get enough of that, right?) and then the Third Day video after that. I hope you’ll use these times to truly reflect on God’s love for you and how you can respond to that today and throughout this week. Love you guys and we’re always praying for you! If you need anything or want to talk, don’t ever hesitate to hit us up!
And here’s the Third Day video:
And the lyrics:I am a thief, I am a murderer,
Walking up this lonely hill.
What have I done? I don’t remember.
No one knows just how I feel;
And I know that my time is coming soon.
It’s been so long, oh, such a long time,
Since I’ve lived with peace and rest.
Now I am here, in my destination,
I guess things work for the best;
And I know that my time is coming soon.
Who is this man? This man beside me,
That they call the King of the Jews.
No, they don’t believe, that He’s the Messiah,
But, somehow I know that it’s true.
They laugh at Him in mockery,
They beat Him till he bleeds,
They nail Him to the rugged cross,
And they raise Him, yeah, they raise Him up next to me.
My time has come, and I’m slowly fading,
But I deserve what I receive.
Jesus, when You are in Your kingdom,
Could You please, please remember me.
Well He looks at me still holding on,
And the tears fall from His eyes,
And He says I tell the truth,
Today, yeah, you will live with Me in paradise, woah yeah.
And I know that my time, yes my time, is coming soon, woah yeah.
And I know that my time, yes my time, is coming soon, woah yeah, yeah
And I know that paradise, paradise is coming soon.
—————————————
THANK YOU GOD THAT YOU FORGIVE ME AND I DON’T HAVE TO LIVE THIS WAY ANYMORE!
IMPACT CHICAGO Online Registration
It’s time. It’s time to do something. It’s time to GO. It’s time to shake the foundations of a city. It’s time to IMPACT CHICAGO!
Here’s what you should be working on right now:
1. Talk to you parents and get their permission to go.
2. If they’re cool with that, REGISTER HERE.
3. AFTER YOU REGISTER, you can start working on your fundraising. Talk to your parent about who you can send a support letter to (make sure to edit the letter!) and then start to look at other ways you can raise money (Facebook groups, email lists, etc.)
4. PRINT, SIGN and RETURN this Agreement/Release Form
5. Then make sure you get all the important dates for the activities related to the trip in your calendar. By agreeing to be a part of this trip you are committing to being involved in all of these dates that you can possibly make work, so try to make them work wherever you can. (That means if you have a job, you might have to request a few days off)
6. Pray, pray, pray – that you could raise your funds; that the trip goes well; that God would work through you and complete His will through IMPACT CHICAGO. And pray for the city, the people and the ministries that we’ll come in contact with while we’re there.
All forms and registrations need to be submitted to Pastor Barry by Sunday, May 22 AT THE LATEST.
TRIP: JULY 22-31
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 22
FUNDRAISERS: ROCK-A-THON (MAY 27), SAM’S CLUB (MAY 29 & JUNE 4), DAN’S CARWASH (JUNE 18 & JULY 9)
TRAINING/BIBLE STUDY: SUNDAY NIGHTS THROUGHOUT JUNE
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE!
