February 26, 2007
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Video of The Week
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
30 Hour Famine
What a weekend we had. Forty five us spent most of the weekend together, not eating, and seeking God's heart for the poor in our world. We were all moved, and changed. The money is still coming in and we look forward to sharing the amount real soon.
If you were a part of the weekend and would like to share your thoughts on what you gained from your experience, please email them to newsletter@180students.com. We would love to include them in next week's newsletter for all to benefit from what God accomplished in you.
To see all the pictures click here.
Read Pastor Brian's thoughts on the famine here.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
LIVING OUT LEADERSHIP TODAY
Many of us think we'll make a difference "someday." It seems like we often live for "someday." We think things will be better next semester. Or, it'll be easier when we make it to the next grade. Or, we'll be happier if we just had more money or a nicer house. But I think God wants us to live for him today—not just wait for "someday."
Throughout history God has used kids to accomplish his purposes. Think about David—too young and too small for a job bigger and older men had turned down. Men would have passed him by, but God used him to slay a giant. Or what about Mary? She was just a teenager, but God chose her to be the mother of Jesus. God could have chosen Elizabeth—someone older and more experienced who really wanted to be a mother. Certainly, Elizabeth would have been more qualified by the local gossipers' standards. But Mary was God's choice. And what about the kid with the sack lunch? Instead of having the disciples go fishing or providing food for the massive crowd in another way, Jesus decided to share the lunch of a young boy with a crowd of 5,000.
I think God is still about using kids and proving to the world he is the one who decides the abilities and usefulness of people. Take my friend Leeland—a guy who started writing songs and leading his congregation in worship when he was just a kid. He's being used to lead a whole new generation in getting closer to God through worship and praise. God didn't check Leeland's ID to make sure he was old enough. God used him because Lee was willing, available, and passionate.
So if you're thinking God has to wait for "someday" to use you, think again. God wants to use you right now. You can be a leader in your sphere of influence. You can lead in your school by speaking up when someone's being mistreated, or remaining silent when you're tempted to say something derogatory or hurtful. You can lead by befriending kids who are having a tough time, or not becoming arrogant or creating a clique because of your popularity. You can lead by setting a good example of character and solid morals by abstaining from sex and substances that harm your body. The qualities of a good leader are discernment (knowing when enough is enough), wisdom (applying biblical truth to everyday situations), confidence (not cockiness), and determination (stick-to-itiveness).
The Bible doesn't say you need to be a certain age to be a leader. In fact, 1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." Pretty amazing that God is saying young people should be the ones who set the example for others. It's important to know also that, as a leader, there is more expected from you. God actually judges leaders more harshly than he judges followers, because they have assumed positions as guides. There might be some junk in your life you need to clean up so you have credibility as a leader. It can help if you have someone older and more mature in your life who can help you deal with those rough spots. If you'll allow this person to be truthful with you about your flaws and weaknesses, and help you encounter God's grace for those areas, you'll grow closer to God in the process. Be willing to learn from those with more experience, so you'll be able to lead others in the right direction.
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."
- 1 Timothy 4:12
**
Taken from "Be the Change," by Zach Hunter, copyright 2007, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Schools for Schools: Raise money at your school to help support war-torn schools in Uganda
~ Amazing Grace: A movie about William Wilberforce, who was the leader of the parliamentary campaign against the slave trade. William Wilberforce is one of the inspirations behind Zach Hunter's abolitionist movement.
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got one birthday this week. BEST WISHES go out to Nate Tippie! Have a GREAT one!!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Our Mexico outreach plans were announced yesterday. We also viewed last year's video. If you weren't with us, here it is.
Be sure to check out our Mexico Outreach '07 web site for all the details of this year's trip, including downloads of all the forms needed for being a part of the team.
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
The average French citizen eats 500 snails a year.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading."
- Oswald Chambers
"Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible."
- Corrie Ten Boom
===========our|sponsor===========
YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD!
Many people think teenagers aren't capable of much. But Zach Hunter is proving those people wrong. He's only fifteen, but he's working to end slavery in the world—and he's making changes that affect millions of people. Find out how Zach is making a difference and how you can make changes in the things that you see wrong with our world.
Check out "Be the Change" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
Time is what keeps everything from happening at once.
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Video of The Week
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
30 Hour Famine
What a weekend we had. Forty five us spent most of the weekend together, not eating, and seeking God's heart for the poor in our world. We were all moved, and changed. The money is still coming in and we look forward to sharing the amount real soon.
If you were a part of the weekend and would like to share your thoughts on what you gained from your experience, please email them to newsletter@180students.com. We would love to include them in next week's newsletter for all to benefit from what God accomplished in you.
To see all the pictures click here.
Read Pastor Brian's thoughts on the famine here.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
LIVING OUT LEADERSHIP TODAY
Many of us think we'll make a difference "someday." It seems like we often live for "someday." We think things will be better next semester. Or, it'll be easier when we make it to the next grade. Or, we'll be happier if we just had more money or a nicer house. But I think God wants us to live for him today—not just wait for "someday."
Throughout history God has used kids to accomplish his purposes. Think about David—too young and too small for a job bigger and older men had turned down. Men would have passed him by, but God used him to slay a giant. Or what about Mary? She was just a teenager, but God chose her to be the mother of Jesus. God could have chosen Elizabeth—someone older and more experienced who really wanted to be a mother. Certainly, Elizabeth would have been more qualified by the local gossipers' standards. But Mary was God's choice. And what about the kid with the sack lunch? Instead of having the disciples go fishing or providing food for the massive crowd in another way, Jesus decided to share the lunch of a young boy with a crowd of 5,000.
I think God is still about using kids and proving to the world he is the one who decides the abilities and usefulness of people. Take my friend Leeland—a guy who started writing songs and leading his congregation in worship when he was just a kid. He's being used to lead a whole new generation in getting closer to God through worship and praise. God didn't check Leeland's ID to make sure he was old enough. God used him because Lee was willing, available, and passionate.
So if you're thinking God has to wait for "someday" to use you, think again. God wants to use you right now. You can be a leader in your sphere of influence. You can lead in your school by speaking up when someone's being mistreated, or remaining silent when you're tempted to say something derogatory or hurtful. You can lead by befriending kids who are having a tough time, or not becoming arrogant or creating a clique because of your popularity. You can lead by setting a good example of character and solid morals by abstaining from sex and substances that harm your body. The qualities of a good leader are discernment (knowing when enough is enough), wisdom (applying biblical truth to everyday situations), confidence (not cockiness), and determination (stick-to-itiveness).
The Bible doesn't say you need to be a certain age to be a leader. In fact, 1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." Pretty amazing that God is saying young people should be the ones who set the example for others. It's important to know also that, as a leader, there is more expected from you. God actually judges leaders more harshly than he judges followers, because they have assumed positions as guides. There might be some junk in your life you need to clean up so you have credibility as a leader. It can help if you have someone older and more mature in your life who can help you deal with those rough spots. If you'll allow this person to be truthful with you about your flaws and weaknesses, and help you encounter God's grace for those areas, you'll grow closer to God in the process. Be willing to learn from those with more experience, so you'll be able to lead others in the right direction.
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."
- 1 Timothy 4:12
**
Taken from "Be the Change," by Zach Hunter, copyright 2007, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Schools for Schools: Raise money at your school to help support war-torn schools in Uganda
~ Amazing Grace: A movie about William Wilberforce, who was the leader of the parliamentary campaign against the slave trade. William Wilberforce is one of the inspirations behind Zach Hunter's abolitionist movement.
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got one birthday this week. BEST WISHES go out to Nate Tippie! Have a GREAT one!!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Our Mexico outreach plans were announced yesterday. We also viewed last year's video. If you weren't with us, here it is.
Be sure to check out our Mexico Outreach '07 web site for all the details of this year's trip, including downloads of all the forms needed for being a part of the team.
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
The average French citizen eats 500 snails a year.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading."
- Oswald Chambers
"Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible."
- Corrie Ten Boom
===========our|sponsor===========
YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD!
Many people think teenagers aren't capable of much. But Zach Hunter is proving those people wrong. He's only fifteen, but he's working to end slavery in the world—and he's making changes that affect millions of people. Find out how Zach is making a difference and how you can make changes in the things that you see wrong with our world.
Check out "Be the Change" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
Time is what keeps everything from happening at once.
February 20, 2007
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Video of The Week
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
30 Hour Famine
This is the week. The countdown is on! Make lunch on Friday your last meal, and please be sure to meet us at the church at 6:45 on Friday evening. If you have not already turned in your Parental Consent Form be sure to bring that with you as well. If you have not yet received a Famine Facts sheet, and the Parental Consent Form, you may download them both here. You will also need to have with you a 2007 Release Form if you do not already have one on file. If you need to download one you may do so here.
Last year we as a group were able to raise $4,268.49. This year our goal is $6,000! We can do it! $6,000 will feed nearly 17 children for an entire year!
See pictures of lasts year's 30 Hour Famine here.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
LIVING OUT COURAGE TODAY
"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the think which you think you cannot."
- Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962), U.S. Political leader and human-rights activist
Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is when you choose to acknowledge your fear, and look it in the face.
What are you afraid of? Everyone is afraid of something. Are you afraid of failure? Afraid of what might happen if everyone knew that you, Mr. Perfect, got an F in Science? Are you afraid you might be shunned if everyone knew that your parents were divorced, or your dad was an alcoholic, or you're not really what you say you are? What are you afraid of? If you don't face your fear head-on, it will never go away.
Often, it's our fear that keeps us where we are and prevents us from getting close to God and to others. God can use our fear to remind us of our need for him. We need to forget about ourselves and focus on others. If you have a fear of the unknown, go on a mission trip to a country where you've never been. If you are afraid of failure, try something new that you may not be good at. It's important to acknowledge and confront our fears so we can move past them.
Breaking free from fear is one of the most liberating feelings in the world. By liberating yourself from fear, you open the door of your mind, allowing the room once occupied by fear to be filled with creativity and passion. And when creativity and passion come in and clean things out, you are able to care about more than yourself and your own fears. And that is a good thing.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
- Joshua 1:9
**
Taken from "Be the Change," by Zach Hunter, copyright 2007, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Loose Change to Loosen Chains: Check out the MySpace page for Zach and the movement to end slavery.
~ A Girl Like Me: A short film that shows how color is more than skin deep for young African American girls.
~ Christian Comics: Check out the coolest comics just for you!
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got 2 this week! HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes go out to Brittney Stevens and Zak Boyle! We wish you two the very best!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Just for fun and your amazement...
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
Americans will spend more on cat food this year than baby food.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
"When I found out slavery still occurs today, I was shocked. And I knew I had to do something about it."
- Zach Hunter (age 15)
===========our|sponsor===========
YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD!
Many people think teenagers aren't capable of much. But Zach Hunter is proving those people wrong. He's only fifteen, but he's working to end slavery in the world--and he's making changes that affect millions of people. Find out how Zach is making a difference and how you can make changes in the things that you see wrong with our world.
Check out "Be the Change" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
I wonder how much deeper the ocean would be without sponges.
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Video of The Week
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
30 Hour Famine
This is the week. The countdown is on! Make lunch on Friday your last meal, and please be sure to meet us at the church at 6:45 on Friday evening. If you have not already turned in your Parental Consent Form be sure to bring that with you as well. If you have not yet received a Famine Facts sheet, and the Parental Consent Form, you may download them both here. You will also need to have with you a 2007 Release Form if you do not already have one on file. If you need to download one you may do so here.
Last year we as a group were able to raise $4,268.49. This year our goal is $6,000! We can do it! $6,000 will feed nearly 17 children for an entire year!
See pictures of lasts year's 30 Hour Famine here.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
LIVING OUT COURAGE TODAY
"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the think which you think you cannot."
- Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962), U.S. Political leader and human-rights activist
Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is when you choose to acknowledge your fear, and look it in the face.
What are you afraid of? Everyone is afraid of something. Are you afraid of failure? Afraid of what might happen if everyone knew that you, Mr. Perfect, got an F in Science? Are you afraid you might be shunned if everyone knew that your parents were divorced, or your dad was an alcoholic, or you're not really what you say you are? What are you afraid of? If you don't face your fear head-on, it will never go away.
Often, it's our fear that keeps us where we are and prevents us from getting close to God and to others. God can use our fear to remind us of our need for him. We need to forget about ourselves and focus on others. If you have a fear of the unknown, go on a mission trip to a country where you've never been. If you are afraid of failure, try something new that you may not be good at. It's important to acknowledge and confront our fears so we can move past them.
Breaking free from fear is one of the most liberating feelings in the world. By liberating yourself from fear, you open the door of your mind, allowing the room once occupied by fear to be filled with creativity and passion. And when creativity and passion come in and clean things out, you are able to care about more than yourself and your own fears. And that is a good thing.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
- Joshua 1:9
**
Taken from "Be the Change," by Zach Hunter, copyright 2007, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Loose Change to Loosen Chains: Check out the MySpace page for Zach and the movement to end slavery.
~ A Girl Like Me: A short film that shows how color is more than skin deep for young African American girls.
~ Christian Comics: Check out the coolest comics just for you!
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got 2 this week! HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes go out to Brittney Stevens and Zak Boyle! We wish you two the very best!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Just for fun and your amazement...
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
Americans will spend more on cat food this year than baby food.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
"When I found out slavery still occurs today, I was shocked. And I knew I had to do something about it."
- Zach Hunter (age 15)
===========our|sponsor===========
YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD!
Many people think teenagers aren't capable of much. But Zach Hunter is proving those people wrong. He's only fifteen, but he's working to end slavery in the world--and he's making changes that affect millions of people. Find out how Zach is making a difference and how you can make changes in the things that you see wrong with our world.
Check out "Be the Change" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
I wonder how much deeper the ocean would be without sponges.
February 12, 2007
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Video of The Week
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
THIRTY HOUR FAMINE
This year's famine is in full swing! Hopefully by now you have received a famine collection kit. If not, be sure to pick one up this week. If you have not yet received a Famine Facts sheet, and the Parental Consent Form, you may download them both here. All Famine participants this year must have both a completed 180 Release Form and a signed Parental Consent Form. The Parental Consent Form needs to be turned in no later than THIS SUNDAY, February 18.
We have made a change to the previously released Famine Facts sheet. The meeting time at the church on Friday is now 6:45 pm as opposed to 7:00. Please make a note of this.
Last year we as a group were able to raise $4,268.49. This year our goal is $6,000! We can do it! $6,000 will feed nearly 17 children for an entire year!
See pictures of lasts year's 30 Hour Famine here.
Let's together STARVE HUNGER!
MEXICO OUTREACH '07 INFORMATIONAL MEETING
We are currently in the planning stages of this year's trip and are very excited about what God is bringing together! We are excited because God is leading us in some new directions. We therefore want to share them with you, answer any questions you may have, and listen to your feedback.
If you are considering being a part of our trip to Mexico this year we want to invite you (both students and parents) to a brief meeting this Sunday, February 18 in the Youth Center at 12:30. We don' t anticipate the meeting being very long. We know it is lunch time but we do want to provide ample time to answer questions and hear from you.
The dates of this year's Mexico Outreach are July 24 - August 4. To see photos and video of last year's outreach click here.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
MEET ZACH HUNTER...A KID LIKE YOU
Zach Hunter is a fifteen-year-old abolitionist and activist, spending much of his time working to end slavery around the world. He's the student spokesperson for The Amazing Change Campaign, which is inspired by the film "Amazing Grace". Last year he spoke to almost a half a million people and is educating and inspiring students everywhere to make a change in the world. He also founded Loose Change to Loosen Chains, a student run effort to help raise money to free slaves. Other than that, he's just your average, typical teenage guy.
His new book, "Be the Change," will be the focus of the next few weeks of devotionals. He is doing amazing things to help change the world, and you can do amazing things in our world, too.
**
LIVING OUT INFLUENCE TODAY
Another way to look at influence is to consider what marketers call "branding." You're familiar with the brands you buy and can recognize them easily by their logos. When you see the "swoosh" you think Nike, just as when you see the little white apple you think Mac. Millions of dollars are spent to get you to remember these brands and their slogans. And, as we've mentioned, connecting celebrity to brands makes them even more powerful and memorable.
But have you ever considered your brand? Well, each one of us has his or her own brand--even if we're still in school. Whether you're geek, jock, or emo (or, to be more politically correct, academic, athlete, artistic), everyone has a brand. Your brand is who people know you to be. It's your reputation.
Now these brands aren't always a good thing. It's true they can lead to prejudice or a cliquish environment in which we hang out only with people who have the same brand as us. This is wrong. Instead of using our brands to exclude others, why don't we use them to help others? Whatever our brands give us access to, let's utilize it. Just because we're young doesn't mean our voices don't matter and our brands don't carry power and influence. The Bible says, "even a child is known by his actions" (Proverbs 20:11). This means we can't be let off the hook just because we are young. We can't just sit back and expect our elders to do all the work.
I'm hopeful because I really believe our generation has the power and passion to change things. This past summer I met a group of really great guys in a new band called Leeland from a small town in Texas. They started out leading worship in their church, but they've come a long way since then. Lately they have been touring with Third Day, and playing at some of the Christian music festivals I have been going to. These young guys are men of God, and are way more mature than many people older than them. They are some of the most talented, godliest guys I know.
Last summer, I was speaking at a music festival, leading seminars on justice and abolition. The lead singer of the band, Leeland Mooring, was listening. He and the other guys in the group (Jack, Jake, Mike, and Jeremiah) had never heard about modern-day slavery. It blew them away that something as heinous as slavery is still going on today, especially when they found out many of the slaves are children and teens like us! That day, I told the story of a teenager who worked as a slave in a rock quarry and ended up having her finger amputated. (She and her family were later rescued, along with many other slaves, through the efforts of an organization I support through Loose Change to Loosen Chains. I also talked about some of the many passages like Isaiah 1:17 that speak of how God calls us to seek justice and rescue the oppressed.
The guys from Leeland began exploring further what God says about justice in Scripture and got involved. They didn't second-guess their convictions; they stepped up and began using their influence to help kids held in slavery, speaking from the stage to urge people to get involved.
I think that's what our generation should be about. We can be what so many generations before us were too scared to be. Lots of people have tried to label our generation. Well, I'd like to see us known as the "Justice Generation" or JGEN. If we can harness the power of our individual brands, strengths, and passions, and use them for good, just imagine what we could get done working together with God. Let's get busy!
**
Taken from "Be the Change," by Zach Hunter, copyright 2007, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Loose Change to Loosen Chains: Check out the MySpace page for Zach and the movement to end slavery.
~ The Amazing Change: There are more slaves today than at any other time in history. Learn more about the facts, William Wilberforce--an abolitionist, and how you can help rescue these people.
4. BIRTHDAYS
We're wishing big 180 birthday wishes this week to both Micha Pierce and Haley Carlsson! Hope you two have a GREAT week!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
The following video is how one student used their creativity to promote the 30 Hour Famine.
How are you promoting the famine this year. Be a hero!
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
Goat's milk is used more widely throughout the world than cow's milk.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"If to be feelingly alive to the sufferings of my fellow-creatures is to be a fanatic, I am one of the most incurable fanatics ever permitted to be at large."
- William Wilberforce
"God Almighty has set before me two great objects, the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners."
- William Wilberforce
===========our|sponsor===========
YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD!
Many people think teenagers aren't capable of much. But Zach Hunter is proving those people wrong. He's only fifteen, but he's working to end slavery in the world--and he's making changes that affect millions of people. Find out how Zach is making a difference and how you can make changes in the things that you see wrong with our world.
Check out "Be the Change" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
Everyone has a photographic memory...some just don't have any film.
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Video of The Week
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
THIRTY HOUR FAMINE
This year's famine is in full swing! Hopefully by now you have received a famine collection kit. If not, be sure to pick one up this week. If you have not yet received a Famine Facts sheet, and the Parental Consent Form, you may download them both here. All Famine participants this year must have both a completed 180 Release Form and a signed Parental Consent Form. The Parental Consent Form needs to be turned in no later than THIS SUNDAY, February 18.We have made a change to the previously released Famine Facts sheet. The meeting time at the church on Friday is now 6:45 pm as opposed to 7:00. Please make a note of this.
Last year we as a group were able to raise $4,268.49. This year our goal is $6,000! We can do it! $6,000 will feed nearly 17 children for an entire year!
See pictures of lasts year's 30 Hour Famine here.
Let's together STARVE HUNGER!
MEXICO OUTREACH '07 INFORMATIONAL MEETING
We are currently in the planning stages of this year's trip and are very excited about what God is bringing together! We are excited because God is leading us in some new directions. We therefore want to share them with you, answer any questions you may have, and listen to your feedback.
If you are considering being a part of our trip to Mexico this year we want to invite you (both students and parents) to a brief meeting this Sunday, February 18 in the Youth Center at 12:30. We don' t anticipate the meeting being very long. We know it is lunch time but we do want to provide ample time to answer questions and hear from you.The dates of this year's Mexico Outreach are July 24 - August 4. To see photos and video of last year's outreach click here.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
MEET ZACH HUNTER...A KID LIKE YOU
Zach Hunter is a fifteen-year-old abolitionist and activist, spending much of his time working to end slavery around the world. He's the student spokesperson for The Amazing Change Campaign, which is inspired by the film "Amazing Grace". Last year he spoke to almost a half a million people and is educating and inspiring students everywhere to make a change in the world. He also founded Loose Change to Loosen Chains, a student run effort to help raise money to free slaves. Other than that, he's just your average, typical teenage guy.
His new book, "Be the Change," will be the focus of the next few weeks of devotionals. He is doing amazing things to help change the world, and you can do amazing things in our world, too.
**
LIVING OUT INFLUENCE TODAY
Another way to look at influence is to consider what marketers call "branding." You're familiar with the brands you buy and can recognize them easily by their logos. When you see the "swoosh" you think Nike, just as when you see the little white apple you think Mac. Millions of dollars are spent to get you to remember these brands and their slogans. And, as we've mentioned, connecting celebrity to brands makes them even more powerful and memorable.
But have you ever considered your brand? Well, each one of us has his or her own brand--even if we're still in school. Whether you're geek, jock, or emo (or, to be more politically correct, academic, athlete, artistic), everyone has a brand. Your brand is who people know you to be. It's your reputation.
Now these brands aren't always a good thing. It's true they can lead to prejudice or a cliquish environment in which we hang out only with people who have the same brand as us. This is wrong. Instead of using our brands to exclude others, why don't we use them to help others? Whatever our brands give us access to, let's utilize it. Just because we're young doesn't mean our voices don't matter and our brands don't carry power and influence. The Bible says, "even a child is known by his actions" (Proverbs 20:11). This means we can't be let off the hook just because we are young. We can't just sit back and expect our elders to do all the work.
I'm hopeful because I really believe our generation has the power and passion to change things. This past summer I met a group of really great guys in a new band called Leeland from a small town in Texas. They started out leading worship in their church, but they've come a long way since then. Lately they have been touring with Third Day, and playing at some of the Christian music festivals I have been going to. These young guys are men of God, and are way more mature than many people older than them. They are some of the most talented, godliest guys I know.
Last summer, I was speaking at a music festival, leading seminars on justice and abolition. The lead singer of the band, Leeland Mooring, was listening. He and the other guys in the group (Jack, Jake, Mike, and Jeremiah) had never heard about modern-day slavery. It blew them away that something as heinous as slavery is still going on today, especially when they found out many of the slaves are children and teens like us! That day, I told the story of a teenager who worked as a slave in a rock quarry and ended up having her finger amputated. (She and her family were later rescued, along with many other slaves, through the efforts of an organization I support through Loose Change to Loosen Chains. I also talked about some of the many passages like Isaiah 1:17 that speak of how God calls us to seek justice and rescue the oppressed.
The guys from Leeland began exploring further what God says about justice in Scripture and got involved. They didn't second-guess their convictions; they stepped up and began using their influence to help kids held in slavery, speaking from the stage to urge people to get involved.
I think that's what our generation should be about. We can be what so many generations before us were too scared to be. Lots of people have tried to label our generation. Well, I'd like to see us known as the "Justice Generation" or JGEN. If we can harness the power of our individual brands, strengths, and passions, and use them for good, just imagine what we could get done working together with God. Let's get busy!
**
Taken from "Be the Change," by Zach Hunter, copyright 2007, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Loose Change to Loosen Chains: Check out the MySpace page for Zach and the movement to end slavery.
~ The Amazing Change: There are more slaves today than at any other time in history. Learn more about the facts, William Wilberforce--an abolitionist, and how you can help rescue these people.
4. BIRTHDAYS
We're wishing big 180 birthday wishes this week to both Micha Pierce and Haley Carlsson! Hope you two have a GREAT week!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
The following video is how one student used their creativity to promote the 30 Hour Famine.
How are you promoting the famine this year. Be a hero!
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
Goat's milk is used more widely throughout the world than cow's milk.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"If to be feelingly alive to the sufferings of my fellow-creatures is to be a fanatic, I am one of the most incurable fanatics ever permitted to be at large."
- William Wilberforce
"God Almighty has set before me two great objects, the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners."
- William Wilberforce
===========our|sponsor===========
YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD!
Many people think teenagers aren't capable of much. But Zach Hunter is proving those people wrong. He's only fifteen, but he's working to end slavery in the world--and he's making changes that affect millions of people. Find out how Zach is making a difference and how you can make changes in the things that you see wrong with our world.
Check out "Be the Change" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
Everyone has a photographic memory...some just don't have any film.
February 5, 2006
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Video of The Week
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
YOUR INVITED
John Leonard and Sara Walter invite you to join in celebrating their new life together. Your presence is requested at an open house reception this Saturday, February 10, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The reception will be held in the Ministry Center Great Room.
THIRTY HOUR FAMINE
This year's famine is in full swing! Hopefully by now you have received a famine collection kit. If not, be sure to pick one up this week. If you have not yet received a Famine Facts sheet, and the Parental Consent Form, you may download them both here. All Famine participants this year must have both a completed 180 Release Form and a signed Parental Consent Form. The Parental Consent Form needs to be turned in no later than Sunday, February 18.
Last year we as a group were able to raise $4,268.49. This year our goal is $6,000! We can do it! $6,000 will feed nearly 17 children for an entire year!
See pictures of lasts year's 30 Hour Famine here.
Let's together STARVE HUNGER!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
GOD'S MOTIVE—LOVE
"And so we know and rely on the love god has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in god, and god in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (1 john 4:16-18)
The parable of the Good Samaritan is a good indication of how Jesus wants his followers to love people—even if we have very little in common with those people. In John 4:1-26 Jesus has an encounter that indicates just how deep our love should flow.
While in a Samaritan town called Sychar, Jesus stopped at a well where a local woman was drawing water. "Will you give me a drink?" he asked her.
The woman was shocked. The idea of a Jewish man talking to a Samaritan woman was so culturally out of bounds, she barely knew what to say. Here's how the conversation played out, according to Scripture:
The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?"
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."
He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."
"I have no husband," she replied.
Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."
This is a life-changing story, not just for the Samaritan woman but for all followers of Jesus. In it Jesus shows us how to love unloved people.
*One fell swoop to abolish racism*
Notice that Jesus took a walk through Samaria, something Jews never did because of violent separatism in the culture. As I mentioned in chapter one, Samaritans were half-blooded people. The Assyrian invaders who had occupied Israel took wives and began producing mixed-race children. In response the Jews ostracized the half-breeds, believing they were only half-pure before God.
When Jesus took time out of his day to sit with someone of such an "impure" lineage, he brought attention to the absurdity of racism. When Jesus looked at people, he didn't see skin color or nationality or ethnic background. He saw their need for love. Check the New Testament, and you'll find that Jesus gave his time to all groups of people.
*One fell swoop to affirm women*
Jesus showed men how to love women, not in a sexual way but in a spiritual way—a practical way. In the New Testament culture of the Middle East, women were considered to be little more than servants to men. Jesus, by sitting and talking with a Samaritan woman, began validating women as equals of men.
His attitude was nothing short of revolutionary. From his friendship with Mary and Martha to his healing of Peter's mother-in-law to his first post-resurrection appearance, Jesus left no doubt that women were a central part of his ministry—and key figures in spreading his gospel.
*One fell swoop to advocate forgiveness*
The woman Jesus approached had been married five times. What's more, she was living with a man who wasn't her husband at all. Jesus certainly knew about her sin of adultery, but it didn't stop his relentless pursuit to help her in times of need. Jesus didn't judge her before she had the ability to choose truth. He saw her need and helped her reach the object of her desire.
**
Taken from "Love This!," by Andy Braner, copyright 2007, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Speak Up Against Reckless Driving: UR the spokesperson—speak up when you don't feel safe with your friends at the wheel
~ Break the Cycle: You have the right to a safe and healthy relationship (February 5-9 is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week)
4. BIRTHDAYS
We got one this week and the "birthday song" goes out to Amanda Roberts! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP*... This is your birthday song ... it isn't very long ... HEY!!! We wish you the best Amanda!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
If you missed Prime Time last week here is the video that was shown. Good chance you will see yourself!
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Video of The Week
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
YOUR INVITED
John Leonard and Sara Walter invite you to join in celebrating their new life together. Your presence is requested at an open house reception this Saturday, February 10, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The reception will be held in the Ministry Center Great Room.
THIRTY HOUR FAMINE
This year's famine is in full swing! Hopefully by now you have received a famine collection kit. If not, be sure to pick one up this week. If you have not yet received a Famine Facts sheet, and the Parental Consent Form, you may download them both here. All Famine participants this year must have both a completed 180 Release Form and a signed Parental Consent Form. The Parental Consent Form needs to be turned in no later than Sunday, February 18.Last year we as a group were able to raise $4,268.49. This year our goal is $6,000! We can do it! $6,000 will feed nearly 17 children for an entire year!
See pictures of lasts year's 30 Hour Famine here.
Let's together STARVE HUNGER!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
GOD'S MOTIVE—LOVE
"And so we know and rely on the love god has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in god, and god in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (1 john 4:16-18)
The parable of the Good Samaritan is a good indication of how Jesus wants his followers to love people—even if we have very little in common with those people. In John 4:1-26 Jesus has an encounter that indicates just how deep our love should flow.
While in a Samaritan town called Sychar, Jesus stopped at a well where a local woman was drawing water. "Will you give me a drink?" he asked her.
The woman was shocked. The idea of a Jewish man talking to a Samaritan woman was so culturally out of bounds, she barely knew what to say. Here's how the conversation played out, according to Scripture:
The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?"
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."
He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."
"I have no husband," she replied.
Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."
This is a life-changing story, not just for the Samaritan woman but for all followers of Jesus. In it Jesus shows us how to love unloved people.
*One fell swoop to abolish racism*
Notice that Jesus took a walk through Samaria, something Jews never did because of violent separatism in the culture. As I mentioned in chapter one, Samaritans were half-blooded people. The Assyrian invaders who had occupied Israel took wives and began producing mixed-race children. In response the Jews ostracized the half-breeds, believing they were only half-pure before God.
When Jesus took time out of his day to sit with someone of such an "impure" lineage, he brought attention to the absurdity of racism. When Jesus looked at people, he didn't see skin color or nationality or ethnic background. He saw their need for love. Check the New Testament, and you'll find that Jesus gave his time to all groups of people.
*One fell swoop to affirm women*
Jesus showed men how to love women, not in a sexual way but in a spiritual way—a practical way. In the New Testament culture of the Middle East, women were considered to be little more than servants to men. Jesus, by sitting and talking with a Samaritan woman, began validating women as equals of men.
His attitude was nothing short of revolutionary. From his friendship with Mary and Martha to his healing of Peter's mother-in-law to his first post-resurrection appearance, Jesus left no doubt that women were a central part of his ministry—and key figures in spreading his gospel.
*One fell swoop to advocate forgiveness*
The woman Jesus approached had been married five times. What's more, she was living with a man who wasn't her husband at all. Jesus certainly knew about her sin of adultery, but it didn't stop his relentless pursuit to help her in times of need. Jesus didn't judge her before she had the ability to choose truth. He saw her need and helped her reach the object of her desire.
**
Taken from "Love This!," by Andy Braner, copyright 2007, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Speak Up Against Reckless Driving: UR the spokesperson—speak up when you don't feel safe with your friends at the wheel
~ Break the Cycle: You have the right to a safe and healthy relationship (February 5-9 is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week)
4. BIRTHDAYS
We got one this week and the "birthday song" goes out to Amanda Roberts! *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP*... This is your birthday song ... it isn't very long ... HEY!!! We wish you the best Amanda!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
If you missed Prime Time last week here is the video that was shown. Good chance you will see yourself!
