CULTURE TRENDS

It is important to realize the challenges we face as we see a significant shift in our culture away from biblical truth to social convenience.  As pastors we must remain aware and attentive to the challenges this generation faces, and it must influence and shape how we minister to the next generation as we prepare them to follow Christ in an ever changing culture.

THEY ARE ONLY GIANTS

One of the realities of ministry is that we will face obstacles and challenges.  The question then is do these challenges stop us from what God has for us, or do we face the challenges and move forward?  Issues such as worry and doubt can become giants that keep us from entering the blessing that God has for us and our ministry.  

When we look at Numbers 13:27-32 we see spies who allowed the limitations they saw keep them from receiving the blessing God had for them.  God sent them in to the land to spy out what he had already promised them.  Instead of realizing that God had already given them the land, they instead respond with fear and doubt, leaving them wandering for 40 years, never receiving what God already had given them!

The ‘giants’ we face can come in many forms, but how we respond will determine the end result. What is keeping us from receiving what God has already promised and given to us? What can we consider as we face challenges? 

Consider these things:

DON’T TURN OPPORTUNITIES IN TO OBSTACLES -  Two saw land and blessing, while ten saw walls and giants. So often we miss the opportunity hidden in the problem. Just beyond the challenge lies the opportunity.  Obstacles are meant to be pushed out of the way. Often we here people mus-characterized as “the bad kid that won’t change” or we hear people speak how “things have always been done this way.”   How often do we write people off, not realizing that God has brought them our way?  We become the agent of change to shape them and direct them toward the kind of life God had intended for them?  

OVERCOME THE ASSUMPTIONS.  The ten spies were looking through the wrong lens.  They already assumed they couldn’t defeat the giants.  What we think we see is not always the reality.  We often approach situations assuming we know the outcome.  This outcome is often based on the limitations we let dictate our lives.  Don’t let the assumptions you have of people, places, or situations remove you from moving forward in what God has for you.  How often do we misjudge or misread a situation, which keeps us from having the opportunity to make a difference?

DON’T LET FEAR BLOCK THE BLESSING.  The ten spies saw the giants, and forgot the blessing God had for them.  The promised land became an unopened gift they would never receive, because fear became the roadblock.  The land was already a guarantee.  They simply needed to take it. Focus on what God has placed before us, not on what stands in our way.   What stands in our way will eventually be behind us if we continue to move forward.  Remember, the giants only look big, but often it is simply a facade.  Fear is a facade that has no power.

TRUST WHAT GOD HAS ALREADY GIVEN YOU. Don’t let Go of What God has already given you.  God has already given you everything you need to overcome the obstacles that stand in your way. The size of our obstacles always diminish when held up to the glory of God. In the end, when we trust God and allow him to lead us, we find out the giants weren’t giants at all. 

What we Must Do?

a.    Trust God and trust that He is leading you

b.    Find and work with those who are going the same direction

c.    Keep your eye on the promise not on the problem

d.    Change your perspective of how you see obstacles

e.    Seek wisdom and counsel from trusted mentors and leaders

f.     Always keep the vision before you of what God has called you to do

What became of the other two spies?  For 40 years, they wandered with the others.  However, God remembered their faithfulness and willingness to move forward and take the land. In those years, they would come to be trusted men who stood beside Moses, and were raised up to lead.  Of the twelve spies, Joshua and Caleb would be the only ones to enter the land of promise.  Not only did they enter the land, but they led the others into what God had already given to them so long ago. Trusting God not only becomes an opportunity to be blessed, but also an opportunity to lead.   

So when you look at obstacles and when you face challenges, remember this: they only look like Giants.

Scott Tuttle

Operations and Events Director

NCN Student Ministries

UNCOMPROMISING COMPASSION

So how do we become relevant without compromising our character? 
How do we reach the world with out looking like the world?

When we look at a person with love we begin to see them how Jesus sees them and see us! We see they’re hurt and have compassion, we see their pain and it reminds us we don’t belong here. Look past the current situation or circumstance and truly begin to see the brokenness. I believe everyone is searching for God they just may not now it yet.

I like how A.W Tozer said it “excessive need for support from without is proof of the bankruptcy of the inner man.” If we could see everyone with this filter, it would be a lot easier to love. The saying, “Know all forgive all”, is so true! If we really knew the reason behind the way people act forgiveness would come naturally and easy because we would see it’s out of hurt. 

It’s the same hurt we came from but because of grace we no longer live in that brokenness but in freedom, this relationship is not just for us but for the broken sinners, who at times, are so easy to judge.

This generation is longing to be loved! That’s why the average age for a young lady to lose her virginity is 16.2, she’s searching for God, and found a quick fix.  That’s why 50% of all teens are sexually active. 77% of high school students have tried alcohol, 67% have tried cigarette smoking, 41% have tried marijuana, and 18% have used another type of illegal drugs at least once in their life. Searching for God love, found worldly acceptance.

They are tired of searching and being let down. In the U.S. more people kill themselves than are killed by all other causes. America is in a desperate state and a desperate need for real love. Let our lives be the proof of Gods love, real love, and life changing love. Let our life’s challenge, inspire, encourage, strengthen, and give hope.

Let us be the ones that turn the tide and shape culture by doing the work God has called us to do in ministering to our students.  It requires steadfast prayer, relationships built, trust established, and committed leaders. Let our undying efforts be to model Christ, mentor students, and mobilize leaders to impact this generation.

Sources

1. http://www.swmihoh.org/INeedHelp/TeenStatistics/tabid/71/Default.aspx

2. http://www.soundvision.com/info/teens/stat.asp

John Zick - Youth Culture Specialist/NCN Student Ministries

PIONEERING LEADERSHIP

If you watched the news Friday, you would know that the space shuttle “Endeavour” flew over the Sacramento Valley.  If you had a moment, you would have slipped outside to get a glimpse on its way to Southern California, where it will be “retired.” 

Recently, we mourned the death of a pioneer astronaut, Neil Armstrong.  He was the first man to walk on the moon.  He is forever marked in history, and will always be remembered for the daring adventure that would lead us into the 21^st century.

In An Audience with Neil Armstrong, the famous astronaut discusses his life and the experience of traveling to the moon.  In the interview, there were five lessons that struck me as important for leaders of all generations.

Humility.   It was said that Armstrong resisted bringing attention to himself. “It’s hard to trust the intentions of self-absorbed leaders whereas humble leaders create an environment and culture that breeds openness and trust.”  We know that in ministry, trust is a valued and necessary asset to long term impact.  Pride is taking credit for only what God can do. 

Honor Others. Armstrong was quick to acknowledge the groundwork laid by others before him.  He knew his success was not his own, but because of the contributions of so many who had gone before.  “Today’s leaders would be wise to honor and respect those who have laid the groundwork ahead of them and not act like the success they’re enjoying today is solely a result of their efforts.”In our office hangs18 photos honoring all of those who laid the groundwork for what we have today in NCN Student Ministries.  Our success is because of the groundwork they laid.

Stay Diligent.  Armstrong was attentive to every detail of his landing on the moon.  He manually navigated the landing to avoid any unexpected changes and interruptions. “Successful leaders are always scanning the environment so they can react to changing conditions.”  Tim Elmore teaches the principle of the “sigmoid curve.”  In the curve, there is a point of incline, leveling off, and then decline.  A leader surveys his surroundings and makes the necessary changes to minimize the impact of the declining point of the curve, thus taking things to the next level.  Ministry requires that we stay diligent to what is taking place, being attentive to the needs, and helping students get to the next level in their spiritual and personal development.

Stay Focused.  It is easy for us to get distracted.  Problems pop up, schedules get moved around, and life gets busy!  “It’s easy for leaders to have their focused diffused among all the demands competing for their attention, yet the most successful leaders have learned to block out the distractions and focus on those activities that produce the most results.”Often times we got so caught up in the momentary struggles of ministry and life, that we take our eyes on what lies ahead, and we get off course.   Leadership requires the balance of keeping our focus on moving forward, while dealing with the immediate.

Don’t Waste Opportunity. Just four years before the landing, NASA had a setback that placed them in a difficult situation to fulfill President Kennedy’s hope to land on the moon. “Armstrong and his colleagues demonstrated ingenuity and perseverance in dealing with this setback and it’s a lesson for all leaders about how to make the most of the problems thrown their way.”  I’ve heard it said that problems are just opportunities in disguise.  What do you do when you face a difficult situation?  How can you make the most of it and move your ministry toward the vision God has given you?  Many inventions exist because of problems needing to be solved because problems are trampolines to success.

His family described it best when they said, “While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.”  Our cause is one ever greater than reaching for the stars, it is one that reaches through eternity.  Let us continue to fulfill all God has called us to do by being focused and staying diligent, doing what God has called us to do, in humility, to make the most of every opportunity God provides.

Abe Daniel - Student Ministries Director

STORIES FROM CAMP

The power of camps is found in the impact it has far beyond the week itself.  Many of us (including some of us in the NCNSM Office) can trace our calling to ministry back to a camp.  Others can remember the moment God set them free from an addiction or habit, while others can take you to the spot they made the decision to follow Christ.  We are excited to see what future ministers and leaders God has raised up this summer.  We celebrate this last month of camps through the stories told by the students themselves. 

The following are testimonies and stories of what God did as summer camp this last July!

"An experience I will never forget, that's how I can explain Church Camp at Old Oak Ranch. Even though I'm a pastor's daughter I've never felt that close to God until the first night at worship. At worship they broke us down, they broke the barrier and after that it's safe to I know everyone in the room felt the presence of God. We were all brought down to tears and there's no way of explaining how we felt that night because it was indescribable."

“Even though I am small I can still be a leader.”

 

“I was able to pray for people out loud.”

"My experience was unlike any other. Something I will never forget. Words cannot describe the feeling I had experienced there at church camp. Honestly that is the first time I have felt God. God broke up. He showed us how to open up. I will never forget the feelings I had. I want that feeling over and over again. We learned that we can take it to our churches, it isn't just a onetime thing. I want to take what I have experienced and have someone experience the same as me, be touched by God. In a way that will change their lives forever. It changed mine."

“I will follow the path God is leading me down and do what he is calling me to do.”

"I've never experienced God until camp and I hope to experience that for the rest of my life.  God touched my heart and set a fire there while I was there.  The feeling is indescribable, something that you have to experience for yourself.  God spoke to me for the first time ever in my life, reassuring me that he is with me no matter what."

“God filled me up with His love.”

"He baptized me in the Holy Spirit." 

 

"Before camp this year I had such pain and bitterness in my heart; so many memories and regrets. My life was like an iceberg: everyone saw the smiling face of a girl, who had such a great life. But underneath I was empty; I was hurt, I was angry… I filled my voids with everything I could.  During camp God showed me how broken I was… How much I NEEDED him, I was far past wanting. The first service I broke down, I laid myself before Him and gave up all I was. Everything the speakers said was aimed straight towards my heart, right on, every single service. It was truly amazing. I wouldn’t trade that feeling for the world. I feel God’s presence so much now, it’s the most beautiful thing that I’ve ever experienced, and if I had to go through everything that I went through just to get this…. Then it was totally worth it." 

 “I was reborn, I don’t feel empty anymore now that I have accepted Jesus.  I will continue to spread His word and help others.”

“I’m actually excited about going home because now I can be a vessel of God to impact people around me.”

 "I was taught so much through the course of the three days at camp. I learned to fight against the devil, and to recognize when he is trying to change my mind about my love towards God. I learned to not fear the things that could hurt my body, but to fear God himself; because why fear something that could only hurt my body, when there is something even greater that could hurt my body and my SOUL? Camp is the greatest thing to have ever happened to me. Being there had, “flipped the switch,” in my life. It has taught me so much and had started a fire in me that can’t be put out. I only regret one thing, and that is the fact that camp had to end." 

 

NATIONAL FINE ARTS TESTIMONY

The power of Fine Arts Festival is that it opens up gifts and talents that often otherwise stay dormant or unkown in our students lives.  Fine Arts empowers students to explore, engage, and excel in the gifts that God has given them.

The following is a testimony from Pastor Lisette Del Rio of New Hope International in Sunnyvale, CA of what God did when they went to National Fine Arts in Louisville, KY!  They braved the travel, heat, and humidy to have their students participate at a natioanl level!  Here's their story:

"National Fine Arts/National Youth Convention was amazing!!! This was my first time ever attending a national event and I was really amazed by it all. It was so breath taking to see thousands of students come together and worship the Lord in one accord, and it was even more breath taking to see all of the talents being used to lift up the name of Jesus!!! We had one student from our church attend Fine Arts, her name is Tara Adams and she participated in Drama Solo and Dramatized Quoting. She took an excellent in Drama Solo and she won the Merit award for Dramatized Quoting!!! The best part of the trip was hearing from Tara how she truly learned that it's not about the awards or attention; but its all about worshiping the Lord with what he has given you; and that to me was well worth the trip out to Kentucky."

We want to extend a congratulations to Tara Adams for winning Merit for Dramatized Quoting at National Fine Arts.  Great Job Tara! 

We also commend Pastor Lisette for her leadership and sacrfice to challenge her students to excel in the gifts God has given them.

If you have a story from National Fine Arts, we'd love to hear it!  Just email us at sm@agncn.org to tell us more.

SPEED THE LIGHT IDEA

We just recently hosted our annual Speed the Light Golf Tournament where we just raised over $10,000 for Speed the Light and Missionaries like Scott and Marisa Smith (see article above).  What an amazing testimony to what God can do through our churches and students.

Recently, we came across this creative, and funny way that one church was raising money for STL:

"Attached is a photo of a STL toilet the youth group at Evangel Worship Center in Marianna, FL. is using for a fundraiser. Details are: if you want to send the toilet to set in someone's yard, the cost is $30. To have the toilet removed from your yard will cost you $20. You can pay $30 to have it removed and sent to someone else's yard. To protect yourself from having the toilet sent to your yard, you can buy insurance for $50."

What creative ideas are you doing for Speed the Light this year?  We want to know!  Put your ideas up on our Facebook Page and let us know what you are doing! 

New to Speed the Light and unsure of how to get started? Contact our office!  We'd love to put you in contact with our Speed the Light guys who have found ways to get students excited about STL.  It's easier than you thnk!

MEETING THE NEED

We always start out our services here in the States by saying, “Due to circumstances beyond our control... things are going well”. It is so true. The church in Spain is growing like never before in history.

Marisa and I have always been involved in church planting. It is our ministry and our passion. We continue to be vitally involved but now, on a much larger scale. We truly believe that the Assemblies of God of Spain will quadruple in the next eight years from 250 churches to 1,000 churches, but your help is needed.  

These churches will be started in cities, towns and communities where there never has been an adequate presentation of the Gospel message. We need evangelism teams to come and share the Gospel in the streets of these towns and cities. We will not be talking to people that have rejected the Gospel; we will be ministering to people who have never even heard the Gospel.

To have a group of American kids ministering on the streets of Spain, even if they don’t speak any Spanish, is very attractive. Every Spanish high school and college student must study English as part of their normal curriculum. It is obligatory. Most of them jump at the chance to practice their English.

The normal program that we use when ministering in the streets of Spain is to do a mime, a human video, choreography, a stomp routine or special music to draw a crowd. Then we have one of the students give their testimony. After that we give a short presentation of the Gospel. Typically, a large crowd gathers to see the artistic presentation. Often half the crowd will leave when they hear the name of Jesus or realize that we are talking about God. However, that means about half of the crowd stays! When the testimony and the presentation of the Gospel is finished, we engage the people who stayed in one-on-one converstion. The people who stay are obviously interested. We have effectively weeded out the antagonistic and the indifferent. When the personal witnessing time is done, we come back together, do another artistic presentation, give another testimony, and preach the Gospel again with the same goal of entering into conversation with the remaining members of the audience.

Living in Spain (and in all of Western Europe) is not cheap. However the airfares to Madrid or Barcelona are typically lower than flying into other areas of the world. Round trip tickets can cost between $900 and $1,200, depending on how far in advance they are purchased. In-country expenses run around $80 a day. That includes room, board and local transportation.

Marisa and I have been hosting teams for over 20 years now. We will take good care of you. Your accommodations will be comfortable and the food will be good. You will probably see a castle or two and maybe some Roman ruins. But most importantly, you will be a blessing to a brand-new church plant. You will see the live birth of a congregation. You will witness God creating something out of nothing. You will be a huge blessing to a nascent church and your students own lives will be changed. 

Scott and Marisa Smith

Assemblies of God Missionaries to Spain