It seems to me that August and September are months for new beginnings. These months signify the start of a new school year, new programs, and new challenges for families. Think about it. This is when your kids first start school, or you are presented with new logistical challenges for work and extracurricular activities. They can be very hectic months and they were for us in Bushnell.
This year our family has 3 kids in three different schools in Bushnell. Katy (9) is in 3rd grade, Abby (13) is in 8th grade, and Andrew (15) is a freshman in high school. This is going to present some very interesting logistical challenges for Michelle and I this school year. Right now, Michelle is teaching 5th grade and takes the kids to school with her. I usually tote and fetch when necessary after school or in the evenings.
Anyway, ministry events this year are off to the races as well. I attended our Youth for Christ Regional Conference in Indiana in the middle of August. This year, as many years, this conference provided refreshment and refocus. It also helps set the tone for the school year. I am very thankful for these days away. Praise the Lord!
We again put a float in the Fall Festival Parade in Bushnell at the end of August. This helps get things “rolling.” We had our Kick-off events for middle school and high school in the middle of September. We saw 37 kids come out for the middle school event and 16 for the high school. We also started a time of praise and encouragement before school at the local Community Christian Center which is averaging around 12 teens per week. We call it Breakfast Club.
One collaborative effort includes a 5th Quarter following home football games. We have partnered with the Presbyterian Church and the Bushnell Christian Church on these events during the month of September. Another is SYATP (See you at the Pole). This is an annual prayer event that occurs at the school flag pole. Over 30 people showed up for this in Bushnell, including 20 teens and 13 adults. We prayed for our friends, schools, community, and country.
An opportunity to talk about what the gospel means and what following Jesus is all about took place on the back porch of of one of our adult leaders. We had campfire dinners cooked on the grill, played touch football in the yard, and talked about real life solutions on the dock next to the lake. What an inspired and important time in the life of 8 teens. Neat!
God bless you all and thank you for your support prayerfully, financially, and emotionally. It's AWESOME to be part of the body of Christ!!!
The Rodeffer's
